GB2381733A

GB2381733A - Foundation garment

Info

Publication number: GB2381733A
Application number: GB0127197A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Mone; Michelle Georgina Mone
Original assignee: MJM International Ltd
Current assignee: MJM International Ltd
Priority date: 2001-11-13
Filing date: 2001-11-13
Publication date: 2003-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-13
Also published as: GB0127197D0; GB2381733B

Abstract

A foundation garment for use with a backless dress is designed so that no part of the garment covers the back. To that end it may have a single halter strap passing round the neck or two straps 12 attached to the sides of the front panel. The vertical edges of the front panel may have friction material such a silicone elastic for gripping the wearer. The garment may have a briefs portion 20,22. Silicone fluid inserts may be included in the cups. The straps may be transparent.

Description

FOUNDATION GARMENT FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to foundation garments, and in particular, though not exclusively, to multiway all-in-one foundation garments such as undergarments.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION Herein the term foundation garment is intended to mean any garment providing breast support, e. g. undergarments such as braziers (bras), or outer garments such as swimwear. The term all-in-one foundation garment is intended to mean a garment incorporating a brief arrangement as well as providing breast support means.

In the field of womens clothing there is a current fashion trend for clothing such as dresses tops and the like to have a low cut back, or to be"backless", at least to some extent. However, conventional foundation garments are unsuitable for wearing with clothes of this style as the strap arrangement and/or back panel usually" shows", or are visible due to the cutaway nature of the clothing. This has resulted in women wishing to wear these"backless" clothes, but reluctant to go without breast support, having to look for alternative breast support arrangements. Such arrangements generally involve a cup arrangement which is either itself adhesive or is attached to the breasts by adhesive means. However, these cup arrangements require a

degree of skill and/or practise in order to be positioned correctly and effectively, and can lack"security"in that the wearer may not be confident that the cup arrangement will remain in place for the duration of the period for which it is worn.

A further problem created by clothing having a low cut backless design is that many conventional briefs will be visible above the line of the clothing at the base of the back.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a provided a foundation garment comprising breast support means and strap means, and wherein the foundation garment is backless.

Herein by"backless"is meant that no part of the foundation garment is provided, in use, between the nape of the neck, the lower small of the back and outer edges of the shoulder blades of a wearer.

The breast support means may comprise at least part of a front panel. In one arrangement the strap means comprises at least a first strap, and the first strap may

be disposed relative to the breast support means so that the garment may be worn in a halter neck style.

In another arrangement the strap means may comprise a first strap and a second strap.

In said another arrangement a first end of the first strap may be attached at or near to an upper edge of the front panel and a second edge of the first strap may be affixed to a substantially vertical edge of the front panel in a position substantially below an armpit of a wearer, and further a first end of the second strap may be affixed at or near to an upper edge of the front panel and a second end of the second strap may be affixed to a vertical edge of the front panel in a position substantially below another armpit of the wearer, such that said first strap and said second strap do not cross over one another.

There may be provided means for detachably attaching the first and/or second straps to the breast support means and/or the front panel.

Conveniently the foundation garment may further comprise a brief arrangement. The foundation garment may therefore be termed an"all-in-one". The brief arrangement may comprise a gusset means and a back panel means.

In one embodiment the foundation garment is an undergarment. In another embodiment the foundation garment is an outer garment, e. g. a swimming costume.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a foundation garment comprising a front panel arrangement and a strap arrangement, wherein the front panel comprises a breast support means and at least two substantially vertical edges, and wherein friction providing means are disposed at least on an inner side of each substantially vertical edge of the front panel.

In use, the friction providing means act to retain the garment relative to the flesh of the wearer so as to maintain the garment in a desired position.

Preferably the friction providing means comprises first and second lengths of silicone elastic, preferably fixed, e. g. stitched onto inner sides of respective vertical edges.

Conveniently the foundation garment may further comprise a brief arrangement.

Conveniently the friction providing means are disposed on at least an upper inside edge of the brief means.

Conveniently the friction providing means are disposed on at least an inner side of each substantially vertical edge of each cup of the breast support means.

In one arrangement the strap arrangement may comprise at least a first strap.

