U.S. patent application number 12/884297 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for supportive and slimming apparel.
Invention is credited to FRANK ZARABI.
Application Number | 20110214216 12/884297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44530022 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110214216 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZARABI; FRANK |
September 8, 2011 |
SUPPORTIVE AND SLIMMING APPAREL
Abstract
Articles of apparel for providing improved supportive features
and slimming effects to the body are provided, the articles of
apparel including supportive reinforced fabric placed in specific
regions of the apparel. The supportive reinforced fabric may be
`hidden` (e.g., by being included in an inner liner of the
apparel), or may be included directly in an outer "exterior" layer
of the apparel itself. The supportive reinforced fabric includes a
reinforced mesh-like fabric which is stretchable and breathable,
yet has highly resilient and supportive properties. Exemplary
materials from which such reinforced lining may be made include
spandex, Lycra and any fiber composites incorporating elasticized
and/or resilient properties.
Inventors: |
ZARABI; FRANK; (Commerce,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44530022 |
Appl. No.: |
12/884297 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61310311 |
Mar 4, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 ; 2/236;
2/272; 2/275; 450/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20130101; A41C
3/08 20130101; A41D 27/02 20130101; A41F 9/00 20130101; A41D 27/24
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 ; 450/31;
2/236; 2/275; 2/272 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; A41C 3/08 20060101 A41C003/08; A41F 9/00 20060101
A41F009/00; A41D 27/24 20060101 A41D027/24; A41D 27/02 20060101
A41D027/02 |
Claims
1. An article of apparel comprising: a tank top having a first seam
and a second seam defining a torso region; and an inner liner in at
least the torso region, wherein at least said inner liner in said
torso region is comprised of a supportive reinforced fabric.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein the supportive reinforced fabric
comprises a reinforced mesh-like fabric having resilient and
breathable properties.
3. The article of claim 1, wherein said first seam is provided
right below the bustline, and said second seam comprises at least
one of a bottom edge of the tank top or a seam above and proximate
to the bottom edge of the tank top.
4. The article of claim 1, wherein said inner liner further
comprises a shelf bra having at least a center panel comprising a
supportive reinforced fabric in the form of a strip placed
substantially in a center of the shelf bra.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein the tank top includes a back
panel comprised of the supportive reinforced fabric.
6. An article of apparel comprising: a sports bra having an inner
liner including a shelf bra having a center panel comprised of a
supportive reinforced fabric; at least two straps for joining a
front and back of the sports bra; and a back panel insert oriented
in a substantially center portion of the back of the sports
bra.
7. The article of claim 6, wherein the back panel insert is located
at the back of the sports bra where the at least two straps
adjoin.
8. An article of apparel comprising: pants having two pants legs
and including a waistband having a lower edge and an inner liner,
said inner liner being comprised of a supportive reinforced
fabric.
9. The article of claim 8, further comprising a buttocks region
including a rear seam having two ends, each end of the rear seam
beginning at the lower edge of the waistband and having a length
curving around the buttocks region.
10. The article of claim 9, wherein the buttocks region further
comprises a back yoke including an inner lining comprised of a
supportive reinforced fabric, said back yoke comprising an area
bound at the top by the lower edge of the waistband, extending
between each end of the curved seam, and bound at the bottom by a
yoke seam.
11. The article of claim 10, wherein the back yoke includes a
center portion and two end portions, wherein the center portion is
wider than said two end portions.
12. The article of claim 8, further comprising at least one side
panel running longitudinally along an outer side of each pants leg,
each side panel including a lining comprised of the supportive
reinforced fabric.
13. The article of claim 12, wherein each side panel is bounded on
a top side by the lower edge of the waistband, on either lateral
side by a side seam, and bounded at a bottom side by a knee
seam.
14. The article of claim 13, wherein each knee seam has one end
beginning at an inseam of the pants near a knee area of each pants
leg, and slants downwards in a substantially straight line to meet
with a calf seam.
