Combination Shirt and Jacket

Abstract

A combination shirt and jacket includes a shirt front portion having a collar formed at an upper end of the shirt front portion and first attachment mechanisms formed along sides of the shirt front portion, a jacket element. The jacket element includes second attachment mechanisms attached to an interior of the jacket element for engaging the first attachment mechanisms of the shirt front portion and a liner-less back portion formed along a back of the jack and adjacent to a wearer's back, the liner-less back portion shaped to fit with the back panel portion of the shirt element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/254,211 entitled “Shirt and Jacket Combination,” which was filed on Nov. 12, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of formal and semi-formal clothing. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a shirt and jacket combination for providing increased comfort to a wearer of the shirt and jacket.

BACKGROUND

Men's and women's formal wear, such as suits and tuxedos, typically requires multiple layers of garments including a dress shirt, jacket, pants, and other accessories such as a tie, bowtie, socks, shoes, jewelry, or other accessories to complete an ensemble.

The heaviest portion of a formal or semi-formal outfit is typically the jacket and shirt. Other layers may be included such as a vest or cummerbund. These layers are positioned adjacent a wearer's torso and often results in the wearer becoming hot and sweating. This is particularly true in warm and humid climates, often making wearing these garments hot and uncomfortable. Additional difficulties related wearing a formal or semi-formal outfit formed of multiple layers include a length of time required to put on the outfit and the cost of purchasing each individual layer for the outfit.

What is needed, therefore, is suit and jacket combination that reduces a number of layers of clothing worn and that allows ready customization of the suit and jacket combination.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by a combination shirt and jacket that includes a removable shirt front portion. In a first aspect, a combination shirt and jacket is provided having: a shirt front portion having a collar formed at an upper end of the shirt front portion and first attachment mechanisms formed along sides of the shirt front portion, a jacket element having partial liner elements formed on interior sides of the jacket, second attachment mechanisms attached to an interior of the jacket element for engaging the first attachment mechanisms of the shirt front portion, and a liner-less back portion formed along a back of the jack and adjacent to a wearer's back, the liner-less back portion shaped to fit with the back panel portion of the shirt element.

In one embodiment, the combination shirt and jacket further includes a back panel portion attached at an upper end to the collar of the shirt front portion, the back panel portion extending along a length of the wearer's back.

In another embodiment, the first attachment mechanisms are formed along sides of both the shirt front portion and the back panel portion.

In yet another embodiment, the jacket element further includes a pair of removable cuffs attached to ends of sleeves of the jacket.

In one embodiment, the combination shirt and jacket further includes an attachment mechanism formed around an edge of each of the removable cuffs for attaching the cuffs to the sleeves of the jacket. In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a zipper.

In another embodiment, the shirt front portion and jacket element are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, cashmere, and wool, and wherein the back panel portion is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and spandex.

In a second aspect, a combination shirt and jacket is provided having: a shirt front portion having a collar formed at an upper end of the shirt front portion and first attachment mechanisms formed along sides of the shirt front portion, a jacket element having partial liner elements formed on interior sides of the jacket, second attachment mechanisms attached to an interior of the jacket element for engaging the first attachment mechanisms of the shirt front portion, and a liner-less back portion formed along a back of the jack and adjacent to a wearer's back, the liner-less back portion shaped to fit with the back panel portion of the shirt element; and a back panel portion attached at an upper end to the collar of the shirt front portion, the back panel portion extending along a length of the wearer's back.

In one embodiment, the shirt front portion and jacket element are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, cashmere, and wool, and wherein the back panel portion is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and spandex.

In a third aspect, a combination shirt and jacket is provided having a shirt front portion having a collar formed at an upper end of the shirt front portion and first attachment mechanisms formed along sides of the shirt front portion, a jacket element having partial liner elements formed on interior sides of the jacket, second attachment mechanisms attached to an interior of the jacket element for engaging the first attachment mechanisms of the shirt front portion, and a liner-less back portion formed along a back of the jack and adjacent to a wearer's back, the liner-less back portion shaped to fit with the back panel portion of the shirt element; and a back panel portion attached at an upper end to the collar of the shirt front portion, the back panel portion extending along a length of the wearer's back. The shirt front portion and jacket element are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, cashmere, and wool, and wherein the back panel portion is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and spandex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-3 show a shirt front and jacket combination according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a shirt front portion of a combination shirt and jacket according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a jacket element of a combination shirt and jacket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows an interior view of a combination shirt and jacket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 8-10 show embodiments of removable cuffs of a combination shirt and jacket according embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control.

A suit and jacket combination is provided that reduces a number of layers required to be worn while still giving the appearance of formal or semi-formal wear. As referred to herein, formal wear and semi-formal wear includes suits, tuxedos, dress suits, dress coats, tail coats, dinner jackets, morning suits, lounge suits, business suits, and other various forms of formal and semi formal wear that include multiple layers such as a shirt and jacket.

