SHAPEWEAR GARMENT

Abstract

A shape enhancing garment includes a garment shell and a garment lining permanently affixed to the shell to form a garment. The garment lining is stretchable 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and the garment lining is sized to apply compression to a body of a wearer of the garment. Preferably, the garment lining is made of one or more of a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course; and a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/458,160, filed Nov. 19, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The term shapewear refers to garments that apply compression and contour to body portions of the wearer to improve his or her appearance by, for example, shaping the body to appear more lean or to improve the overall figure of the wearer. Conventional shapewear is incorporated into undergarments, such as girdles, for shaping the abdomen, and panties or briefs, for shaping the buttocks and lower abdomen.

Conventionally, shapewear is either the undergarment itself, or is sewn or otherwise attached to an undergarment. For example, US 2010/0099332A1 purports to describe a shapewear that includes a one-piece foundation, where the foundation includes a compression material having at least one area of firm support and at least one area of light support; and at least one resealable thong-like seam.

U.S. 2011/0207382 A1 purports to describe stretchable undergarment that comprises a one-piece body slimming unit made of front and rear panels cut and sewn along the edges to form a tubular body shaping garment construction which is stretchable in the longitudinal direction, and having a lightweight zippered opening along the front. The undergarment is purportedly made from a woven stretchable satin material containing a small amount of thin spandex-type elastic fibers fanning a predominately one-way vertical stretch in a base textile fabric made from thin polymeric textile fibers such as nylon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a shape enhancing garment comprises a garment shell and a garment lining permanently affixed to the shell to form a garment. The garment lining is stretchable 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and the garment lining is sized to apply compression to a body of a wearer of the garment. Preferably, the garment lining is made of one or more of a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention referred to herein as a slimming embodiment, the garment may be a dress, a jumper, a romper, a top, pants, shorts, or skirts. If the garment is a top, dress, jumper, or romper, a grain of the garment liner preferably is horizontally across the garment, the garment liner is secured to an empire seam of the garment shell, and the garment liner extends downward from the empire seam to surround at least a torso, buttocks, and outer thighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof. If the garment is a top, a grain of the garment liner preferably is horizontally across the garment, the garment liner is secured to an empire seam of the garment shell, and the garment liner extends downward from the empire seam to surround at least a torso of the wearer to provide compression thereof. Preferably, the liner is substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the empire seam on 95% of the length of the liner below the empire seam. Preferably, the circular knit fabric discussed above is used as the liner in the foregoing embodiments. If the garment is pants, shorts, or a skirt, the garment liner is preferably formed in the shape of shorts. In this embodiment, a grain of the garment liner is preferably vertically along the garment, the garment liner is secured to waistband of the garment shell, the garment liner extends downward from the waistband to surround at least a buttocks, inner and outer thighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof, and the liner has no seams on the outer thigh.

Preferably, the liner in this embodiment is a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention referred to herein as a slimming and support embodiment, the garment may also be a dress, a jumper, a romper, or a top. If the garment is a dress, jumper or romper, a grain of the garment liner is preferably horizontally across the garment, the garment liner includes a pair of shoulder straps defining arm holes for the garment liner, the liner shoulder straps are secured to the shoulder seam allowance of the garment shell, and the garment liner extends downward from the arm holes to surround at least a torso, buttocks, and outer thighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof. If the garment is a top, a grain of the garment liner is preferably horizontally across the garment, the garment liner includes a pair of shoulder straps defining arm holes for the garment liner, the liner shoulder straps are secured the shoulder seam allowance of the garment shell, and the garment liner extends downward from the arm holes to surround at least a torso of the wearer to provide compression thereof. Preferably, the liner is substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the liner shoulder straps on 95% of the length of the liner below the liner shoulder straps. In the slimming and support embodiment, the liner may further include a shelf bra, where the shelf bra includes a rigid center front fabric insert and an empire seam, and an elastic tape sewn into the empire seam to provide bust support. Alternatively, the liner may include a 4 panel piece open bust with an empire seam, with a Lastin elastic tape sewn into the empire seam. Preferably, the circular knit fabric discussed above is used as the liner in this embodiment.

In accordance with a further embodiment described herein as a rear enhancing embodiment, the garment can be pants, shorts, and skirts, the garment liner is formed in the shape of shorts, and the liner is secured to a waistband of the garment shell. Preferably, the liner is a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and the circular knit fabric is reinforced with stretch powernet panels at a wearers hips, rear thighs, and under the buttocks. Preferably, the stretch powernet fabric consists essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course. The liner may also include a cotton gusset.

In accordance with a further embodiment described herein as a tummy control embodiment, the garment can be pants, shorts, or a skirt. The garment liner is secured to a waistband of the garment shell, and the garment liner is a three part garment liner. The three part garment liner has two front panels and a back panel, and each of the panels are secured at a side seam. The front panels and rear panel are made of a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course, and a grain of the garment liner is vertically along the garment. Preferably, the front panels have a single layer of the stretch powernet, and the rear panel has a double layer of the stretch powernet. In addition to being secured to the waistband and side seams, the liner may also be secured to the garment at a center front zipper of the garment. Rigid front pocket bag linings, when front pockets are part of the shell garment's styling, may extend from side seam to the center front zipper to reinforce the slimming front panel liner.

