Abstract: This invention relates to undergarments for use in active environments, where the wearer of such an undergarment is engaged in an activity that requires accelerating movements. In some preferred embodiments, these undergarments may be sports bras constructed from a stiffened or reinforced material and may include decoupled, damping cups for supporting breast tissue, and a fastening system incorporated into a reinforced underband that allows the wearer to more easily wear and remove the undergarment without compromising underband support.

Abstract: A brassiere and method of making including a front portion configured to receive the breasts of the wearer and a back panel including a first lateral side affixed to the front portion and a second lateral side affixed to the front portion. The back panel includes an inner fabric layer configured to contact the wearer's skin, an outer fabric layer opposing the inner fabric layer, and reinforcing panels positioned between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. A first reinforcing panel extends from the first lateral side, a second reinforcing panel extends from a second lateral side and a third reinforcing panel extends between, but not in contact with, the first and second reinforcing panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the provision of breast support to the wearer while performing athletic activities by means of a strapless sports brassiere. The invention itself comprises an outer layer of stretchable fabric, an inner layer of stretchable fabric, two foam breast cups positioned between the two layers that are appropriately located to support the wearer's breasts, an upper elastic band and a lower elastic band. The outer layer is comprised of stretchable fabric which is designed to be form fitting with an additional upper elastic band and lower elastic band that assists in maintaining the location of the strapless sports brassiere on the torso of the wearer. The inner layer also comprises stretchable fabric.

Abstract: A contouring support bra made from soft stretchable cotton knit and light, and power-net support fabrics particularly suited for pregnant and nursing women for comfortably providing an alluring, lifted tear drop breast shape analogous to that provided by properly-fitted traditional underwire bra structures.

Abstract: A variable compression hybrid design sports bra offers both compression and encapsulation to support the breasts of a user. The front member of the bra includes a rib band extending across the front, and left and right cups connected at bottom portions thereof to the rib band so as to extend above the rib band. The front member also includes a shaped compression panel or bust cup which receives the left and right cups therein. This compression panel is made of an elastic material, is connected to the rib band at a lower portion thereof, and has left and right upper front portions extending from a main portion thereof. An attachment system or mechanism adjustably attaches the compression panel with a strap system to adjustably stretch the compression panel over and thus compress the left and right cups. The cups are supported by crossing slings.

Abstract: A cup-possessing garment 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a pair of cup sections 12 for covering respective breasts and a pair of gathering sections 20 provided so as to cover at least a part of a front face of each cup section 12 in order to gather the pair of cup sections toward the front center, and each of the pair of gathering sections 20 is composed of a first portion 22 attached to a side portion of the cup section 12, and a second portion 24 formed with higher elasticity than the first portion 22 and formed in such a manner that ends of the second portions on the front center side join together in order to connect the first portions 22 to each other on the front center side.

Abstract: An exercise garment includes front and rear panels with height adjusting straps that extend over the wearer's shoulders. The front panel includes an outer compression fabric and an inner cup assembly, which is essentially non-compressive. The cup assembly includes individual cups for each breast, which can each include an under support. An elastic band extends around the bottom portion of the garment. Tensioning structures, such as side flaps extending from the back to the front, can be provided to adjust the circumferential size of the garment. The garment can include releasable connectors on the side of the garment to at least partially release the compressive tension to aid in putting on and taking off the garment.

Abstract: A continuous sports bra includes a main body cut from a single piece of tubular material and wrap-around side panels coupled to the main body. The main body includes support cups and is configured to encircle the upper torso of the wearer. The sports bra includes shoulder straps that extend upward from the main body to a back panel. Coupled to the back panel are two side panels that extend forward and thus back around and beneath the support cups of the main body to provide additional support. The free ends of the side panels may clasp together directly or be coupled to the main body proximate a front, central region of the torso.

Abstract: There is provided an improved brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups having adjacent but spaced apart inner edges; a front connector between the breast cups; and a back wing or pair of back wings extending from an outer edge of one of the two breast cups to an outer edge of the other of the two breast cups for securing the brassiere to a torso of a wearer; wherein each back wing comprises an elastane strap provided within a tube of elastic fabric. Also provided is an improved back wing for use on a brassiere and a method of making an improved back wing.

Abstract: A garment with breast cups comprises breast cups, a forwardly facing base part and rearwardly facing base parts, wherein, for the purpose of providing a function of causing the breast cups to agree with the movement of breasts, an elastic function of the forwardly facing base part is superior to an elastic function of the rearwardly facing base parts. The garment with breast cups is preferably configured such that the garment with breast cups is further provided with suspender straps, and that an elastic function of the suspender straps is inferior to the elastic function of the rearwardly facing base part.

