Abstract: A convertible jacket is provided that can be easily converted between a single breasted configuration and a double breasted configuration. The jacket includes a jacket body having a front median opening defined by opposing vertical edges which are continuous with a horizontal edge at the top of the back of the jacket body. The jacket further includes a jacket dickey model which is attached to the jacket body along the opposing vertical edges and horizontal edge defining the median opening of the jacket body. The jacket dickey model may include a single breasted collar and an edge-to-edge jacket closure to form a single breasted jacket, or may include a double breasted collar and an overlapping jacket closure to form a double breasted jacket. Preferably, the jacket dickey model is attached to the jacket body by a continuous attachment device, such as a zipper.

Abstract: A lined upper body clothing article, such as a jacket, that includes a carrying article, such as a tote bag, concealed between the rear panel of the jacket shell and the rear panel of the jacket lining. One wall of the carrying article is sewn or zippered to the lining, but the shell of the jacket is not attached to the carrying article. The mouth of the carrying article is located at a zippered seam between the bottom of the rear panel of the jacket shell and the bottom of the rear panel of the jacket lining. At this zippered seam, the carrying article may be opened and the bottom of the rear panel of the jacket shell separated from the bottom of the rear panel of the jacket lining. The carrying article is configured inside-out when the jacket is in the as-worn position. Accordingly, when the zipper is opened, the jacket can be easily folded into the carrying article as the carrying article is turned from inside-out to outside-out.

Abstract: A versatile weather-resistant, ventilated, and protective garment particularly for wear by operators, occupants, and passengers of motor-sports vehicles, such as motorcycles, other vehicles, and some open aircraft, includes a water-proof garment shell provided with a vent opening. The vent opening may be secured open or closed in a fair-weather configuration. for foul weather, the vent opening also includes a labyrinth seal structure in combination with a generally vertically-extending water-gutter structure so that wind-blown rain water and traffic mist, for example, will be blocked from entry into the garment. Water which does enter an outer portion of the vent openings, will be drained by the water-gutter structure. The garment also includes a cargo storage system having a storage area with plural pockets allowing the wearer to carry along small personal items in the garment. An opening of the ventilation structure also provides access to the cargo storage area.

Abstract: An outer shell is stitched to the lower edge of an outer collar part which has its upper edge stitched to the upper edge of an inner collar part. The inner collar part has a lower edge stitched to a neck facing which carries a quick-disconnect fastening means for engaging a quick-disconnect fastening means on the upper edge of a separate liner so that the collar portion and the liner can be quickly manually disconnected from and connected to one another. The lower edge of the outer collar part is stitched to the upper edge of a collar facing which is in turn has its lower edge stitched to the outer shell. A moisture barrier has its upper edge stitched to the upper edges of the inner and outer collar parts, while its lower edge is stitched to the lower edge of the collar facing and the outer shell. The moisture barrier extends above and below the upper edge portion of the liner when the collar portion is in an upright position.

Abstract: A stow-away traveler's jacket made from a one or two piece modular construction. The upper jacket or torso covering section has arm outlet and resembles a shortened version of a conventional jacket. The lower section has a belted portion or some other user fastening device and at least one storage liner pocket into which the folded upper section may be stowed and then worn like a belt. There may be storage pockets made of two flapped front pockets.

Abstract: A foldable bag attached to a fabric article mainly including a fabric article, such as a coat, and small and larger bag sewn at one edge to the fabric article, such that the fabric article can be easily folded and received in the small bag via an opening of the small bag, and the small bag with the fabric-made article received therein can be easily contained in the larger bag by turning the big bag inside out. The larger bag also has an opening through which many other articles can be put into the larger bag along with the small bag and the folded fabric article packed in the small bag for convenient carrying and managment.

Abstract: A jacket having a large storage compartment located in the upper central region of the rear of the jacket. In one embodiment of the invention, jacket 2 comprises a torso portion 8 having a large storage compartment 36 located in the upper central region of the back or rear side of torso portion 8 and having a flap 38 which can be moved from a "closed" position in which the contents of storage compartment 36 are covered and/or protected, to an "open" position in which items can be placed into or removed from storage compartment 36.