In accordance with a further embodiment described herein as a smoothing and slimming embodiment, the garment can be pants, shorts, dresses or skirts. Preferably, the garment is made of a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and the garment liner is a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course. If the garment is a dress, the liner preferably extends from an empire seam of the garment downward over the center abdomen. The liner may also extend up from the empire seam to provide front and back bust support. If the garment is pants, shorts, or skirts, the liner preferably extends downward from the waistband along the hips and lower abdomen of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a-d) illustrates an shelf bra liner for a shelf bra dress in accordance with a slimming and support embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2(a-b) illustrates an open bust liner for an open bra dress in accordance with a slimming and support embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3(a-b) shows an assembled shelf bra dress including shell and liner in accordance with a slimming and support embodiment of FIG. 1(a-d);

FIGS. 3(c-d) shows an assembled open bust dress including liner and shell in accordance with a slimming and support embodiment of FIGS. 2(a-b);

FIG. 4 (a,b) illustrates a dress liner in accordance with a slimming embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 (a,b) illustrates an pant liner in accordance with a slimming embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6(a,b) illustrates the pant liner of FIG. 5 together with a pant shell in accordance with a slimming embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7(a,b) illustrate a front and back of a face side of a pant liner in accordance with a rear enhancing embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7(c,d) illustrate a front and back of an inside of a pant liner in accordance with a rear enhancing embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8(a,b) illustrates the pant liner of FIG. 7 together with a pant shell to form a rear enhancing shapewear garment in accordance with a rear enhancing embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of a liner in accordance with a tummy control embodiment of the present invention from the face side.

FIG. 10(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the liner of FIG. 9 together with a pant shell to form a tummy control shapewear garment.

FIGS. 11 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of face side of a dress according a smoothing and slimming embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of an interior side of the dress of FIG. 11, including a smoothing and sliming liner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the dress of FIG. 11 from the internal side, and including additional liners for an shelf bra.

FIGS. 14 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of face side of a skirt according a smoothing and slimming embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of an interior side of the skirt of FIG. 14, including a liner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, a shapewear garment is provided where the shape enhancing component is integrated into the garment itself. As used herein, the term garment is used in accordance with ordinary meaning to refer to an article of clothing, such as pants, dresses, shirts, and exclusive of undergarments, such as foundations, underwear, brassieres, and exclusive of overgarments such as coats and jackets.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the shape enhancing component includes a circular knit fabric composed of spandex (preferably about 4%) and polyester (preferably about 96%), which stretches 40-100% (preferably about 41% (+/−5%)) along the wale and 50-100% (preferably about 53% (+1-5%)) along the course. In other embodiments, the shape enhancing component includes a stretch powernet fabric composed of spandex (about 18%+/−5%) and nylon (about 82%+/−5%), which stretches 50-100% (preferably about 57% (+/−5%)) along the wale and 50-100% (preferably about 74% (+/−5%)) along the course. These shape enhancing components can also be combined in single garment. Further, as described below, other aspects of the integrated garment can further enhance the performance of the garment including particular seams, stitches, elastic tapes, as described below.

Set forth below are descriptions of five embodiments of shapewear garments: i) a slimming embodiment, which can be used in camisoles, tank-tops (tanks), tee-shirts (tees), blouses, shirts, or other tops; dresses; skirts; or pants; ii) a slimming and support embodiment, which can be used in shelf bra camisoles, shelf bra tanks, shelf bra tees, or other shelf bra tops, shelf bra dresses, shelf bra jumpsuits and rompers, open bust camisoles, open bust tanks, open bust tees or other open bust tops, open bust dresses, open bust jumpsuits and rompers; iii) a smoothing and slimming embodiment which can be used in camisoles, tanks, or other tops, dresses, skirts, or pants; a rear enhancing embodiment which can be used in skirts, pants, jeans, and shorts; and iv) a tummy control embodiment which can be used in pants, jeans, skirts, and shorts.

Slimming and Support

FIGS. 1(a-d), 2(a-b), and 3(a-d) illustrate a slimming and support shapewear garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Seams in the garment are shown by the stitch lines throughout the figures. As discussed above, the slimming and support shapewear garment can be used in shelf bra camisoles, shelf bra tanks, shelf bra tees, or other shelf bra tops, as well as shelf bra dresses, shelf bra jumpsuits and rompers; open bust camisoles, open bust tanks, open bust tees, or other open bust tops, as well as open bust dresses, open bust jumpsuits and rompers. FIG. 1(a-d) illustrates an shelf bra liner for a shelf bra dress, FIG. 2(a-b) illustrates an open bust liner for an open bra dress, FIG. 3(a-b) shows an assembled shelf bra dress including shell and liner, and FIG. 3(c-d) shows an assembled open bust dress including liner and shell.

