Ready to Wear Adjustable Clothing System

Abstract

An adjustable, ready to wear garment that provides the appearance of the traditional sari without the complex assembly process; composed of a garment that includes a sari skirt or bottom with adjustable waistband, attached petticoat and uniformly sized pre-formed pleats. The waistband includes adjustment mechanisms, such as elastic, hooks and eyes, to adjust the tightness of the bottom according to the girth of a user, while the petticoat may include an open portion for further adjustment. The pre-fabricated pleats on the garment bottom do not require intricate folding and will not fall out, loosen, or require pinning. The included petticoat or undergarment is attached to the interior of the garment bottom. The waistband helps supports the weight of the bottom and maintain its placement at the user's waist. The regular waistband may be replaced with an expandable waistband or belly panel to accommodate changes in midsection girth for maternity users.

Description

CROSS-REF. TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to apparel, and more particularly to adjustable and ready-to-wear/pull-on clothing.

BACKGROUND

A sari is a piece of cloth or material, usually about six (6) yards in length, decoratively wrapped around the body. In order to properly wear a sari, a user typically also needs a petticoat and a blouse. The petticoat is an undergarment, similar to a slip, which may run from the waist to the ankle, ending just above the bottom hem of the sari. Typically, petticoats are tied tightly around the waist (or just above the hip), in order to hold up the weight of the sari. The sari is typically wrapped around the waist, tucked into the tight petticoat, with pleats also tucked into the petticoat, and with the remainder of the sari wrapped around the back and draped over a shoulder. As an undergarment, a petticoat is worn beneath the sari bottom and may cause discomfort to users during hours of extended wear. A sari blouse usually complements the sari fabric and can be stitched in various styles (sleeveless, cap sleeves, halter, etc . . . ), which may or may not cover the midriff area. The wearer may decide to conceal or expose the midriff area by choosing a longer or shorter blouse. Traditionally, once the petticoat and blouse are in place, the user would wrap and tuck the first few yards of sari fabric around the waist of the petticoat, create pleats, tuck the pleats into the waist of the petticoat, and then continue wrapping the remainder of the sari around the back and drape either shoulder, depending on the style desired by the user.

Traditional saris are not practical for everyday wear since it requires more time to put on than pants, skirt or a dress, multiple steps are involved in positioning, adjusting, and wearing the sari and the garment or pleats frequently tend to come loose. The sari is also not suitable for sports or other physical activities due to its tendency to come loose and fall out of place. Sari wearers also must learn how to wear the garment properly and master those steps in order to achieve a satisfactory sari appearance and experience. In addition, pleats may not be uniform in size due to human error, may become unfolded causing the sari to fall from the body or the user to trip over loose fabric. Also, with a traditional petticoat, the petticoat must be tight enough at the waist to prevent dislodging or other loosening of the sari garment. As indicated, there are several obstacles associated with wearing a traditional sari properly. Although attempts to integrate elastic waistbands into saris have been previously made, the appearance of the sari garment was compromised. An elastic waistband causes bunching of the sari fabric, which is unsightly and more likely to cause a user's overhanging skin and/or fat to spill across the waistband resulting in the appearance of an unsightly and undesirable “muffin top”. Bunching may result from having an elastic band around the majority of or the entire waist due to the inelasticity of the sari fabric and eliminates the desirable sleek appearance of the sari garment. Similarly, attempts to integrate elastic waistbands into petticoats have also been previously made, but the security of the sari staying in place was compromised.

Some prior versions of easy to wear or ready to wear saris require the user to commit to a waist size, failing to accommodate for weight loss or gain of the user and also causing similar constriction at the waist when the user sits down. Some ready to wear saris, such as Saxena (U.S. Pat. No. 3,840,899), are simply dresses that the user would step into and zip up the back. In reality, this type of mock sari dress would not give the appearance of a sari, but rather a dress with sari-like features. These types of sari dresses also prevent users from baring midriffs since they are essentially long dresses with pleats attached below the bust line and merely wrapping fabric around the dress. These prior versions also may have the pleats pre-formed and stitched in above the hips, which is not the most flattering and slimming location for the pleats. In fact, this placement makes the belly appear larger by adding bulk underneath the bust. Furthermore, some previous ready to wear saris do not provide the option of an interchangeable blouse.