15. The article of claim 14, wherein each calf seam has one end
beginning at an inseam of the pants near the knee area of each
pants leg, and curves around the back of the pants leg and
downwards to the end of the pants leg.
16. The article of claim 12, further including a back yoke
including an inner lining comprised of a supportive reinforced
fabric, said back yoke comprising an area bound at the top by the
lower edge of the waistband, extending between each of said two
side panels, and bound at the bottom by a yoke seam.
17. An article of apparel comprising: a shirt having a torso seam
extending around the shirt above the abdomen area and attaching an
inner torso layer to an outer torso layer; and a bottom edge;
wherein the outer torso layer includes at least two torso side
panels comprised of a supportive reinforced fabric.
18. The article of claim 17, wherein each torso side panel
comprises a graduated `S-shaped` strip running from the torso seam
to the bottom edge of the shirt on a front side of the shirt.
19. The article of claim 17, wherein each torso side panel is
defined at a top end by a first seam, and defined at a bottom end
by a second seam.
20. The article of claim 19, wherein the first seam comprises a
curved seam running from a neckline of the back side of the shirt,
intersecting the torso seam in the back side of the shirt, and
continuing to the bottom edge of a front side of the shirt, and the
second seam comprises a curved seam running from the torso seam in
the back side of the shirt, to the bottom edge of the front side of
the shirt.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/310,311 filed Mar. 4, 2010.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to apparel for providing
supportive and slimming effects to enhance body shape and form and
to improve posture and aesthetic appearance of the wearer.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Synthetic elastic fibers such as spandex and Lycra have
frequently been incorporated into clothing to provide greater
stretch and to improve comfort. In particular, fitness apparel
and/or sportswear commonly use elasticized fabrics for providing an
improved range of motion to the wearer.
[0006] Elasticized clothing is typically form-fitting and hugs the
curves of the body. However, although elasticized clothing allows
superior freedom of movement, it can cause an unflattering
appearance, due to its tight-fitting qualities. Furthermore, due to
its elastic nature, it can lack support in needed areas.
[0007] Accordingly, apparel that imparts an unimpeded range of
motion while providing maximum supportive, slimming and toning
effects to the human figure, is highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to apparel, such as tank tops,
sports bras, shirts and pants, for providing supportive and
slimming effects to enhance body shape and faun and to improve
posture and aesthetic appearance of the wearer. Advantageously,
apparel according to the present invention provides effective and
flattering slimming and shaping effects while incorporating
features desirable in clothing, such as flexibility, wicking
action, breathability and durability.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an article
of apparel is provided comprising a tank top having a first seam
and a second seam defining a torso region, and an inner liner in at
least the torso region, wherein at least said inner liner in said
torso region is comprised of a supportive reinforced fabric.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, an
article of apparel is provided comprising a sports bra having an
inner liner including a shelf bra having a center panel comprised
of a supportive reinforced fabric, at least two straps for joining
a front and back of the sports bra, and a back panel insert
oriented in a substantially center portion of the back of the
sports bra.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
article of apparel is provided comprising pants having two pants
legs and including a waistband having a lower edge and an inner
liner, said inner liner being comprised of a supportive reinforced
fabric.
[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
article of apparel is provided comprising a shirt having a torso
seam extending around the shirt above the abdomen area and
attaching an inner torso layer to an outer torso layer, and a
bottom edge, wherein the outer torso layer includes at least two
torso side panels comprised of a supportive reinforced fabric.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
article of apparel is provided comprising leggings having two legs
and including a waistband having a lower edge and an inner liner,
said inner liner being comprised of a supportive reinforced
fabric.