Garments made in accordance with the slimming and support embodiment slims, smoothes, and supports the wearer's front, side, and back torso, hip, thigh, and bust areas by providing 360° of compression plus a built in bra-or-open bust smoother. This slimming and smoothing supportive technology is different from other shaping garments because it is engineered inside (ie. connected to) a sportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

The slimming and support shapewear garment includes a liner and a shell, which are sewn, glued, or otherwise permanently affixed to each other to form a garment such as a shelf bra camisole, shelf bra tank, shelf bra tee, other shelf bra top, shelf bra dress, shelf bra jumpsuit, shelf bra romper, open bust camisole, open bust tank, open bust tee, other open bust top, open bust dress, open bust jumpsuit, or open bust romper.

FIG. 1(a) shows front face side of the liner 10, FIG. 1(b) shows the back face side of the liner 10, FIG. 1(c) shows internal view of the front side of the liner 10, and FIG. 1(c) shows the internal view of the back side of the liner 10. Throughout the drawings, double arrows indicate the grain direction of the fabric. The liner body is a circular knit stretch techsheen jersey fabric 100 composed of 96% polyester and 4% spandex (+/−5%) @ 200 gm2 (+20 gm2/−10 gm2) of 20 denier (+/−10 D) and 28 gauge (+/−20 gauge). The fabric has a slick, shiny finish that won't cling to other fabrics and is soft against the wearer's skin. It stretches 40.9% along the wale and 52.8% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The liner 10 also includes shaping shelf bra liner 100′ preferably made of the same material. However, for the shelf bra dress, the shaping liner further includes a rigid marquisette fabric insert 110 at the center front composed of 100% nylon @ 85 gm2. This lightweight non-stretch webbing insert stabilizes the built-in shelf bra from east-west and north-south movement.

Also included in the liner 10 is an empire seam 120. A ¾″ felted picot elastic is set into the liner's empire seam 120, offering north-south bust support without the need for an additional fabric layer.

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate an open bust dress liner 10′. The liner 10′ is of the same construction as the liner 10 of FIG. 1(a-d), except that the bust liner 100′ is formed as an open bust, and as such, lacks the insert 110 of FIG. 1. In addition, for the empire seam, the open bust liner 10′ preferably uses a ¼″ mobilon taping to stabilize the empire seam of liner body. The open bust is a four-piece open bust, including a back piece as shown in FIG. 2(b) and three front pieces (two side pieces and one center piece) as shown in FIG. 2(a).

As discussed above, slimming and support shapewear garment includes a liner 10 or 10′ and a shell 20. The shaping liner 10 or 10′ can be joined to a limitless possibility of shell fabrics. FIGS. 3(a, b) shows the front and back sides, respectively of a garment including shelf bra liner 10 and a shell 20. FIGS. 3(c, d) shows the front and back sides, respectively of a garment 30 including open bust bra liner 10′ and a shell 20.

The garment 30 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread and textured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This thread combination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

A Lastin elastic (such as Mobilon elastic) is used for the turned back neckline and armholes. Preferably, a ¼″ Mobilon (or other Lastin tape) is encased at turned back neckline and armholes, and ⅛″ Mobilon (or other Lastin tape) stabilizes the bottom edge.

As an example, the following are exemplary measurement for the shelf bra liner 10 of FIG. 1: (measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and are half measurements):

1. Garment length from High Point Shoulder (HPS)=varies, depending on style

2. Across chest, 5″ from HPS=18.5″

3. Across Empire, 11.5″ from HPS=14.5″

4. Waist, 3″ from empire seam=13.5″

5. High Hip=14.5″

6. Low Hip=15.5″

7. ½ Sweep=15.5″

8. Armhole, straight=8/5″

9. Front Neck drop=varies, depending on style

10. Back Neck drop=varies, depending on style

11. Back Neck width=varies, depending on style

For the open bust liner 10′ of FIG. 2, the following are exemplary measurements: (measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and are half measurements):

1. Garment length from HPS=varies, depending on style

2. Across front, 5″ from HPS=12″

3. Across back, 5″ from HPS=11.5″

4. Across chest, 5″ from HPS=16″

5. Across Empire, 11.5″ from HPS=14.5″

6. Waist, 3″ from empire seam=14″

7. High Hip=14.5″

8. Low Hip=15.5″

9. ½ Sweep=15.5″

10. Armhole, straight=8/5″

11. Front Neck drop from HPS=10″

12. Back Neck drop=varies, depending on style

13. Back Neck width=varies, depending on style

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, measurements for other sizes can be readily derived from the above measurements for a Medium size.