Conveniently in said one arrangement a first end of the first strap may be affixed at or near to an upper edge

of the breast support means and a second end of the first strap may also be affixed to an upper edge of the said breast support means.

Preferably there are provided means for removably affixing said first strap to the foundation garment.

In another arrangement the strap arrangement may comprise a first strap and a second strap.

Preferably in said another arrangement a first end of the first strap may be affixed to the breast support means and a second end of the first strap may be affixed to one of the substantially vertical edges of the front panel arrangement, and further a first end of the second strap may be affixed to the breast support means and a second end of the second strap may be affixed to the other of the substantially vertical edges of the front panel arrangement.

Preferably there are provided means for removably affixing said first and second straps to the foundation garment.

In a first implementation of the another arrangement said first strap and said second strap do not cross over one another.

In a second implementation of the another arrangement said first strap and said second strap do cross over one another.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a foundation garment comprising a front panel arrangement and a strap arrangement wherein the strap arrangement comprises a first strap and a second strap, a first end of the first strap and a first end of the second strap being attached to the front panel arrangement, and a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap being attached to respective sides of the front panel arrangement, such that the first strap does not cross over the second strap.

In one version said first strap and said second strap may be permanently affixed to the front panel arrangement.

However, in another preferable version there are provided means for removably affixing said first strap and said second strap to said front panel arrangement and/or said respective sides.

In an alternative strap configuration the removably affix able first strap and removably affix able second strap may be arranged such that the first strap and second strap do cross over.

Conveniently the straps may be formed of a same fabric as the front panel arrangement and a brief arrangement.

Conveniently the front panel arrangement comprises breast support means.

Conveniently the breast support means comprises a

first cup and a second cup.

Optionally each cup may be provided with padding inserts.

Conveniently if provided the padding inserts may be removable.

Each padding insert may be a bag at least partially filled with a silicone fluid, e. g. as disclosed in PCT/GB01/00694, also by the present Applicant, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The bag may be filled to around 25% to 50% and preferably around 33V3% of a maximum internal volume of the bag.

Preferably, a viscosity of the silicone fluid is greater than water and/or the weight per unit volume of the silicone fluid is less than water.

Preferably, the silicone fluid has a viscosity in the range 250 to 450 mm2/S, more preferably 300 to 400 mm2/S and more preferably around 350 rnm2/S.

The silicone fluid may have around 95ml to liquid (water) to 77.5 grams of silicone.

Preferably, the silicone fluid is a straight silicone fluid.

Preferably, the silicone is a dimethyl silicone fluid. Preferably, the silicone fluid is at least substantially dimethylpolysiloxane.

Such a silicone fluid (or oil) is available from Shin-

Etsu Chemical Co Ltd of Japan under their produce name KF- 96-350sc.

Shin-Etsu silicone oil KF-96 350cs is a group of dimethyl silicone oil. KF-96 350cs are clear water-write liquids. They are colourless, transparent and odourless as well as being non-toxic, and provide insignificant changes in viscosity, eg. with varying temperature, a high order of thermal oxidative stability, a high resistance to shear breakdown, a high compressibility, excellent water repellencey, high order of chemical and physiological inertness, and non-stick characteristics.

Conveniently the padding insert bag may be fabric covered.

Conveniently the strap arrangement may be formed of a substantially clear (transparent) material.

Conveniently the brief arrangement comprises a gusset affixed to the front panel arrangement and a rear panel arrangement affixed at one edge to the gusset, at a second edge attached to a first lower vertical edge of the front panel arrangement, and at a third edge attached to a second vertical edge of the front panel arrangement.

Conveniently an inner side of each substantially vertical edge of the front panel arrangement is provided with a friction providing means.

Conveniently an inner side of an upper edge of the

rear panel arrangement is provided with another friction providing means.

Conveniently the and the another friction providing means are silicone elastic.

Conveniently each cup of the breast support means may be provided with an underwire arrangement.

Conveniently each cup of the breast support means may be a seam free cup.

Alternatively the breast support means may be a balcony type arrangement or a plunge type arrangement.

Preferably the foundation garment is a female underwear garment.