Abstract: A brassiere having flexibility, durability, and improved comfort for the wearer is provided. The side panel of the bra comprises a folded fabric and two elastic bands. The folded fabric has two opposing longitudinal edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Each of the two elastic bands is positioned in the interior of the folded fabric along a respective longitudinal edge, which also includes notches for orienting the bands. The folded fabric is sewn together at each of the top and bottom edges such that the two elastic bands are held in place. One of the longitudinal edges may be formed by sewing the folded fabric together to form a seam using a pull-out stitch. Each of the two elastic bands may include either of a woven elastic band or a knitted elastic band.

Abstract: A brassiere has a pair of breast receiving cups and a first back panel connected to one of the pair of breast receiving cups and a second back panel connected to the other of the pair of breast receiving cups. The first back panel and the second back panel each have a band affixed thereto that is capable of modifying a property of the panel. The bands limit the elongation of each of the pair of back panels during wear.

Abstract: A brassiere garment having a pair of cup portions, each cup portion with an inner foam cup molded generally to the shape of the wearer's bust, and an outer fabric layer overlying the foam cup. Each foam cup has a first lower portion comprising a foam ply that is substantially inelastic in its lateral dimension, and a second upper portion that exhibits one or more of a lighter weight, lower density, greater elasticity and lesser thickness than the lower first portion. The lower first portion and upper second portion join with one another along a line generally traversing the foam cup from a lower and inward side of the foam cup and extending upward and laterally outward in direction. In certain embodiments, the line along which the lower first portion and upper second portion are joined with one another generally extends to or through the apex of the foam cup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brassiere, comprising; two mutually coupled cups, two back fastening straps which each connect to a different longitudinal side of one or the two different cups and which can be coupled releasably to each other on the sides remote from the cups, and two shoulder straps which each engage on a different upper side of one of the two different cups.

Abstract: A brassiere according to the present invention is provided with a pair of cover cloths, a strap attached to the upper parts of the both of cover cloths, and an under bust belt to which lower hems of the cover cloths are attached. The lower hems of the cover cloths are disposed to the under bust belt so as to be slidable right and left so that a user can breast-feed a baby by sliding one of the cover cloths along the under bust belt to expose either of her breast from the side hem of the cover cloth.

Abstract: A brassiere has a pair of breast receiving cups and a first back panel connected to one of the pair of breast receiving cups and a second back panel connected to the other of the pair of breast receiving cups. The first back panel and the second back panel each have a band affixed thereto that is capable of modifying a property of the panel. The bands limit the elongation of each of the pair of back panels during wear.

Abstract: A brassiere is provided having a front piece incorporating two breast cups and with two side pieces extending around the upper body of an individual wearing the brassiere, the first ends of which are fastened to the front piece at the sides and the second ends of which can be connected together in the back area of the individual. According to the invention, each of the side pieces includes two layers of a textile material, namely an outer layer and an inner layer. The layers are fastened together at the free edges in such a way that the layer of the textile material forming the outside is folded over toward the inside to form marginal edges and that these edge areas are connected by an adhesive layer with the opposite side of the textile material forming the inside.

Abstract: A bra with two breast cups, joined together at a mid region. A chest strap extends from each breast cup, to encompass the chest of the wearer. The chest straps are engaged to each breast cup at least two locations, a first location being above a second location. Each breast cup has a panel with a perimeter defining a neckline and a support line. The support line is of a continuously curved nature between its upper terminus where a shoulder support strap is located, and its inner terminus where the cups are joined. The breast cups each include a longitudinally extending line of inelasticity extending between the first location and the mid region.

Abstract: A brassiere comprises a pair of cups for supporting and shaping the breasts of the wearer. The cups are connected by connecting structure. A side panel is attached to each cup. Each side panel has a surface for contacting the wearer. The side panels are adapted to apply substantially uniform pressure to the wearer across the surface in contact with the wearer for the purpose of increasing comfort and reducing unsightly bulging of tissue of the wearer's sides and back.

Abstract: A hybrid brassiere is provided. The brassiere has a brassiere body having a pair of side wings/back panels made of circular knit fabric and an integrally knitted band. The brassiere also has a pair of breast cups made from one or more fabrics, namely woven, non-woven, warp knitted, and weft knitted fabrics, and an attachment for connecting the pair of breast cups to the brassiere body.

