GB1596554A

GB1596554A - Garments

Info

Publication number: GB1596554A
Application number: GB38466/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: De Polo H R
Current assignee: De Polo H R
Priority date: 1977-02-18
Filing date: 1978-02-16
Publication date: 1981-08-26

Description

(54) GARMENTS (71) I, HARRY RUDOLPH DE POLO. a citizen of the United States of America, of 480 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The invention relates to the construction of men's, women's and children's sheathtype garments and pants-type garments.

The term "sheath-type garment" is used broadly to include dresses, slips, blouses, coats, jackets, nightgowns, hostess coats, skirts and other garments for covering or partially covering the torso and in some cases the legs of a wearer. The term "pants-type garment , is used broadly to include trousers, slacks, jeans, coulottes and similar garments for covering the lower portion of the torso and individually covering the legs of a wearer.

The invention provides such a sheath-type or pants-type garment comprising two or more elongate strips of fabric helically wound so that edges of convolutions of the strips are adjacent, and means securing the strips to each other along adjacent edges.

Preferably the strips are joined with equal lengths of adjacent edges secured to each other.

Such a garment can be simple both to cut and to assemble. In its simplest form a garment in accordance with the invention (apart from any sleeves or trimming) consists of two long strips of fabric helically wound so that contiguous edges of adjacent convolutions are joined by a pair of seams.

The two or more strips can first be joined edge-to-edge by continuous seams, and the composite strip thus formed wound with adjacent convolutions joined by a single continuous seam.

The legs of pants-type garments and sleeves of sheath-type garments (when sleeves are desired) can be made in like manner by winding the strips of material helically and joining the contiguous edges of adjacent convolutions of the helix by a continuous seam. In pants-type garments, upper end portions of the strips forming the legs are shaped so that when joined together by a central seam they form the top part of the garment.

The invention makes possible the production of garments of novel style and attractive appearance. The contruction in itself imparts a distinctive appearance. The seams run helically. Moreover as the garment is made of two or more long strips of material, the strips can be of different fabrics or different patterns or textures thereby highlighting the effect created by the helical construction.

One or both strips may comprise a number of squares of fabric secured together along adjacent edges.

The invention is closely related to that of my copending Application No. 6197/78 Serial No. 1596553 which permits the use of a single helically wound strip of fabric but specifies that equal lengths of adjacent edges are secured to one another.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the drawings of which: Figure 1 shows an off-one-shoulder dress of two long strips of fabric wound helically and having one sleeve; Figure 2 shows the two strips of fabric of which the dress of Figure 1 is made; Figure 3 shows a strip of fabric from which the sleeve of the dress of Figure 1 is made; Figure 4 shows an off-one-shoulder sleeveless dress of tapered construction; Figure 5 shows the two strips of fabric from which the dress of Figure 4 is made; Figure 6 shows an off-the-shoulder one sleeve dress made from four strips of fabric; Figure 7 shows the four strips of fabric from which the dress of Figure 6 is made; Figure 8 shows a strip of fabric from which the sleeve of the dress of Figure 6 is made; Figure 9 is a dress made of two strips of fabric and having a square neck and two sleeves;; Figure 10 shows the two strips and a small additional piece of which the dress of Figure 9 -apart from the sleeves- is made; Figure 11 shows a strip of fabric from which one sleeve is made the other being made in like manner; Figure 12 shows the upper part of a dress having a V-shaped neckline; Figure 13 shows the upper portions of strips cut to provide the neckline of Figure 12; Figure 14 shows the upper portion of a dress with a jewel neckline; Figure 15 shows the upper end portions of strips which are cut to provide the jewel neckline of Figure 14; Figure 16 shows trousers made in accordance with the present invention with the legs of the trousers spiralling in opposite direc tions; Figures 17A and 17B show composite strips of which the trousers of Figure 16 are made, each of the composite strips being formed of four narrow strips joined together;; Figure 18 shows trousers made in accordance with the present invention with the legs spiralling in the same direction; Figures 19A and 19B show composite strips of which the trousers of Figure 18 are made; Figure 20 is a fragmentary view illustrating an alternative construction and Figures 21 and 22 are schematic cross sectional views illustrating alternative modes of joining adjacent strips of fabric.

