CLOTHING ARTICLE WITH SEPARABLE HAND MUFF SECTIONS

Abstract

A clothing article includes a clothing layer and a clothing layer closure. The clothing layer extends about an article interior configured to receive a wearer when the clothing article is donned. The clothing layer includes opposite clothing layer attachment margins. The clothing layer closure includes complemental clothing layer connectors attached to respective clothing layer attachment margins to removably connect the clothing layer attachment margins relative to one another.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates generally to clothing, garments, and wearable accessories. Embodiments of the present invention concern a clothing article with pockets that cooperatively form an enclosure.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

Conventional jackets, coats, and sweatshirts have long included pockets and hand muffs for a wearer to place their hands and/or other items. Hand muffs on known garments are generally insulated so that the wearer may warm their hands by placing them inside the hand muffs. Prior art garment pockets may have an exterior closure (such as a button or zipper) to provide selective access to the pocket interior.

However, prior art garments with pockets and hand muffs are known to have various deficiencies. For instance, pockets and hand muffs of conventional garments are generally too small for wearers to comfortably place their hands and/or other objects within the pocket interior. This is particularly a problem for garments with a front zipper configured to open and close the garment.

This background discussion is intended to provide information related to the present invention which is not necessarily prior art.

SUMMARY

The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a clothing article that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of prior art garments, including those set forth above.

A first aspect of the present invention concerns a clothing article configured to be donned by a wearer. The clothing article broadly includes a clothing layer, a clothing layer closure, a pocket layer, opposed pockets, and a pocket layer closure. The clothing layer extends about an article interior configured to receive the wearer when the clothing article is donned. The clothing layer includes opposite clothing layer attachment margins. The clothing layer closure includes complemental clothing layer connectors attached to respective clothing layer attachment margins to removably connect the clothing layer attachment margins relative to one another. The pocket layer is attached relative to the clothing layer so that the layers are at least partly coextensive. The pocket layer includes opposite pocket layer attachment margins that extend alongside respective clothing layer attachment margins. The opposed pockets are located on opposite sides of the attachment margins and are at least partly formed by the pocket layer, with the pockets defining respective interior compartments between the pocket layer and the clothing layer. The pocket layer closure includes complemental pocket layer connectors attached to respective pocket layer attachment margins to removably connect the pocket layer attachment margins relative to one another. The clothing layer closure and the pocket layer closure cooperatively join the pockets to one another when the closures are closed, such that the pockets cooperatively form a continuous enclosure.

A second aspect of the present invention concerns a clothing article configured to be donned by a wearer. The clothing article broadly includes an outer clothing layer, an outer layer closure, an inner clothing layer, and a magnetic inner layer closure. The outer clothing layer extends about an article interior configured to receive the wearer when the clothing article is donned. The outer clothing layer includes opposite outer layer attachment margins and presents opposite interior and exterior surfaces. The outer layer closure includes complemental outer layer connectors attached to respective outer layer attachment margins to removably connect the outer layer attachment margins relative to one another. The inner clothing layer is attached relative to the interior surface so that the layers are at least partly coextensive, with the outer clothing layer covering the inner clothing layer when the clothing article is donned. The inner clothing layer includes opposite inner layer attachment margins that extend alongside respective outer layer attachment margins. The inner layer closure includes complemental magnetic inner layer connectors attached to respective inner layer attachment margins to removably connect the inner layer attachment margins relative to one another.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a clothing article constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a torso section, arms, and hood;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation of the clothing article shown in FIG. 1, showing pockets defined by the clothing article, an outer zipper closure opened, and an inner magnetic closure opened;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2, showing an outer clothing layer, inner and outer pocket layers, and a liner, with the pocket being cooperatively formed by the inner and outer pocket layers and defining an interior compartment;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevation of the clothing article similar to FIG. 2, but showing internal pocket zipper closures extending alongside the inner magnetic closure and the outer zipper closure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front elevation of the clothing article similar to FIG. 4, but showing internal pocket zipper closures opened to depict the interior compartments defined by the pockets;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevation of the clothing article similar to FIG. 5, but showing internal pocket zipper closures closed and the inner magnetic closure partly closed;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevation of the clothing article similar to FIG. 6, but showing the inner magnetic closure fully closed;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged front elevation of the clothing article similar to FIG. 7, but showing the outer zipper closure partly closed; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation of a magnetic connector of the inner magnetic closure, showing a fabric sleeve and magnetic elements.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. While the drawings do not necessarily provide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated components or structures, the drawings are to scale with respect to the relationships between the components of the structures illustrated in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention references the accompanying figures. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those with ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The following description is, therefore, not limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutually exclusive unless so stated. Specifically, a feature, component, action, step, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, particular implementations of the present invention can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a clothing article 20 comprises a jacket-type garment to be donned by a wearer. As will be described, the clothing article 20 preferably includes opposed pockets 22 that are removably joined to one another to cooperatively form a continuous enclosure 24. The enclosure 24 has a generally tubular shape and is intended to be accessed by the wearer from outside jacket. In the usual manner, the wearer may place their hands and/or other items within the enclosure 24.