Abstract: A ladies' underwear fabrication method and structure that in addition to addressing the difficulty of effectively keeping conventionally fabricated women's underwear in position while worn also provides a newly researched and developed fabrication method that improves finished product appearance and comfort. A double-layer elastic fabric material is overlapped, a punch cutting pattern of a bust-shaped section is traced, breast cups are emplaced, and the fabric material is folded back and cut into shape. Tension-adjustable straps are then attached to the torso band section extending from the bottom of the brassiere and, furthermore, the upper end of the torso band section to effectively provide for stronger positioning and an enhanced bustline profile while the ladies underwear of the present invention is worn.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seamless support garment for use in the active-wear industry and method of making the same. In particular, the present invention is directed to a dual-layered seamless sports bra and camisole tailored for exercise, movement, and other moderate to strenuous physical activities. Furthermore, the invention provides a system of support for a breast or breasts during exercise that is comfortable, non-abrasive, stylish and cost effective to manufacturer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wrap sports bra for supporting breast tissue and back muscles, the bra comprises first and second front panel sections joined to a common back portion, each front panel section being configured to define a seamless cup to support a breast, an elasticized bottom edge located along the bottom of the front panel sections and the back portion and a fastening means allowing for wrap around fastening of each front panel section to the opposite front and side of the front panel section.

Abstract: A sleeping brassiere is provided having a pair of shoulder supports, the shoulder supports extending to a back support, the back support extending from the back toward the front of the wearer and having a portion encircling the wearer and a pair of cup-shaped breast supports. Each of the breast supports has a generally crescent-shaped portion curving generally around the outside and top of the wearer's breast. The crescent-shaped portion has an upper end adjoining the shoulder supports and a lower end adjoining the portion of said back support encircling the wearer at a position generally between and below the breasts of the wearer when the brassiere is worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active-wear garment which comfortably provides support to the chest and back areas of the physically-active wearer, while wicking away moisture from the skin of the wearer. The active-wear garment of the present invention provides support such that the breasts of the wearer are comfortably supported and effectively immobilized when worn during physical activity of the wearer.

Abstract: A brassiere physically adapted for use during vigorous exercise is disclosed. The brassiere comprises an underlying support layer that supports the breasts and a resilient overlying motion-restraining layer configured for restricting breast movement. Each of the layers is independently-supported by an associated pair of straps. The brassiere substantially reduces motion that would otherwise be imparted to the breasts during vigorous exercise.

Abstract: A post surgical brassiere characterized by a torso encircling support band modified to gently secure the brassiere to the torso with minimal discomfort. At least three vertical bones are integrated into the band at strategic locations about its circumference to divide the band into four separate regions. Two such regions lay situate around the back and sides of the wearer while the remaining two regions overly the wearer's front midriff area. Each region is elasticized, but with varying degrees of stretch ability. As the two opposite ends of the brassiere's adjustment straps are drawn together for fastening, the resulting stretch of the support band will occur predominantly in the back and side regions where tension against the wearer will be greatest, leaving the two frontal regions relatively loose fitting.

Abstract: A nursing brassiere that provides added support and yet can be easily manipulated to provide nursing access is disclosed The brassiere has overlapping frontal portions each with a cup-like configuration for covering the wearer's breasts. The frontal portions are attached to a lower elastic or elastic type cut and sewn portion below the breasts which includes a wrap-around band. Along a lower outer border of each cup-like frontal portion is a relatively short arcuate wire member that provides breast support under normal wear conditions. When nursing takes place, a frontal portion is easily pulled aside to displace the supporting wire and expose the breast for the necessary nursing access.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shirt, bodysuit and teddy having built-in breast cups and/or selected areas of varying cross-stretch in order to provide compressive support for a wearer's body, and methods and blanks for manufacturing such shirts, bodysuits and teddies. In particular, circular knitting operations are used to produce garments having areas of compressive support in the middle torso region, and a greater amount of cross-stretch in the region corresponding to a wearer's breast area. In addition, the garments can include integrally-knit breast cups and a gathered panel located between the breast cups. Shirts made according to the present invention can include a turned welt about their lower or shirttail ends, in order to eliminate the need for hemming the lower shirt portion. Blanks and methods for making the garments are also disclosed, which require only a minimal number of manufacturing operations to be converted into completed garments.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods of manufacturing brassiere blanks and brassieres, and the brassieres made therefrom. In particular, the methods and brassieres involve circular knitting operations in which a brassiere blank is produced on a circular knitting machine as a cylindrical tube, and thereafter cut and sewn only at the shoulders to produce a brassiere having shoulder straps knit integrally with a front torso portion having a pair of breast cups and a rear torso portion cooperating with the front torso portion in forming a torso encircling portion.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods of manufacturing brassiere blanks and brassieres, and the brassieres made therefrom. In particular, the methods and brassieres involve circular knitting operations in which a brassiere blank is produced on a circular knitting machine as a cylindrical tube, and thereafter cut and sewn only at the shoulders to produce a brassiere having shoulder straps knit integrally with a front torso portion having a pair of breast cups and a rear torso portion cooperating with the front torso portion in forming a torso encircling portion.