In Figure 1 there is shown schematically a dress made in accordance with the present invention while Figures 2 and 3 show the three pieces of fabric material from which the dress is made. The dress is shown as an off-one-shoulder style and comprises a body or torso portion T and a single sleeve S. The body portion of the dress is made of two strips of material 1 and 2 shown in Figure 2.

Each of the strips is approximately 8 inches wide. The dotted lines along the edges of the strips represent seam allowances. The length of the strips depends on the size of the dress and on the desired length. By way of example strip 1 is approximately 1()'6" long while strip 2 is approximately 8'6" long.

The strips are cut from woven knitted or unwoven fabric suitable for the desired dress. Knitted fabric is particularly suitable by reason of its having a certain amount of elasticity. Near the top of strip 1 there is provided a curved cut-out C which provides the single arm-hole of the dress. The upper ends of the strips are cut obliquely to provide inclined edges D which form the top or neckline of the dress. The lower ends of the strip are also cut obliquely to provide inlined edges E which form the lower edge or hemline of the dress. It will be understood that edges D and E are suitably finished for example by hemming or rolling.

The dress is assembled by first joining the adjacent edges A of the two strips 1 and 2 in a continuous straight seam. The composite strip thus formed is then wound helically as illustrated in Figure 1 and the edge B of strip 1 is joined with the edge B of strip 2. In order to position the edges B of the two strips correctly relative to one another, each of the edges is provided at proper intervals with small notches or other markings which are identified by way of example in the drawings as B1, B2, B3 and B4. In assembling the dress notch B1 of strip 1 is made to coincide with notch B1 of strip 2, notch B2 of strip 1 is made to coincide with notch B2 of strip 2. etc.The distance between notches B1 and B2 represents half of a turn or convolution of the helix in which the composite strip is wound. Thus the distance between the notches controls the size of the dress. For a smaller size dress the notches are closer together while for a larger size dress the notches are farther apart. It will be noted that the distance between the notches of strip 1 is the same as the distance between the notches of strip 2. Thus the edges of the strips are joined together without shirring, gathering or puckering. In order to illustrate the construction more clearly, the edges A of strips 1 and 2 are shown joined bv a seam A in Figure 1 while the edges B are not vet joined and are shown slightly spaced from one another.It will of course be understood that in the finished dress that the edges B are likewise joined by a continuous seam.

The single sleeve S of the dress shown in figure 1 is, like the body portion. formed of a helically wound strip. The strip 3 which forms the sleeve is shown in Figure 3. The side edges of the strip 3. instead of being straight throughout their length as are the edges of strips 1 and 2 shown in Figure 2. are cut as shown in Figure 3 in order to provide a certain amount of taper to the sleeve.

Near its upper end the strip 3 is provided with a cut-out C having a curved edge which is joined with the edge C of strip l when the sleeve is set in the dress. The lower end of the strip 3 is cut at an angle to provide an oblique edge E which forms the lower end of the sleeve. In order to form the sleeve.

the strip 3 is wound helically as indicated in Figure 1 and the opposite edges of each convolution are joined to the contiguous edges of the preceding and succeeding convolutions. For the purpose of clearer illustration the edges B as shown in Figure 1 are not joined but are shown slightly spaced from one another. It will be understood however that in the completed sleeve the edges B are joined by a continuous seam which extends helically around the sleeve.

The tubular sleeve thus formed is then set in the armhole of the dress.

It will be appreciated that the construction in accordance with the present invention provides a novel and attractive dress style. The helical arrangement of the strips and the seams joining them in itself creates an unusual and attractive effect. Moreover this effect can be highlighted by cutting the strips 1 and 2 from different fabrics, for example fabrics of different pattern, color or texture.

In Figure 4 there is shown a dress which is essentially the same as that of Figure 1 except that the dress is sleeveless and is somewhat tapered so that the circumference at the bottom is greater than at the top. The dress is made of two long strips of fabric 4 and 5 which are shown in Figure 5. It will be seen that the strips 4 and 5 instead of being straight are slightly zig-zag. Moreover since the distances between the notches B,, B2, B3 and B4 in the edges B of the strips represent half convolutions of the helix in which the strips are wound these distances have the relation B1 - B2 > B2 -B3 > B7 - B4.