[0014] 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
[0015] FIG. 1A is a front view of a supportive tank top according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 1C is a front view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a front view of a supportive tank top according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A;
[0020] FIG. 2C is a front view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 2A;
[0021] FIG. 3A is a front view of a supportive tank top according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A;
[0023] FIG. 3C is a front view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 3A;
[0024] FIG. 4A depicts a front view of a sports bra according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A;
[0026] FIG. 4C is a front view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 4A;
[0027] FIG. 5A is a front view of a pair of supportive full length
pants according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A;
[0029] FIG. 5C is a front view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 5A;
[0030] FIG. 5D is a front view of a pair of supportive half-length
pants according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 6A depicts a front view of a pair of leggings according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A;
[0033] FIG. 6C is a back view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 6A;
[0034] FIG. 7A is a front view of a pair of leggings according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A;
[0036] FIG. 7C is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A;
[0037] FIG. 7D is a side view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 7A;
[0038] FIG. 8A is a front view of a shirt according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 8B is a rear view of the shirt of FIG. 8A;
[0040] FIG. 8C is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A; and
[0041] FIG. 8D is a front view of the inside construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 8A.
[0042] FIG. 9A is a front view of a pair of leggings according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 9B is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A; and
[0044] FIG. 9C is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The apparel pieces described herein may be comprised of any
type of synthetic/natural fabric and/or synthetic/natural fabric
blends which impart breathability, flexibility and durability,
e.g., Coolmax.RTM. or Lycra.TM. fabrics, Elasta-Tight.TM. fabrics,
of various nylon/synthetic fiber and spandex blends.
[0046] Apparel according to the present invention is advantageously
constructed with areas of supportive reinforced fabric at specific
locations to provide shaping and slimming features. As used herein,
the term `supportive reinforced fabric` preferably comprises, for
example, a reinforced mesh-like fabric which is stretchable and
breathable, yet has highly resilient and supportive properties.
Exemplary materials from which such reinforced lining may be made
include spandex, Lycra and any fiber composites incorporating
elasticized and/or resilient properties. The supportive reinforced
fabric may be `hidden` (e.g., by being included in an inner liner
of the apparel), or may be included directly in an outer "exterior"
layer of the apparel itself.
[0047] Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show
front, back and inside views, respectively, of a tank top 100 with
supportive uplift and form-flattering features according to an
aspect of one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Advantageously, the tank top 100 is constructed with areas
of supportive reinforced fabric at specific locations to provide
shaping and slimming features.
[0049] For example, tank top 100 includes a bodice 101 lined on the
inside (see FIG. 1C) with the reinforced supportive fabric 104 for
providing waist cinching and slimming effects to the entire torso
area of the wearer. In one exemplary embodiment, the supportive
reinforced fabric 104 covers the entire torso region 101 of the
tank 100, e.g., extending from a first seam 106 (which lies, e.g.,
right below the bustline), to a bottom edge 108 of the tank top
100, and covering both front and back sides of the tank top 100.
Alternate embodiments may be contemplated in which the supportive
reinforced fabric covers different areas of the torso region
101.
[0050] Preferably, the reinforced supportive fabric is cut on the
cross-grain and sewn together with the outer layer fabric. In
exemplary implementations, the outer layer fabric and self body
fabric are made of at least spandex and/or lycra. Examples of
different fabric types include, but are not limited to
cotton/lycra, poly spandex, poly nylon spandex, and nylon spandex.
Advantageously, the reinforced supportive fabric controls the lower
torso by providing stability and support while holding the abdomen
of the wearer in place.
[0051] In the exemplary implementations, the tank top 100 further
includes a shelf bra 107 as an `inside layer` having a wide under
band 119 for providing an interior support system imparting uplift
and stability as well as comfort. The shelf bra 107 together with
the tank top 100 may comprise two layers, and include a bra opening
109 on either side for inserting removable pads 111. The removable
pads 111 may comprise molded bra pads (constructed of foam,
silicone, etc.) which can be inserted within the shelf bra 107 for
providing additional coverage, further support, and a more dramatic
uplift. The shelf bra 107 is preferably compression fit for maximum
stability and support and is preferably comprised of any material
which is elastic yet boasts breathability and wicking action (e.g.,
Coolmax.RTM. fabric) to keep the body cool and dry.
[0052] Shining 113 may be provided on the inside front of the shelf
bra 107 for providing extra room for shape and fuller coverage. It
allows elastic to extend to its fullest extent while keeping the
shape of the bra.
