US20130305425A1

US20130305425A1 - Supportive garments

Info

Publication number: US20130305425A1
Application number: US13/472,014
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank Zarabi
Original assignee: Rock Fit LLC
Current assignee: Rock Fit LLC
Priority date: 2012-05-15
Filing date: 2012-05-15
Publication date: 2013-11-21

Abstract

A supportive garment is provided including a stretch fabric material including a cotton and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m²to about 260 g/m², a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70. At least one supportive fabric panel is provided affixed to the stretch fabric material, wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises at least one layer of a supportive fabric material including a nylon and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m²to about 200 g/m²and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to garments, and in particular, to supportive garments comprising arrangements of fabric materials having distinct fabric properties for providing shape and figure control.
2. Description of Related Art
Elastane fibers, otherwise known as lycra, spandex and dorlastan, are synthetic, man-made fibers which exhibit properties not found in nature, in particular, an exceptional elasticity. Spandex is a generic term typically used to designate elastomeric fibers which have an extension-at-break greater than 200% and also show rapid recovery when tension is released. These fibers exhibit rubber like behavior with high reversible extension as high as 400-800%. Namely, Spandex is a man-made, organic synthetic base fiber and generally defined as a synthetic elastomeric fiber having a very high elasticity to break point (up to approximately 500% to 600%) and a high recovery from stretching. It can be produced from various techniques, such as dry spun, reaction spun and melt spun techniques. Though the chemistry is very complex, basically spandex is a series of elastomeric products including hard and soft segments and cross linking between the same. The fibers produced are generally white, dyeable and are stronger and lighter than rubber. The properties of spandex include high stretch, low set (the ability to spring back to its original shape after repeated stretching), high durability, ease of cleaning, uniformity, versatility, and dyeability.
In chemical terms, spandex is a synthetic linear macromolecule with a long chain containing at least 85% of segmented polyurethane along with the alternating hard and soft segments linked by urethane bonds —NH—CO—O—. Soft chain segment gives elasticity (recoverable stretch ability)’ to fiber, while hard chain segment gives molecular interaction force to fiber and which ensures a certain level of strength of fiber and long term stability.
There are many variations and blends of spandex for use in apparel or the like. Spandex is used in fabrics where a high degree of permanent elasticity is required, for example, in tights, sportswear, swimwear, corsetry, and in woven and knitted fabrics. Spandex is used in fashionable and/or functional apparel which is intended to cling to the body, while at the same time remaining comfortable. Spandex fiber is used in both woven and knit forms for sports underclothes and tights. Spun spandex fiber is also used in weaving for fabrication of ribbons, tapes, medical stockings, and bandages.
Most types of clothing have evolved from using woven, rigid fabrics cut in dressmaker-type styles to the now widespread use of fabrics having some type of stretch or elasticity. Some types of stretch fabrics being used in the textile industry today include nylon/spandex combinations in a tricot-type knit, nylon/spandex combinations in a raschel-type knit, cotton/spandex combinations, and polyester/spandex combinations. Each of these combinations and knits has specific applications and specific characteristics.
For example, the nylon/spandex combination in a tricot construction generally comprises 80% nylon and 20% spandex. This fabric is commonly used for its four-way stretchability, i.e. the ability to stretch in both the length and width directions of the fabric. The advantage of this type of stretch is that it permits the garment to fit different shapes and sizes without substantial modification to the pattern of the garment.
The nylon/spandex combination in a raschel-type construction is characterized by a combination of 85% nylon and 15% spandex. The stretch is typically significantly greater in one direction than the stretch in the other. Raschel-type knitting provides a lighter weight and less costly fabric, as compared to the tricot type construction.
The cotton/spandex combination generally includes 90% cotton and 10% spandex. A poly/cotton/spandex mix made of 45% polyester, 45% cotton and 10% spandex can also be included in this classification. These types of fabrics are often used for exercise apparel, such as leotards and the like. The cotton is used for perspiration absorption. Also, the cotton within the blend provides a softer feel to the fabric.
However, the elastic properties of spandex have also presented various challenges when incorporated into apparel. For example, a fabric which exhibits a great deal of elasticity often fails to provide adequate support when worn. In addition, an extremely elastic, form-fitting fabric can accentuate sagging areas of the body and present an unattractive, unflattering appearance.