Alternatively the foundation garment is an article of female swimwear.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a foundation garment comprising a front panel arrangement and a strap arrangement comprising a first strap and a second strap, wherein when worn the first strap substantially encircles an ochroma-clavicular joint of one side of a wearer and the second strap substantially encircles the acromio-clavicular joint of a left hand side of the wearer.

Preferably the foundation garment comprises a brief arrangement.

Conveniently the first strap is arranged to

substantially encircle the acromio-clavicular joint of a right hand side of the wearer by having a first end of the first strap attached at or near to a right hand side upper edge of the front panel arrangement and a second end of the first strap attached to a right hand side vertical edge of the panel at a point below an armpit of the wearer.

Conveniently the second strap is arranged to substantially encircle the acromio-clavicular joint of a left hand side of the wearer by having a first end of the second strap attached at or near to a left hand side upper edge of the front panel arrangement and a second end of the second strap attached to a left hand side vertical edge of the front panel arrangement at a point below another armpit of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in combination with the accompanying drawings in which are shown: Figure l (a)-a perspective view from the front and to one side of a first configuration of a first embodiment of a foundation garment of the present invention; Figure l (b)-a rear view of the first configuration of the first embodiment of the foundation garment of Figure la;

Figure 2-a schematic representation of a back view of the foundation garment of Figure Ib with straps removed for clarity; Figure 3-a schematic representation of a brief arrangement of the foundation garment of Figure la and b; Figures 4 (a), (b) and (c)-schematic representations of three manners in which strap or straps may be affixed to a body of the foundation garment of Figures l (a) and (b); Figure 5 (a)-a perspective view from the front and to one side of a second configuration of the foundation garment of Figure l (a) and (b); Figure 5 (b)-a rear view of the second configuration of a the foundation garment of Figure l (a) and (b); Figure 6 (a)-a front view of a third configuration of the foundation garment of Figure l (a) and (b); Figure 6 (b)-a rear view of the third configuration embodiment of the foundation garment of Figure l (a) and (b); Figure 7 (a)-a perspective view from the front and to one side of a fourth configuration of the foundation garment of Figure l (a) and (b); Figure 7 (b)-a rear view of the fourth configuration of the foundation garment of Figure l (a) and (b); Figure 8 (a)-a perspective view from the front and to one side of a first configuration of a second embodiment of

a foundation garment according to the present invention; Figure 8 (b)-a rear view of the first configuration of the foundation garment of Figure 8 (a); Figure 9-a perspective view from the rear and to one side of a second configuration of the foundation the garment of Figure 8 (a); Figure lO (a)-a front view of the third configuration of the foundation garment of Figure 8 (a); Figure lO (b)-a rear view of the third configuration of the foundation garment of Figure 8 (a); Figure ll (a)-a perspective view from the front end to one side of a fourth configuration of the foundation garment of Figure 8 (a); Figure 11 (b)-a rear view of the fourth configuration of the foundation garment of Figure 8 (a); Figure 12-a rear view of a model wearing a backless dress under which the foundation garment of the present invention is worn ; Figure 13 (a)-a front view of a first configuration of a third embodiment of a foundation garment according to the present invention; Figure 13 (b)-a rear view of the first configuration of the foundation garment of Figure 8 (a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS With reference initially to Figures la and 1b there is

shown a foundation garment generally designated 10, which in this case is a multiway all-in-one undergarment arranged in a manner which provides a wearer with an effectively "backless"undergarment. The foundation garment 10 comprises a front panel arrangement 18 which consists of breast support means 16 disposed at the top of a front (abdomen) panel 17, a strap arrangement 12 comprising a first strap 12a and a second strap 12b, and a brief arrangement 20 which is in this embodiment integrally formed with attached to front abdomen panel 17. The breast support means 16 comprises a first cup 16a and a second cup 16b. In this example the cups 16a and 16b are moulded cups constructed in a seam free manner. Each cup 16a, 16b is supported on a lower edge thereof by an underwire 15a and 15b respectively.