Abstract: A one-piece, front-opening brassiere has independently adjustable front panels accessible solely from the front of the brassiere, to provide a custom fit especially useful during athletic activities.

Abstract: A supportive brassiere designed for general usage, aerobics or other athletic activities, and/or nursing. The brassiere is designed to provide maximum support of the breasts during activity by holding the breasts separately and snugly while allowing the wearer to move comfortably and breathe freely. It is designed primarily for athletic use among women with moderate-to-large breasts, but it is also suitable for women with smaller breasts. Additionally, because of its adjustable design features, it can function effectively as a nursing brassiere. The invention is designed with an adjustable side closure and strong, individual, under-breast supports. The brassiere includes a pair of soft cups supported from above by adjustable, wide shoulder straps. The pair of soft cups are supported from below by adjustable, soft, inelastic supports, which may be fabric, that allow each cup to be adjusted individually.

Abstract: An exercise brassiere having an outer layer adapted to fit over the wearer's upper torso and shoulders and a coextensive inner layer adapted to fit over the front portion of the wearer's upper torso and shoulders. The inner layer and the outer layer are constructed of a lightweight, flexible two-way stretch fabric having a stretchability significantly greater in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction to provide adequate and comfortable support to the wearer's breasts. The inner layer has cut into it a pair of apertures sized and positioned to receive the breasts of the wearer the apertures being covered by the outer layer. The apertures also provide support to the wearer's breasts and further provide for a natural, contoured appearance to the wearer's breasts.

Abstract: A woman's brassiere individual sizes of which can accommodate a substantial range of rib cage and cup sizes. A pair of cups, with an elastic web is joined to an encircling band A shoulder loop is attached to each cup and to the encircling band. Elastic risers bind the sides of each cup and extend from the band to respective shoulder straps. An elastic cradle has a lower edge anchored to the band, and an upper free edge entirely unattached to the web of the cup so it can move in relative shear-like movement relative to the web. The cradle reinforces the web when the web is substantially deflected by a breast, and supports the lower portion of the breast independently of the web.

Abstract: A therepeutic brassiere for supporting breast implants includes breast receiving cups. Each of the cups is formed from a section of body engaging fabric joined together at a common seam. A chest encircling band is joined to the lower marginal edges of the cups for affixing the brassiere to the chest of a wearer. An elastic strip of material, attached to both the upper marginal edges of the cups and to the chest encircling band prevents movement or distortion of the breast implants.

Abstract: A woman's bodysuit for exercising or swimming comprises an outer covering for encasing at least a portion of a woman's torso, including the bust, abdomen, hips and rear regions. The covering extends below the arms and around at least a portion of the back and includes shoulder straps forming openings for the neck and arms. A bra portion is provided beneath the outer covering, the bra portion including a full bra liner covering the breasts and a separate partial bra liner beneath the full liner supporting the undersides and sides of the breasts. The full and partial bra liners are each secured along common edges to the outer covering centrally between the shoulder straps at the neck opening and on either side at the arm openings. An elastic strap is secured along a bottom edge of the bra portion and is secured to the outer covering in the region behind or below the arms. The outer covering, full bra liner and partial bra liner are made of stretchable natural or synthetic fabrics, or blends thereof.

Abstract: An improved brassiere (1) in which the part (2) which supports the breasts is made of a fabric, preferably cotton/Lycra*, which is initially flat but which, without the use of seams, darts, mouldings or shaping, stretches around and generally conforms to the shape of the wearer's breasts to hold them against her body. A feature of the preferred bra is that it is devoid of all hardware such as clips or buckles and it includes a wide midrif portion at the front, sides and back (15,16) for improved support.

Abstract: A racer back style front-opening brassiere having front sections adapted to be releasably secured together and a pair of back band assemblies secured to each other and to the front sections and having upwardly projection portions secured to shoulder straps in a crossed manner. The front sections are releasably secured together by discrete, spaced, and first and second closure means.