Accordingly, an improved garment that integrates supportive and elastic properties, while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance, is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a supportive garment comprising a combination of fabrics having different properties which are integrated and arranged to provide improved support and figure control, a comfortable fit and a flattering appearance to the body when worn. A garment according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises a stretch fabric material having supportive fabric panels oriented in specific locations and provides a substantial degree of stretch in both the length and width directions of the fabric to optimize comfort, while also providing a high degree of supportive resistance in particular locations to enhance the appearance of the wearer. In various embodiments, at least two different fabric types having specific properties are combined and coordinated to maximize comfort and appearance.
In various embodiments, a supportive garment according to the present application is provided comprising two leg panels joined to a waist panel, and at least one supportive fabric panel affixed to the waist panel, wherein each of the leg panels and the waist panel comprises a stretch fabric material comprising a cotton and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m²to about 260 g/m², a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70, and wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises a supportive fabric material comprising a nylon and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m²to about 200 g/m²and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.
In other embodiments, a supportive garment is provided comprising a stretch fabric material comprising a cotton and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m²to about 260 g/m², a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70; and at least one supportive fabric panel affixed to the stretch fabric material, wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises a supportive fabric material comprising a nylon and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m²to about 200 g/m²and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described or become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an exemplary supportive garment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an inside construction view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an exemplary supportive garment according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts an inside construction view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of an exemplary supportive garment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a rear view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 depicts a side, inside construction view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an exemplary supportive garment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a rear view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 depicts an inside construction view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 depicts a front view of an exemplary supportive garment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a rear view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 depicts an inside construction view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 depicts a front view of an exemplary supportive garment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 19 depicts an inside construction view of the exemplary garment of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, percentages or proportions of materials, reaction conditions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” includes any and all sub ranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 5.5 to 10.
It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.
The term “bench marks” refer to marks placed on a specimen to define gage length, that is, the portion of the specimen that will be evaluated in a specific test.
The tem). “fabric stretch” refers to the increase in length of a specimen of fabric resulting from a tension force applied under specified conditions. The difference usually is expressed as a percentage of the initial length of the fabric specimen. Fabric stretch differs from fabric elongation in that the latter (up to the point of rupture) reflects the instantaneously existing amount of stretch under a constantly increasing tension force.
The term “fabric growth” refers to the difference between the original length of a specimen and its length after the application of a specified tension for a prescribed time and the subsequent removal of the tension. Fabric growth usually is expressed as a percentage of the length of the specimen prior to application of the tension.
The term “low-power stretch’ refers to that property of a fabric whereby it exhibits high fabric stretch and good recovery from low tension.
The ten “tension” refers to a uniaxial force tending to cause the extension of a body or the balancing force within that body resisting the extension.
It is to be noted that various dimensions, e.g., of the length, width and depth of garment panels may be contemplated for providing multiple garment sizes to accommodate different wearers. Further, alternate shapes and silhouettes of the garments may be contemplated other than those shown herein. Any number of styles, configurations and color patterns may also be contemplated and the garments depicted in the drawings herein are shown for purposes of illustration only and is not restrictive.
In various embodiments, a supportive garment is provided comprising a stretch fabric material having supportive fabric panels oriented in specific locations. Exemplary properties and characteristics of the stretch fabric material and the supportive fabric panels according to various aspects of the present invention are described further below.