In order for the undergarment to be worn in a "backless"manner the strap arrangement 12 is configured in such a way that a first end of strap 12a is attached to the upper edge of cup 16a. The strap 12a is then guided over and behind acromio-clavicular joint of the left hand shoulder of a wearer returning towards the front of the garment 10 below the armpit of the wearer and attached to vertical edge 18a of the front abdomen panel 17. The strap 12b, is similarly attached to the upper edge of cup 16b, is directed over and behind the acromio-clavicular joint of

the right hand shoulder of the wearer, returning towards the front panel arrangement 18 of the garment 10 passing below the wearers other armpit, and being attached to the substantially vertical edge 18b of the front abdomen panel 17 of front panel arrangement 18.

The brief arrangement 21 of the garment 10 is in this case a thong configuration with a first edge 20a of the thong panel 20 being attached to the front abdomen panel 17 at a lower end of the substantially vertical edge 17a of the panel 17. A second edge 20b of the thong panel 20 is attached to a lower end of the substantially vertical edge 17b of the panel 17. The third edge 20c of the thong panel 20 is connected to a first end 22a of gusset panel 22 which is in turn attached by means of second end 22b to a lower edge of the front abdomen panel 17. As can be seen the thong panel 20 is constructed in such a way that only a narrow band of fabric traverses across the base back region of a wearer. The height of the thong 20 at the back in combination with the strap configuration illustrated, ensures that no fabric or straps of the garment impinge on the back of the wearer in the area between the nape of the neck, the small of the back and the outer edges of each shoulder blade. Such an arrangement allows use of the foundation garment 10 with"backless"clothing items, whilst still providing the wearer with comfortable and

dependable bust support.

In order that during use the garment 10 provides secure and comfortable support to the wearer the inner side of each of the substantially vertically edges 18a and 18b of the front panel arrangement 18, including the substantially vertical side edges of cups 16a and 16b, and upper edge 20d of the brief arrangement 21 are provided with silicone or siliconised elastic as friction providing means 24 such that the edges of the garment clings to the wearer and thus prevents gapping or sagging.

In Figure 2 there is shown a schematic back view of the foundation garment 10, with the straps removed for clarity. One can see the strip of silicone elastic friction providing means 24. The silicone elastic comprises elastic coated in silicone which is stitched to the fabric of the garment. The strip of silicone elastic 24 is disposed at the outer limits of the inside face of both the breast support means 16 and the front abdomen panel 17 the front body panel 18 as well as the brief arrangement 21. Inner side front abdomen panel of the garment 10 is provided with a lining fabric which in this case is a two way stretch mesh fabric. Breast support means 16 and gusset panel are provided with a cotton or polycotton lining material.

It can also be seen that the cups 16a and 16b of the

breast support means 16 are provided on the inside of the garment with pockets 25a and 25b respectively in which removable padding inserts may be inserted by the wearer. If desired, these inserts may be bags at least partially filled with a fluid such as a silicone gel, and in this case are in the form of partially silicone gel filled bags which are laminated in fabric to match the fabric of the foundation garment. Such partially silicone gel filled bags are disclosed in PCT/GB01/00694 also by the present Applicant, the contact of which is incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to Figure 3 there is shown a schematic representation of the brief arrangement 21 of the garment 10. As can be seen the silicone elastic friction providing means 24 continues along the upper edge 20d of the thong panel 20.

In Figure 4a,'4b and 4c there is shown schematic representations of three manners in which the strap arrangement may be affixed to the front panel arrangement of the garment 10.

With reference firstly to Figure 4a, there is shown a close up of cup 16b of the breast support means 16 in order to illustrate a first manner in which the strap 12b may be affixed to the garment 10. In this embodiment a first end of the strap 12b is affixed to the garment permanently by

being sewn to the upper edge of the cup 16b during the construction of the garment.

With reference to Figure 4b there is shown an alternative manner in which the strap may be permanently affixed to the garment 10. In this arrangement a fabric loop 31b through which is threaded a plastic hoop 32b, wherein the fabric loop 31a is sewn onto the upper edge of the cup 16a during the garment construction process. A first end of the strap 12a is threaded through the plastic loop and then folded back in itself before being sewn to form a loop thus permanently attaching the strap to the garment 10.