As in the case of the first embodiment the edges A of the two strips 4 and 5 are joined by a continuous seam and the composite strip thus formed is wound into a helix and the contiguous edges B of successive con volutions of the helix are joined by a continuous seam. For clarity of illustration in Figure 4 the edges are not shown joined but slightly spaced from one another. In clined edges D at the upper ends of the strips 4 and 5 form the top or neckline of the dress while inclined edges E at the lower ends of the strip form the bottom edge or hemline of the dress. A curved cut-out C near the upper end of strip 4 forms an armhole. It will be understood that the edges C. D and E are suitably finished.

Moreover a sleeve can be fitted in the armhole C as in Figure 1 if this is desired.

In Figure 6 there is shown a dress which is essentially the same as that of Figure 1 except that instead of being formed of two long strips of fabric it is formed of four strips 6, 7, 8 and 9 as illustrated in Figure 7. By way of example each of the strips is approxi mately 4 inches wide and is provided with seam allowances as indicated by the dotted lines. In assembling the dress contiguous edges F of strips 6 and 7 are joined by a continuous seam to form a composite strip 6-7. Continguous edges F of the other two strips 8 and 9 are likewise joined by a continuous seam to form a composite strip 8-9. Contiguous edges A of composite strips 6-7 and 8-9 are then joined by a continuous seam to form a composite strip 6-9 which is wound into the form of helix.In forming the helix, notches B1 - B4 in the edge B of strip 6 are brought respectively into coincidence with notches B1 - B4 in the edge B of strip 9.

The contiguous edges B of successive convolutions of the composite strip 6-9 are thereupon joined by a continuous seam. For clarity of illustration the edges A and edges B are not shown joined in Figure 6 but rather are slightly spaced. It will be understood however that such edges are joined in the completed garment. Inclined edges D at the upper ends of the strips 6-9 form the top or neckline of the dress while inclined edges E at the lower ends of the strips 6-9 form the bottom edge or hemline of the dress. A cut-out C near the upper end of the composite strip 6-7 forms an armhole to receive a sleeve formed of a strip 10 shown in Figure 8.As described above with reference to Figure 1, the strip 10 is wound helically so as to bring notches B, and B of one edge into coincidence with corresponding notches of the other edge and the continuous edges B of successive convolutions of the helix are joined by a continuous seam. The sleeve is then set into the armhole provided by the cutout C in the composite strip (-7.

Instead of the strips 6-9 being of equal width various combinations of strips of different widths can be used. For example strip 6 may he approximately 5 inches wide and strip 7 approximately 3 inches wide.

Any other combination of widths totaling approximately 8 inches for the composite strip 6-7 can likewise be used. The same is true of the composite strip 8-9.

By reason of its being made of four long strips of material the dress construction illustrated by Figures 6-8 offers still greater possibility of novel and interesting combinations. For example each of the strips 6 to 9 can be of a different pattern, colour or texture. Further interesting effects can be obtained by using strips of different widths.

In Figure 9 there is shown a dress like that of Figure 1 except that it has a square neckline D and two sleeves S. lhe dress shown in Figure 9 is made of two strips of material 13 and 14 and a small additional piece 15. As in Figure 2 the strips are shown as being approximately 8 inches wide. The small additional piece of fabric 15 corresponds in effect to an upper end portion of the strip 14. A portion of material of the same size and shape could if desired be provided at the upper end of the strip 14.

However since the strip 14 in this case would be almost completelv severed bv a cut-out for one of the armholes of the dress it has been found more convenient to use a separate small piece which is joined to an upper edge portion B of the strip 13. With this construction one arm hole is formed by a cut-out C near the upper end of the strip 13 while the other armhole is provided by the curved edges C1 and C2 at the upper end of the strip 14 and on the separate piece 15 as shown. An inclined edge D at the upper end of the strip 13 and an aligned inclined edge D of the separate piece 15 form the neck opening of the dress. Inclined edges E at the lower ends of strips 13 and 14 form the lower edge or hemline of the dress.