Abstract: A jacket with sails situated beneath associated sleeves including a jacket having a torso portion with a front, a back, an open top, an open bottom, and a pair of sides. The jacket further has a pair of sleeves coupled at inboard ends thereof to the sides adjacent the open top thereof. A pair of vertically oriented elongated thin pockets each extend between the open bottom of the jacket and an intersection of an associated sleeve and the torso portion. Further provided are a pair of wings each with a first side edge coupled within the pocket along a length thereof. Each wing further has a second side edge coupleable to an adjacent sleeve. In use, the wings have a stored orientation within the pockets and an employed orientation with the second side edge coupled to the associated sleeve.

Abstract: A firefighter garment having a low friction liner system which includes an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material, a moisture barrier layer made of a water-resistant material, a thermal barrier layer and a layer of material having high-lubricity positioned within the outer shell. In one embodiment, the high-lubricity layer is composed of a fire resistant filament yarn and is attached to the inside face of the thermal liner; that is, the face positioned next to the clothing of a wearer of the garment. In another embodiment, the layer of high-lubricity material is positioned to form a substrate for the moisture barrier and is located between the moisture barrier and outer shell. A garment having two layers of high-lubricity material, one forming an inside face of the thermal liner and the other forming an interface between the moisture barrier and outer shell, is also preferable.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, modular jacket includes a vest which has a vest front panel, a vest rear panel, a pair of armholes and a fastener for opening the vest. A plurality of pockets covers the outer surface of the vest. The vest has a fastener for releasably attaching a pair of detachable sleeves to the pair of armholes. The inner jacket has a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of sleeves and a means for opening the inner jacket. The exterior surface of the rear panel has a pouch. A plurality of pockets covers the pouch and the exterior surface. The inner jacket has a collar which contains a collapsible hood. A first composite jacket is formed by fastening the vest to the inner jacket. The first composite jacket has an outside surface which is the exterior surface and an inside surface which is the outer surface. The outer jacket has a jacket front panel, a jacket rear panel, a first pair of sleeves and a fastener for opening the outer jacket.

Abstract: A form-fitting coat construction having two front panels with an interliner secured to each panel. The interliner is a stiff fabric that when secured to the fabric panel has a grain orientation the same as that of the fabric panels. The interliner may include primary and secondary chest pieces under the interliner to form a composite. The primary chest piece can be comprised of a felt material and the secondary chest piece can be comprised of hair cloth. This interliner structure prevents puckering and cockles in coats.

Abstract: An insulated garment which includes an outer fabric and an inner fabric and at least two layers of insulation between the inner and outer fabrics. A first layer of insulation contiguous to the outer fabric is a synthetic material and a second layer of insulation contiguous to the inner fabric is goose down. Stitching maintaining the inner and outer fabrics to the two layers of insulation is patterned so that the stitching of one of the layers of insulation is contiguous to mid-points between the stitching of the second layer of insulation.

Abstract: An integral backpack/upper body garment comprises a garment to which a split backpack is attached or attachable to the back panel of an upper body garment. A front backpack assembly including front assembly with shoulder straps is attached/attachable to the front face of the back panel, and a rear backpack assembly including storage compartments is attached/attachable to the rear face of the back panel. A circumferential garment compartment has two walls, one attached to the front assembly and one attached to the rear assembly. The jacket may be rolled up or folded into the garment compartment and the two walls joined by a closure to protectively enclose the garment therein when it is not worn. The backpack may be worn with or without the integral jacket, and the jacket may be worn with or without the backpack.

Abstract: A parka is formed with a substantially rhomboid shaped beaver tail secured at the center and adjacent to the bottom of the back of the parka and is movable from a stored position to a deployed operative position wherein it extends between the legs and part way up the front of the parka, thereby to pull the bottom circumferential edge of the parka into close relationship with the top, the outside of the legs of the wearer while the beaver tail is in close contact with the inside of the legs in the crotch area to provide a better sealed garment.

Abstract: A device for carrying a concealed weapon comprising first and second flexible fabric panels, overlying the other, the panels being releasibly secured to one another in an overlying relationship; a holster is securely and removably secured to one of the panels and covered by the other of the panels, thus concealing and cushioning the weapon; the panels are joined along a common edge, and releasably connected along at least two other edges thereof in such a manner that the panels may be quickly separated to reveal the holster and enable removal of the weapon by the wearer.

