GB2491229A

GB2491229A - Upper body garments

Info

Publication number: GB2491229A
Application number: GB201207398A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mhairi Leach
Original assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Current assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Priority date: 2011-05-24
Filing date: 2012-04-27
Publication date: 2012-11-28
Also published as: GB201108703D0; GB2491137A; GB201207398D0

Abstract

A bra (43, figure 6) comprises a pair of breast cups (4A, 4B) from which extend respective wings 8A, 8B provided with fastening means 12 for releasably fastening the wings together at the back of a wearer, shoulder straps 16A, 16B extending from each breast cup, a back panel 45 connected to the shoulder straps and the wings and, in use, extending to cover a part of the back of a wearer, and respective support panels 49 extending from each shoulder strap to the wing of the other breast cup, crossing each other at the back of the wearer and being attached in at least one location to the back panel. Also disclosed is an upper body garment (53, figure 10) which is preferably a top, a camisole or a body-type garment, incorporating the bra of the invention. Further disclosed is an upper body garment having shoulder portions (35, figure 3) that extend over the shoulders of a wearer, each comprising a front portion (36A, 36B) and a rear portion (38A, 38B) including bands extending downwardly from the respective shoulder across the centerline of the back of a wearer to provide a reinforced cross.

Description

UPPER BODY GARMENTS

This invention relates to upper body garments, and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with upper body garments such as bras and tops which assist the wearer to maintain good posture.

Many individuals suffer from poor posture, which can result, for example, from sedentary occupations such as those involving extensive keyboard use. Wearable structures are known which are specifically adapted to improve posture, but these are often complex structures adapted to rectify specific skeletal misalignments under the guidance of medical practitioners. Some garments, such as are disclosed in US 2009/0126084, are intended for more everyday use but nevertheless require additional features, such as additional shoulder straps, which need careful adjustment if they are to work effectively.

There is therefore a need for a garment of conventional appearance which incorporates posture control features.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a bra comprising a pair of breast cups from which extend respective wings provided with fastening means for releasably fastening the wings together at the back of a wearer, the bra further comprising: shoulder straps which, when worn, extend from each breast cup; a back panel which extends to cover a part of the back of the wearer, and is connected to the shoulder straps and to the wings; and respective support panels which extend from each shoulder strap, cross each other at the back of the wearer, and extend to the wing of the other breast cup, the support panels each being attached, at at least one location, to the back panel.

Advantageously, the shoulder straps comprise a rigid material and the support panels are stretchable.

Preferably, the modulus of the support panel material is greater than 425g.

Conveniently, the modulus of the support panel material is not less than 750g and not more than 850g.

Advantageously, the front portion of each shoulder strap is connected to the respective support panel.

Preferably, the seam is situated, in use, on the back of the wearer at a position below the highest point of the shoulder.

Conveniently3 each support panel is integral with the wing to which it extends.

Advantageously, each support panel has a reducing width in the direction from the wing towards the respective shoulder strap.

Preferably, each shoulder strap is adjustably connected to the respective breast cup.

Conveniently, the front portion of each shoulder strap is padded.

Advantageously, the front portion of each shoulder strap widens from its end points towards a maximum width at its centre.

Preferably, the bra comprises a front panel provided with the breast cups, the wings being connected to the front panel at respective seams.

Conveniently, each support panel is formed in two parts, interconnected by a seam.

Advantageously, the seam is substantially aligned, when worn, with the back region of the wearer.

Preferably, the support panels are formed integrally with the back panel.

Conveniently, in an as-worn configuration, the shoulder straps each extend downwardly over the wearer's back, from the crests of the wearer's shoulders, before being attached to the back panel.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an upper body garment incorporating a bra according to any of the above.

Advantageously, the garment is a top, camisole or body-type garment.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a rear fastening bra comprising a pair of breast cups from which extend respective wings provided with fastening means for releasably fastening the wings together at the back of a wearer, the bra further comprising shoulder straps which extend from each respective breast cup to the wing of the other breast cup whereby, when worn, the shoulder straps cross each other at the back of the wearer, each shoulder strap comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion comprising a rigid material and the rear portion providing a stretchable support panel across the back of the wearer when worn.

The combination of a rigid (essentially non-stretch) front strap portion with a rear strap portion that acts as a support panel can provide the wearer with a posture control "reminder" which is effective and comfortable.

The support panel can be wider than conventional bra straps. It can comprise firm or light control material that stretches, but provides some level of support across the shoulder blade.

In a bra in accordance with the present invention, the modulus of the support panel material may be greater than 425g, and in a particular embodiment may be greater than 700 g, for example in the range 750 to 850g. In some circumstances, even higher modulus materials may be used, for example materials having a modulus higher than 1 000g or 1100g. The maximum extension of the high modulus material, under the 3.6 kg load, may be not less than 65% and not more than 100%, and in a specific embodiment may be in the range 79 to 83%. The extension is expressed as a percentage of the original unloaded test length of 100mm.

