Embodiments relate generally to articles of clothing, and more particularly to articles of clothing covering the abdominal area.
Typically, a person who wishes to ensure coverage of their abdominal area wears an undershirt, a shape wear tank, or a constrictive bodysuit. These articles of clothing may be uncomfortable, embarrassing, ineffective at concealing the abdominal area, and/or require repeated adjustments by a wearer.
Exemplary embodiments include an article of clothing having: an upper garment for covering a torso of a wearer, the upper garment having a front, a back, a collar disposed proximate to a neck of the wearer, and a bottom edge disposed proximate to a waist of the wearer and distal from the collar; and a lower garment for covering the buttocks and crotch of a wearer, the lower garment having a front, a back, and an upper edge disposed proximate to a waist of the wearer; where a portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment may be fixedly attached to a portion of the front of the lower garment; where a portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment proximate to each hip of the wearer may be detached from a portion of the front of the lower garment proximate to each hip of the wearer; where the bottom edge of the back of the upper garment may be detached from the upper edge of the back of the lower garment proximate a lower back of the wearer; and where the bottom edge of the upper garment may be proximate to the upper edge of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, the portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment may be fixedly attached to the portion of the front of the lower garment at the upper edge of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, the portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment may be fixedly attached to the portion of the front of the lower garment at each side seam of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, the upper garment may be at least one of: a tank top, a sleeveless shirt, a halter tank, a short sleeve shirt, a three-quarter sleeve shirt, and a long sleeve shirt. In additional embodiments, the lower garment may be underwear including at least one of: briefs, thong, and boy shorts. The article of clothing may be an undergarment, underwear, outerwear worn over an undergarment or underwear, and/or active wear.
Additional exemplary embodiments may include an article of clothing having: an upper garment for covering a torso of a wearer, the upper garment having a front, a back, a collar disposed proximate to a neck of the wearer, and a bottom edge disposed proximate to a waist of the wearer and distal from the collar; and a lower garment for covering the buttocks and crotch of a wearer, the lower garment having a front, a back, and an upper edge disposed proximate to a waist of the wearer; where a portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment may be fixedly attached to a portion of the front of the lower garment; where a portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment proximate to each hip of the wearer may be detached from a portion of the front of the lower garment proximate to each hip of the wearer; where a portion of the bottom edge of the back of the upper garment may be detachably attached to a portion of the back of the lower garment proximate a lower back of the wearer; and where the bottom edge of the upper garment may be proximate to the upper edge of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, the portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment may be fixedly attached to the portion of the front of the lower garment at the upper edge of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, the portion of the bottom edge of the back of the upper garment may be detachably attached to the portion of the back of the lower garment at the upper edge of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, the portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment may be fixedly attached to the portion of the front of the lower garment at each side seam of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, the upper garment may be at least one of: a tank top, a sleeveless shirt, a halter tank, a short sleeve shirt, a three-quarter sleeve shirt, and a long sleeve shirt. In additional embodiments, the lower garment may be underwear including at least one of: briefs, thong, and boy shorts. In additional embodiments, the portion of the bottom edge of the back of the upper garment may be detachably attached to the portion of the back of the lower garment proximate a lower back of the wearer by at least one of: snaps, clasps, buttons, hook and loops, hook and eyes, and zippers.
Additional exemplary embodiments may include an article of clothing having: an upper garment for covering a torso and crotch of a wearer, the upper garment having a front, a back, a collar disposed proximate to a neck of the wearer, and a bottom edge extending from a crotch of the wearer to a waist of the wearer and distal from the collar; and a lower garment for covering the buttocks of a wearer, the lower garment comprising a front, a back, and an upper edge disposed proximate to a waist of the wearer; where a portion of the front of the upper garment may be fixedly attached to a portion of the front of the lower garment; where a portion of the bottom edge of the front of the upper garment proximate to each hip of the wearer may be detached from a portion of the front of the lower garment proximate to each hip of the wearer; and where the bottom edge of the upper garment may be proximate to the upper edge of the lower garment. In additional embodiments, a portion of the bottom edge of the back of the upper garment may be detachably attached to a portion of the back of the lower garment proximate a lower back of the wearer. In additional embodiments, the portion of the bottom edge of the back of the upper garment may be detachably attached to the portion of the back of the lower garment proximate the lower back of the wearer by at least one of: snaps, clasps, buttons, hook and loops, hook and eyes, and zippers. In additional embodiments, the bottom edge of the back of the upper garment may be detached from the upper edge of the back of the lower garment proximate a lower back of the wearer. In additional embodiments, the upper garment may be at least one of: a tank top, a sleeveless shirt, a halter tank, a short sleeve shirt, a three-quarter sleeve shirt, and a long sleeve shirt. In additional embodiments, the lower garment may be underwear comprising at least one of: briefs, thong, and boy shorts. In additional embodiments, the front of the lower garment may be a waistband. In additional embodiments, the upper garment and the lower garment may be at least one of: outerwear and active wear.