FIG. 1 shows a basic embodiment of a combination shirt and jacket 10 including a shirt element 12, a jacket element 14, and a pair of cuffs 16 and 18. The shirt element 12 and pair of cuffs 16 and 18 are removably attached to the jacket element 14 and give the appearance of a traditional dress shirt worn under a jacket. Specifically, the shirt element 12 and pair of cuffs 16 and 18 provide an appearance of being formed of a full dress shirt, wherein the pair of cuffs 16 and 18 extend slightly beyond an end of sleeves of the jacket 14, wherein the jacket 14 has some degree of movement relative to the shirt element 12 such that the jacket 14 may be worn in an unbuttoned configuration shown in FIG. 1 or a buttoned configuration shown in FIG. 2, and wherein the shirt element 12 substantially overlaps the jacket element 14 such that the jacket 14 may be opened while still giving the appearance of a full dress shirt as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the shirt element includes a shirt front portion 19 having one or more buttons 20 and a collar 22. The shirt element 12 may be formed of any color, pattern, or material, or can be any combination of shirt/vest or shirt/cummerbund of any color style pattern or material. Any combination of shirt/vest/cummerbund will be sewn and attached together as one piece to become one “insert”. As shown in FIG. 5, the shirt element 12 includes a back panel portion 24 that is positioned between a wearer's back and a back portion of the jacket 14 when worn. The back panel portion 24 is preferably formed of a moisture wicking or performance material. For example, the moisture wicking or performance material may be polyester or another type of synthetic fiber. The back panel portion 24 is attached at an upper end to the collar 22 of the shirt front portion 19 and extends along a length of a wearer's back. The back panel portion 24 may be attached by sewing or otherwise permanently attaching the back panel portion 24 to the shirt front portion 19 or, alternatively, may be removably attached using one or more fasteners or other mechanisms such as a zipper. The shirt element 12 is attached to the jacket element 14 using attachment mechanisms 25 and 26 as described in greater detail below.

The shirt element 12 includes cutouts 27 and 29, and the attachment mechanism is formed along an edge of the cutouts for attaching the shirt element 12 to the jacket 14. The attachment mechanism may be formed of one or more buttons, snaps, zippers, straps, or any other acceptable method of attaching one garment to another without directly sewing together.

As shown in FIG. 5, the attachment mechanism 26 is formed into a U-shape around sides of the shirt element 12 such that a wearer's arms pass through the U-shaped opening formed within the attachment mechanism 26.

The attachment mechanism is adapted to attach to matching attachment mechanism portions attached to the jacket element 14, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The attachment mechanisms of are jacket is shaped to conform to and mate with the attachment mechanism of the shirt element positioned around the cutout of the shirt element. The shirt element 12 attaches to the jacket element 14 using the attachment mechanisms 25 and 26. If worn without the jacket element 14, the shirt element 12 covers a front portion of the wearer and includes the back portion 24 that is positioned between the wearer's back and a liner-less portion of the jacket element 14 as described in greater detail below.

With further reference to FIG. 7, the jacket element 14 includes partial liner portions 30 and 32 positioned on sides of the jacket element 14. The jacket element 14 further includes a liner-less portion 34 along a back of the jacket element 14. The liner-less portion 34 is aligned with the moisture wicking back portion 24 described above, such that when a wearer is wearing both the shirt element 12 and jacket element 14, the back portion 24 of the shirt 14 fits adjacent the liner-less portion 34 of the jacket element 14.

The shirt front portion 19 and jacket element 14 are preferably made of typical dress shirt and jacket materials, such as woven cotton, cashmere, or wool. The back panel portion 24 is preferably formed of a different material from the shirt front portion 19, and is more preferably formed of a performance or moisture wicking material such as polyester, spandex, or nylon. In one embodiment, the shirt front portion 19 may not include the back panel portion 24 such that a user's back is only covered by a single layer of the jacket element 14 as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the suit and jacket combination includes a pair of cuffs that are removably attached to the jacket element at the end of sleeves of the jacket. The sleeves may be formed of a strip of fabric including one or more buttons and an attachment mechanism formed along an edge of the strip. The cuff shall may be any current style, shape, color, or design of a dress or tuxedo cuff. The attachment mechanism of the cuff engages with an attachment mechanism located at an end of the sleeve of the jacket (FIG. 10) such that each of the pair of cuffs is removably attached to the jacket element at the end of the sleeves, thereby giving the appearance of traditional cuffs of a dress shirt.