Turning to the construction and stitching, in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the liner's pattern pieces at the bust and top bodice are cut parallel to the natural grain direction. This allows maximum stretch to accommodate bust projection and flexibility of fit, while limiting north-south movement so the bust can be supported without being constrained. The liner's pattern pieces at the torso, hips, and thighs are cut perpendicular to the natural grain line. This limits the stretch of the liner's circumference for maximum shaping control, while the vertical stretch allows for flexibility of fit and is easy to put on and take off the wearer's body.

The shaping liner's side seams are joined with a 14-16 SPI hammer stitch for chafe resistant flat seams.

For the Shelf bra liner of FIG. 1 the shaping liner offers innovative bust support by creating a shelf structure with the picot elastic inserted into the empire seam, providing north-south support. The fabric grain provides east-west support, and the marquisette insert reinforces north-south and east-west support. The shelf bra is only one piece—as contrasted to conventional shelf bras which are two pieces—so the structure eliminates the need for another layer of fabric to weigh down the garment. A-B cups can comfortably wear this garment without a bra, and the garment offers the flexibility to also wear with a bra. Shelf bra lining is slightly gathered at the apex to seamlessly accommodate bust projection.

For the liners of FIGS. 1 and 2, the neckline and armholes are turned back and encase ¼″ mobilon with a ⅛″ 2n topstitch for a clean finish. The bottom edge is clean finished with a reverse pearl edge encasing ⅛″ mobilon for stability. The bumpy side of the pearl edge is placed against the wearer's skin to prevent liner from rolling up.

Turning to the join seam, the shaping liner (10, 10′) is attached to the shoulder seams of the shell 20 with a single needle topstitch +¼″ tacks at each shoulder edge (4 tacks total). This attachment is sewn in conjunction with a ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape. This seam construction stabilizes both the liner (10, 10′) and the shell 20 without limiting a natural range of motion so the two garments will not fight, twist, or torque. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment is preferably substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the shoulder seam on 95% of the length of the liner below the shoulder seam. In the example of FIGS. 1-3, the only connection between the shell and liner is at the shoulder seams.

The shaping liner is engineered to offer light bust support plus maximum smoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garments while remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outside view.

The slimming and support garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell, includes a number of synergistically combined features included in the assembled product: the circular knit techsheen jersey, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, anatomically inspired fit, manipulated fabric grain, and one-piece bust support sportswear item.

Slimming

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a slimming shapewear garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the slimming shapewear garment can be used in camisoles, tanks, tees, or other tops, dresses, and pants. FIG. 4 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of a dress liner, FIG. 5(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of a pant liner, and FIG. 6 (a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the pant liner of FIG. 5 together with a pant shell.

The sliming shapewear technology slims and smoothes the wearer's front, side, and back torso by providing 360° of compression. This slimming and smoothing technology is different from other shaping garments because it is engineered inside (i.e. connected to) a sportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

The sliming shapewear garment includes a shaping liner and a shell. Referring to FIG. 4, a shaping liner 40 base fabric is a circular knit stretch techsheen jersey composed of 96% polyester and 4% spandex (+/−5%) @ 200 gm2 (+20 gm2/−10 gm2) of 20 denier (+/−10 D) and 28 gauge (+/−20 gauge). The fabric has a slick, shiny finish that won't cling to other fabrics and is soft against the wearer's skin. It stretches 40.9% along the wale and 52.8% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594). In the example of FIG. 4, the liner is shown for a dress.

The shaping liner can be joined to a limitless possibility of shell fabrics because of its unique garment construction.

The garment is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread and textured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This thread combination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

A ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape (or other Lastin tape) reinforces the join seam of the shaping liner and sportswear garment. A ⅛″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape (or other Lastin tape) is set between the fabric and reverse pearl filament thread stitching to stabilize the bottom opening, neckline, and armholes.

The exemplary measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and are half measurements:

1. Width at top edge=14.5″

2. Waist, 3″ from top edge=14″

3. High hip=14.5″

4. Low Hip=15.5″

5. Bottom Opening=15.5″

6. Garment length=varies, depending on style.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, measurements for other sizes can be readily derived from the above measurements for a Medium size.

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with the grain direction: the liner's pattern pieces are cut perpendicular to the natural grain line. This limits the stretch of the liner's circumference for maximum shaping control, while the vertical stretch allows for flexibility of fit and is easy to put on and take off the wearer's body.

Turning to the side seams, the shaping liner's side seams are joined with a 14-16 SPI hammer stitch for chafe resistant flat seams.

Turning to the bottom opening, the bottom hem is clean finished w a 1/16″ reverse pearl edge with the bumpy side of the stitch against the wearer's skin to limit the lining from roll up. Mobilon (or other Lastin elastic) is set between the reverse pearl filament stitch and body fabric to prevent the liner from curling and to give it added strength.

Turning to the join seam, the shaping liner is merrowed to the empire seam of the sportswear shell garment (such as garments 20, 201 of FIGS. 3(a-d) in conjunction with a ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape. This seam construction stabilizes both garments without limiting a natural range of motion so the two garments will not fight, twist, or torque. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment is preferably substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the empire seam on 95% of the length of the liner below the empire seam. In the example of FIG. 4, the only connection between the shell and liner is at the empire seam.