The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the disclosed embodiments of apparel, and is not meant to limit the disclosed concepts herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.
Embodiments of apparel disclosed herein include an undergarment, underwear, outerwear worn over an undergarment or outerwear, and/or active wear which ensures coverage of the abdominals of a wearer. The article of clothing may include an upper garment, e.g., a shirt, for covering the torso of the wearer. The article of clothing may also include a lower garment, e.g., underwear, for covering the buttocks and crotch of the wearer. The upper garment may be permanently attached to the lower garment at a location proximate to the abdominals of a wearer, i.e., along a front of both the upper garment and the lower garment. The upper garment may be separate and detached from the lower garment at all other locations, including the sides and back. The article of clothing may be allowed to move with the wearer to expose the hips and lower back of the wearer, while ensuring that the abdomen of the wearer is not exposed. This creates the illusion that the wearer is merely wearing a separate top and not a body shaper. In some embodiments, the front and/or back of the upper garment and lower garment may be detachably attached to create varying degrees of body coverage.
The lower garment 104 may cover the buttocks and crotch of the wearer 106. The lower garment 104 may be underwear. Various underwear styles including, but not limited to, briefs, a thong, and boy shorts 118, are shown in shorter dashed lines. Other lower garment 104 configurations that cover the buttocks and/or crotch of the wearer 106 may be used. The lower garment 104 may be made from natural and/or synthetic materials. The upper garment 102 and/or lower garment 104 may include the use of soft fabric and/or trims to provide comfort to the wearer 106. The selected materials may provide confidence to the wearer 106 while maintaining a softer aesthetic. The lower garment 104 may include a waistband 120 for securing the lower garment 104 around the waist and/or hips of the wearer 106. The waistband 120 may extend around the entire circumference of the lower garment 104, including over an abdomen of the wearer 106. In other embodiments, the waistband 120 may attach to either side of the front covering of the lower garment 104. The lower garment 104 may have an upper edge 122, which may include the waistband 120 and/or portions of the lower garment 104. In some embodiments, the waistband 120 may be detachably attached to the front 128 of the lower garment 104 at either side of the front panel of the lower garment 104, e.g., by straps, snaps, hook or tie, etc.
A front 124 of the upper garment 124 may be fixedly attached 126 to a front 128 of the lower garment 104. A portion of the bottom edge 116 of the front 124 of the upper garment 102 may be fixedly attached 126 to a portion of the upper edge 122 of the front 128 of the lower garment 104. The attachment 126, shown in small bold dashed lines, may include, but is not limited to, various forms of stitching, fusing of the upper garment 102 and lower garment 104 fabrics together, and/or knitting a portion of the upper garment 102 and the lower garment 104 together as one piece. The inside of the upper garment 102 may be stitched to the outside of the lower garment 104 to hide and/or minimize the visibility of the attachment 126. The attachment 126 area may include 35-45% of the front edges (116,122) of the garments (102, 104), respectfully. For example, in an article of clothing having front edges (116,122) measuring thirteen inches in length, the attachment 126 area may be five inches long with unattached portions on either side measuring four inches each. These ratios may be varied, but an attachment area of 35-45% and unattached areas of 55-65% in the front may provide optimal comfort and coverage to the wearer 106. The front 128 of the lower garment may have a triangle width as long as the attachment 126. In some embodiments, the triangle width and/or style may be varied relative to the length of the attachment 126. The location of the attachment 126 may be varied from the upper edge 122 of the lower garment 104 to the bottom of the lower garment 104. For example, in an embodiment with boy shorts as the lower garment, the attachment area may be closer to the bottom of the lower garment than the upper edge, and the upper garment may lay over and/or cover most of the lower garment.