In the context of the present invention the term "modulus" refers to a property of a warp knit elastomeric fabric, for example as determined by Marks and Spencer Test Procedure P14. Such a test is performed on rectangular samples of the fabric having a width of 150 mm x 50 mm, clamped so as to provide a test length of 100 mm.

Separate samples are tested, with the longer dimension of the sample being aligned with (warp), or across (weft), the direction of the elastomeric thread in the fabric.

The test is conducted in an atmosphere at a temperature of 20° ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 65% ± 2%, and the samples may be conditioned in this atmosphere before testing, for example for at least 16 hours.

The modulus is determined by cycling each sample twice to a cycling load of 3.60 kg and determining the load at 40% extension during the second extension cycle. This load is the modulus, and may be expressed in terms of grams. The modulus expresses the force required for a predetermined percentage stretch under given conditions. As will be readily appreciated, the modulus increases with samples that are more difficult to stretch. Thus firm control fabrics have a higher modulus than light control fabrics, which in turn have a higher modulus than a normal knit fabric (such as a t-shirt fabric).

The front portion of each shoulder strap may be connected to the respective rear portion by a seam, in which case the seam may be situated on the back of the wearer at a position below the highest point of the shoulder.

The rear portion of each shoulder strap may be integral with the wing to which it extends. Thus, the wing and the respective rear portion of the shoulder strap may be made from a single piece of fabric constituting the support panel. I n other embodiments, the wing and/or the rear portion of the shoulder strap may be made from a base material, which may be a conventional material having a relatively low modulus, and the rear portion of the shoulder strap may be provided with a reinforcement, for example by bonding, of higher modulus material, to form the support panel.

Alternatively, the reinforcement and the base material may together constitute the support panel.

The rear portion of each shoulder strap may taper in the direction from the wing towards the front portion of the shoulder strap. The front portion of each shoulder strap may be adjustably connected to the respective breast cup. The front portion of each shoulder strap may be padded and may widen from its end points (the connection to the breast cup and the connection to the rear portion) towards a maximum width at its centre.

The bra may have a front panel which is provided with the breast cups, in which case the front panel may be connected at each side to the respective wing, for example by a seam.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an upper body garment having shoulder portions which, when the garment is worn by a wearer, extend over the shoulders of the wearer, each shoulder portion having a front portion and a rear portion, each rear portion including bands extending downwardly from the respective shoulder across the centreline of the back of the wearer so that the bands cross each other, the bands providing a reinforced cross which requires a greater force to stretch it than the material of the front portions.

The garment may comprise a garment body made up of the shoulder portions and preferably also a lower portion that extends around the chest region of the wearer. The garment may comprise armholes which are defined by the respective shoulder portions. The reinforced cross of each rear shoulder portion may terminate at its lower end at the respective side of the garment between the lower edge of the armhole and a position corresponding to the bottom of the rib cage of the wearer.

The back of the garment body may comprise a control fabric, such as a firm control fabric, the bands being bonded to the control fabric to form the reinforced cross.

The control fabric may have a modulus, in the length direction of the garment (the weft direction of the fabric), which is not less than 550g and not more than 1050g. ln a specific embodiment, the modulus in the lengthwise direction may be in the range 800 to 810g. The modulus of control fabric in the widthwise direction may be not less than 580g and not more than I bOg and, in a specific embodiment, may be in the range 830 to 850g.

The maximum extension of the control fabric may be not less than 80% and not more than 110% in the lengthwise direction, for example in the range 95 to 96%. In the widthwise direction, the maximum extension may be not less than 113% and not more than 158%, for example in the range 133 to 137%.

Where the bands are bonded to the control fabric, the maximum extension of the bonded-together bands may be less than 40%, and consequently the double thickness insufficiently stretchable for a modulus reading to be obtained. In a specific embodiment, the combination of the band and the control fabric gives a combined maximum extension of 20-39%, and preferably of 28-35%, for example 31-33%.

The bands may also be bonded to each other where they cross. In such an embodiment the maximum extension of the bonded-together bands and control material may be even further under 40%, and consequently the triple thickness insufficiently stretchable for a modulus reading to be obtained. In a specific embodiment, the maximum extension of the triple thickness may be less than 20%, or less than 15%,forexample 13%.

The front of the garment body may comprise the control fabric as well as the back, at least in the lower portion. In a specific embodiment, each front shoulder portion also comprises the firm control fabric, except for a breast area. The breast area may be made of a more stretchable material.

An additional outer layer may be provided over part or all of the garment as described.

For example, an outer layer may be provided over the front shoulder portions, concealing the internal structuring.