[0053] In the exemplary implementations, the tank top 100 includes
a back panel 103 and a `hidden` center panel 105, both preferably
comprised of the supportive reinforced fabric described above. The
back panel 103 preferably comprises a `racerback` strap
arrangement, which is comprised of the supportive reinforced
fabric, advantageously providing support, flexibility in movement
and superior breathability.
[0054] The center panel 105 preferably comprises a supportive
reinforced fabric in the form of a strip placed on the inside of
the tank top 100, e.g., substantially in a center of the shelf bra
107, which advantageously assists in firmly holding the shelf bra
107 together, providing support, allowing breathability, and
flexibility of movement.
[0055] Empire waist styling may be used to give slimming effects
around the rib cage and waist area, while also providing uplifting
effects to the bust. The tank top 100 preferably includes at least
two curved `princess` seam lines 102 running longitudinally along
the front of the tank top 100, intersecting the first seam 106, and
the bodice 101 to accentuate the slimming effect and the hourglass
shape. According to one embodiment (as shown in FIG. 1A), each seam
102 comprises a mirror-image of the other and follows and
accentuates the curvature of the torso: for example, being wider at
the bust, curving inwards at the waist, and flaring out again at
the hips.
[0056] A side opening 115 which may comprise a zipper or other
fastening means may be included for ease of putting on/taking off
the tank top 100.
[0057] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depict front, back and front `inside
construction` views, respectively, of a tank top 200 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, tank 200
includes shirring 205 at a center portion of the bust area to
accentuate the cleavage area while adding extra flare and style.
The inside of the tank preferably includes a shelf bra 207. An
empire waist band 119 provides slimming around the rib cage and
waist area while providing uplifting effects to the bust.
[0058] The inside of the bodice 201 is preferably comprised of the
supportive reinforced fabric 204 around the torso for providing
improved waist cinching effects. In one exemplary embodiment, the
supportive reinforced fabric 204 covers the entire torso region 201
of the tank 200, e.g., extending from a first seam 203 to a bottom
edge 208 of the tank top 200, and covering both front and back
sides of the tank top 200. Alternate embodiments may be
contemplated in which the supportive reinforced fabric covers
different areas of the torso region 201.
[0059] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show front, back and front `inside
construction` views, respectively, of a tank top 300 according to
yet another embodiment of the present invention. The tank 300
preferably includes a shelf bra 307 and a torso panel 303 set
between horizontal seams 305, 306 situated around the bodice area
which accentuates slimming effects and an hourglass shape.
[0060] In the exemplary implementations, a first horizontal seam
305 runs laterally across the tank top 300 (e.g., right below the
buntline), while a second horizontal seam 306 runs laterally across
the tank top proximate to a bottom edge 308 of the tank top 300. A
bottom panel 309 is provided between the second seam 306 and the
bottom edge 308 of the tank top 300.
[0061] The torso panel 303 is preferably lined on the inside with a
supportive reinforced fabric 304 (e.g., preferably cut on the cross
grain) to control and shape the lower torso by providing stability
while holding the abdominals of the wearer in place. In one
exemplary embodiment, the supportive reinforced fabric 304 covers
the entire torso region 301 of the tank 300, e.g., extending from a
first seam 305 to a second seam 306 of the tank top 300, and
covering both front and back sides of the tank top 300. Alternate
embodiments may be contemplated in which the supportive reinforced
fabric covers different areas of the torso region 301.
[0062] As depicted, e.g., in FIGS. 3A-3C the second seam 306 is
proximate to and runs substantially parallel with the bottom edge
308.
[0063] It is noted that both the shelf bras 207 and 307 in FIGS. 2C
and 3C may include a wide under band 119 for providing support and
uplift, as well as bra openings 109 for insertion of removable pads
111 therein. Further, both tanks 200 and 300 may include a side
opening 115 (e.g., a zipper) for facilitating putting on and taking
off the tank.
