UNDERGARMENT

Abstract

An undergarment comprising a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern, a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern, a waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels, a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels and an interface. The interface is formed between the front and rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the leg band on a side of the undergarment. The interface interleaves at least a portion of the front panel with at least a portion of the rear panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/724,176, filed on Oct. 6, 2005. The content of the provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to undergarments, and more particularly to men's and women's seamless undergarments.

Undergarments, more commonly known as underwear and having multiple configurations such as boxers, briefs, bikini cut, etc., are commonly worn under the clothing to support the wearer's body under his or her clothes, as well as to provide a more comfortable garment between the wearer's skin and his or her clothes. Recently, strides have been taken to increase the comfort of undergarments for both men and women, including using softer fabrics and removing the tags from the undergarments to prevent irritation.

Another feature of undergarments that has been changed to increase both the comfort of the wearer as well as the appearance of the garment is to reduce the number of seams on the garment. The seams can also cause irritation to the user, as well as detracting from the appearance of the garment by disrupting the contour of the garment with respect to the body of the wearer. A challenge presented in producing seamless undergarments is that the seamless undergarment is essentially formed from a tube, and yet must conform to the contoured body of the wearer to ensure a comfortable fit. It is thus desirable to provide an undergarment with increased comfort and support for the user, as well as improved aesthetic appearance of the garment.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides an undergarment. The undergarment comprises a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern, a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern, a waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels, a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels, and an interface. The interface is formed between the front and rear panels and generally extends at least partially between the waistband and the leg band on a side of the undergarment. The interface interleaves at least a portion of the front panel with at least a portion of the rear panel.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an undergarment. The method comprises the steps of stitching a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern, stitching a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern, stitching a waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels, stitching a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels, and stitching an interface. The method further comprises the step of forming the interface between the front and rear panels and generally extending the interface at least partially between the waistband and the leg band on a side of the undergarment. The method further comprises the step of interleaving the interface with at least a portion of the front panel with at least a portion of the rear panel.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an undergarment comprising a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern, a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern, a waistband and a leg band. The waistband is formed at the top of the front and rear panels. The waistband includes a first waistband portion and a second waistband portion. The first waistband portion is formed between the second waistband portion and the front and rear panels. The second waistband portion has a higher modulus of elasticity than the first waistband portion. The leg band is formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels. The leg band includes a first leg band portion and a second leg band portion. The first leg band portion is formed between the second leg band portion and the front and rear panels. The second leg band portion has a higher modulus of elasticity than the first leg band portion.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an undergarment. The method comprises the steps of stitching a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern, stitching a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern, stitching a waistband and stitching a leg band. The method further comprises the step of stitching the waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels, the waistband including a first waistband portion and a second waistband portion. The method further includes the step of forming the first waistband portion between the second waistband portion and the front and rear panels. The method further comprises the step of forming the second waistband portion with a higher modulus of elasticity than the first waistband portion. The method further comprises the step of stitching a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels, the leg band including a first leg band portion and a second leg band portion. The method further comprises the step of forming the first leg band portion between the second leg band portion and the front and rear panels. The method further includes the step of forming the second leg band portion to have a higher modulus of elasticity than the first leg band portion.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an undergarment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the waistband of the undergarment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the leg band of the undergarment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the undergarment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the undergarment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an undergarment according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the undergarment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an undergarment according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the undergarment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an undergarment according to present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the undergarment of FIG. 10.

Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “having” and “comprising” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an undergarment 14 embodying aspects of the present invention. The undergarment 14 comprises various zones of stitching that will be described in detail below. The undergarment 14 includes a first front panel 18 and a second front panel 22. The first and second front panels 18, 22 are composed of the same stitch pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, a 4×1 mock rib stitch is used in the first and second front panels 18, 22, though it is understood that other stitches could be used. The rib stitch results in vertical ribs 24 evenly spaced about the first and second panels 18, 22.