As for proportion, the shaping liner is engineered to offer maximum smoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garments while remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outside view.

The slimming garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell, includes a number of synergistically combined features included in the assembled product: the circular knit techsheen jersey, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, anatomically inspired fit, manipulated fabric grain, and one-piece bust support sportswear item.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the slimming shapewear as applied to bottoms such as pants, jeans, or leggings. This technology slims and smoothes the wearer's waist, abdominals, hips, and thighs by providing 360° of compression. This slimming and smoothing technology is different from other shaping garments because it is engineered inside (i.e. connected to) a sportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

Referring to FIG. 5(a,b), the shaping liner 50 is made using high denier stretch powernet. The powernet is composed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches 57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

Turning to the liner gusset, the gusset area has a breathable cotton gusset so the shaping garment is hygienic and sanitary to wear without additionally undergarments. The gusset is backed with 100% cotton jersey.

The shaping liner 50 can be joined to a limitless possibility of shell fabrics because of our unique garment construction. FIGS. 6(a,b) show the liner 50 of FIG. 5 secured to shell 60 in the form of pants to form an assembled garment.

The garment is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread and textured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This thread combination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

The measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and are half measurements.)

1. Waist=varies, depending on style

2. Thigh, 1″ below crotch=8.5″

3. Inseam, from bottom edge to bottom edge=17.75″

4. Gusset width at center=1.5″

5. Gusset length at center=4.75″

6. Front rise from top edge to gusset seam=6.25″

7. Back rise from top edge to gusset seam=8.75″

8. Leg opening at bottom edge=7.5″

Turning to the construction and stitching, beginning with the grain direction: the liner's pattern pieces are cut parallel to the natural grain line. With regard to inseams, the shaping liner 50 does not have side seams. The hip and thigh panels wrap around the leg in one piece for maximum slimming and shaping control. The seams are merrowed internally for a clean finish that won't show through clothing. Turning to the gusset, the shaping liner has a sanitary cotton gusset backed with 100% cotton jersey. This eliminates the need to wear the shaping garment with additional undergarments. The gusset is merrowed internally using stretch filament thread for a clean finish. With regard to the bottom opening, the bottom hem is left raw so it remains invisible beneath the sportswear shell. The liner 50 is secured to the shell 60 at the waistband. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment is preferably substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the waistband on 95% of the length of the liner below the empire seam. In the example of FIGS. 5-6, the only connection between the shell and liner is at the waistband.

With regard to proportion, the shaping liner 50 is engineered to offer maximum smoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garments while remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outside view.

The slimming bottom garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell, includes a number of synergistically combined features included in the assembled product, including a stretch powernet, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, and anatomically inspired fit to provide a sportswear item.

Rear Enhancing

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a rear enhancing shapewear garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the rear enhancing shapewear garment can be used in skirts, pants, jeans, and shorts. FIGS. 7 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of a rear enhancing liner 70 from the face side. FIG. 7(c,d) illustrates the front and back of the liner 70 from the inside, and FIG. 8(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the liner 70 of FIG. 7 together with a skirt shell 80 to form a rear enhancing garment 90.

The rear enhancing shapewear garment 90 slims, smoothes the wearer's hips, thighs, and waist while supporting and lifting the gluteal area using 360° of compression and anatomically designed pattern pieces. This slimming, smoothing, and supportive technology is different from other shaping garments because it is engineered inside (i.e. connected to) a sportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the shaping liner's base fabric 700 is a circular knit stretch techsheen jersey composed of 96% polyester and 4% spandex (+/−5%) @ 200 gm2 (+20 gm2/−10 gm2) of 20 denier (+/−10 D) and 28 gauge (+/−20 gauge). The fabric has a slick, shiny finish that won't cling to other fabrics and is soft against the wearer's skin. It stretches 40.9% along the wale and 52.8% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The outer thigh, hip, and gluteal areas are reinforced with stretch powernet 710 for targeted slimming, smoothing, and support. The powernet is composed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches 57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The gusset area 730 has a breathable cotton gusset so the shaping garment is hygienic and sanitary to wear without additionally undergarments. The gusset is backed with 100% cotton jersey.

The shaping liner 70 can be joined to a limitless possibility of shell fabrics because of our unique garment construction. FIG. 8 shows the liner 70 joined with shell 80 in the form of a skirt to form a rear enhancing shapewear garment 90.

The garment 90 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread and textured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This thread combination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

A ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape reinforces the waistband seam of the shaping liner and sportswear garment. A ⅛″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape is set between the fabric and reverse pearl filament thread stitching to stabilize the bottom opening.