The garment may comprise a T-shirt or top, either with or without sleeves, and may have a garment body extending to a position below the waist of the wearer.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a bra; Figure 2 is a rear view of the bra of Figure 1 with parts omitted; Figure 3 is a front view of a garment in the form of a top or camisole; Figure 4 is a rear internal view of the top of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an internal view of the front of the top of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a front view of a further bra; Figure 7 is a rear view of the bra of figure 6 with parts omitted; Figure 8 is a front view of a yet further bra.

Figure 9 is a rear view of the bra of Figure 8 with parts omitted; and Figures 10 and 11 show front and rear views of a body-type garment.

The bra of Figure 1 comprises a front panel 2 to which bra cups 4A and 4B are secured. A bridge region 6 of the front panel 2 permanently connects the bra cups 4A and 4B together. Wings 8A, 8B are connected at side seams 10 at opposite sides of the front panel 2, adjacent the respective bra cups 4A and 4B.

The wings 8A and 8B are provided with respective components of a releasable fastener 12. The wings 8A and 8B have respective extensions 14A, 14B which constitute rear portions of shoulder straps 1 6A and 1 6B. Front portions 1 8A and I 8B of the shoulder straps 1 6A and I 6B are connected at seams 20 to the rear portions I 4A and 14B at one end and are connected at the other end to the respective bra cups 4A and 4B using an adjustable section of the straps 22.

It will be appreciated that each shoulder strap 16A, 16B comprises the front portion 18A, 18B and the respective rear portion 14A, 14B. As can be seen from Figure 2, the rear portions 14A and 14B cross over one another, the result being that the rear portion 14A connected by the respective front portion 18A to the bra cup 4A on one side extends from the wing 8B connected to the bra cup 4B on the other side.

The front portions 1 8A and I 8B of the shoulder straps I 6A and 1 6B, and the front panel 2 are padded and made from a rigid material with little or no stretch. By contrast, the modulus of the rear portions 14A and 14B, and consequently also of the wings 8A and 8B may be stretchable, but with a relatively high modulus, for example in the range 750 to 850g, so that they act as support panels. It will be appreciated from Figure 2 that the wings 8A and 8B and the respective extensions forming the rear portions of the shoulder straps I 6A and 1 6B are cut from the same piece of fabric, and so are integral with each other. However, the modulus of the fabric will vary in dependence on the direction in which tension is applied, and consequently the fabric of the respective wings 8A, 8B and rear portions 14A and 14B can be aligned so that the modulus in the lengthwise direction of each rear portion 14A, 14B is greater than that in the lengthwise direction of the respective wing 8A, 8B.

Also, it will be appreciated that the rear portions 14A and 14B reduce in width in the direction away from the respective wing 8A, 8B with the result that, under load, the region of the rear portion 14A, 14B nearer the respective seam 20 will elongate to a greater extent than the region nearer the respective wing 8A, 8B. The rear portions 14A, 14B are nevertheless wider than the front portions 18A, 18B over at least the majority of their extent.

For use, the fastener 12 is disconnected so that the bra can easily be placed over the wearer's head, and manoeuvred into position. The fastener 12 is then re-fastened and the straps adjusted if necessary to achieve the required fit. When in position on the wearer, it will be appreciated that the rear portions 14A, 14B cross one over the other at the wearer's back and the seams 20 lie at the back of the wearer, shortly below the highest point 24 of the shoulder straps I 6A, 1 6B.

Although the shoulder straps 16A, 16B will stretch resiliently to accommodate movement of the wearer, the fact that the rear portions 14A, 14B only are stretchable means that stretch will occur predominantly in the rear portions 14A, 14B. The rear portions 14A, 14B will, however, resist forward rotation of the wearer's shoulders to a greater extent than is achieved with a bra constructed from conventional stretch materials. Consequently, the high modulus, widened rear portions 14A, 14B will tend to resist the forward movement of the shoulders which typically represent poor posture.

Furthermore, this resistance to forward movement of the shoulders will make the wearer aware of their posture and encourage them to maintain good posture.

Preferably, the rear portions 14A, 14B are not attached to one another where they cross, and may slide with respect to one another. In alternative embodiments, however, the rear portions I 4A, I 4B may be attached to one another where they cross.

The top shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 utilises a similar concept in a garment having less of a supporting function than the bra of Figures 1 and 2. The top of Figures 3, 4 and 5 comprises a body 30 which covers the torso of the wearer and is provided at its upper region with a neck opening 32 and opposite armholes 34. Each armhole is defined by a respective shoulder region 35. Each shoulder region 35 comprises a front shoulder portion 36A, 36B and a rear shoulder portion, 38A, 38B. A lower portion of the body extends at least around the chest region of the wearer.