The 4×1 mock rib stitch results in an evenly ribbed outer surface of the panels 18, 22, and an inner surface (i.e., the surface that rests against the skin of the person wearing the undergarment 14) that has the look and feel of terry cloth. Thus, the inner surface is soft and can absorb any moisture on the skin, and the outer surface of the panels 18, 22 is aesthetically pleasing and provides a smooth, contoured fit. In addition, the terry cloth effect of the rib stitch allows air to circulate between the body of the wearer and the fabric by keeping the fabric from making 100% contact with the body of the wearer, increasing the comfort of the wearer.

Positioned between the first and second front panels 18, 22 is a pouch area 26. The pouch area 26 includes sections of varying stitch types. Along the perimeter of the pouch area 26 is an area of reduced stretch stitching 30. The reduced stretch stitching 30 provides a transition between the front panels 18, 22 and the pouch area 26 such that no ripples or bunching occurs at the transition point between the panels 18, 22 and the pouch area 26.

A pouch 34 is constructed of a jersey stitch to provide a roomy cavity. Releasing the stitching of the pouch such as by using the jersey stitch creates the cavity in the pouch 34 for increased comfort of the wearer. The 4×1 mock rib stitch of the front panels 18, 22 assists in displacing the jersey stitch fabric to create the cavity. The reduced stretch stitching 30 also provides support to the pouch 34. Above the pouch 34 is an area of alternating 1×1 fine mesh stitching 38. In the illustrated embodiment, ornamental stitches 42 are also provided in the pouch area 26 to improve the aesthetic appearance of the undergarment 14.

A waistband 46 is formed at the top of the front panels 18, 22. With reference to FIG. 2, the waistband 46 encircles the top of the undergarment 14 and includes a first portion 50 and a second gripping portion 54. The first and second portions 50, 54 are similar in that they both are constructed of a 1×1 mock rib stitch utilizing cotton, nylon, and spandex strands within the stitches The first portion 50, which constitutes the lower portion of the waistband 46, is stitched using threads containing 66% cotton, 26% nylon, and 8% spandex. The second portion 54, which constitutes the top of the waistband 46 and is smaller in width than the first portion 50, is stitched using threads containing 53% cotton, 37% nylon, and 10% spandex.

The increased percentages of nylon and spandex in the second portion 54 increases the modulus of elasticity of the second portion 54 with respect to the first portion 50. The higher modulus of elasticity creates a cupping effect on the edge of the band, allowing the waistband 46 to pull in more towards the body, and increases the gripping strength of the second portion 54 with respect to the wearer's body. The configuration of the waistband 46 thus anchors the undergarment 14 into position on the wearer's body without pinching or digging into the skin of the wearer. The increased grip reduces the likelihood that the waistband 46 can roll down upon itself when the undergarment 14 is worn by the wearer. It is understood that the specific construction of the threads used in the waistband 46 can vary from the embodiment discussed above and still fall within the scope of the invention, so long as at least one of the first and second portions 50, 54 results in an increased grip strength with respect to the other of the first and second portions 50, 54 to provide a cupping effect of the waistband 46 against the body of the wearer.

A leg band 58 is formed at the bottom of each of the front panels 18, 22. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, each leg band 58 includes first and second portions 62, 66 that are constructed and function in the same way as the first and second portions 50, 54 of the waistband 46 discussed above. The second portion 66 includes the increased percentages of nylon and spandex, as discussed above with respect to the second portion 54, thereby increasing its modulus of elasticity, and thus its grip strength. The increased grip strength results in a leg band 58 that more comfortably grips the leg of the wearer, with less bunching and rolling of the undergarment 14 on the wearer's leg. The design of the leg band 58 also provides more comfort to the user by reducing the likelihood of the undergarment 14 riding up the leg of the wearer. Ornamental stitches 70 are located above the leg band 58 to create a visibly pleasing transition between the stitching of the front panels 18, 22 and the stitching of the leg bands 58.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the undergarment 14. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the undergarment 14 also includes first and second rear panels 74, 78. The same type of stitch, i.e., the 4×1 mock rib stitch that is used in the front panels 18, 22, is used for the rear panels 74, 78, resulting in vertical ribs 82. However, the length of the stitches forming the ribs 82 is longer and looser than the stitch used to form the ribs 24 such that the ribs 82 of the rear panels 74, 78 are slightly contoured, whereas the ribs 24 are substantially flat. The slight excess of material created by the longer, looser stitches in the vertical direction results in the contour of the ribs 82. The longer, looser stitch, and thus the contour, accommodates the contoured rear end of the wearer to maintain a smooth and supportive fit.