The measurements below reflect a woman's size MEDIUM and are half measurements:

1. Waist=varies, depending on style

2. Thigh, 1″ below crotch=9″

3. Leg Opening=8.5″

4. Front Rise from top edge to gusset seam=6.25″

5. Back Rise from top edge to gusset seam=11.25″

6. Front inseam from bttm edge to bttm edge=14.5″

7. Back inseam from bttm edge to bttm edge=14.5″

8. Total interior seam panel at bottom edge=4″

9. Gusset width at center=2″

9. Gusset length at center=4″

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with the grain direction, the liner body's techsheen jersey pattern pieces 700 are cut perpendicular to the natural grain line, the stretch powernet panels 710 at wearer's hips, thighs, and under the gluteus maximus are cut parallel to the natural grain, and cotton gusset 730 is cut parallel to the natural grain line.

The shaping liner 70's double inseams are joined with 4 needle 6 thread flatlock coverstitch-or-safety 14-16 SPI hammer stitch for chafe resistant flat seams. The double inseam construction allows the garment to wrap around the leg in one large piece to maximize the garment's slimming capabilities. The cotton gusset 730 is set into the body with 4 needle 6 thread flatlock coverstitch-or-3 needle 5 thread coverstitch plus 5 thread safety stitch for chafe resistant flat seams.

To reinforce the powernet 710, the stretch powernet panels 710 are patched behind the techsheen body for additional shaping control. The side powernet panels slim and smooth outer hips and thighs. The back panel is shaped like an apple so while it slims the outside leg it lifts, supports, and emphasizes the gluteal area and creates a light “shelf” for the bottom glute curve to rest on.

The stretch powernet reinforcement panels are set behind the liner with 3/16″ zig zag stitching. This stitch pattern allows the garment to have a wider range of stretch and recovery than conventional straight stitching.

Turning to the bottom opening, the bottom hem is clean finished w a 1/16″ reverse pearl edge with the bumpy side of the stitch against the wearer's skin to prevent lining roll up. As for the join seam, the shaping liner is merrowed to the waistband of the sportswear shell garment in conjunction with a ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape. This seam construction stabilizes both garments without limiting a natural range of motion so the two garments will not fight, twist, or torque. As noted above, the liner in this embodiment is preferably substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the waistband on 95% of the length of the liner below the empire seam. In the example of FIGS. 7-8, the only connection between the shell and liner is at the waistband.

As to proportion, the shaping liner is engineered to offer maximum smoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garments while remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outside view.

The rear garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell, includes a number of synergistically combined features included in the assembled product, including circular knit techsheen jersey, a stretch powernet, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, anatomically inspired fit, and manipulated fabric grain.

Tummy Control

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a tummy control shapewear garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the rear enhancing shapewear garment can be used in skirts, pants, jeans, and shorts. FIGS. 9 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of a tummy control liner 200 from the face side. FIG. 10(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the liner 200 of FIG. 9 together with a pant shell 400 to form a tummy control shapewear garment 300.

The tummy control shapewear garment slims and smoothes the abdominal area—specifically the lower abdominus rectus—by providing 360° of compression. This slimming and smoothing technology is different from other shaping garments because it is engineered inside (i.e. connected to) a sportswear item and is not a separate shaping garment.

\ Referring to FIGS. 9(a,b), the shaping liner 200's base fabric is a stretch powernet. The powernet is composed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches 57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594). Alternatively, the shaping liner 200's base fabric can be a stretch powernet composed of 80% nylon and 20% (+/−5%) spandex @ 5.1 oz per square yard (+/−15 gm2).

The shaping liner 200 can be joined to a limitless possibility of shell fabrics because of our unique garment construction. As illustrated in FIG. 10(a,b), the shaping liner 200 is show joined to a pant shell 400 to form a tummy control shapewear garment 300.

The garment 300 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread and textured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This thread combination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams.

The measurements for the liner 200, for use with pants, jeans, skirts, and shorts is:

1. Across bottom of liner back of FIG. 9(b), reference numeral 210=18″

2. Height of outer sides of liner front of FIG. 9(a), reference numeral 220=5.5″

3. Height of interior sides of liner front of FIG. 9(a), reference numeral 230=5″

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with the grain direction, the liner 200's pattern pieces 250, 260, 270 are cut parallel to the natural grain line.

Beginning with the side seams 275, to join the three pieces 250, 260, 270, the shaping liner 200's side seams are joined with 4 needle 6 thread flatlock coverstitch-or-3 needle 5 thread coverstitch +5 thread safety stitch for chafe resistant flat seams. The lining side seams are not sewn into the side seams of the sportswear shell 400 to prevent garment torque.

The powernet liner is single layer at front liner panels 260, 270 and double layered at back liner panel 250. The shell pant's pocket bags extend from side seam to center front zipper acting as additional slimming support for the powernet.

Unlike conventional shaping garments having shaping panels only at the front of the sportswear shell, the tummy control shapewear garment 300 provides 360° of compression to securely anchor the tummy shaper to the body and achieve significantly more cross pull than front panel shapers offer.

The bottom edge 280 of the liner 200 is left raw so ridges and bumps do not show through the garment shell when worn.