Stretch Fabric Material

In various embodiments, the stretch fabric material is used to form a substantial portion of the garment. The stretch fabric material may comprise a knitted fabric incorporating spandex for stretch characteristics to provide comfort and other fibers such as e.g., cotton for imparting absorptive capabilities. Alternate types and combinations of fiber materials may be contemplated.
In some embodiments, the stretch fabric material may comprise a cotton/spandex blend in a range of about 80% to about 95% cotton and about 5% to about 20% spandex, with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m²to about 260 g/m², a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70. In various exemplary embodiments, the stretch fabric material comprises about 89% cotton and about 11% spandex, has a weight per unit area of about 250 g/m², an average percentage of fabric growth after one hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 3-4% in the wales direction and about 5-6% in the courses direction, and an average percentage of fabric stretch after cycling under 10 lbs of about 80% to about 90% in the wales direction and about 150% to about 160% in the courses direction.

Summary of Test Method for Stretch Fabric Material

Fabric Growth: Bench marks of a known distance are made on a fabric specimen. A specified tension is applied to a fabric specimen by a prescribed cycling technique. The tension is removed and after several specific recovery times under zero tension, the distance between the bench marks is remeasured after each time interval. The fabric growth is calculated from the length difference between the bench marks prior to application of the tension and after each respective recovery time interval.
Fabric Stretch: Bench marks of a known distance are made on a fabric specimen. A specified tension is applied to a fabric specimen by a prescribed cycling technique and the resulting distance between the bench marks measured. The fabric stretch is calculated from the length difference between the bench marks prior to application of the tension and under the tension.
The stretch fabric of the present invention can be defined, e.g., by applying a stretching and recovery test. The following Table 1 depicts fabric test results on an exemplary stretch fabric material according to the present invention. Tests were conducted based on AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) textile industry testing standards.

TABLE 1

1.	Fiber Analysis (AATCC 20A-2010):

Based On Moisture Regain Weight*:

	Cotton	87.8%
	Spandex	12.2%

*Moisture regain of Cotton 8.0% and Spandex 1.3%, (based on ASTM

D1909-2004)

2.	Counts Of Yarn (ASTM D1059-2001):

Tested on cotton yarn only

20.3 tex* (29.1's/l)**

*tex = tex count

**‘s = English cotton count

3.	Weight Per Unit Area (ASTM D3776/D3776M-09a,
	Option C):

250.9 g/m²(7.4 oz/yd²)

4.	Stretch And Recovery (ASTM D2594-2004(2008)):
	(I) The Average Percentage Of Fabric Growth After 60
	seconds Recovery From 2-Hour Extension.

	Wales	4.8%
	Courses	8.0%

	(II) The Average Percentage Of Fabric Growth After 1
	Hour Recovery From 2-Hour Extension.

	Wales	3.2%
	Courses	5.6%

	(III) The Average Percentage Of Fabric Stretch After
	Cycling Under 10 lbs Loading.

	Wales	84.0%
	Courses	152.0%

Distance Between Benchmarks = 125 mm

Specimen Stretch Percentage Point For Fabric Growth, 35% In Wales

Direction & 60% In Courses Direction.

Supportive Fabric Material

According to various embodiments, a fabric material used for the supportive panels of the present invention (‘supportive fabric material’) is comprised of a fabric material having particular physical and performance characteristics. In particular, the fabric material of the supportive panel is characterized as having a generally square stretch, in that the material is capable of expanding in equal amounts in both the length and width directions of the fabric. This square stretch is characterized by a high degree of elasticity which is provided for purposes of comfort, fit and freedom of movement for the wearer, as well as an adequate power to recover from deformation.
According to various embodiments, the supportive fabric material generally comprises a nylon and spandex blend in a range of about 80% to about 85% nylon and about 15% to about 20% spandex, with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m²to about 200 g/m²and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.
In various exemplary embodiments, the supportive fabric material comprises about 82% cotton and about 18% spandex; has a weight per unit area of about 190 g/m²; an average percentage of fabric growth after one hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 0.5-1.0% in the wales direction and about 2-3% in the courses direction; an average percentage of fabric stretch after cycling under 10 lbs of about 50% to about 60% in the wales direction and about 60% to about 65% in the courses direction; and an average percentage of fabric recovery after 1 hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 90-95% in the wales direction and about 90-95% in the courses direction.
In some embodiments, the supportive fabric material is constructed and provided in a mesh configuration to enhance breathability and air flow.
In various embodiments, the supportive fabric material is preferably produced by a warp knitting method such as weft-lock or weft-insertion. Weft-insertion generally includes the insertion of the ends of spandex threads across the width of the fabric during the knitting process (i.e., as picks are inserted on a weaving loom). This enables the fabric to obtain stretchability in both directions of the fabric and to control the holding power of the fabric in both directions. In the weft-insertion method, the knitting action is combined with a woven inlay or insert to provide a snap-back or return. Thus, the advantages of both a knitted and a woven type fabric are achieved.
Summary of Test Method for Supportive Fabric material
Fabric Growth: Bench marks of a known distance are made on a fabric specimen. A specified tension is applied to a fabric specimen by a prescribed cycling technique. The tension is removed and after several specific recovery times under zero tension, the distance between the bench marks is remeasured after each time interval. The fabric growth is calculated from the length difference between the bench marks prior to application of the tension and after each respective recovery time interval.
Fabric Stretch: Bench marks of a known distance are made on a fabric specimen. A specified tension is applied to a fabric specimen by a prescribed cycling technique and the resulting distance between the bench marks measured. The fabric stretch is calculated from the length difference between the bench marks prior to application of the tension and under the tension.
The characteristics of a supportive fabric material of the present invention can be defined, e.g., by applying a stretching and recovery test. The following Table 2 depicts test results on an exemplary supportive fabric material sample according to the present invention.