Between the rear panels 74, 78 is a central portion 86. The central portion 86 includes an area 90 constructed of a 1×1 fine mesh stitch on either side of a center strip 94. The 1×1 line mesh stitch provides a smooth transition between the rear panels 74, 78 and the center strip 94 such that no rippling or bunching occurs. The center strip 94 is constructed of a modified stitch pattern that exhibits reduced stretching in the vertical direction compared to the rear panels 74, 78.

In general, it is desired to maximize the stretching properties of the fabric in some zones of the undergarment 14 so that the undergarment 14 can comfortably move with the wearer as the wearer's body moves. Varying the length of the stitching in different zones of the undergarment varies the stretching properties in those zones to achieve a better fit and more comfort for the three dimensional shape of the wearer's body. However, the area of the body against which the center strip 94 rests is an area that exhibits little or no stretching in the vertical direction, even during bending and other movement by the wearer, due to the anatomy of the wearer. Thus, the center strip 94 is constructed to have reduced vertical stretching.

A support panel 98, also constructed of the 4×1 mock rib stitching, is coupled to the front and rear panels 18, 22, 74, 78. The support panel 98 is constructed separately from the remainder of the undergarment 14, as will be discussed in more detail below, and the stitching is configured to allow for sculpting of the undergarment 14 to the rear end of the wearer without causing pinching or digging.

FIG. 5 illustrates the interface between the shorter, flat 4×1 mock rib stitch forming the ribs 24, and the longer, contoured 4×1 mock rib stitch forming the ribs 82. The interface includes a zig-zag portion 102 that interleaves portions of the front panel 18 with portions of the rear panel 78. The interface is three dimensional due to the difference in stitch length between the front and rear panels 18, 78. The interleaving of the front and rear panels 18, 78 allows for a seamless, comfortable fit, and results in a front portion F that is shorter in height, and thus sits lower on the wearer's body, than a rear portion R of the undergarment, as viewed from the side. The difference in height between the front F and the rear R allows the undergarment 14 to conform comfortably to the wearer's body in all positions of movement, rest, and stretching.

The interleaving of the front and rear panels 18, 78 also provides a smooth, less abrupt transition between the shorter, tighter stitch of the front panel 18 and the longer, looser stitch the rear panel 78 such that no rippling or bunching occurs. Such rippling or bunching not only could detract from the overall appearance of the undergarment 14, but could irritate the wearer or cause the undergarment 14 to bunch or move in a way uncomfortable to the wearer, as well as decrease the support of the wearer's body. It is understood that while a substantially Z-shaped zig-zag pattern is illustrated and described above, other interface configurations are possible (e.g. sinusoidal, trapezoidal, stepped, etc.) that would provide for a smooth transition between the front and rear panels 18, 78.

The undergarment 14 with the features described above is constructed to have a virtually seamless design. In known undergarment configurations, the undergarment is constructed from multiple panels of cloth that must be stitched together, creating seams at various points on the undergarment. These seams are not only distracting visually, but also can cause discomfort to the user. In other known undergarment configurations, abrupt transitions between various stitch types result in seams or virtual seams due to rippling and bunching.

The undergarment 14 described above is constructed using a machine known as a SANTONI Seamless knitting machine, a piece of equipment well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Using the SANTONI machine, the undergarment 14 is largely created in a single process. out of one panel of material. The exception to this is the support panel 98, which is created separately and is sewn to the remainder of the undergarment 14 resulting in seams 106 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). The support panel 98 is sewn in separately to increase the support to the inner thighs of the wearer of the undergarment 14.