It is within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention for inventive features to be incorporated into other types of clothing articles or accessories. Aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into various other garments, such as garments that at least partly cover a wearer's torso. For instance, an alternative garment may include a coat, pullover, hoodie, sweatshirt, t-shirt, parka, poncho, rain coat, overalls, coveralls, pants, bibs, or waders. The clothing article 20 broadly includes the pockets 22, inner and outer clothing layers 26,28, an inner clothing layer closure 30, and an outer clothing layer closure 32.

The outer clothing layer 28 preferably extends about an article interior 34, which is configured to receive the wearer when the clothing article is donned. In the depicted embodiment, outer clothing layer 28 includes a torso section 36, arms 38, and a hood 40. The outer clothing layer 28 also preferably includes opposite outer layer attachment margins 42,44 (see FIGS. 2 and 8) and presents opposite interior and exterior surfaces 46,48 (see FIG. 3).

The depicted outer clothing layer 28 comprises the outermost layer of the article 20, such that the exterior surface 48 is exposed when the article 20 is donned by the wearer. However, the principles of the present invention are applicable for an outermost layer to cover at least part of the outer clothing layer. For instance, alternative embodiments of the clothing article may include an outermost clothing layer (such as an outermost pocket layer) to extend over the outer clothing layer.

It is also within the scope of at least certain aspects of the present invention for the outer clothing layer to be alternatively configured. For instance, the outer clothing layer may include an alternative hood or may be devoid of a hood. Similarly, the outer clothing layer may include alternative arms or may be devoid of arms. Further, the outer clothing layer may include an alternative torso section.

Furthermore, it is within the scope of at least certain aspects of the present invention for the outer clothing layer to provide part of an article that does not cover a wearer's torso. For example, the outer clothing layer may be provided as part of a clothing article that covers the wearer's legs, such as overalls, coveralls, pants, bibs, or waders. While covering the wearer's legs, such an alternative clothing article may not extend over the torso, may extend over part of the torso, or may cover the torso entirely.

The outer clothing layer closure 32 preferably includes complemental outer layer connectors 50,52 (see FIG. 4) attached to respective outer layer attachment margins 42,44 to removably connect the outer layer attachment margins 42,44 relative to one another. Preferably, outer layer connectors 50,52 extend continuously between upper and lower connector ends 54,56 (see FIG. 1). The illustrated outer clothing layer closure 32 preferably comprises an elongated zipper closure, with outer layer connector 50 including a series of zipper elements, a slider, and a lowermost retaining box, while the outer layer connector 52 includes a series of zipper elements and a lowermost insert pin. In the usual manner, the zipper elements of each outer layer connector 50 are removably intercalated between adjacent zipper elements of the outer layer connector 52 so that the outer layer connectors 50,52 are removably joined with one another.