When the pair of cuffs are attached to the jacket element, the cuffs give the appearance of a traditional dress shirt by extending a desired amount from an end of the sleeves. A button or cuff link may be included with the pair of cuffs to otherwise close the cuff around a wrist of the wearer and further enhance the appearance of a traditional dress shirt. When attached, the cuffs are fully independent of the shirt element, thereby making it possible to mix combinations of colors and patterns of cuffs and shirt elements.

The jacket, shirt element, and pair of cuffs combine to create an overall appearance of a separate jacket and dress shirt while only covering the wearer with one layer of clothing. In some embodiments, a single moisture wicking material may be formed within or adjacent to the shirt element and jacket to further prevent sweating or other overheating of the individual wearing the jacket and shirt combination. By removing a liner along a back portion of the jacket 14, fewer layers are between a wearer and an outside environment, thus providing a cooler arrangement of clothing on the wearer than a typical separate shirt and jacket. Further, the shirt element 12 may be subsequently removed such that the shirt element 12 may be laundered.

When in use, a wearer may select a particular shirt element 12, jacket element 14, and pair of cuffs 16 and 18 for being combined with one another. After selecting each of these elements in a desired appearance, the shirt element may be attached to the jacket element and pair of cuffs also attached to the jacket to create a jacket and shirt combination that gives the appearance of a traditional dress shirt. However, the jacket and shirt combination of the present application only results in a substantially single layer of clothing worn by an individual to substantially reduce the likelihood of a wearer becoming hot. Unlike other various clothing combinations, the shirt and jacket combination of the present disclosure includes a substantial overlap between the shirt element and jacket such that the jacket may be opened, buttoned closed, or otherwise adjusted while still maintaining the appearance of a separate jacket and dress shirt. This is accomplished by including a full front of the shirt element that may be tucked into a pair of pants. Further, the attachment mechanism of the shirt element and jacket are substantially U-shaped such and positioned below a collar of the shirt element such that the attachment mechanism remains concealed even during adjustment of the jacket.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A combination shirt and jacket comprising:

a shirt front portion having a collar formed at an upper end of the shirt front portion and first attachment mechanisms formed along sides of the shirt front portion,

a jacket element having partial liner elements formed on interior sides of the jacket, second attachment mechanisms attached to an interior of the jacket element for engaging the first attachment mechanisms of the shirt front portion, and a liner-less back portion formed along a back of the jack and adjacent to a wearer's back, the liner-less back portion shaped to fit with the back panel portion of the shirt element.

2. The combination shirt and jacket of claim 1 further comprising a back panel portion attached at an upper end to the collar of the shirt front portion, the back panel portion extending along a length of the wearer's back.

3. The combination shirt and jacket of claim 2, wherein the first attachment mechanisms are formed along sides of both the shirt front portion and the back panel portion.

4. The combination shirt and jacket of claim 1, the jacket element further comprising a pair of removable cuffs attached to ends of sleeves of the jacket.

5. The combination shirt and jacket of claim 4, further comprising an attachment mechanism formed around an edge of each of the removable cuffs for attaching the cuffs to the sleeves of the jacket.

6. The combination shirt and jacket of claim 5, wherein the attachment mechanism is a zipper.

7. The combination shirt and jacket of claim 2, wherein the shirt front portion and jacket element are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, cashmere, and wool, and wherein the back panel portion is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and spandex.

8. A combination shirt and jacket comprising:

a shirt front portion having a collar formed at an upper end of the shirt front portion and first attachment mechanisms formed along sides of the shirt front portion,

a jacket element having partial liner elements formed on interior sides of the jacket, second attachment mechanisms attached to an interior of the jacket element for engaging the first attachment mechanisms of the shirt front portion, and a liner-less back portion formed along a back of the jack and adjacent to a wearer's back, the liner-less back portion shaped to fit with the back panel portion of the shirt element; and

a back panel portion attached at an upper end to the collar of the shirt front portion, the back panel portion extending along a length of the wearer's back.

9. The combination shirt and jacket of claim 8, wherein the shirt front portion and jacket element are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, cashmere, and wool, and wherein the back panel portion is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and spandex.

10. A combination shirt and jacket comprising:

a shirt front portion having a collar formed at an upper end of the shirt front portion and first attachment mechanisms formed along sides of the shirt front portion,

a jacket element having partial liner elements formed on interior sides of the jacket, second attachment mechanisms attached to an interior of the jacket element for engaging the first attachment mechanisms of the shirt front portion, and a liner-less back portion formed along a back of the jack and adjacent to a wearer's back, the liner-less back portion shaped to fit with the back panel portion of the shirt element; and

a back panel portion attached at an upper end to the collar of the shirt front portion, the back panel portion extending along a length of the wearer's back;

wherein the shirt front portion and jacket element are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, cashmere, and wool, and wherein the back panel portion is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and spandex.