The attachment 126 may not extend across the entire front (124, 128) of the upper garment 124 and/or lower garment 104, respectfully. A portion of the bottom edge 116 of the front 124 of the upper garment 102 proximate to each hip of the wearer 106 may be detached from a portion of the front 128 of the lower garment 104.
Many individuals require body shapers and/or bodysuits in order to wear fashionable clothing items that are sheer, short, and/or tight. Typical body shapers squeeze the body and may be too constricting and/or uncomfortable for daily use. Traditional bodysuits are a single unit surrounding the torso, are often uncomfortable, may restrict movement, and may be embarrassing to a wearer due to their girdle-like appearance. Bodysuits having seams falling under the buttocks may create unsightly panty lines. Bodysuits having a thong back have a tendency to ride up on the crotch of a wearer due to tension and/or user movement from shoulder straps, as these bodysuits are all one piece and connected. Bodysuits may also create bulges at the hips and torso of a wearer. Due to their one piece construction, many bodysuits are not ideal fits and may be too short for many wearers. As a result, these bodysuits often pull at the shoulder areas, pull at the crotch area, compress the breasts, and/or cause discomfort for a wearer. Shape wear tanks and/or underwear items are prone to rolling, bunching, and/or otherwise migrating into a non-optimal position. These rolling, bunching, and/or migrating effects may cause discomfort for a wearer, create unsightly bulges, and require repeated adjustment by a wearer.
The disclosed article of clothing may provide the wearer 106 with a comfortable undergarment that is a base layer to lightly smooth and provide a sense of confidence. The disclosed article of clothing creates the illusion that the wearer 106 is merely wearing a separate top, and not a body shaper. If the article of clothing is exposed or seen under the clothing of the wearer 106, it will have the appearance of a shirt, and will not be a cause of embarrassment. The disclosed article of clothing allows a range of motion and is optimal for everyday use. The attachment 126 (see
The disclosed article of clothing may be outerwear worn over an undergarment or underwear and/or active wear. The wearer 106 may use the disclosed article of clothing alone and/or with additional layers to ensure that their abdominals are not exposed during the increased range of motion and movement during physical exercises such as running, stretching, etc. The wearer 106 may experience increased confidence and/or performance from knowing that they do not need to stop their activity in order to readjust and/or re-tuck their clothing.
The number of detachable attachments 306 secured and/or released may be varied by the wearer 308 based on their desired level of protection. The area that may be attached may include 35-45% of the front edges of the respective garments (302, 304). In some embodiments, the attachable area may be extended to cover a majority of the front edges, and a smaller portion of the sides may be detached. The detachable attachments 306 may have one or more attachment points disposed on an outer portion of the lower garment 304, e.g., along an outer hem on the lower garment 304. The detachable attachments 306 may have one or more corresponding attachment points disposed on an inner portion of the upper garment 302, e.g., along an inner hem on the upper garment 302. When the upper garment 302 is detachably attached to the lower garment 304, the upper garment 302 may lay over and cover the one or more attachment points disposed on the lower garment 304. The attachment points are thereby hidden and may not interfere with any additional garments placed over the disclosed article of clothing.
In some embodiments, the one or more corresponding attachment points of the upper garment 302 may be disposed on an outer portion of the upper garment 302, e.g., along an outer hem on the upper garment 302. The one or more attachment points on the upper garment 302 and the one or more corresponding attachment points on the lower garment 304 may each be disposed on an inner and/or outer portion of the respective garments (302, 304). The upper garment 302 may lay over the lower garment 304, the upper garment 302 may be tucked in to the lower garment 304, or the upper garment 302 and the lower garment 304 may not overlap.
The detachable attachments of
In some embodiments, the upper garment 804 and the lower garment 806 may be detachably attached at the front and/or back, similar to the embodiments shown in
It is contemplated that various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further it is intended that the scope of the present invention is herein disclosed by way of examples and should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/023,546, filed Jul. 11, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62023546 | Jul 2014 | US |