Alternatively, other ready to wear saris, similar to Thammayya (U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,367), create a significant amount of bulkiness at the waist in an attempt to allow for an adjustable waistband. This type of elastic waist band would likely cause extreme discomfort for a larger wearer. If a larger woman was to wear this type of mock sari, she may need to hook the waistband at the last set of eyes to allow for a wider waist, leaving the unused eyes pressed against her skin, or worse, digging into her skin when she sits down, due to the constriction of the taut elastic band. Even if the waistband were folded in to create a smooth comfortable fabric lining against the skin, this would cause the wearer to appear bulkier with extra rolls at the waist. Furthermore, any use of a zipper in the sari bottom significantly reduces the types of sari fabrics that can be used for an easy to wear sari because a zipper would be visible through sheer sari fabrics which are very popular and fashionable. Finally, other prior versions of easy to wear saris do not include petticoats, further limiting the type of sari fabric that can be used.

The obstacles to wearing comfortable sari garments increase for women who have gained weight or are pregnant. The sari may become uncomfortable as the belly expands. The heavier and/or pregnant user may experience difficulty finding a sari that accommodates the expanding midsection. In addition, the petticoat, traditionally worn tightly against the midsection, may be incredibly uncomfortable and may leave indentations or sears on the skin after extended wear. The present invention addresses many of the previously mentioned concerns by adapting the sari into a single pull-on, pre-pleated garment for the bottom portion of the sari. In the alternative, the present invention encompasses a single pull-on, pre-pleated maternity sari for a pregnant user. The present invention also includes an adjustable waistband to accommodate for weight gain or loss, while maintaining the comfort of a built in petticoat to avoid tight knots against the skin. With this invention, users may achieve the look of the complex traditional sari without the knowledge or experience required to pleat, wrap, or pin the sari garment, without regard to changes in their weight or size, without fear of the sari garment becoming loose or dislodged from its proper position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an expandable and adjustable clothing system which mimics the appearance of the traditional sari without requiring the user to complete the numerous, time consuming, and complicated steps required to properly wear the sari. The present sari garment system includes a pull-on sari bottom, with a built-in petticoat layer covered by the sari fabric, pre-stitched pleats and an adjustable waistband closure. The sari waistband may be positioned above the hips or at a comfortable waist position on the user's body. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may also be adapted for a user in the more advanced stages of pregnancy (and post-partum) such that the adjustable waist closure can be replaced, in whole or in part, with a stretchable belly panel. The belly panel may extend above the abdomen or rest below the abdomen.

The petticoat is stitched into the sari bottom to create the appearance of a sari with pleats, but the pleats are pre-stitched and sewn into the sari bottom to avoid any unintended adjustment or fallout of pleats as is common with regular saris. In practice, a user would step into the combination sari bottom with pre-stitched pleats and attached petticoat, set the adjustment mechanisms to a comfortable position, and drape the remaining sari fabric over the shoulder. The present sari garment system can be interchanged with various blouse styles to create varied looks, accommodate users with differing upper and lower body sections, pregnant users with expanding bodies, and other persons who desire the look of the traditional sari without the hassle or discomfort typically associated with the traditional garment.

Users with changing midsections, due to simple weight gain or loss, or even early pregnancy, can still achieve the appearance of a traditional sari at special occasions without the expense or hassle of alterations or discomfort since a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustable waistband attached to the combined petticoat and sari. In addition, a user will also not be subjected to the discomfort of a tight petticoat against their midsection. The user of a preferred embodiment of the present invention also will not be burdened with the fear that the waist pleats will unfold or become uneven. Whereas with a regular sari, users typically attempt to secure or pin the pleats in place using numerous safety pins and risking the pins coming undone or even tearing the sari fabric. The present sari garment system also eliminates the need for safety pins anywhere in the bottom portion of the sari garment.

The bottom portion of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an enclosed petticoat, covered by the sari fabric and pre-stitched pleats, with an adjustable waistband. The waistband includes at least one piece of elastic enclosed in the waistband casing, along at least one point between the first end and second end of the waistband, of the sari bottom to allow for expansion as well as numerous enclosures at the hip and front pleats to further adjust the waistband to a comfortable, but secure waist size. An expandable belly panel or band, seen commonly in maternity wear, may replace the adjustable waistband, for additional support and comfort during the later stages of pregnancy as the belly continuously expands. The belly panel may extend from below the abdomen and upwards across the torso, such as beneath the bust, or the belly panel may remain below the abdomen. In the present embodiment, the belly panel may replace the waistband, in whole or in part, for users with a midsection not easily accommodated by an adjustable waistband. Waist adjustment devices such as elastic inserts, ultimate panels, full panels, demi panels or front demi panels may also be used in place of the waistband. Regardless of the type of waist adjustment device, the bottom edge of the waist adjustment device will he attached to the top edge of the sari bottom. The waist adjustment device may be at the front, back or side of the sari bottom or around the entire top edge of the sari bottom