Turning to the join seam, the shaping liner 200 is clean finished behind the center front zipper 295 facing and around the waistband so it is easy to step into, highly aesthetic, and secure inside the garment. The top edge 290 is sewn into the waistband of the shell 400.

As for proportion, the shaping liner is engineered to offer maximum smoothing, shaping, and modesty protection under sportswear garments while remaining stabilized and completely concealed from the outside view.

The tummy control shapewear garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell, includes a number of synergistically combined features included in the assembled product, including the three piece powernet liner, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, anatomically inspired fit, and 360° cross pull in sportswear item.

Smoothing and Slimming

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate a smoothing and sliming shapewear garment 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a dress, and FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a smoothing and sliming shapewear garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a skirt. As discussed above, the smoothing and sliming shapewear garment can be used in skirts, dresses, pants, tanks, tops, and camisoles.

FIGS. 11 (a,b) illustrate the front and back respectively of a dress shell 600 from the face side. FIG. 12(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the shell 600 from the internal side, and including a liner 610 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13(a,b) illustrates the front and back respectively of the shell 600 from the internal side, and including in addition to liner 610, additional liners 620 and 630 in accordance with an further embodiment of the present invention.

The smoothing and slimming shapewear garment 700 smoothes the wearer's body using 360° of light compression. Additional slimming support is added in with ergonomically shaped panels that offer targeted and specific body shaping.

The shaping garment shell 600 is mainly composed of a circular double knit stretch jersey composed of 96% polyester fibers and 4% spandex (+/−5%) @ 270 gm2(+/−15 gm2). The technical backside of the fabric is used for the garment face so this highly technical fabric looks deceptively casual. It stretches 41.7% along the wale (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The shaping liner 610, 620, 630's fabric is a high denier stretch powernet for targeted slimming, smoothing, and support. The powernet is composed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches 57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594). The shaping liner 610 extends in a front center region of the dress, below the empire seam, to provide smoothing and sliming. The shaping liner 620, which is optional, extend upward from the empire seam in the front of the dress and provides a shelf bra. The shaping liner 630 extends upward for the empire seam in the back of the dress for shelf bra support.

The garment 700 is sewn using synthetic perma core needle thread and textured synthetic filament bottom looper thread. This thread combination allows for maximum stretch and recovery of seams

In embodiments such as FIG. 13 which include a Shelf Bra, such as dresses (as in FIG. 13), but also optionally in camisoles, tanks, or other tops, a ¾″ felted picot elastic is set inside the garment for bust support.

In embodiments, such as FIGS. 15, 16, which include waistband, such as skirts (as in FIG. 15, 16) but also pants, a ¼″ clear silicone mobilon elastic tape stabilizes the waistband seam.

Measurements for the smoothing and slimming embodiment vary depending on style, however fit must be close to body in order to smooth and shape.

Turning to the construction and stitching, and beginning with grain direction, the liner 610, 620, 630's pattern pieces are cut parallel to the natural grain line.

Turning to the side seams (where applicable), the smoothing garment's side seams 640 are joined with 4 needle 6 thread flatlock coverstitch-or-3 needle 5 thread coverstitch +5 thread safety stitch for chafe resistant flat seams.

The liner seams 650 may be merrowed and top stitched with 3/16″ zig zag, for example. Further, the liner panel 610 can optionally be ergonomically curved outward in the area of the abdomen.

The slimming and smoothing garment provides ergonomic shaping control through the inclusion of additional shaping support set behind the garment body in the form of the powernet lining 610, 620, 630. The double layer of shaping fabrics results in firm shaping control.

Referring to the optional shelf bra (shown for a dress in FIG. 13, but also available in Camisoles, Tanks, and Tops), the stretch powernet lines the front and back top bodice to create an internal shelf bra lining providing moderate allover bust support.

The shelf bra bottom edge is finished with a felted picot elastic for additional north-south bust support.

The additional shaping provided by the powernet liners (610, 620, 630) can also be used enhance other part(s) of the body covered by the garment. Additional shaping applications include Tummy, Waist, Back, Hips, Thighs and Arms. The smoothing and slimming is engineered so the shaping garment remains one piece like traditional sportswear, providing maximum figure flattering solutions at a garment weight and consumption minimum.

Referring to the illustrated skirt of FIGS. 14 and 15, FIG. 14(a,b) show the front and back of the face side of the slimming and smoothing embodiment in the form of a skirt, and FIGS. 15(a, b) show the front and back of the interior side of the slimming and smoothing embodiment of FIG. 14.

The shaping garment shell 950 is mainly composed of a circular double knit stretch jersey composed of 96% polyester fibers and 4% spandex (+/−5%) @ 270 gm2(+/−15 gm2). The technical backside of the fabric is used for the garment face so this highly technical fabric looks deceptively casual. It stretches 41.7% along the wale (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594).