Abstract: A jacket or coat having a cape with sleeves with a portion extending down over a user's chest. A body portion covers the trunk and a portion of the chest. An attachment element is connected between the body portion and the cape.

Abstract: A multi-use hazardous duty garment ensemble, such as a firefighting turnout garment, comprises an outer shell component and a removable inner liner component positioned within the outer shell component. The inner liner component is separable by the outer shell component and is adapted to be wearable as a second hazardous duty garment, such as an emergency medical service garment or a station work uniform garment. The outer shell component, separated from the inner liner component, is adapted to be wearable as a third hazardous duty garment, such as a wildfire brush fire firefighting garment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coat having a shell piece, a fusible interlining, a lapel support component, and a separate chest support component. The shell piece includes body and lapel portions. The body portion has a curved upper edge for attachment to a sleeve. The fusible interlining is attached to only the body portion of the shell piece. The lapel support component is attached to only the lapel portion of the shell piece. The separate chest support component is attached to the body portion of the body piece. The lapel support component and the chest support component are formed from first and second materials having different average weights.

Abstract: A firefighter garment which includes an outer shell, a thermal layer and a combination moisture barrier and facecloth. In the preferred embodiment, the combination moisture barrier and facecloth layer includes a semi-permeable component, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, which is attached to a facecloth material of a high lubricity filament yarn. The semi-permeable component functions as a moisture barrier and the filament yarn component provides a low friction interface between the garment and its wearer, thereby reducing heat stress imposed on the wearer of the garment during firefighting activity. The filament component also functions as a substrate for the moisture barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the thermal liner includes a layer of apertured flame and heat resistant unicellular or closed cell foam which is positioned between the outer shell and the combination moisture barrier and facecloth.

Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit, a temperature sensor and a speaker are incorporated in a protective garment having an exterior heat resistant shell and an interior lining to provide a garment that can indicate that the exterior heat resistant shell has exceeded a predetermined temperature limit.

Abstract: Separatable clothes including a base panel for covering a part of the body, and a plurality of auxiliary panels detachably fastening to one another or to the base panel by zippers, hook and loop materials, and snaps for covering the limbs or a part of the body.

Abstract: The firefighters coat is provided with a seal which is disposed adjacent the inner surface of the coat and which extends along the lower edge portion of the coat. The lower part of the seal is stitched to the lower edge portion of the coat, and the seal extends upwardly from the lower edge portion of the coat. The seal has an elastic upper part which is normally spaced a substantial distance above the lower edge portions of the coat and is adapted to hold the upper part of the seal tight against cooperating firefighter pants even when the coat rises up as occurs when a firefighter lifts his arms or bends over.

Abstract: An outer garment such as a vest having an integral back supporting belt having a pair of inner straps for closing the belt around the wearer and outer tightening straps for pulling a lumbar supporting region tight to the wearer's back.

Abstract: A caddy integral to a jacket or other upper garment is provided for conveniently storing and accessing companion pants or other lower garment. A panel formed of mesh net or other porous fabric or other material is joined to an inner surface of the upper garment to form a compartment for receiving the lower garment, the compartment being sized to evenly distribute the bulk of the lower garment over a substantial portion of the inner surface of the upper garment. A hanger device is provided in the compartment for supporting the lower garment within the compartment while the upper garment is being worn. The compartment is constructed to allow access to the compartment from the inside of the upper garment to permit a wearer to quickly and easily remove the lower garment from the compartment, without removal of the upper garment.

Abstract: A combination carrier pack and single upper torso outerwear garment is disclosed and taught. A pack member is provided to be secured around the mid-section of a person. The pack has a front portion, a back portion, first and second opposed end portions, and a closeable compartment defined therewithin. A mechanism for releasably closing and opening the compartment is also provided. A single upper torso outerwear garment is integrally connected within the closeable compartment of the pack. In order to be worn around the mid-section of a person, a belt member is associated with the first and second opposed end portions of the pack. In preferred embodiments, the belt members include interconnecting fastening mechanisms at their distal ends for size adjustment, and for removable attachment of the pack about the mid-section of a person.