The parts are assembled by joining an edge B of the extra piece 15 to an upper end portion of the edge B of strip 13 and joining edges A of strips 13 and 14 by a continuous seam to form a composite strip. The composite strip 13-14 is then wound into helical form to bring points B1 - B4 on the edge B of strip 13 into coincidence with corresponding points B1 - B4 respectively of strip 14. For clarity of illustration in Figure 9 the edges A and edges B of the strips 13 are shown slightly spaced. However it will be understood that in the completed dress the edges A of strips 13 and 14 are joined bv a continuous seam to form a composite strip and that contiguous edges B of successive convolutions of the helically wound composite strip are joined by a continuous seam.

Each of the sleeves S of the dress shown in Figure 9 is made of a strip of material 16 as illustrated in Figure 11. To form the sleeve the strip is wound helically so as to bring points B, and B2 on one edge of the strip into coincidence respectively with points B1 and B2 on the opposite edge of the strip whereupon contiguous edges of successive convolutions of the strip are joined by a continuous seam. The sleeves thus formed are set in the armholes provided in the body portion T of the dress.

The shape of the neckline of the dress can be varied as desired by appropriately shaping the upper end portions of the helically wound strips of which the dress is composed. Thus for example in Figure 12 there is shown a dress with a V-shaped neckline D. The dress (apart from the sleeves) is formed of two strips of material 17 and 18 and an additional small piece of material 19 which is joined to an upper portion of the side edge B of strip 17. As the dress is the same as that of Figure 9 except for the neckline. only the upper portion of the dress and the upper end portion of strips 17 and 18 are shown in Figures 12 and 13 respectively. A cut-out C near the upper end of the strip 17 forms one armhole of the dress while the other armhole is formed by curved surfaces C1 and C2 formed respectively at the upper end of the strip 18 and on the extra piece 19.The V-shaped neckline is formed by inclined edges D at the upper end of the strip 17 and on the separate piece 19.

The dress is assembled and the sleeves S are made and set in the armholes of the dress as described above with reference to Figures 9 - 11.

Still another shape of neckline is illustrated in Figure 14 where there is shown a dress T having a jewel neckline D. The dress of Figure 14 (apart from the sleeves) is made from two long strips of material 20 and 21 and a small extra piece 22 as shown in Figure 15. As the dress of Figure 14 is the same as that of Figure 9 except for the neckline, only the upper portion of the dress is shown in Figure 14 and only the upper portions of strips 20 and 21 are shown in Figure 15. The jewel neckline is provided by curved surfaces D at the upper end of the strip 20 and on the separate piece 22. A cut-out C near the upper end of the strip 20 forms one armhole while curved surfaces C1 and C2 provided respectively at the upper end of the strip 21 and on the separate piece 22 form the other armhole.The dress is assembled and the sleeves are made and set in as described above with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

While mid-length and long dresses have been shown by way of example in Figures 1.

4, 6 and 9 it will be understood that a dress of any desired length may be made by appropriately selecting the length of the strip or strips from which the dress is formed. The construction illustrated in the drawings and described above is of course applicable not only to dresses but also to other dress-type garments such as coats, night dresses and hostess gowns. Moreover by the use of shorter strips. garments such as shirts. blouses and jackets can be made.

Likewise by using only the lower portion of the illustrated construction it is possible to make skirts. For convenience of putting the garment on and taking it off, an appropriate cut or slit can be made in the garment and provided with a zipper or other type of closure.

If Figure 16 there is shown a pair of trousers made in accordance to the present invention. The material of which the trousers are made is shown in Figures 17A and 17B. The material for the left leg and corresponding upper part of the trousers is shown in Figure 17A while the material for the right leg and corresponding upper part is shown in Figure 17B. It will be seen that the two legs and corresponding upper portions are identical with one another except that one is the reversal or mirror image of the other.

Each of the legs and corresponding upper portion of the trousers is formed of four strips of material 31-34. I he strips are disposed along side one another and contiguous edges A of adjacent strips are joined by seams to form a composite 31-34. The lower edge of the composite strip is cut at an angle to provide an inclined edge E which forms the bottom edge of the trouser-leg. At its upper end the composite strip has an upwardly inclined end edge Il which extends across strip 34 and a portion of strip 33. A downwardly inclined edge K extends across the balance of strip 33 and across strips 32 and 31.In the inner edge of the composite strip as viewed in Figures 17A and 17B just below the inclined end edge K there is provided an inclined cut-out having an upper edge J and a lower edge 12.