A preferred embodiment of the present invention also allows a woman to wear the traditional sari garment without having to tie a petticoat tightly around her waist or hips, which may cause bruising and scarring if tied too tightly, for the purpose of holding up the sari material, which can be heavy. Instead the petticoat is connected to the waistband, which clings to the body and secures both the attached petticoat and attached sari fabric with pre-stitched pleats within the waistband. The petticoat in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is not cumbersome or uncomfortable since it does not use a drawstring or other typical method to tighten the garment to the body. The attached petticoat may also be stitched closed from the bottom to an area near the upper thigh to allow for further adjustability. However, the top portion of the petticoat will remain unstitched or open to further accommodate the adjustable waistband and the varied waist sizes allowed by the placement of the hook/eye closures.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable waistband utilizes a securing or closing mechanism composed of a first component and a second component. In a preferred embodiment, as described herein, the first component is an “eye” while the second component is a “hook”. The securing mechanism is made up of hooks that can be inserted along a strip of adjustable “eye” panels to secure separate sections of the waistband to each other. While the waistband in the present embodiment has a piece of elastic enclosed into the casing of the waistband, allowing for additional waist enlargement (and especially additional comfort when sitting), the hooks at the hip and front (pleats) can also be adjusted to hook into a strip of adjustable “eye” panels. Since this adjustable “eye” panel can essentially be as long as the top edge of the sari allows, it allows for inches of additional waist size adjustability for the user. A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes several methods of adjustment: top opening of attached petticoat, partial elastic waistband, and adjustable closing mechanisms along waistband (hooks/eyes in this embodiment).

The maternity version of a preferred embodiment of the present invention replaces the aforementioned waistband, in whole or in part, with an expandable belly panel or band. The bottom edge of the belly panel is attached to the top edge of the pre-pleated sari bottom and attached petticoat, creating a ready to wear, pull-on sari bottom. A user would step into the sari bottom (with the attached petticoat), place the attached belly panel either above or beneath the expanded midsection, and proceed to drape the remaining sari fabric over a shoulder. The maternity version of a preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a pre-pleated sari bottom with an attached and enclosed petticoat (reflecting an enclosed skirt), together presenting the traditional sari look without the typical hassle or discomfort.

It is to be understood that a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be combined with a variety of sari blouses, as well as other draping methods. Once a user has stepped into the combined sari bottom with the built-in petticoat, the remainder of the sari fabric may be wrapped around the user and draped over the shoulder. The sari shoulder draping may be pinned to a blouse at the shoulder to keep the sari shoulder draping from losing its position. The shoulder draping may be adjusted to achieve a variety of other styles of dress. In any case, the present adjustable sari bottom may be combined with various sari tops to achieve a variety of traditional sari looks.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pleats arc pre-stitched and sewn into the skirt at the time of manufacture. These pre-fabricated and secured pleats maintain the elegant, put-together look of the sari while also reducing the risk of injury from tripping over fallen pleats, lessening time required to wear the sari, and increasing comfort while wearing traditional sari garments. Unlike the pleats of the standard sari, these pre-stitched pleats are not susceptible to becoming loose, out of order, uneven, or falling out, which would create a tripping hazard, or even the appearance of an unsightly sari. The pre-fabricated pleats may be positioned at the exterior surface of the sari bottom, along any point between the first end and second end of the sari bottom. Furthermore, this pre-pleated sari with attached petticoat and an adjustable waistband only takes seconds to put on in contrast to the lengthy process required for traditional sari garments.

While the above summary is of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the invention may be modified, altered, or varied without deviating from the scope and fair meaning of the present invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a garment that mimics the appearance of a complex wrapped and pleated garment, but is actually comprised of a pre configured garment with an adjustable waist to accommodate weight gain and/or loss.

Another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to allow users to quickly wear the sari, which is traditionally difficult and time consuming to drape, without having to make even and uniform pleats at the waist since the pleats are pre-stitched into the waistband of the sari bottom.