Abstract: A back support for a human user includes an elastic support belt having first and second free ends, members secured to the support belt for releasably joining the free ends for maintaining the belt in a closed position in which it forms a closed surface adapted to encircle a human user, and structure secured to the support belt for releasably maintaining the belt in an open position in which the support belt free ends are unattached to each other. A related back support garment includes a garment body having a garment front and a garment back defining an inside and an outside of the garment, the garment body being suitably sized for a human wearer. An elastic support belt is disposed inside the garment body and secured thereto. The elastic support belt has first and second free ends and also has structure for releasably joining the free ends for maintaining the support belt in a closed position in which the support belt forms a closed surface adapted to encircle the human wearer.

Abstract: A firefighter garment having a low friction liner system which includes an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material, a moisture barrier layer made of a water-resistant material, a thermal barrier layer and a layer of material having high-lubricity positioned within the outer shell. In one embodiment, the high-lubricity layer is composed of a fire resistant filament yarn and is attached to the inside face of the thermal liner; that is, the face positioned next to the clothing of a wearer of the garment. In another embodiment, the layer of high-lubricity material is positioned to form a substrate for the moisture barrier and is located between the moisture barrier and outer shell. A garment having two layers of high-lubricity material, one forming an inside face of the thermal liner and the other forming an interface between the moisture barrier and outer shell, is also preferable.

Abstract: Completely recyclable jacket made up of components including outer material, lining, pocket linings, buttons, fasteners, seams, sewing thread and optional additional ordinary accessories, where the components are made of sorted thermoplastic synthetic polymers which are mixable homogeneously with one another in the molten state.

Abstract: A waterproof connection device is provided for use with a garment having optionally many detachable liners including a functional layer insert having a water vapor permeable functional layer.

Abstract: A coat sleeve includes a cuff that folds down to cover the palm portion of the hand. The cuff is held in place over the palm by constrictions about the wrist and knuckles. The constrictions include means for snugging and loosening (elastic and/or fasteners such as snaps, buttons, or VELCRO). The fingers extend from the sleeve end and the thumb extends through a thumb hole disposed between the wrist and knuckle constrictions. In one embodiment the thumb hole connects to the sleeve end and the knuckle constriction acts as a closure for the thumb hole and for the cuff.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a barrier fabric having stretch and recovery properties. The method includes the steps of heating at least one nonwoven web containing meltblown non-elastic thermoplastic polymer fibers to a temperature at which the peak total energy absorbed by the nonwoven web of meltblown fibers is at least about 250 percent greater than the amount absorbed by the nonwoven web of meltblown fibers at room temperature; applying a tensioning force to neck the heated nonwoven web; and cooling the necked nonwoven web so that the nonwoven web has at least the same hydrostatic head and/or particulate barrier properties as the nonwoven web before necking. Also disclosed is a stretchable barrier fabric composed of a nonwoven web of meltblown non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymer fibers, the nonwoven web being heat treated so that it is adapted to stretch at least about 10 percent more than an identical untreated nonwoven web of meltblown non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymer fibers.

Abstract: A garment and method for its use, a covering such as a poncho or an anorak, designed to enable a backpacker to don the covering while he or she is wearing a backpack. The garment incorporates a belt with an integrally-formed pouch where the covering garment is stored. The pouch is worn about the waist of the user with the pouch at the front. Where the garment is an anorak, it is open in the back. To use, the user unfolds the garment from the pouch and dons the garment from the rear. There is a slide fastener in the back of the unfurled garment, allowing the user to close the back of the garment after it has covered the backpack.

Abstract: Top garments which permit the wearer's arms to move freely without ride-up have sleeves patterned to lay flat above the head. Positioning of the sleeves at such an orientation during patterning is advantageous because it allows the wearer to raise each arm above the head without distorting the shape of the garment by inducing ride-up of the waistband, bunching of material around the shoulder area or pulling of the cuff. Such a garment is especially useful for physical activities which require extensive arm movements.

Abstract: A liner sleeve is disposed within a shell sleeve, and a wrister is permanently and inseparably secured directly to the open lower end of a liner sleeve by stitching which extends along the liner sleeve to connect the wrister and liner circumferentially so that undesired material cannot enter between the wrister and the liner sleeve. A sleeve well is defined by a first annular member secured to a shell sleeve and a second annular member secured to a liner sleeve. The first and second annular members have annular arrays of interengaging hooks and loops and also interengaging diametrically opposite snap connectors for detachably connecting the annular members to one another. A further annular band of material disposed between the shell sleeve and the first annular member is formed of thermal protective moisture barrier material.