TABLE 2

1.	Fiber Analysis: AATCC 20A-2010

Based On Moisture Regain Weight*:

	Nylon	83.2%
	Spandex	16.8%

	*Moisture regain of Nylon 4.5% and Spandex 1.3%,
	(based on ASTM D1909-2004)
2.	Stretch And Recovery (ASTM D2594-2004(2008)):
	Distance Between Benchmarks = 125 mm
	Specimen Stretch Percentage Point For Fabric Growth:
	15% In Wales Direction & 30% In Courses Direction.
	(I) The Average Percentage Of Fabric Growth After 60 seconds
	Recovery From 2-Hour Extension.

	Wales	1.6%
	Courses	4.4%

	Wales	0.8%
	Courses	2.4%

	(III) The Average Percentage Of Fabric Stretch After Cycling
	Under 5 lbs Loading.

	Wales	50.8%
	Courses	62.0%

	(IV) The Average Percentage Of Fabric Recovery After 60 seconds
	Recovery From 2-Hour Extension.

	Wales	89.3%
	Courses	85.3%

	(V) The Average Percentage Of Fabric Recovery After 1 hour
	Recovery From 2-Hour Extension.

	Wales	94.7%
	Courses	92.0%

3.	Stitch Density Per Unit Length (ASTM D3887-1996(2008),
	Section 12):

	Per in	Per 10 cm
Wales	39.0	153.5
Courses	150.0	590.6

4.	Weight Per Unit Area (ASTM D3776/D3776M-09a, Option C):
	189.5 g/m²(5.6 oz/yd²)

Fabric recovery refers to the percentage recovery rate of the fabric material. Advantageously, a supportive fabric material according to the present invention boasts high stretch and high recovery characteristics, thus providing a fabric which maximizes comfort, figure control and aesthetic appearance.
In various embodiments, the supportive fabric material is integrated with the stretch material in particular configurations. Namely, the placement, orientation, amount and number of layers used of the supportive fabric material according to the present invention may be adjusted at specific locations throughout each garment to advantageously optimize the performance characteristics of each of the respective fabric materials to provide garments with superior supportive characteristics and aesthetic appeal. In various embodiments, the properties of the supportive fabric material provide substantial holding power to flatten and smooth the body at particular locations throughout each garment, eliminating or reducing wrinkles and bulges.
Various arrangements of the stretch fabric material and the supportive fabric panels may be provided. The configurations shown in the Figures are for exemplary purposes only and additional configurations may be contemplated. For example, a supportive fabric panel according to various embodiments may comprise a single layer or two or more layers of supportive fabric material which may be placed adjacent to each other and/or be adjoined together, e.g., to impart increased supportive characteristics.
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 depict front, back and inside-out views, respectively, of an exemplary supportive garment comprising pants 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The pants 100 comprises two leg panels 103 and a waist panel 105, each joined to one another by seams. In various embodiments, the seams connecting the waist panel to the leg panels may form a T-shape. The junction between the leg panels 103 may further include a crotch panel.
Each of the leg panels 103 and waist panel 105 may be comprised of a stretch fabric material. In various embodiments, the pants 100 may include at least one supportive fabric panel 107 comprised of a supportive fabric material.
In various embodiments, the pants 100 may include at least one supportive fabric panel 107. For example, at least the interior of the waist panel 105 may comprise a supportive fabric panel 107. The supportive fabric panel may encompass only a portion of the pants 100 or may comprise the entire pants 100. For example, the supportive panel 107 may be attached to and operate as an inner liner for the waist panel 105. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the waist panel 105 may comprise a plurality of layers of the supportive panel 107 which may adjoin and affixed to the leg panels 103.
FIGS. 4-6 depict front, back and inside-out views, respectively, of an exemplary supportive garment comprising pants 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The pants 400 comprises two leg panels 403 and a waist panel 405, each joined to one another by seams. In various embodiments, the seams connecting the waist panel to the leg panels may form a T-shape in at least a front view of the pants 400. The junction between the leg panels 103 may further include a crotch panel 415. The rear of the pants may include buttocks panels 409 defined by curved seams. The rear of the pants may further include lower back panels 407 each defined by angled seams 417 separating the lower back panels 407 from the buttocks panels 409.
Each of the leg panels 403, waist panel 405, buttocks panels 409 and lower back panels 407 may be comprised of a stretch fabric material. In various embodiments, the pants 400 may include at least one supportive fabric panel, e.g., supportive fabric panels 411 and 413. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the supportive fabric panels 411 and 413 may be disposed within an interior of the pants 400. For example, at least the interior of the waist panel 405 and/or the interior of the lower back panels 407 may include or comprise a supportive fabric panel 411. In one exemplary embodiment, the supportive panel 411 may be attached to and operate as an inner liner for the waist panel 405 and/or the lower back panels 413. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the waist panel 405 and/or the lower back panels 407 may comprise one or more layers of the supportive panel 411 which may be adjoined together and affixed to the leg panels 403. Further, the supportive fabric panel may encompass only a portion of the pants 400 or may comprise the entire pants 400.
FIGS. 7-9 depict front, back and side inside-out views, respectively, of an exemplary supportive garment comprising pants 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The pants 700 comprises two side leg panels 703, a waist panel 705, two front thigh panels 715, two rear thigh panels 721, two front calf panels 717 and two rear calf panels 719, each joined to one another by seams. In various embodiments, the side panels 703 comprise a strip of material running down each side of the pants leg from at least the waist panel 705 to the front calf panel 717. Any width of the side panel 703 may be contemplated.