Another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide the appearance of a traditional sari for a pregnant user without the discomfort, tightness, and constriction of a standard petticoat, which is typically tied tightly at the waist.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sari with an adjustable waistband to provide comfort and case of wear (pull-on) for a user who may gain or lose weight.

Another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sari with a large expansible belly band to provide comfort and ease of wear (pull-on) for a user with an expanding or enlarged midsection during pregnancy.

Another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide the appearance of the traditional sari without the discomfort typically experienced, possibly from a tight petticoat digging into the waist, as the users sits, stands, breathes, eats and goes about their usual activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the garment with a shoulder draping;

Ref. 1 is a sari bottom;

Ref. 2 are preformed pleats at the front of the sari bottom;

Ref. 3 is a petticoat attached to the sari bottom;

Ref. 4 is a waistband;

Ref. 6 is the waistband casing;

Ref. 9 is the sari shoulder draping;

FIG. 2 is an upper view of the garment with an alternate shoulder draping;

Ref. 1 is a sari bottom;

Ref. 2 are pre-formed pleats at the front of the sari bottom;

Ref. 3 is a petticoat attached to the sari bottom;

Ref. 4 is a waistband;

Ref. 6 is the waistband casing;

Ref. 9 is the sari shoulder draping;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the interior of the garment;

Ref. 1 is a sari bottom;

Ref. 2 are pre-formed pleats at the front of the sari bottom;

Ref. 3 is a petticoat attached to the sari bottom;

Ref. 4 is a waistband;

Ref. 6 is the waistband easing;

Ref. 7 is a waistband hook;

Ref. 8 is a series of waistband eyes;

Ref. 9 is the sari shoulder draping;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the garment;

Ref. 1 is a sari bottom;

Ref. 2 are pre-formed pleats at the front of the sari bottom;

Ref. 3 is a petticoat attached to the sari bottom;

Ref. 4 is a waistband;

Ref. 5 is elastic encased in the waistband;

Ref. 6 is the waistband casing;

Ref. 7 is a waistband hook;

Ref. 8 is a series of waistband eyes;

Ref. 9 is the sari shoulder draping;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the garment bottom;

Ref. 1 is a sari bottom;

Ref. 2 are pre-formed pleats at the front of the sari bottom;

Ref. 3 is a petticoat attached to the sari bottom;

Ref. 4 is a waistband;

Ref. 5 is elastic encased in the waistband;

Ref. 6 is the waistband easing;

Ref. 7 is a waistband hook;

Ref. 8 is a series of waistband eyes;

Ref. 9 is the sari shoulder draping;

FIG. 6 is a front side view of the maternity garment;

Ref. 1 is a sari bottom;

Ref. 2 are pre-formed pleats at the front of the sari bottom;

Ref. 3 is a petticoat attached to the sari bottom;

Ref. 9 is the sari shoulder draping;

Ref. 10 is an expandable belly panel above the sari bottom;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the maternity garment;

Ref. 1 is a sari bottom;

Ref. 3 is a petticoat attached to the sari bottom;

Ref. 9 is the sari shoulder draping;

Ref. 10 is an expandable belly panel above the sari bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, the present invention is an adjustable garment which accommodates changes in the diameter of the user's midsection due to weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancy while mimicking the appearance of the intricate sari, which traditionally takes a considerable amount of time and knowledge to properly position and drape on the user's body, and which traditionally can also be very uncomfortable and difficult to wear. The present invention is a single garment comprised of a sari bottom with pre-formed pleats, attached petticoat, and adjustable waistband. The waistband of the present invention, which is adjustable to accommodate different waist sizes either with a waistband with elastic incorporated or a maternity belly band, is combined with a sari bottom. A petticoat is integrated into the sari bottom piece of the sari garment, with pre-formed pleats also stitched into the sari bottom. In the case of a pregnant or post-partum user, the sari bottom may be modified such that the sari waistband is replaced, in whole or in part, with an expandable maternity belly band or belly panel integrated into the top portion of the combined sari bottom with the attached petticoat. In practice, a user may choose any blouse to wear with the present sari garment. Once the sari bottom has been adjusted and hooked to a user's waist size and comfort, the remaining sari fabric may be wrapped around the user and draped over the user's shoulder. Referring to the aforementioned figures in greater detail, like reference numbers denote like parts in the various FIGS. 1-7.