Abstract: An outer garment to be worn by one or more people together, having an outer jacket with a pair of sleeves, and an inner jacket portion with one sleeve. The outer jacket and inner jacket are partially connected at the neck opening and partially connected at the waistband. The garment is convertible from an unexpanded configuration wearable by one person to an expanded configuration wearable by at least two people. In the unexpanded configuration, the one sleeve of the inner jacket portion is inserted by the wearer into one of the sleeves of the outer jacket. To change to the expanded configuration, a securing feature on the back of the outer garment is released allowing additional folded material to be unfolded into an expanded back portion. In addition, in another embodiment, when an inner panel is attached to the back portion of the outer jacket, two people can both be separately enveloped in their own garment. The expandable feature allows for ease of movement by the people wearing the garment.

Abstract: A stretchable, drapable, windproof, water resistant and water vapor permeable composite fabric including an inner layer of fabric, a first adhesive layer, a non-porous hydrophilic barrier layer, a second adhesive layer and an outer layer of fabric. At least one of the adhesive layers is of a hydrophilic material and may be continuous, and which joins the inner fabric layer to one side of the barrier layer, the second adhesive layer adhering the barrier layer to the outer fabric layer. The adhesive layers and the barrier layer are constructed to allow water vapor molecules to travel therethrough by a process of absorption-diffusion-desorption, but restrict the passage of wind and liquid water. The inner layer is formed of a hydrophobic material rendered sufficiently hydrophilic to permit wicking or formed with an inner surface formed of said material and an outer surface formed of a naturally absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustment system for forming a repeatedly adjustable hem on a garment. There is provided an adjustment mechanism comprising of a cord with one end that is attached to the garment's inside hem while the other end passes through a holding pocket or channel that is secured to the garment's inside seam. The second end of the cord above the holding pocket or channel is then preferably knotted to provide a stop or limit to adjust and the second end is secured to the garment lining. The fabric lining conceals the adjustment mechanism. A fabric tab is secured to the second end and the lining as a grasping point for making a length adjustment. The bloused lining is smoothed, the garment is pressed, and the adjustment is complete and undetectable. Embodiments are shown for adjusting trouser leg lengths, coat or jacket sleeves or body length as well as skirt and waistband adjustment.

Abstract: A fire protective coat formed of fire protective material and having a closeable frontal opening. A closure flap is secured adjacent the frontal opening and is securable thereover. A collar is formed about a neck opening of the coat. A throat protective band is formed integrally in a top section of the closure flap to provide a continuous shield of the opening between opposed free end portions of the collar. The protective band extends above the flap and has opposed wing sections extending from opposed sides of the flap. Each flap is independently and variably attachable to a respective one of the opposed free end portions of the collar to independently adjust the size and configuration of the neck opening depending on the desired size of the neck opening.

Abstract: A helmet kit includes a pneumatically inflatable flexible helmet having a visor mounted thereto in a pivotal relationship. The kit is arranged to include a torso, pants, and arm protective padding in use to afford protection to motorcycle riders. The helmet structure is arranged to include an inflation canister selectively operative to direct compressed gas into a pneumatic chamber within the helmet and is coextensive with the helmet to afford protection to a user of the helmet structure.

Abstract: Fabrics containing polybenzazole fibers have high cut-resistance, and can be used to make cut-resistant and flame-resistant garments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tennis ball holder and storage apparatus incorporated with a garment to be worn by a tennis player. The garment is previded with a hook element and a loop element of a hook and loop connector. The hook element is attached to the garment along a pocket open end and the loop element is attached to a pocket flap which exteds over the pocket opening such that the hook and loop elements will be aligned and engaged. The hook element on the garment can further be engaged with the nap surface on a standard tennis ball to thereby attach the ball to the garment. A pouch having a loop portion of a hook and loop fastener attached along its upper edge and adjacent its opening is provided. The loop portion on the pouch can be engaged with the hook element on the garment to thereby provide the garment with an auxiliary pocket for holding tennis balls.

Abstract: A sanitary garment comprising a coat having sleeve slits in the elbow area that permit a person's hands and forearms to exit the sleeves, and body part slits adjacent the sleeve slits to allow the person's hands and forearms to be inserted in the body part of the coat, and a simulated hand attached to the end of one of the sleeves whereby a person can relieve himself in private and in an inconspicuous manner when a public toilet or restroom is not available.