It is also within the scope of the present invention for clothing article to include an alternative outer clothing layer closure associated with the outer clothing layer. For instance, alternative clothing layer closures may include other types of detachable connector elements, such as hook-and-loop connectors, snaps, buttons, buckles, magnets, etc. The clothing layer closure for the outer clothing layer may comprise an alternative connector that extends continuously between upper and lower connector ends. However, for at least certain aspects of the present invention, the clothing layer closure for the outer clothing layer may include discrete, complemental connector elements that are spaced apart from one another along the length of the connectors.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clothing article 20 also includes an innermost liner 58 that is generally coextensive with the outer clothing layer along the torso section 36 and the arms 38. Preferably, the liner 58 defines at least part of the article interior 34. However, it is within the ambit of at least certain aspects of the present invention for clothing article to include an alternative liner or to be devoid of the liner.

In the depicted embodiment, inner clothing layer 26 comprises an inner pocket layer that cooperates with an outer pocket layer 59 to form the pockets 22 (see FIG. 3). The pockets 22 define respective interior compartments 60 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). In particular, the inner clothing layer 26 and the outer pocket layer 59 cooperatively define respective interior compartments 60 (see FIG. 3). Compartments 60 are located between the inner clothing layer 26 and outer clothing layer 28. Preferably, the inner clothing layer 26 serves to separate the interior compartments 60 from the article interior 34 when the clothing article 20 is donned. The inner clothing layer 26 and outer pocket layer 58 are preferably attached relative to the outer clothing layer 28 so that the layers 26,28,58 are at least partly coextensive with one another.

Although pockets 22 are preferably formed by the inner clothing layer 26 and the outer pocket layer 58, one or more pockets may be alternatively formed within the scope of the present invention. For instance, one or more pockets may be formed solely by a single pocket layer or a single clothing layer, such as the inner clothing layer (e.g., by folding the inner clothing layer onto itself so that the inner clothing layer defines the interior compartments). Also, one or more alternative pockets may be cooperatively formed by an alternative pair of inner and outer layers. For instance, inner and outer clothing layers may cooperatively form pockets so that the inner and outer clothing layers define respective compartments.

Preferably, inner clothing layer 26 includes opposite inner layer attachment margins 62,64 that extend alongside respective outer layer attachment margins 42,44 (see FIG. 5). The opposed pockets 22 and interior compartments 60 are preferably located on opposite sides of the attachment margins 42,44,62,64 and the closures 30,32.

Although the inner clothing layer 26 extends along only a corresponding part of the outer clothing layer 28, the inner clothing layer may be variously sized (e.g., to provide a larger or smaller pocket). For at least some aspects of the present invention, the inner clothing layer may be coextensive with the outer clothing layer 28. For instance, alternative clothing article embodiments may have a liner that cooperates with the outer clothing layer to form pockets (e.g., where the clothing article is devoid of the inner and outer pocket layers).

Outer clothing layer 28 preferably covers the inner clothing layer 26 when the clothing article is donned. However, it is within the scope of the present invention for a pocket layer to be alternatively positioned relative to the outer pocket layer to at least partly form the pockets. For example, alternative embodiments of the clothing article may include an outer pocket layer attached exteriorly of the outer clothing layer, such that the pocket layer is exposed when the clothing article is donned.

Inner clothing layer closure 30 preferably includes complemental inner layer connectors 70,72 attached to respective inner layer attachment margins 62,64 to removably connect the inner layer attachment margins 62,64 relative to one another. Preferably, inner layer connectors 70,72 extend continuously between upper and lower connector ends 74,76 (see FIG. 7). The illustrated inner clothing layer closure 30 preferably comprises an elongated magnetic closure. In particular, the complemental inner layer connectors 70,72 each preferably comprise an elongated magnetic connector 78 (see FIGS. 6 and 9).

The magnetic connectors 78 each preferably include an elongated flexible sleeve 80 and a plurality of magnetic elements 82 received by the sleeve 80 (see FIG. 9). Sleeve 80 is preferably formed of a flexible fabric material, which may include an elastomeric material. The magnetic elements 82 each comprise a generally cylindrical magnet, which may include any of various conventional rare earth magnets. Magnetic elements 82 are positioned and held within the sleeve 80 in an end-to-end arrangement so as to form a continuous, flexible magnet (see FIG. 9).

In alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated that at least one of the magnetic connectors 78 may be alternatively constructed to facilitate removable connection between the inner layer connectors. The flexible sleeve may contain alternatively shaped magnetic elements. For instance, instead of having a circular cross-sectional shape, one or more elements may have an alternative cross-sectional shape (such as a square or rectangular shape). While the use of elongated magnetic elements is preferable, it will be appreciated that one or more elements may include balls (e.g., elements that are spherical), pellets, grains, etc. It will also be understood that the flexible sleeve may contain a greater or lesser number of magnetic elements.

Although magnetic elements of the inner layer connector are preferably arranged end-to-end continuously in series (so that adjacent pairs of magnetic elements contact one another), alternative embodiments of an inner layer connector may have magnetic elements alternatively positioned relative to one another. For instance, one or more pairs of adjacent magnetic elements may be spaced apart from one another. While the inner layer connector has a single column of magnetic elements, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the inner layer connector may have multiple columns of magnetic elements arranged side by side (such that the columns partly or entirely overlap one another).

It will be understood that the flexible sleeve may be alternatively configured to accommodate various arrangements of magnetic elements. However, it is within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention for an inner layer connector to be devoid of a flexible sleeve. For instance, one or more magnetic elements may be attached relative to one another via structure other than a sleeve (e.g., where adjacent pairs of magnetic elements are formed with complemental connectors to facilitate direct mechanical connection therebetween).

When the magnetic connectors 78 are secured to provide respective inner layer connectors 70,72, it will be appreciated that the inner layer connectors 70,72 are magnetically attracted to one another so that the connectors 70,72 are complementally attached to each other and restrict detachment.

It is also within the scope of the present invention for clothing article to include an alternative inner clothing layer closure associated with the outer clothing layer. For example, it is within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention for alternative inner layer closures to include an alternative magnetic closure (e.g., one or more discrete connector elements spaced along the length of the inner clothing layer closure). While the magnetic elements are preferably held together via the sleeve, an alternative closure may include an alternative structure (e.g., an alternative flexible structure) for holding the magnetic elements. For instance, an alternative closure may include a flexible string or wire (including metallic and/or non-metallic materials) for holding the magnetic elements.

For at least certain aspects of the present invention, an alternative inner clothing layer closure may include, additionally or alternatively, non-magnetic detachable closures, such as zipper closures, hook-and-loop connectors, snaps, buttons, buckles, magnets, etc. The clothing layer closure for the inner clothing layer may comprise an alternative connector that extends continuously between upper and lower connector ends (such as a zipper closure or a hook-and-loop closure). However, for at least certain aspects of the present invention, the clothing layer closure for the inner clothing layer may include discrete, complemental connector elements that are spaced apart from one another along the length of the connectors.

Outer clothing layer 28 also preferably presents external access openings 84 (see FIG. 2) on opposite sides of the closures 30,32. The depicted openings 84 communicate with respective interior compartments 60 and permit access to respective compartments 60 from outside the clothing article 20. However, for at least certain aspects of the present invention, one or more of the interior compartments may not be associated with an access opening. That is, at least one of the interior compartment may be devoid of an access opening, such that access to the compartment from outside of the clothing article is restricted. In such embodiments, it will be appreciated that compartment access may be provided via an internal opening, such internal pocket openings 88 or another interior opening. Preferably, such an internal opening is covered when the clothing article is donned and the outer layer connector is closed.

Clothing article 20 also preferably includes external pocket closures 86 (see FIG. 2) attached relative to the outer clothing layer 28 to selectively open and close the corresponding external access opening 84. When closed, the external pocket closures 86 restrict access to corresponding internal compartments 60.

The external pocket closures 86 each preferably comprise an elongated zipper closure. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention for the clothing article to include an alternative external pocket closure. For instance, alternative external pocket closures may include other types of detachable connector elements, such as hook-and-loop connectors, snaps, buttons, buckles, magnets, etc. The external pocket closure may comprise an alternative connector that extends continuously between opposite closure ends. Although closures 86 are preferably provided to selectively open and close the respective compartment 60, alternative embodiments of the clothing article may be devoid of an external pocket closure.