The remaining zones of the undergarment 14 are constructed from beginning to end by the SANTONI machine, which can be programmed to vary the stitch type and stitch length in different zones of the undergarment. As discussed above, some of the zones of the undergarment 14 are constructed to provide smooth transitions between stitch zones having different constructions to provide an undergarment that is both aesthetically and functionally pleasing.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of a women's undergarment of the present invention. Similar reference numbers are used to identify similar elements as previously described. Undergarment 110 has a first front panel 18 and a second front panel 22. The first and second front panels 18, 22 are composed of the same stitch pattern (e.g., a stitch pattern forming a matte appearance). An alternate stitch pattern between the front panels 18, 22 creates a central front 114. Ornamental stitches 42 are also provided to improve the aesthetic appearance of the undergarment 110. A waistband 46 is formed at the top of the front panels 18, 22. The waistband 46 encircles the top of the undergarment 10 and includes a first portion 50 and a second gripping portion 54. A leg band 158 is formed at the bottom of each of the front panels 18, 22. The undergarment 110 also includes first and second rear panels 74, 78. Between the rear panels is a central portion 86 having a reduced vertical stretch compared to the rear panels 74, 78. The first and second rear panels are composed of the same stitch pattern (e.g., a stitch pattern forming a shear appearance). Zig-zag portions 102 interleave portions of the front panels 18, 22 with portions of the rear panels 74, 78 to blend the different stitch patterns.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an additional embodiment of a women's undergarment of the present invention. Similar reference numbers are used to identify similar elements as previously described. Undergarment 118 has a first front panel 18 and a second front panel 22. The first and second front panels 18, 22 are composed of the same stitch pattern (e.g., a stitch pattern forming a matte appearance). An alternate stitch pattern between the front panels 18, 22 creates a central front 114. Ornamental stitches 42 are also provided to improve the aesthetic appearance of the undergarment 118. A waistband 46 is formed at the top of the front panels 18, 22. The waistband 46 encircles the top of the undergarment 118 and includes a first portion 50 and a second gripping portion 54. A leg band 158 is formed at the bottom of each of the front panels 18, 22. The undergarment 118 also includes first and second rear panels 74, 78. Between the rear panels is a central portion 86 having a reduced vertical stretch compared to the rear panels 74, 78. The first and second rear panels are composed of the same stitch pattern (e.g., a stitch pattern forming a shear appearance). Zig-zag portions 102 interleave portions of the front panels 18, 22 with portions of the rear panels 74, 78 to blend the different stitch patterns.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of an undergarment of the present invention. Similar reference numbers are used to identify similar elements as previously described. Undergarment 122 has a first front panel 18 and a second front panel 22. The first and second front panels 18, 22 are composed of the same stitch pattern (e.g., a stitch pattern forming a matte appearance). An alternate stitch pattern between the front panels 18, 22 creates a central front 114. Ornamental stitches 42 are also provided to improve the aesthetic appearance of the undergarment 122. A waistband 46 is formed at the top of the front panels 18, 22. The waistband 46 encircles the top of the undergarment 122 and includes a first portion 50 and a second gripping portion 54. A leg band 58 is formed at the bottom of each of the front panels 18, 22. The leg band 58 has includes a first and second portions 62, 66 that are constructed and function in the same way as the first and second portions 50, 54 of the waistband 46 of FIGS. 1-5. The undergarment 122 also includes first and second rear panels 74, 78. Between the rear panels is a central portion 86 having a reduced vertical stretch compared to the rear panels 74, 78. The first and second rear panels are composed of the same stitch pattern (e.g., a stitch pattern forming a shear appearance). Zig-zag portions 102 interleave portions of the front panels 18, 22 with portions of the rear panel 74, 78 to blend the different stitch patterns. A support panel 98 is coupled to the front and rear panels 18, 22, 74, 78 resulting in seams 106.

All of the components discussed in detail above work together to achieve a common goal: a better fitting, more comfortable undergarment that supports and moves comfortably with the body of the wearer sculpted from an essentially tube shaped garment. The sculpted silhouette results from the stitching patterns utilized to create the undergarment. The features discussed above also result in an undergarment that is smooth and visually attractive, comfortably following the contour of the wearer's body. The features of the undergarment discussed above are applicable to all styles of undergarments, including but not limited to briefs, boxers, low rise, a high-waist brief, a french cut brief, a triangle bikini, a hip brief, and the like. It is also understood that the specific thread compositions and the specific stitch types used above can be varied and still fall within the scope of the invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to any one thread composition or combination of stitch types.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An undergarment comprising:

a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern;

a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern;

a waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels;

a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels; and

an interface formed between the front and rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the leg band on a side of the undergarment, the interface interleaving at least a portion of the front panel with at least a portion of the rear panel.

2. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the second stitch pattern has a longer stitch than the stitch of the first stitch pattern.

3. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the first stitch pattern and the second stitch pattern are the same.

4. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the interface forms a substantially zig-zag configuration.

5. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the front panel is a right front panel, the rear panel is a right rear panel, the leg band is a right leg band, and the interface is a right interface on the right side of the undergarment, wherein the undergarment further comprises

a left front panel composed of the first stitch pattern,

a left rear panel composed of the second stitch pattern,

a left leg band formed at the bottom of the left front and rear panels, wherein the waistband is formed at the top of the left front and rear panels, and

a left interface formed between the left front and left rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the left leg band on a left side of the undergarment, the left interface interleaving at least a portion of the left front panel with at least a portion of the left rear panel.

6. The undergarment of claim 5, wherein the left interface forms a substantially zig-zag configuration.

7. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the waistband includes a first waistband portion and a second waistband portion, wherein the second waistband portion has a higher modulus of elasticity than the first waistband portion.

8. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the leg band includes a first leg band portion and a second leg band portion, and wherein the second leg band portion has a higher modulus of elasticity than the first leg band portion.

9. The undergarment of claim 5, further comprising a central rear portion having a third stitch pattern, the central rear portion substantially positioned between and adjacent to the right and left rear panels.

10. The undergarment of claim 9, wherein the central rear portion has a substantially reduced stretch in the vertical direction relative to the vertical stretch of the right and left rear panels

11. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the undergarment is a men's undergarment.

12. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the undergarment is a women's undergarment.

13. A method of manufacturing an undergarment, the method comprising the steps of:

stitching a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern;

stitching a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern;

stitching a waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels;

stitching a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels; and

stitching an interface formed between the front and rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the leg band on a side of the undergarment, the interface interleaving at least a portion of the front panel with at least a portion of the rear panel.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of stitching the second stitch pattern to have a longer stitch than the stitch of the first stitch pattern.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of stitching the first stitch pattern and the second stitch pattern to be substantially similar patterns.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of forming the interface into a substantially zig-zag configuration.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of forming the front panel as a right front panel, forming the rear panel as a right rear panel, forming the leg band as a right leg band, and forming the interface as a right interface on a right side of the undergarment, wherein the method further comprises the steps of

stitching a left front panel composed of the first stitch pattern,

stitching a left rear panel composed of the second stitch pattern,

stitching the waistband formed at the top of the left front and rear panels,

stitching a left leg band formed at the bottom of the left front and rear panels, and

stitching a left interface formed between the left front and left rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the left leg band on a left side of the undergarment, the left interface interleaving at least a portion of the left front panel with at least a portion of the left rear panel.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of forming the left interface into a substantially zig-zag configuration.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of stitching the waistband to include a first waistband portion and a second waistband portion, wherein the second waistband portion has a higher modulus of elasticity than the first waistband portion.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of stitching the leg band to include a first leg band portion and a second leg band portion, and wherein the second leg band portion has a higher modulus of elasticity than the first leg band portion.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of stitching a central rear portion having a third stitch pattern, the central rear portion substantially positioned between and adjacent to the right and left rear panels.

22. The method of claim 21, forming the central rear portion to have a substantially reduced stretch in the vertical direction relative to the vertical stretch of the right and left rear panels.

23. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of forming a men's undergarment.

24. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of forming a women's undergarment.

25. An undergarment comprising:

a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern;

a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern;

a waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels, the waistband including a first waistband portion and a second waistband portion, the first waistband portion being formed between the second waistband portion and the front and rear panels, the second waistband portion having a higher modulus of elasticity than the first waistband portion; and

a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels, the leg band including a first leg band portion and a second leg band portion, the first leg band portion being formed between the second leg band portion and the front and rear panels, the second leg band portion having a higher modulus of elasticity than the first leg band portion.

26. The undergarment of claim 25, further comprising an interface formed between the front and rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the leg band on a side of the undergarment, the interface interleaving at least a portion of the front panel with at least a portion of the rear panel.

27. The undergarment of claim 25, wherein the second stitch pattern has a longer stitch than the stitch of the first stitch pattern.