In various embodiments, the seams connecting the waist panel to the leg panels may form a T-shape in at least a front view of the pants 700. The junction between the leg panels 715, 721 may further include a crotch panel. The rear of the pants may include lower back panels 707 each defined by angled seams 723 separating the lower back panels 707 from the rear thigh panels 721.
Each of the panels 703, 705, 715, 721, 717, 719 and 721 may be comprised of a stretch fabric material. In various embodiments, the pants 700 may include at least one supportive fabric panel, e.g., supportive fabric panels 709, 711 and 713. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the supportive fabric panels 709, 711 and 713 may be disposed within an interior of the pants 700. For example, at least the interior of the waist panel 705 and/or the interior of the lower waist panels 707 and/or the interior of the side panels 703 may include or comprise a supportive fabric panel. In one exemplary embodiment, each supportive panel 709, 711 and 713 may be attached to and operate as an inner liner for the waist panel 705 and/or the lower waist panels 707 and/or side panels 703. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the waist panel 705 and/or the lower waist panels 707 and/or side panels 703 may comprise one or more layers of the supportive fabric panels 709, 711 and 713. Further, each supportive fabric panel may encompass only a portion of the pants 700 or may comprise the entire pants 700.
FIGS. 10-12 depict front, back and inside-out views, respectively, of an exemplary supportive garment comprising a tank top 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tank top 1000 comprises a front panel 1001 adjoined to a rear panel 1002 and including a racerback panel 1003. In various embodiments, an interior of the tank top 1000 includes a torso panel 1007 and a center panel 1005.
Each of the panels 1001 and 1002 may be comprised of a stretch fabric material. In various embodiments, the racerback panel 1003, the torso panel 1007 and the center panel 1005 may include or comprise a supportive fabric panel. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the supportive fabric panels 1005 and 1007 may be disposed within an interior of the tank top 1000. Alternatively, in other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, the racerback panel 1003 may itself comprise one or more layers of the supportive fabric panel material. Further, each supportive fabric panel may encompass only a portion of the tank top 1000 or may comprise the entire tank top 1000.
FIGS. 13-15 depict front, back and inside-out views, respectively, of an exemplary supportive garment comprising a jog bra 1300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The jog bra 1300 comprises a front panel 1301 adjoined to a rear panel 1302 and straps 1304. In various embodiments, the rear panel includes a center rear panel 1303, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14, and an interior of the jog bra 1300 includes a center front panel 1307 and corner panels 1305.
Each of the panels 1301 and 1302 may be comprised of a stretch fabric material. In various embodiments, the center rear panel 1303, the center front panel 1307 and the corner panels 1305 may include or comprise a supportive fabric panel. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the supportive fabric panels 1305 and 1307 may be disposed within an interior of the jog bra 1300. Alternatively, in other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, the center rear panel 1303 and/or the corner panels 1305 may comprise one or more layers of the supportive fabric panel material. Further, each supportive fabric panel may encompass only a portion of the jog bra 1300 or may comprise the entire jog bra 1300.
FIGS. 16-19 depict front, back, side and inside-out views, respectively, of an exemplary supportive garment comprising a shirt 1600 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The shirt 1600 comprises a front panel 1601 adjoined to a rear panel 1602. In various embodiments, the shirt 1600 includes at least two curved panels 1603, e.g., each running along the side of the shirt 1600 from a rear panel 1602 to a bottom of the front panel 1601. Alternate widths and degrees of curvature of the curved panels 1603 may be contemplated.
Each of the panels 1601 and 1602 may be comprised of a stretch fabric material. In various embodiments, the curved panels 1603 may include or comprise a supportive fabric panel. As illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the supportive fabric panels may be disposed in an exterior of the shirt 1600. The shirt 1600 may further include an inner liner 1605. Further, each supportive fabric panel may encompass only a portion of the shirt 1600 or may comprise the entire shirt 1600.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to various embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the teachings herein. Thus, it is intended that various embodiments cover other modifications and variations of various embodiments within the scope of the present teachings.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A supportive garment comprising: two leg panels joined to a waist panel, and at least one supportive fabric panel affixed to the waist panel, wherein each of the leg panels and the waist panel comprises a stretch fabric material comprising a cotton and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m²to about 260 g/m², a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70, and wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises at least one layer of a supportive fabric material comprising a nylon and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m²to about 200 g/m²and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.

2. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises about 82% cotton and about 18% spandex.

3. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises a weight per unit area of about 190 g/m².

4. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric growth after one hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 0.5-1.0% in the wales direction and about 2-3% in the courses direction.

5. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric stretch after cycling under 10 lbs of about 50% to about 60% in the wales direction and about 60% to about 65% in the courses direction.

6. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric recovery after 1 hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 90-95% in the wales direction and about 90-95% in the courses direction.

7. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the stretch fabric material comprises a cotton/spandex blend in a range of about 80% to about 95% cotton and about 5% to about 20% spandex and an average percentage of fabric growth after one hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 3-4% in the wales direction and about 5-6% in the courses direction.

8. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein stretch fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric stretch after cycling under 10 lbs of about 80% to about 90% in the wales direction and about 150% to about 160% in the courses direction.

9. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the waist panel comprises a supportive fabric material.

10. The supportive garment according to claim 1, wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises a plurality of layers of the supportive fabric material.

11. A supportive garment comprising: a stretch fabric material comprising a cotton and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m²to about 260 g/m², a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70; and at least one supportive fabric panel affixed to the stretch fabric material, wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises at least one layer of a supportive fabric material comprising a nylon and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m²to about 200 g/m²and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.

12. The supportive garment of claim 11, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises about 82% cotton and about 18% spandex.

13. The supportive garment according to claim 11, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises a weight per unit area of about 190 g/m².

14. The supportive garment according to claim 11, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric growth after one hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 0.5-1.0% in the wales direction and about 2-3% in the courses direction.

15. The supportive garment according to claim 11, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric stretch after cycling under 10 lbs of about 50% to about 60% in the wales direction and about 60% to about 65% in the courses direction.

16. The supportive garment according to claim 11, wherein the supportive fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric recovery after 1 hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 90-95% in the wales direction and about 90-95% in the courses direction.

17. The supportive garment according to claim 11, wherein the stretch fabric material comprises a cotton/spandex blend in a range of about 80% to about 95% cotton and about 5% to about 20% spandex and an average percentage of fabric growth after one hour recovery from 2 hour extension of about 3-4% in the wales direction and about 5-6% in the courses direction.

18. The supportive garment according to claim 11, wherein stretch fabric material comprises an average percentage of fabric stretch after cycling under 10 lbs of about 80% to about 90% in the wales direction and about 150% to about 160% in the courses direction.

19. The supportive garment according to claim 11, wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises a plurality of layers of the supportive fabric material.