[0064] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C depict front, back and front
`inside-construction` views, respectively, of a sports bra 400
according to an aspect of the present invention. Sports bra 400 may
be provided in a `racer back` style and includes adjustable straps
401 for connecting the front and the back of the sports bra 400,
and customizing support, uplift and comfort. Preferably, a back
panel insert 403 is provided comprised of a supportive reinforced
fabric for improving support, flexibility of movement, and
breathability. The back panel insert 403 is preferably oriented in
a substantially center portion of the back side of the bra 400,
e.g., at the area in which the straps 401 adjoin.
[0065] The sports bra 400 is preferably lined with an interior
shelf bra 407 which further preferably includes at least a center
panel 409 comprised of a supportive reinforced fabric which
advantageously firmly holds the shelf bra 407 together, provides
support, allows breathability, and flexibility of movement. The
center panel 409 comprises a supportive reinforced fabric in the
form of a strip placed substantially in a center of the shelf bra
107.
[0066] In the exemplary implementations, the shelf bra 407 includes
bra openings 109 for receiving removable pads 111 for adding extra
uplift and additional coverage support. Shining 405 may be provided
on the inside of the front side of the bra for providing extra room
for shape and fuller coverage. It allows the elastic of the fabric
to extend to its maximum while keeping the shape of the bra. A wide
under band 119 is provided for adding support, uplift, and
stability while holding everything in place.
[0067] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict front, back and front `inside
construction` views of `tummy control` pants 500 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5D depicts a front view
of a `tummy control` pants 502 according to another embodiment of
the present invention, with section "A" depicting an enlarged view
of an inside construction of the waistband of the pants 502.
Namely, pants 500 depict a full length style, while pants 502 shows
a three-quarter length style. All pants 500, 502, 600 and 700 shown
herein include two pants legs. The term `pants` may include any
type of pants, e.g., such as leggings, tights, etc.
[0068] In the exemplary implementations, both pants 500 and 502
include a waistband 501 which has an inner liner (the inner liner
being in contact with the user's body when the apparel is worn)
comprised of a supportive reinforced fabric 503. The wide shape
waistband 501 advantageously eliminates excess bulging, provides
core stability and promotes body awareness, while providing a
smooth look all around. The lining 503 of the waistband 501 is
comprised of the supportive reinforced fabric to provide abdominal
compression while enhancing the posture of the wearer.
[0069] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C provide front, back and back `inside
construction` views, respectively, of a `rear boosting and tummy
control` pants 600 according to an aspect of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Pants 600 includes a wide
waistband 501 preferably including an inside lining 503 comprising
of the supportive reinforced fabric as described above.
[0070] In the exemplary implementations, the pants 600 include a
contoured rear seam 603 provided, e.g., in a curved "U-shape" to
give a natural-looking boost to the shape of the rear while
providing enhancement, lift and support. The rear curved seam 603
is preferably situated in the `buttocks region` of the pants (the
back side of the pants which contacts the user's buttocks), e.g.,
with each end beginning at a lower edge of the waistband 501. A
length of the seam 603 curves in U-shaped fashion around each side
of the buttocks region.
[0071] Further, a back yoke 601 is preferably provided in the rear
('buttocks region') of the pants 600 to accentuate the shape of the
backside (namely, the gluteus maximus muscles of the wearer). The
back yoke 601 may comprise of a strip of fabric bound at the top by
the waistband 501, extending between each end of the curved seam
603, and bound at the bottom by a yoke seam 605. The yoke seam 605
preferably intersects a center seam 607, and may be at an angle,
such that the back yoke 601 is slightly wider at a center portion
while tapering to narrower ends (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B). That
is, in one embodiment, the back yoke 601 includes a center portion
(substantially proximate to the center seam 607), and two end
portions, with the center portion is wider than the two end
portions.
[0072] Preferably, the back yoke 601 includes an inner lining 503
comprised of a supportive reinforced fabric to impart supportive
and shaping effects, and accentuate the user's curves.