After the strips are assembled as shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the composite strip which is to form each leg is wound into the form of a helix so as to bring points B1 - B3 on one edge B of the composite strip into coincidence with corresponding points B1 B3 respectively on the opposite edge of the composite strip. Contiguous edges B of successive convolutions of the helix thus formed are joined. by a continuous seam to form the corresponding leg of the trousers.

In order to join the two legs of the trousers, the edge J of one leg is joined with the edge J of the other leg to form a front central seam J as shown in Figure 16. The edge 12 of one leg is joined with the corresponding edge 12 of the other leg to form a portion of a central back seam while edges Ii of the two legs are joined with one another to form a continuation of the back central seam. The edges K of the two legs form the upper edge or waist of the trousers.

It will be understood that the upper edge can be provided with a waistband or other wise finished as desired. In order to shape the waist the upper portions of the seams joining the contiguous edges A of strips 32, 33 and 34 can be tapered in as illustrated at L. It will be understood that an opening with suitable zipper or other closure can be provided either between edges J or at the side or back of the trousers as desired.

While each of the trouser legs as shown is shown as being made of four strips of equal width it will be understood that strips of different widths may be used and also that the number of strips can be varied so long as the width between the side edges B of the leg portions is correct for the type of trousers to be made. Moreover it will be understood that the trouser construction as illustrated and described is applicable to other pants-type garments such as slacks, jeans and coulottes. The material used is selected so as to be appropriate for the type of garment being made. When each of the trouser legs is made of plurality of strips of material as illustrated many different styling effects can be obtained by selection of the material used for the respective strips. Thus the strips can, if desired, be made of different pattern, color or texture.

In Figure 18 there is shown a pair of trousers which differs from the trousers shown in Figure 16 in that the strips forming the two legs of the trousers in Figure 18 spiral in the same direction as in the trousers of Figure 16 the strips forming two legs spiral in opposite directions. The material for making the right and the left legs of the trousers of Figure 18 is shown respectively in Figures 19A and 19B. The material for each of the legs is shown as comprising four strips of material 31-34 which are disposed side by side with contiguous edges A joined by seams. The composite strip 31-34 for the left leg of the trousers as shown in Figure 19A is similar to but not identifical with the composite strip of material 31-34 for the right leg as shown in Figure 19B.The lower end of each of the composite strips has a lower edge E which is inclined at an angle of about 45" to the side edges. This edge forms the bottom of the respective trouser leg. At its upper end the composite strip of Figure 19A has an upwardly inclined edge M1 which extends across the strip 34 and a portion of the strip 33. A downwardly inclined edge K extends across the balance of strip 33 and across strips 32 and 31. In the right-hand side edge B as viewed in Figure 19A just below the inclined edge K there is provided a downwardly inclined cut-out having an upper edge N and a lower edge M2.

Like the composite strip of Figure 19A that of Figure 19B has an inclined lower edge E. At its upper end the composite strip of Figure 19 has an upwardly inclined edge N1 which extends part way across the left-hand strip 34. A downwardly inclined edge K extends across the balance of the strip 34 and across the strips 33, 32 and 31.

In its right-hand edge B just below the inclined edge K the composite strip of Figure 19 B is formed with a downwardly inclined cut-out having an upper edge M and a lower edge N2.

In assembling the trousers each of the composite strips 31-34 is coiled in the form of a helix so as to bring points B1-B3 on one edge of the composite strip into coincidence with corresponding points Bl-B3 respectively on the opposite edge of the composite strip.

Contiguous edges of successive convolutions of the composite strip are thereupon joined with a continuous seam. For clearer illustration in Figure 18 the edges B of the composite strip are shown slightly spaced.

However it will be understood that in the completed garment these edges are joined by a seam. The two trouser legs thus formed are united by joining the edge N of the left leg shown in Figure 19A with the edges N1 and N2 of the right leg as shown in Figure 19B the edge N2 forming a continuation of the edge N1. This forms a front central seam of the trousers. Edge M of the right leg shown in Figure 19B is joined with edges M1 and M2 of the left leg as shown in Figure 19A to form a back central seam of the trousers, the edge M2 forming a continuation of the edge M1. The inclined edges K form the top edge or waist of the trousers and may be finished by a waistband or otherwise as desired. Upper end portions of the seams joining contiguous edges A of strips 31, 32, 33 and 34 are preferably tapered inwardly as indicated at L in order to shape the waist.It will be understood that an opening with a zipper or other closure can be provided either at the center at the front of the trousers or in another location as desired.