With reference to Figure 4c there is shown a third arrangement of attaching the strap to the garment 10, in this case the method of attachment is non permanent, thus allowing the straps to be removed and therefore facilitating the alteration of the strap arrangement with which the garment is provided. In this arrangement a fabric strap 31a is sewn to the upper edge of cup 16a during the construction of the garment. A plastic figureof-eight hook means 33a, one loop of which is open and the other of which is closed wherein the first end of strap 12a is fed through the closed loop folded back and sewn thus permanently affixing the figure-of-eight loop 33a to the strap 12a. The open loop of the figure-of-eight hook 33a

can then be fed through the loop 31a provided on the cup 16a.

In Figures 6a and 6b there is shown a front perspective and rear view of a second configuration of the straps 12a and 12b which is possible when the straps are removably affixed to the garment 10 in the manner shown in Figure 4c. In this configuration the straps 12a and 12b are arranged to provide a cross over configuration with the first end of strap 12b being connected to the top edge of cup 16a and the second end of strap 12b being connected to the substantially vertical edge 18a of the front panel arrangement. The first end of strap 12a is removably attached to the top edge of cup 16b and the second end of strap 12a is removably affixed to the substantially vertical edge 18a of the garment.

With reference to Figures 7a and 7b there is shown a front view and rear view of a third strap configuration which can be provided when using removably affix able straps. In this arrangement only strap 12a is required and it is attached to the garment 10 to provide a halter neck style configuration with the first end being attached to the top of cup 16a and the second end being removably affixed to the top of cup 16b.

In Figures 8a an 8b there is illustrated a strap configuration which is similar to that of Figures 7a and

7b, however, in this instance the second strap 12b is attached across the back of the user to provide additional support. In this case a first end of strap 12a is removably affixed to the upper edge of cup 16a and the second end of strap 12a is removably affixed to the upper edge of cup 16b. The second strap 12b is attached at a first end to the substantially vertical edge 18a of the front panel arrangement 18 and the second end of strap 12b is removably affixed to the substantially vertical edge 18b of the front panel arrangement 18.

The appearance of the garment 10 can be further altered by the use of transparent straps which can be removably affixed to the front panel arrangement by way of the arrangement showing in Figure 4c. In this case the transparent straps are formed of perspex. As before the transparent straps may be permanently or removably affixed.

With reference to Figures 8 (a), (b); 9; 10 (a), (b) and 11 (a), (b) there is illustrated the four strap configurations, as illustrated in Figures 1 (a), (b), 5 (a), (b), 6 (a), 6 (b) and 7 (a), (b) which are possible when using the removably affixed strap arrangement, however, in this case the straps used are transparent straps as described above.

The garment 10 shown in the previous figures is constructed from a microfibre fabric for the outer layer

of front abdomen panel 17 and breast support means 16 and the inner face of the front abdomen panel 17 is lined with a two-way stretch mesh fabric. The breast support means and gusset panel are provided with a cotton or polycotton lining material. No lining is provided for the thong panel at the back of the garment.

In Figure 12 there is shown a photograph of a model wearing a backless dress under which the foundation garment 18 is worn with the straps being configured in the manner shown in Figures la, b and 6a, b. As can be seen the construction of foundation garment 10 is such that none of the garment can be seen despite the revealing nature of the dress.

In Figures 13 (a) and (b) there is shown front view and rear view schematic diagrams of the foundation garment when constructed as a swimsuit 10 having a strap configuration allowing the garment to be worn in an effectively backless fashion. Like parts are identified by like numerals to the foundation garment of Figure l (a) but suffixed with a"'" In this arrangement the brief means is formed in a full brief style. It should be noted that the straps may be fixed as shown on Figure 13 (a) and (b) or removably attachable as in the first embodiment Various modifications may be made to the arrangement as hereinbefore described without parting from the scope of

the invention. For example in the diagrams provided the garment 10 is shown having a thong style brief arrangement; however the brief arrangement may instead be in the style of hotpants, full briefs, high leg briefs or similar.

Similarly the breast support means of the example illustrated are provided with pockets in which removable padding inserts may be inserted wherein the inserts described were partially silicone gel filled bags laminated in fabric. However the garment need not be provided with pockets and may be worn without any additional padding.

Alternatively the inserts may be permanently affixed into the garment. Also the inserts may be formed of foam, or as described may be partially filled bags however they may be filled with fluids such as water, saline solution, or similar.