The shaping liner 960's fabric is a high denier stretch powernet for targeted slimming, smoothing, and support. The powernet is composed of 82% nylon and 18% (+/−5%) spandex @ 180 gm2 (+/−15 gm2). It stretches 57.5% along the wale and 74.0% along the course (+/−5%) when tested for stretch properties (ASTM D 2594). The Liner 960 extends in outer panels 960.1, 960.2 extending downward from the waistline to the bottom, and a central lower abdomen panel 960.3 extending downward in a taper from the waistband until joining the center seam 990. Seams in the garment 900 are shown by the stitch lines in the Figure.

The tummy control shapewear garment, which comprises the shaping liner and shell, includes a number of synergistically combined features included in the assembled product, including the circular knit smoothing jersey, synthetic filament thread, stitch techniques, and stretch powernet targeted shaping providing a sportswear item.

Although the invention is described above with reference to these specific exemplary embodiments, it is evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing for the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A shape enhancing garment, comprising a garment shell and a garment lining permanently affixed to the shell to form a garment, the garment lining being stretchable 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, the garment lining sized to apply compression to a body of a wearer of the garment.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment lining is one or more of

a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course; and

a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

3. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein either:

the garment is selected from the group consisting of dresses, jumpers, and rompers, wherein a grain of the garment liner is horizontally across the garment, wherein the garment liner is secured to an empire seam of the garment shell, and wherein the garment liner extends downward from the empire seam to surround at least a torso, buttocks, and outer thighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof; or

the garment is a top, wherein a grain of the garment liner is horizontally across the garment, wherein the garment liner is secured to an empire seam of the garment shell, and wherein the garment liner extends downward from the empire seam to surround at least a torso of the wearer to provide compression thereof.

4. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 3, wherein the liner is substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the empire seam on 95% of the length of the liner below the empire seam.

5. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein either:

the garment is selected from the group consisting of dresses, jumpers, and rompers, wherein a grain of the garment liner is horizontally across the garment, wherein the garment liner includes a pair of shoulder straps defining arm holes for the garment liner, the liner shoulder straps secured to a shoulder seam allowance of the garment shell, and wherein the garment liner extends downward from the arm holes to surround at least a torso, buttocks, and outer thighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof; or

the garment is a top, wherein a grain of the garment liner is horizontally across the garment, wherein the garment liner includes a pair of shoulder straps defining arm holes for the garment liner, the liner shoulder straps secured to a shoulder seam allowance of the garment shell, and wherein the garment liner extends downward from the arm holes to surround at least a torso of the wearer to provide compression thereof.

6. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 5, wherein the liner is substantially free of other connection to the shell such that the liner has 360 degrees of freedom from the shell below the liner shoulder straps on 95% of the length of the liner below the liner shoulder straps.

7. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 5, wherein the liner further includes a shelf bra, the shelf bra including a rigid center front fabric insert and an empire seam, an elastic tape sewn into the empire seam to provide bust support.

8. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 5, wherein the liner includes a fourth piece open bust and an empire seam, a lastin elastic tape sewn into the empire seam.

9. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 5, wherein the liner is a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course.

10. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 5, wherein the liner is a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

11. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants, shorts, and skirts, wherein the garment liner is formed in the shape of shorts, wherein a grain of the garment liner is vertically along the garment, wherein the garment liner is secured to waistband of the garment shell, wherein the garment liner extends downward from the waistband to surround at least a buttocks, inner and outer thighs of the wearer to provide compression thereof, and wherein the liner has no seams on the outer thigh.

12. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 11, wherein the liner is a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

13. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants, shorts, and skirts, wherein the garment liner is formed in the shape of shorts, wherein the liner is secured to a waistband of the garment shell, wherein the liner is a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, and wherein the circular knit fabric is reinforced with stretch powernet panels at a wearers hips, rear thighs, and under the buttocks, the stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

14. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants, shorts, and skirts, wherein the garment liner is secured to a waistband of the garment shell, wherein the garment liner is a three part garment liner, the three part garment liner having two front panels and a back panel, each of the panels secured at a side seam, the front panels and rear panel being a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course, wherein a grain of the garment liner is vertically along the garment.

15. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 14, wherein the front panels have a single layer of the stretch powernet, and the rear panel has a double layer of the stretch powernet.

16. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 14, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants and shorts, and the liner is further secured to the garment at a center front zipper of the garment.

17. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants, shorts, dresses and skirts, wherein the garment is a circular knit fabric consisting essentially of spandex and polyester, which stretches 40-100% along the wale and 50-100% along the course, wherein the garment liner is a stretch powernet fabric consisting essentially of spandex and nylon, which stretches 50-100% along the wale and 50-100 along the course.

18. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 17, wherein the garment is a dress, and the liner extends from an empire seam of the garment downward over the center abdomen.

19. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 18, wherein the liner extends up from the empire seam to provide front and back bust support.

20. The shape enhancing garment according to claim 17, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants, shorts, and skirts, and wherein the liner extends downward from the waistband along the hips and lower abdomen of the wearer.