By reason of the strips of the two legs of the trousers spiralling in the same direction the construction illustrated in Figure 18 is an interesting variation of that shown in Figure 16. It will be understood that as described above the number of strips and the width of the strips can be varied to provide different effects and likewise the strips can be made of different fabrics or of fabrics of different pattern, color or texture. The construction as shown in Figure 18 is likewise applicable to different pants-type garments such as coulottes. slacks, jeans and shorts.

The novel construction in accordance with the present invention lends itself to many variations and modification of which examples are further illustrated in Figures 20 to 22. In Figure 20 there is shown a portion of an assembly of strips of material corresponding in general to the strips shown in Figures 7, 17A and B and 19A and B.

However instead of four 4" strips the assembly of Figure 20 is shown as comprising four 3" strips 35 alternating with four 1" strips 36. The strips 36 can conveniently be made of braid, ribbon, mesh, netting, lace or elastic. For example a helical stripe effect can be obtained by using braid or ribbon of selected color. Lace. mesh or netting can be used to provide a selected "see-through" effect. The use of elastic fabric is particularly interesting since it provides the garment with elasticity allowing it to conform to the contour of the wearer. While one example has been illustrated in Figure 20 it will be understood that the number, widths and material of the strips can be selected to achieve a wide variety of styles and effects.

By making garments of one or more long strips of material instead of from pieces of various sizes and shapes, the construction of the present invention makes possible important economies especially in commercial production. As material can be obtained from the supplier in strip form of desired widths no cutting is required except at the ends of the strips. As opposite ends of the strips are generally at least approximately parallel to one another there is virtually no waste. The strip material can be produced either by cutting wider material, for example in bolt form or by knitting or weaving the material as narrow fabric of selected width. The use of narrow fabric is especially advantageous in that the fabric has finished edges which facilitates the joining of the strips.

Two methods of joining are illustrated by way of example in Figures 21 and 22. In Figure 21 two strips of narrow fabric 37 and 38 have their finished edges butting one another and are joined by a elastic strip 39 which is stitched to the fabric strips 37 and 38 by stitching 40. The elastic 39 joining the strips 37 and 38 imparts a certain amount of elasticity to the garment. The amount of elasticity can be controlled by selection of the elastic strip 39 and by the spacing of the stitching 40 from the normally abutting edges of the strips 37 and 38.

A further construction is illustrated in Figure 22 where two strips of fabric 41 and 42 have their adjacent edges spaced apart and are joined by a strip of elastic fabric 43 which is stitched to the strips 41 and 42 by stitching 44. Strips 41 and 42 are shown as having their edges 41a and 42a turned under. However if narrow fabric having finished edges is used, it is not necessary to turn the edges under. The elastic fabric 43 joining the strips 41 and 42 imparts a selected amount of elasticity to the garment.

The spacing between the edges of strips 41 and 42 is selected as desired. Moreover it will be understood that turned under edges as shown in Figure 22 can be made to abut one another as shown in Figure 21 if desired. It will be understood that the method of joining illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 is applicable to joining "A", "B" and "F" edges of the various embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 19B.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A sheath-type or pants-type garment.

as herein defined, comprising two or more elongate strips of fabric helically wound so that edges of convolutions of the strips are adjacent, and means securing the strips to each other along adjacent edges.

2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein equal lengths of the adjacent strips are secured to one another.

3. A garment according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which at least one strip comprises a number of squares of fabric secured together along adjacent edges.

4. A garment according to any preceding claim, in which the ends of each strip are parallel to each other and inclined to the longitudinal axis of the strip.