The silicone elastic which is used as friction providing means has been shown as a single strip stitched or optionally bonded to the fabric; however it need not be provided in a single strip and instead could be provided as a plurality of sections of the silicone elastic or in an extreme case a plurality of dots of silicone elastic disposed around the inside edge of the garment.

It is also noted that the garment is described as having a two-way mesh lining provided for the front abdomen panel, however this mesh may be formed of other similar

materials and it may be the case that the garment is provided with no lining. The garment may be formed of stretch satin, or other synthetic fabrics and may include cotton content as opposed to the polyamide from which it is described as being formed. The straps 12a and 12b may be formed of a fixed length, however they may be formed in a manner which allows them to be adjusted in order to conform to the individual user and to accommodate for the different possible strap configurations used in a removable way. It should be understood that the gusset panel, presently described as a single piece of fabric, may be formed of two parts fastened together using connectors such as poppers, studs or velcro.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A foundation garment comprising breast support means and strap means, and wherein the foundation garment is backless.
2. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the breast support means comprises at least part of a front panel.
3. A foundation garment as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the strap means comprises at least a first strap, the first strap be disposed or disposable relative to the breast support means so that the garment can be worn in a halter neck style.
4. A foundation garment as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the strap means comprise a first strap and second strap.
5. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 4, wherein a first end of the first strap is attached or attachable at or near to an upper edge of the front panel and a second end of the first strap is attached or attachable to a substantially vertical edge of the front panel in a position substantially below an armpit of a wearer, and further a first end of the second strap is attached or

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attachable at or near to an upper edge of the front panel and a second end of the second strap is attached or attachable to a vertical edge of the front panel in a position substantially below another armpit of the wearer, such that said first strap and said second strap do not cross over one another.
6. A foundation garment as claimed in either of claims 4 or 5, wherein there are provided means for detachably attaching the first and/or second straps to the breast support means and/or the front panel.
7. A foundation garment as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the foundation garment further comprises a brief arrangement.
8. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 7, wherein the brief arrangement comprises a gusset means and a back panel means.
9. A foundation garment as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the foundation garment is an undergarment.
10. A foundation garment as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the foundation garment is an outer garment.
11. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 10, wherein

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the foundation garment is a swimming costume.
12. A foundation garment comprising a front panel arrangement and a strap arrangement, wherein the front panel comprises a breast support means and at least two substantially vertical edges, and wherein friction providing means are disposed at least on an inner side of each substantially vertical edge of the front panel.
13. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the friction providing means comprises first and second lengths of silicone elastic fixed onto inner sides of respective vertical edges.
14. A foundation garment as claimed in either of claims 12 or 13, wherein the foundation garment further comprises a brief means.
15. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the friction providing means are disposed on at least an upper inside edge of the brief means.
16. A foundation garment as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the friction providing means are disposed on at least an inner side of each substantially vertical edge of each cup of the breast support means.

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17. A foundation garment as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the strap arrangement comprises at least a first strap.
18. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 17, wherein a first end of the first strap is affixed or affixable at or near to an upper edge of the breast support means and a second end of the first strap is also affixed or affixable to an upper edge of the said breast support means.
19. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 18, wherein there are provided means for removably affixing said first strap to the foundation garment.
20. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 12 to 19, wherein the strap arrangement comprises a first strap and a second strap.
21. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 20, wherein a first end of the first strap is attached or attachable to the breast support means and a second end of the first strap is attached or attachable to one of the substantially vertical edges of the front panel arrangement, and further a first end of the second strap is attached or attachable to the breast support means and a second end of the second strap is attached or attachable to the other of the substantially vertical edges of the front panel

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arrangement.
22. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 20 or 21, wherein there are provided means for removably affixing said first and second straps to the foundation garment.
23. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 19 to 22, wherein said first strap and said second strap do not cross over one another.
24. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 19 to 22, wherein said first strap and said second strap do cross over one another.
25. A foundation garment comprising a front panel arrangement and a strap arrangement, wherein the strap arrangement comprises a first strap and a second strap, a first end of the first strap and a first end of the second strap being attached to the front panel arrangement, and a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap being attached to respective sides of the front panel arrangement, such that the first strap does not cross over the second strap.
26. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 25, wherein said first strap and said second strap are permanently affixed to the front panel arrangement.