The outer layer attachment margins 42,44 and respective inner layer attachment margins 62,64 cooperatively define internal pocket openings 88 (see FIG. 5). The pocket openings 88 preferably permit the interior compartments 60 to communicate with one another when the closures 30,32 are closed. Pocket openings 88 also preferably permit direct access to the interior compartments 60 (for instance, when the outer clothing layer closure 32 is at least partly opened).

Clothing article 20 also preferably includes internal pocket closures 90 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) attached to layers 26,28. In the illustrated embodiment, each pocket closure 90 includes complemental, inner and outer pocket closure connectors 92,94 (see FIG. 5). The depicted inner pocket closure connectors 92 are attached relative to inner layer attachment margins 62,64. Similarly, the depicted outer pocket closure connectors 94 are attached relative to the outer layer attachment margins 42,44.

Internal pocket closure connectors 92,94 are configured to selectively open and close corresponding internal pocket openings 88. When closed, the internal pocket closures 86 restrict access to corresponding internal compartments 60 and restrict the internal compartments 60 from communicating with one another.

The internal pocket closures 90 each preferably comprise an elongated zipper closure. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention for the clothing article to include an alternative internal pocket closure. For instance, alternative internal pocket closures may include other types of detachable connector elements, such as hook-and-loop connectors, snaps, buttons, buckles, magnets, etc. The internal pocket closure may comprise an alternative connector that extends continuously between opposite closure ends. Although closures 90 are preferably provided to selectively open and close the respective compartment 60, alternative embodiments of the clothing article may have at least one pocket that is devoid of an internal pocket closure.

Again, the pockets 22 are removably joined relative to one another to cooperatively form the continuous enclosure 24. In the depicted embodiment, the closures 30,32 cooperatively join the pockets 22 relative to one another when the closures 30,32 are closed, such that the pockets 22 cooperatively form the enclosure 24. The illustrated enclosure 24 preferably has a flexible and tubular construction, although other embodiments of the enclosure may be alternatively constructed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, it is within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention for the enclosure to include a rigid structure that substantially restricts flexing of at least part of the enclosure.

As used herein, the phrase “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing or excluding components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain or exclude A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the term “includes” may refer to an item that includes something as a part thereof or is entirely made up of that something.

Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description.

The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A clothing article configured to be donned by a wearer, said clothing article comprising: a clothing layer extending about an article interior configured to receive the wearer when the clothing article is donned,said clothing layer including opposite clothing layer attachment margins;a clothing layer closure including complemental clothing layer connectors attached to respective clothing layer attachment margins to removably connect the clothing layer attachment margins relative to one another;a pocket layer being attached relative to the clothing layer so that the layers are at least partly coextensive,said pocket layer including opposite pocket layer attachment margins that extend alongside respective clothing layer attachment margins;opposed pockets located on opposite sides of the attachment margins and at least partly formed by the pocket layer, with the pockets defining respective interior compartments between the pocket layer and the clothing layer; anda pocket layer closure including complemental pocket layer connectors attached to respective pocket layer attachment margins to removably connect the pocket layer attachment margins relative to one another,said clothing layer closure and said pocket layer closure cooperatively joining the pockets relative to one another when the closures are closed, such that the pockets cooperatively form a continuous enclosure.

2. The clothing article as claimed in claim 1, each of said clothing layer attachment margins and respective pocket layer attachment margins cooperatively defining a pocket opening, with the pocket openings permitting the interior compartments to communicate with one another when the closures are closed.

3. The clothing article as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: an internal pocket closure including complemental pocket closure connectors attached to respective layers to selectively close a corresponding one of the pocket openings.