Abstract: An outer garment suitable for a variety of athletic endeavors is disclosed. The garment comprises an outer shell formed of a lightweight, waterproof material, and an inner liner of mesh-like material secured to the shell. The liner includes a back panel, and first and second front panels. A resilient insert, yieldable in all directions, is situated in the back panel to fit against the back of the wearer. Fasteners extend laterally about the liner, and manipulation of said fasteners draws the liner snugly about the torso of the wearer, without causing "bunching" of the jacket. "Bunching" is unsightly, and also interferes with the athletic activities envisioned by the wearer.

Abstract: The present discloses an adjustment system for forming a repeatedly adjustable hem on a garment. There is provided an adjustment mechanism consisting of a cord with one end that is attached to the garment's inside hem while the other end is looped threaded through a holding pocket or channel that is secured to the garment's inside seam. The loop of cord above the holding pocket or channel is then preferably knotted. A fabric lining piece containing one or two lining windows is attached to the garment over the adjustment mechanism. Adjustment is made by opening the lining window, grasping the adjustment mechanism's loop and pulling it until the hem has turned up the prescribed amount. The loop is then placed back inside the lining window. The bloused lining is smoothed, the garment is pressed, and the adjustment is complete and undetectable.

Abstract: Athlete's arm jacket which includes a first shell portion for covering one side of the upper torso of a person wearing the jacket. A sleeve is secured to the shell portion for covering one arm. A mesh covers the opposite side of the upper torso, and a second shell portion is detachably secured to the first shell portion. Another sleeve is attached to the second shell portion. The jacket may be worn and used as a traditional jacket, or one shell portion may be detached so that only one arm, shoulder and one side of the upper torso of the body are covered.

Abstract: A coat suitable for use by firefighters in firefighting featuring an outer shell portion (10), a liner (12), and a storm flap (90). The outer shell portion has right and left sleeves, and a body, the body having a right-front section a left-front section, and a back section. One of the front sections has a slit (40) extending generally from the top of one of the front sections to a point near the bottom of one front section. The storm flap has a first and second longitudinal edge and is attached to the liner via an attaching portion (96).

Abstract: A firefighter's coat which has a body section and a pair of sleeve sections. Each of the sleeve sections when attached to the body section has an upper portion provided with a given length dimension and a lower portion provided with a length dimension greater than the given length dimension of the upper portion of the sleeve section. Therefore, the arms of the firefighter who wears the firefighter's coat can be freely moved as the sleeve sections are moved without appreciable strain between the sleeve sections and the body section and without significant responsive movement of the body section of the firefighter's coat. Therefore, stress upon the firefighter as a result of arm movement is minimal.

Abstract: A safety hunter's garment that permits the selective interchangeability of camouflage on the garment to a plurality of bands of Hunter's orange, the blazing fluorescent orange by simply reversing the bands to expose or cover the selected mode. An arrangement of a plurality of fasteners on a band of opposed materials of camouflage and Hunter's orange enables this exchange.

Abstract: A layered insulating fabric (11) for use as a lining for protective garments (34) of the type commonly worn by fire fighters comprises an intermediate layer (14) of pleated material sandwiched between face (12) and inner (13) layers of material. The inner, pleated, and face layers are secured together by lines of stitching (16), which maintain the intermediate layer in position and in its pleated configuration. The pleats of the intermediate layer maintain the inner and face layers in spaced relationship and define therebetween an array of air pockets (19) that function as thermal insulation. The pleats also function to wick moisture away from the face layer and toward the inner layer to help keep a wearer dry.

Abstract: A firefighter's garment which includes a layer of protective material in which the layer of protective material is provided with a major portion which has a high degree of thermal protective properties. The layer of protective material also has sections which have a lesser degree of thermal protective properties. The protions of the layer of protective material which have a high degree of thermal protective properties are positioned at locations which require maximum thermal protection. The portions of the layer of protective material which have a lesser degree of thermal protective properties are located at positions which require less thermal protection. The portions of the layer of protective material which have a lesser degree of thermal protective properties also have greater flexibility and less bulk and less weight. Thus, the possibility of stress upon the firefighter is not effectively decreased when firefighter body posture during firefighting and the role of the protective equipment is considered.