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27. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 25, wherein there are provided means for removably affixing said first strap and said second strap to said front panel arrangement and/or said respective sides.
28. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 27, wherein the removably affixable first strap and removably affixable second strap are arrangeable such that the first strap and second strap do cross over.
29. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 25 to 28, wherein the straps are formed of a same fabric as the front panel arrangement and a brief arrangement.
30. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 25 to 29, wherein the front panel arrangement provides breast support means.
31. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 30, wherein the breast support means comprises a first cup and a second cup.
32. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 31, wherein each cup is provided with padding inserts.
33. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 32, wherein

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the padding inserts are removable.
34. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 32 or 33, wherein each padding insert is a bag at least partially filled with a silicone fluid.
35. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 34, wherein the bag is filled to around 25% to 50% of a maximum internal volume of the bag.
36. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 35, wherein the bag is filled to around 33% of a maximum internal volume of the bag.
37. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 34 to 36, wherein a viscosity of the silicone fluid is greater than water and/or the weight per unit volume of the silicone fluid is less than water.
38. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 34 to 36, wherein the silicone fluid has a viscosity in the range 250 to 450 mm2/S.
39. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 38, wherein the silicon fluid has a viscosity in the range 300 to 400 mm2/S

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40. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 39, wherein the silicon fluid has a viscosity of around 350 mm2jS.
41. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 34 to 40, wherein the silicone fluid has around 95ml of liquid to 77.5 grams of silicone.
42. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 38 to 41, wherein the silicone fluid is a straight silicone fluid.
43. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 34 to 42, wherein the silicone is a dimethyl silicone fluid.
44. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 34 to 43, wherein the silicone fluid is at least substantially dimethylpolysiloxane.
45. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 31 to 44, wherein the padding insert is fabric covered.
46. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 29 to 45, wherein the strap arrangement is formed of a substantially transparent material.
47. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 29 or any of claims 30 to 45 when dependent upon claim 29, wherein the brief arrangement comprises a gusset affixed to the front

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panel arrangement and a rear panel arrangement affixed at one edge to the gusset, at a second edge attached to a first lower vertical edge of the front panel arrangement, and at a third edge attached to a second vertical edge of the front panel arrangement.
48. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 25 to 40, wherein an inner side of substantially vertical edges of the front panel arrangement are provided with a friction providing means.
49. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 47m, wherein an inner side of an upper edge of the rear panel arrangement is provided with another friction providing means.
50. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 48 and 49, wherein the and the another friction providing means are silicone elastic.
51. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 30 or any of claims 31 to 50 when dependent upon claim 30, wherein each cup of the breast support means may is provided with an underwire arrangement.
52. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 30 or any of

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claims 31 to 51 when dependent upon claim 30, wherein each cup of the breast support means is a seam free cup.
53. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 25 to 52, wherein the foundation garment comprises a balcony type arrangement or a plunge type arrangement.
54. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 25 to 53, wherein the foundation garment is a female underwear garment.
55. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 25 to 53, wherein the foundation garment is an article of female swimwear.
56. A foundation garment comprising a front panel arrangement and a strap arrangement comprising a first strap and a second strap, wherein when worn the first strap substantially encircles an ochroma-clavicular joint of one side of a wearer and the second strap substantially encircles an acromio-clavicular joint of another side of the wearer.
57. A foundation garment as claimed in claim 55, wherein the foundation garment comprises a brief arrangement.
58. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 56 or 57,

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wherein the first strap is arranged to substantially encircle the acromio-clavicular joint of a right hand side of the wearer by having a first end of the first strap attached at or near to a right hand side upper edge of the front panel arrangement and a second end of the first strap attached to a right hand side vertical edge of the panel at a point below an armpit of the wearer.
59. A foundation garment as claimed in claims 56 to 58, wherein the second strap is arranged to substantially encircle the acromio-clavicular joint of a left hand side of the wearer by having a first end of the second strap attached at or near to a left hand side upper edge of the front panel arrangement and a second end of the second strap attached to a left hand side vertical edge of the front panel arrangement at a point below another armpit of the wearer.
60. A foundation garment as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.