5. A garment according to any preceding claim, comprising a body portion provided with excisions for armholes.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. of the trousers. Edge M of the right leg shown in Figure 19B is joined with edges M1 and M2 of the left leg as shown in Figure 19A to form a back central seam of the trousers, the edge M2 forming a continuation of the edge M1. The inclined edges K form the top edge or waist of the trousers and may be finished by a waistband or otherwise as desired. Upper end portions of the seams joining contiguous edges A of strips 31, 32, 33 and 34 are preferably tapered inwardly as indicated at L in order to shape the waist. It will be understood that an opening with a zipper or other closure can be provided either at the center at the front of the trousers or in another location as desired. By reason of the strips of the two legs of the trousers spiralling in the same direction the construction illustrated in Figure 18 is an interesting variation of that shown in Figure 16. It will be understood that as described above the number of strips and the width of the strips can be varied to provide different effects and likewise the strips can be made of different fabrics or of fabrics of different pattern, color or texture. The construction as shown in Figure 18 is likewise applicable to different pants-type garments such as coulottes. slacks, jeans and shorts. The novel construction in accordance with the present invention lends itself to many variations and modification of which examples are further illustrated in Figures 20 to 22. In Figure 20 there is shown a portion of an assembly of strips of material corresponding in general to the strips shown in Figures 7, 17A and B and 19A and B. However instead of four 4" strips the assembly of Figure 20 is shown as comprising four 3" strips 35 alternating with four 1" strips 36. The strips 36 can conveniently be made of braid, ribbon, mesh, netting, lace or elastic. For example a helical stripe effect can be obtained by using braid or ribbon of selected color. Lace. mesh or netting can be used to provide a selected "see-through" effect. The use of elastic fabric is particularly interesting since it provides the garment with elasticity allowing it to conform to the contour of the wearer. While one example has been illustrated in Figure 20 it will be understood that the number, widths and material of the strips can be selected to achieve a wide variety of styles and effects. By making garments of one or more long strips of material instead of from pieces of various sizes and shapes, the construction of the present invention makes possible important economies especially in commercial production. As material can be obtained from the supplier in strip form of desired widths no cutting is required except at the ends of the strips. As opposite ends of the strips are generally at least approximately parallel to one another there is virtually no waste. The strip material can be produced either by cutting wider material, for example in bolt form or by knitting or weaving the material as narrow fabric of selected width. The use of narrow fabric is especially advantageous in that the fabric has finished edges which facilitates the joining of the strips. Two methods of joining are illustrated by way of example in Figures 21 and 22. In Figure 21 two strips of narrow fabric 37 and 38 have their finished edges butting one another and are joined by a elastic strip 39 which is stitched to the fabric strips 37 and 38 by stitching 40. The elastic 39 joining the strips 37 and 38 imparts a certain amount of elasticity to the garment. The amount of elasticity can be controlled by selection of the elastic strip 39 and by the spacing of the stitching 40 from the normally abutting edges of the strips 37 and 38. A further construction is illustrated in Figure 22 where two strips of fabric 41 and 42 have their adjacent edges spaced apart and are joined by a strip of elastic fabric 43 which is stitched to the strips 41 and 42 by stitching 44. Strips 41 and 42 are shown as having their edges 41a and 42a turned under. However if narrow fabric having finished edges is used, it is not necessary to turn the edges under. The elastic fabric 43 joining the strips 41 and 42 imparts a selected amount of elasticity to the garment. The spacing between the edges of strips 41 and 42 is selected as desired. Moreover it will be understood that turned under edges as shown in Figure 22 can be made to abut one another as shown in Figure 21 if desired. It will be understood that the method of joining illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 is applicable to joining "A", "B" and "F" edges of the various embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 19B. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A sheath-type or pants-type garment.

6. A garment according to any of claims

1 to 4, comprising both a body portion and at least one sleeve portion.

7. A garment according to any preceding claim, comprising a body portion which is shaped to provide a square neckline.

8. A garment according to any of Claims 1 to 6, comprising a body portion which is shaped to provide a V-shaped neckline.

9. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising a body portion which is shaped to provide a jewel neckline.

10. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 3, being a pants-type garment comprising two leg portions joined along a central junction line.

11. A garment according to claim 8 in which the leg portions are wound in the same sense.

12. A garment according to claim 10 in which the leg portions are wound in opposite senses.

13. A garment according to any preceding claim in which at least one of the strips is elastic.

14. A garment as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 3; 4 and 5; 6 to 8; 9 to 11; 12 and 13; 14 and 15; 16, 17A and 17B; or 18, 19A and 19B of the drawings.

15. A garment according to claim 14, wherein the edges of adjacent strips are secured to each other as herein described with reference to Figure 20, 21 or 22 of the drawings.