4. The clothing article as claimed in claim 3, said pocket closure comprising a zipper closure.

5. The clothing article as claimed in claim 1, said clothing layer presenting opposite interior and exterior surfaces, with the exterior surface being exposed when the clothing article is donned,said pocket layer being attached relative to the interior surface, with the clothing layer covering the pocket layer when the clothing article is donned and the pocket layer separating the interior compartments from the article interior.

6. The clothing article as claimed in claim 5, said clothing layer presenting an external access opening that communicates with at least one of the interior compartments and permits access thereto from outside the clothing article.

7. The clothing article as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: an external pocket closure attached to the clothing layer and operable to selectively close the external access opening to restrict access to the at least one interior compartment.

8. The clothing article as claimed in claim 6, each of said clothing layer attachment margins and respective pocket layer attachment margins cooperatively defining a pocket opening, with the pocket openings permitting the interior compartments to communicate with one another when the closures are closed.

9. The clothing article as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: an external pocket closure attached to the clothing layer and operable to selectively close the external access opening to restrict access to the at least one interior compartment.

10. The clothing article as claimed in claim 9, further comprising: an internal pocket closure including complemental pocket closure connectors attached to respective layers to selectively close a corresponding one of the pocket openings.

11. The clothing article as claimed in claim 1, said clothing layer closure and said pocket layer closure each comprising a continuous closure.

12. The clothing article as claimed in claim 1, said clothing layer closure comprising a zipper closure and said pocket layer closure comprising a magnetic closure.

13. The clothing article as claimed in claim 12, each of said pocket layer connectors including a series of discrete magnetic elements.

14. The clothing article as claimed in claim 13, each of said pocket layer connectors including an elongated flexible sleeve that receives the respective magnetic elements, with the magnetic elements being held by the corresponding sleeve in an end-to-end arrangement to form a continuous flexible magnet.

15. A clothing article configured to be donned by a wearer, said clothing article comprising: an outer clothing layer extending about an article interior configured to receive the wearer when the clothing article is donned,said outer clothing layer including opposite outer layer attachment margins and presenting opposite interior and exterior surfaces;an outer layer closure including complemental outer layer connectors attached to respective outer layer attachment margins to removably connect the outer layer attachment margins relative to one another;an inner clothing layer being attached relative to the interior surface so that the layers are at least partly coextensive, with the outer clothing layer covering the inner clothing layer when the clothing article is donned,said inner clothing layer including opposite inner layer attachment margins that extend alongside respective outer layer attachment margins; anda magnetic inner layer closure including complemental magnetic inner layer connectors attached to respective inner layer attachment margins to removably connect the inner layer attachment margins relative to one another.

16. The clothing article as claimed in claim 15, further comprising: opposed pockets located on opposite sides of the attachment margins and at least partly formed by the pocket layer, with the pockets defining respective interior compartments between the pocket layer and the clothing layer,said closures cooperatively joining the pockets to one another when the closures are closed, such that the pockets cooperatively form a continuous enclosure.

17. The clothing article as claimed in claim 16, each of said outer layer attachment margins and respective inner layer attachment margins cooperatively defining a pocket opening, with the pocket openings permitting the interior compartments to communicate with one another when the closures are closed.

18. The clothing article as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: an internal pocket closure including complemental pocket closure connectors attached to respective layers to selectively close a corresponding one of the pocket openings.

19. The clothing article as claimed in claim 18, said pocket closure comprising a zipper closure.

20. The clothing article as claimed in claim 15, said clothing layer closure and said pocket layer closure each comprising a continuous closure.

21. The clothing article as claimed in claim 20, each of said magnetic inner layer connectors including a series of discrete magnetic elements.

22. The clothing article as claimed in claim 21, each of said magnetic inner layer connectors including an elongated flexible sleeve that receives the respective magnetic elements, with the magnetic elements being held by the corresponding sleeve in an end-to-end arrangement to form a continuous flexible magnet.

23. The clothing article as claimed in claim 15, said inner and outer clothing layers cooperatively forming opposed pockets on opposite sides of the attachment margins, with the pockets defining respective interior compartments.

24. The clothing article as claimed in claim 23, said pockets cooperatively forming a continuous enclosure when the closures are closed.