Abstract: An adjustable underwire assembly 12 for brassiere cups is disclosed, including a first generally U-shaped arcuate under wire member 14 dimensioned and configured for insertion into a correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at least a portion of a first brassiere cup, and a second 16 generally U-shaped arcuate underwire member dimensioned and configured for insertion into a correspondingly generally U-shaped enclosure which extends along at least a portion a second brassiere cup adjacent the first brassiere cup. A connecting and adjustment device 22 connects the first generally arcuate member to the second generally arcuate member, the connecting device including a plurality of locking teeth or other locking surfaces or devices to selectively alter and maintain the regular angular orientation between the first and second generally arcuate members to facilitate adjustment of the brassiere cups as required by the wearer.

Abstract: An underwire including an arcuate member for use with supporting garments, such as brassieres, has one or more zones of increased lateral flexibility along the longitudinal axis of the arcuate member in order to provide greater comfort to the individual wearer, without substantially affecting the arcuate rigidity that provides support. The increased flexibility is provided to the zones of increased flexibility by reducing the cross-sectional area of one or more end portions by tapering one or more sides, by sequentially and progressively stamping increasing numbers of incremental portions of the end portion in a stamping apparatus, to taper one or two opposed surfaces of the arcuate member. Alternatively a single step stamping method can be utilized to provide the flexible end portion.

Abstract: An underwire including an arcuate member for use with supporting garments, such as brassieres, has one or more zones of increased lateral flexibility along the longitudinal axis of the arcuate member in order to provide greater comfort to the individual wearer, without substantially affecting the arcuate rigidity that provides support. The increased flexibility is provided to the zones of increased flexibility by reducing the cross-sectional area of one or more end portions by tapering one or more sides, by sequentially and progressively stamping increasing numbers of incremental portions of the end portion in a stamping apparatus, to taper one or two opposed surfaces of the arcuate member. Alternatively a single step stamping method can be utilized to provide the flexible end portion.

Abstract: An underwire for use with supporting garments, such as brassieres, has one or more zones of increased lateral flexibility along the longitudinal axis of the arcuate member in order to provide greater comfort to the individual wearer, without substantially affecting the arcuate rigidity that provides support. The increased flexibility can be provided by reducing the cross-sectional area, by heat treatment, and by providing a hinge.

Abstract: A narrow profile soft tip is provided for an underwire arcuate member intended to be fitted into a sleeve. The arcuate member has a first width at a shoulder position thereof and the tip has a tip width at a lower surface thereof substantially equal to the first width of the arcuate member, such that the arcuate member and the tip as mounted on the arcuate member with the lower surface adjacent the shoulder position present a smooth profile at the shoulder position.

Abstract: A narrow profile soft tip is provided for an underwire arcuate member intended to be fitted into a sleeve. The arcuate member has a first width at a shoulder position thereof and the tip has a tip width at a lower surface thereof substantially equal to the first width of the arcuate member, such that the arcuate member and the tip as mounted on the arcuate member with the lower surface adjacent the shoulder position present a smooth profile at the shoulder position.

Abstract: An underwire for use with supporting garments, such as brassieres, has one or more zones of increased lateral flexibility along the longitudinal axis of the arcuate member in order to provide greater comfort to the individual wearer, without substantially affecting the arcuate rigidity that provides support. The increased flexibility can be provided by reducing the cross-sectional area, by heat treatment, and by providing a hinge.

Abstract: A supporting underwire for a brassiere or other undergarment is provided at one or both ends with a polymeric tip that is resiliently mounted for movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the underwire to lessen and/or extend the effective length of the underwire when it is in position in the undergarment.