28. The undergarment of claim 26, wherein the interface forms a substantially zig-zag configuration.

29. The undergarment of claim 26, wherein the front panel is a right front panel, the rear panel is a right rear panel, the leg band is a right leg band, and the interface is a right interface on the right side of the undergarment, wherein the undergarment further comprises

a left front panel composed of the first stitch pattern,

a left rear panel composed of the second stitch pattern,

a left leg band formed at the bottom of the left front and rear panels, wherein the waistband is formed at the top of the left front and rear panels, and

a left interface formed between the left front and left rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the left band on a left side of the undergarment, the left interface interleaving at least a portion of the left front panel with at least a portion of the left rear panel.

30. The undergarment of claim 29, wherein the left interface forms a substantially zig-zag configuration.

31. The undergarment of claim 29, further comprising a central rear panel substantially positioned between and adjacent to the first rear panel and the second rear panel.

32. The undergarment of claim 31, wherein the central rear portion has a substantially reduced stretch in the vertical direction relative to the vertical stretch of the right and left rear panels.

33. The undergarment of claim 25, wherein the first waistband portion and the second waistband portion are formed of thread comprising cotton, nylon and spandex.

34. The undergarment of claim 33, wherein the first waistband portion has a greater percentage of cotton in the thread than the second waistband portion.

35. The undergarment of claim 33, wherein the second waistband portion has a greater percentage of nylon in the thread than the first waistband portion.

36. The undergarment of claim 33, wherein the second waistband portion has a greater percentage of spandex in the thread than the first waistband portion.

37. The undergarment of claim 25, wherein the undergarment is a men's undergarment.

38. The undergarment of claim 25, wherein the undergarment is a women's undergarment.

39. A method of manufacturing an undergarment, the method comprising the steps of:

stitching a front panel composed of a first stitch pattern;

stitching a rear panel composed of a second stitch pattern;

stitching a waistband formed at the top of the front and rear panels, the waistband including a first waistband portion and a second waistband portion, the first waistband portion being formed between the second waistband portion and the front and rear panels, the second waistband portion having a higher modulus of elasticity than the first waistband portion; and

stitching a leg band formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels, the leg band including a first leg band portion and a second leg band portion, the first leg band portion being formed between the second leg band portion and the front and rear panels, the second leg band portion having a higher modulus of elasticity than the first leg band portion.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of forming an interface between the front and rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the leg band on a side of the undergarment, the interface interleaving at least a portion of the front panel with at least a portion of the rear panel.

41. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of stitching the second stitch pattern to have a longer stitch than the stitch of the first stitch pattern.

42. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of forming the interface into a substantially zig-zag configuration.

43. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of forming the front panel as a right front panel, forming the rear panel as a right rear panel, forming the leg band as a right leg band, and forming the interface as a right interface on a right side of the undergarment, wherein the method further comprises the step of

stitching a left front panel composed of the first stitch pattern,

stitching a left rear panel composed of the second stitch pattern,

stitching the waistband formed at the top of the left front and rear panels,

stitching a left leg band formed at the bottom of the left front and rear portions, and

stitching a left interface formed between the left front and left rear panels and generally extending at least partially between the waistband and the left band on a left side of the undergarment, the left interface interleaving at least a portion of the left front panel with at least a portion of the left rear panel.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of forming the left interface into a substantially zig-zag configuration.

45. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of stitching a central rear panel having a third stitch pattern, the central rear portion substantially positioned between and adjacent to the first rear panel and the second rear panel.

46. The method of claim 45, forming the central rear portion to have a substantially reduced stretch in the vertical direction relative to the vertical stretch of the right and left rear panels.

47. The method of claim 39, forming the first waistband portion and the second waistband portion of thread comprising cotton, nylon and spandex.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising the step of forming the first waistband portion to have a greater percentage of cotton in the thread than the second waistband portion.

49. The method of claim 47, further comprising the step of forming the second waistband portion to have a greater percentage of nylon in the thread than the first waistband portion.

50. The method of claim 47, further comprising the step of forming the second waistband portion to have a greater percentage of spandex in the thread than the first waistband portion.

51. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of forming a men's undergarment.

52. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of forming a women's undergarment.