With regard to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of the sari garment is shown. The garment is comprised of a sari bottom 1 with an attached petticoat 3 beneath the sari bottom or skirt, which both surround the waist. The sari bottom also includes pre-formed pleats 2 to mimic the appearance of a traditional sari without the danger of fallen or uneven pleats. The top edges of the combined sari bottom 1 and petticoat 3 are also attached to the waistband. The waistband 4 at the top edge of the sari may be comprised of sari material to minimize the appearance of a waistband. Further, a section of the waistband may include waistband elastic enclosed in a waistband casing 6. This adjustable feature allows the waistband 4 to expand when the user requires additional room (for example, such as when sitting) without bunching or compromising the sleekness of the sari or the uniformity of the pre-formed pleats 2. Sari closure mechanisms are positioned at the ends of the waistband to allow for the closure of the sari bottom or skirt 1. The present embodiment also includes pre-stitched or pre-formed pleats on the front of the sari bottom. The preformed pleats 2 remain uniform and in place through extended wear of the sari garment. Once the sari bottom is in position, the remaining sari fabric may be placed over the shoulder as the sari shoulder draping 9.

With regard to FIG. 2, an upper view of the sari garment is shown in an alternative draping style. The sari bottom includes an attached petticoat 3 underneath the sari bottom 1 and pre-formed pleats 2 to mimic the appearance of a traditional sari without the danger of fallen or uneven pleats. The top edges of the combined sari bottom 1 and petticoat 3 are also attached to the waistband 4. A section of the waistband contains waistband elastic encased within a waistband casing 6 to allow expansion in the waist portion of the garment so the user has a few extra inches of comfort when sitting. The present embodiment also includes pre-stitched or pre-formed pleats 2 on the front of the sari bottom 1. The preformed pleats remain uniform and in place through extended wear of the sari garment. Once the sari is in position, the remaining sari fabric may be placed over the shoulder as the sari shoulder draping 9.

With regard to FIG. 3, a front view of the interior of the sari garment is shown. In this view, the sari bottom 1 is open. The petticoat 3 beneath the sari bottom 1, can be seen when the sari bottom is undone. The present embodiment also includes pre-stitched or pre-formed pleats 2 on the front of the sari bottom 1. The preformed pleats 2 remain uniform and in place through extended wear of the sari garment. In this embodiment, a first closure mechanism may be positioned along the right hip position of the sari waistband 4 and a second closure mechanism may be near the preformed pleats 2. A user would attach the second closure mechanism to the first closure mechanism at a point along the waist that creates a secure, but comfortable fit of the sari garment. Closure mechanisms may include but are not limited to hooks and eyes, snaps, and buttons. The hook 7 at a first end of the waistband may be attached to the eyes panel 8, located at the right hip, to secure the location of the pleats at an appropriate and comfortable waist position. The hook 7 at the interior of the pleated end of the waistband may be attached to the eyes panel 8, located at the front navel, to secure a comfortable waist position. The top edges of the combined sari bottom 1 and petticoat 3 are also attached to the waistband 4. While the bottom portion of the petticoat 3 is closed, a top portion of the petticoat 3 remains open or unstitched to provide additional adjustability to the waistband 4 of the sari bottom 1. A section of the waistband contains waistband elastic encased within a waistband casing 6 to allow expansion in the waist portion of the garment. Once the sari is in position, the remaining sari fabric may be placed over the shoulder as the sari shoulder draping 9.

With regard to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the sari garment is shown. The sari bottom 1 includes an attached petticoat 3 underneath the sari bottom 1 and pre-formed pleats 2 to mimic the appearance of a traditional sari without the danger of fallen or uneven pleats. A section of the waistband 4 contains waistband elastic 5 encased within a waistband casing 6 to allow expansion in the waist portion of the garment. Sari closure mechanisms are positioned at the ends of the waistband to allow for the closure of the sari bottom or skirt. In this embodiment, a series of waistband eyes 8 can be positioned along the sari waistband and a waistband hook 7 may be near the preformed pleats such that the length of the waistband may be further adjusted depending on which eye the hook is connected to. The top of the sari garment, or sari shoulder draping 9, may be positioned in a variety of styles. The sari top may be pinned to an optional blouse to further secure the draping.