[0073] FIGS. 7A-7D provide front, back, side and side `interior
construction` views, respectively, of `thigh slenderizer and tummy
control` pants 700 according to another embodiment of the present
invention. Pants 700 includes the wide waistband 501 preferably
lined on the inside with the supportive reinforced fabric 503. A
back yoke 601 is provided in the rear of the pants 700, preferably
lined on the inside with supportive reinforced fabric 503 for
further accentuating the user's shape and to provide support. In
one embodiment (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7D), the back yoke
601 is bound at the top by the bottom edge of the waistband 501,
extends to each side panel 701 (described below), and is bound at
the bottom by the yoke seam 605 (as described above).
[0074] In the exemplary implementations, a side panel 701 is
provided running longitudinally along the outer side of each pants
leg. The side panel 701 is preferably lined on the interior side
with (i.e., includes a lining comprised of) the supportive
reinforced fabric 703 to improve compression of the thigh area and
provide a slenderized, toned look.
[0075] Pants 700 preferably includes a plurality of pant leg seams
705, 707 and 709 which advantageously flatter the shape of the legs
and provide slimming and toning effects. Namely, the side panel 701
is bounded on the top by the lower edge of the waistband 501, on
either side by side seams 705, and bounded at the bottom by a knee
seam 707. There are preferably at least two knee seams; each knee
seam 707 has one end beginning at an inseam of the pants (seam of
the inner leg) proximate to the knee area of each pants leg, and
slants downwards in a substantially straight line until it meets
with the calf seam 709. There are preferably at least two calf
seams; each calf seam 709 also has one end beginning at an inseam
of the pants near the knee area of each pants leg, and curves
around the back of the leg and then downwards to the end of each
pants leg.
[0076] The arrangement of seams 705, 707 and 709 advantageously
enhance the curves of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the
wearer, thus providing a visual elongating and toning effect to the
legs. Furthermore, advantageously, the wide waistband 501 and back
yoke 601 lined with the reinforced fabric 503, together with the
side panels 701 lined with reinforced fabric 703 provides abdominal
tightening and thigh slimming effects to the user.
[0077] It is noted that all the pants 500, 502, 600 and 700 shown
herein preferably may include a gusset lined with any breathable
fabric having wicking action to keep the body cool and dry.
[0078] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are front, back, side and front
`inside construction` views, respectively, of a shirt 800 according
to one embodiment of the present invention. The shirt 800 includes
a torso seam 803 extending around the shirt above the abdomen area,
and attaching an inner torso layer 807 to the outer torso layer
802.
[0079] A pair of torso side panels 801 running along each side of
the shirt 800 is advantageously provided for shape enhancement and
slimming effects to the waistline of the user, and each is
preferably comprised of the supportive reinforced fabric as
heretofore described. Each torso side panel 801 comprises a
graduated `S-shaped` strip of fabric running from the torso seam
803 to a bottom edge 808 of the shirt preferably on the shirt's
front side (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C). Each side panel 801 is
defined at a top end by a first seam 805 which preferably comprises
a curved seam running from a neckline of the shirt on the shirt's
back side, intersecting the torso seam 803 in the back side of the
shirt, and continuing to the bottom edge 808 of the shirt on the
shirt's front side.
[0080] In the exemplary implementations, a bottom end of each side
panel 801 is defined by a second seam 806 which comprises a curved
seam running from the torso seam 803 in the back side of the shirt,
to the bottom edge 808 of the shirt on the front side (e.g.,
substantially meeting the second seam 805 thereat).
[0081] Advantageously, the seams 803, 805, 806 in conjunction with
the torso side panels 801 enhance the curves of the torso and the
waist, thus providing a slimming effect.
[0082] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are front, back and front `inside
construction` views, respectively, of a pair of pants, namely
leggings 900 according to another embodiment of the present
invention. Leggings 900 include a waistband 901 preferably lined on
the inside (the side in contact with the user's body when the
apparel is worn) with a supportive reinforced fabric 903. The wide
shape waistband advantageously eliminates excess bulging, provides
core stability and promotes body awareness, while providing a
smooth look all around. The lining 903 of the waistband 901 is
comprised of the supportive reinforced fabric to provide abdominal
compression while enhancing the posture of the wearer.
[0083] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other
changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in
the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
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