Abstract: A textile fabric is treated subsequent to formation thereof to selectively stabilize, modify or otherwise alter the elastic power or elastic modulus of one or more discrete portions or areas of the fabric in comparison to other untreated or differently treated fabric areas or portions, by the localized application of an elastomeric material, either in liquid, vaporous or gaseous form, to be absorbed into the structure of the fabric.

Abstract: A three-bar moldable warp knitted fabric having a satin-like technical back suitable for use in forming seamless molded breast cups for women's brassieres is produced on a Raschel warp knitting machine by knitting satin-effect yarns on the machine's bottom bar in coursewise extended underlaps producing the satin-like technical back of the fabric, knitting high elongation-high shrinkage monofilament POY draw-warped polyester yarns on the machine's middle bar to form a stabilized fabric ground structure, and inlaying elastic yarns with the machine's top bar to impart a compacted stitch density to the fabric when relaxed. When placed over a heated molding surface of a breast cup mold, the ground yarns shrink sufficiently and become heat set to collapse the fabric into a permanent shape conforming to the molding surface, the elastic yarns maintaining sufficient stitch density in the molded fabric to retain a uniform satin-like surface effect at the fabric's technical back.

Abstract: In an underwire brassiere, a generally inelastic and dimensionally stable two-bar warp knitted fabric is provided as a covering for the underwire. One set of warp yarns is knitted in a pattern of coursewise spaced stitches with extended underlaps and another set of warp yarns is knitted in a chain stitch pattern, collectively providing warpwise and coursewise stability and elongation resistance to the fabric. The run-in ratio of the two sets of warp yarns imparts a controlled coursewise inclination to the chain stitches enabling a predetermined degree of walewise elongation for better conformation of the fabric to the underwire in fabrication of the brassiere.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a female undergarment having a panty portion and includes a novel crotch covering portion of two superimposed faces. Both faces are of non-thermoplastic moisture absorbent fibers, and each face has a network of openings thereon in substantially uniform array. The face in proximity to the body has a lesser degree of openess than the outer face and is slightly spaced apart from the body of the wearer during body dynamics. The two faces preferably constitute two separate layers of material. Alternatively, they may be integrally knit together as by a double knit construction.

Abstract: A brassiere having breast cups molded from a heat settable, thermoplastic fabric, such as polyester, of warp knit construction and including top, middle and bottom guide bar yarns. The bottom and/or middle guide bar yarns have a denier per filament of at least 10. The stitch construction is particularly selected so that the bottom and middle guide bars run in opposition to each other and each have an underlap length which extends between at least two wales. Preferably, the stitch configuration of the bottom guide bar should be 1-0/1-2 and the middle guide bar should be 1-2/1-0. Alternatively, a stitch configuration of 1-0/2-3 may be employed in the bottom guide bar and 2-3/1-0 in the middle guide bar. The top guide bar primarily controls the aesthetics of the fabric and preferably may have a stitch configuration of 1-0/2-3 or, alternatively, a stitch configuration of 1-0/3-4. The molded bra cups have excellent shape retention properties, especially after repeated washings.