With regard to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the sari bottom is shown. The sari bottom 1 includes an attached petticoat 3 underneath the sari bottom 1 and pre-formed pleats 2 to mimic the appearance of a traditional sari without the danger of fallen or uneven pleats. The top edges of the combined sari bottom 1 and petticoat 3 are also attached to the waistband 4. A section of the waistband 4 contains waistband elastic 5 encased within a waistband casing 6 to allow expansion in the waist portion of the garment so the user has a few extra inches of comfort when sitting. This adjustable feature allows the waistband 4 to expand when the user requires additional room (for example, such as when sitting) without bunching or compromising the sleekness of the sari or the uniformity of the pre-formed pleats. A series of waistband eyes 8 are positioned at the right hip region along the sari waistband and a waistband hook 7 may be at the beginning edge of the sari waistband such that the length of the waistband may be adjusted and secured depending on which eye 8 the hook 7 is connected to. An additional series of waistband eyes 8 may be positioned along the sari waistband, near the navel, and a waistband hook 7 may be inside the end of the waistband on the interior of the waistband behind the pre-stitched pleats such that the length of the waistband may be further adjusted and secured depending on which eye 8 the hook 7 is connected to. Once the sari is in position, the remaining sari fabric may be placed over the shoulder as the sari shoulder draping 9.

With regard to FIG. 6, a front side view of the maternity sari garment. The sari bottom 1 includes an attached interior petticoat 3 and pre-formed pleats 2 to mimic the appearance of a traditional sari. The top edges of the combined sari bottom 1 and petticoat 3 are also attached to the expandable belly panel 10 (in place of the waistband with encased elastic). The maternity waistband consists of an expandable bellyband 10 attached to the top of the combined sari bottom 1/petticoat 3 with pre-formed pleats 2. The expandable belly panel 10 prevents bunching and any compromise of the sleekness of the sari or the uniformity of the pre-formed pleats 2. In practice, a user would step into the combined sari bottom 1 with the attached petticoat 3 and pull the maternity bellyband 10 over the expanded belly section before placing the sari shoulder draping 9 over the shoulder.

With regard to FIG. 7, a rear view of the maternity sari garment is shown. The sari bottom 1 includes an attached interior petticoat 3 and pre-formed pleats to mimic the appearance of a traditional sari. The top edges of the combined sari bottom 1 and petticoat 3 are also attached to the maternity waistband belly panel 10. The adjustable waistband device is replaced by attaching a maternity bellyband 10 to the top of the pre-pleated sari skirt with stitched in petticoat. In practice, a user would step into the combined sari bottom 1 with the attached petticoat 3 and pull the maternity bellyband 10 over the expanded belly section before placing the sari shoulder draping 9 over the shoulder.

While the above description is of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the invention may be modified, altered, or varied without deviating from the scope and fair meaning of the following claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable garment, which mimics the appearance of a complex garment, which is comprised of:

a body portion comprised of an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein said body portion further contains a first end and a second end, wherein said body portion further contains a top edge and a bottom edge; and

at least one adjustment mechanism.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein said body portion is further comprised of an undergarment attached to said interior surface of said body portion, said undergarment further spanning from said first end of said body portion to said second end of said body portion, said undergarment further spanning from said top edge of said body portion to said bottom edge of said body portion;

a series of pleats incorporated within said exterior surface of said body portion at a point between said first end of said body portion and said second end of said body portion, said pleats spanning from said top edge of said body portion to said bottom edge said body portion;

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein a first adjustment mechanism is a waistband connected to the periphery of said top edge of said body portion, wherein said waistband further contains a first end and a second end.

4. The garment of claim 3 wherein said waistband includes at least one section of elastic material along the periphery of said waistband at a point between said first end of said waistband and said second end of said waistband.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein said body portion is closed when said first end of said waistband is secured at a first point along said periphery of said waistband and said second end of said waistband is secured at a second point along said periphery of waistband.

6. The garment of claim 5, wherein said first end of said waistband contains a first component of a second adjustment mechanism, wherein said second end of said waistband contains a second component of said second adjustment mechanism.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein said second adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of hooks and eyes, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons and holes, and buckles.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein said first end of said waistband contains a first component of a third adjustment mechanism, wherein said second end of said waistband contains a second component of said third adjustment mechanism.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein said third adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: hooks and eyes, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons and holes, and buckles.

10. The garment of claim 2, wherein a first adjustment mechanism is a belly panel, further containing a top edge and a bottom edge.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein said bottom edge of said belly panel is attached to said the periphery of said top edge of said body portion.