The garment may be constructed using different materials, for control purposes. At the back of the garment, the material of the body 30 is firm control fabric, reinforced by regions 38A, 38B which extend downwardly from the top of the shoulder regions 35.

These reinforced regions 38A, 38B are constituted by bands of light control material which are bonded to the inside of the material of the body 30, and to each other, in the form of a cross as shown more clearly in Figure 4. Thus, each band 38A, 38B extends downwardly from the top of the shoulder region 35 and across the back of the garment to terminate at the side of the garment at a position generally between the lower edge of the armhole 34A, 34B and the lowest point of the wearer's ribcage indicated at 40.

It will be appreciated that each band 38A, 38B extends from the respective front portion 36A, 36B on one side of the garment to the position below the respective armhole 34A, 34B on the other side of the garment.

The firm control material has a high modulus of, for example, 800 to 810g in the length direction and 830 to 850g in the width direction. Where the bands are bonded onto the firm control material and in the region 42 where the bands cross one another and are bonded together, the modulus is substantially higher and in fact may not be measurable as a result of the strong resistance of extension.

For comparison's sake, it is noted that the material of the bands when taken alone may comprise a control material, such as a light control material and for example have a somewhat lower modulus of 250-350g, for example 270-290g or 280g along their length (warp) and 205-275g, for example 230-250g or 240g, across their width (weft).

Bonding them to the material of the garment body (and to each other) gives the resulting much increased modulus that may not be measurable.

As with the rigid front portions 18A and 1BB and high modulus rear portions 14A, 14B of the bra in Figures 1 and 2, the bands 38A and 38B act to resist forward movement of the shoulders of the wearer and to alert the wearer if poor posture is adopted.

The bands 38A, 38B are bonded to the fabric of the body 30 over their entire extent, either by the use of a suitable adhesive or by thermal bonding, and preferably by a combination of the two.

The lower portion of the front of the body 30 is made of the same firm control material as the back of the garment. The front shoulder portions are also made predominantly from the same type of material. The use of the control material and appropriate shaping of this part of the garment allow some control around the external part of the breast area. As can be seen from Figure 5 however, a central breast area on each side 40A, 40B is made of different material. This material may, for example, be a material having a relatively low modulus and so will stretch under a relatively low tension, to give better wearer comfort and avoid restriction of the bust.

Turning to figures 6 and 7, an alternative bra 43 is shown. In common with the bra of figures 1 and 2, the further bra 43 has a front panel 2, left and right cups 4A, 4B and a bridge region 6 which interconnects the cups 4A, 4B. Respective wings BA, BB are attached to the cups 4A, 4B, and carry respective components of a releasable fastener 12.

Shoulder straps 16A, 16B are connected to top parts of the cups 4A, 4B, and are shaped to extend over the shoulders of a wearer.

The shoulder straps 16A, 16B terminate in connectors 44 which, in use, would be positioned roughly level with the rear side of the top of the user's shoulder blades.

A back panel 45 extends over a rear portion of the bra 43, being connected to the connectors 44 of the shoulder straps 16A, 16B and to the wings BA, BB associated with the cups 4A, 4B. The back panel preferably 45 takes the form of a large cross, being connected at its upper corners to the connectors 44, and at its lower corners to the wings 8A, 8B.

Between the connectors 44, the top edge 46 of the back panel 45 generally describes a "V"-shape.

Under each armpit of the wearer, the top edge 46 of the back panel 45 describes a curved shape, which joins continuously into the upper, outer edge 47 of each cup 4A, 4B. In the lower central portion of the back panel 45, an inverted "V"-shape is formed, providing a cut-out region 48 which allows access to the releasable fastener 12.

The back panel 45 is preferably formed from a mesh material, which is relatively light and allows air to circulate next to the skin of the wearer. The edges 46 of the back panel 45 may be provided with a relatively soft and/or decorative edge or trim.

A pair of support panels 49 is also provided on the rear side of the bra 43. Each support panel 45 is attached to the fastener 44 of one of shoulder straps 16A, 16B, and extends diagonally across the rear of the bra 43 to be attached to the wing 8A, 8B of the other cup 4A, 4B.

The support panels 49 cross in a region 50 around the centre of the rear of the bra 43.

The support panels 49 are preferably provided on the inner side of the back panel 45.

The support panels 49 are preferably bonded to the back panel 45, for instance through being laminated therewith. The support panels 49 are preferably also bonded to each other where they cross.

In some embodiments, in a similar manner to the bra shown in figures 1 and 2, the portions of the shoulder straps I 6A, I 6B that pass over the wearer's shoulders are formed to be made from a rigid material with little or no stretch, which may optionally be padded. The modulus of the support panels 49 (and preferably of the wings 8A and 8B) may be relatively high, for example in the range 750 -850 grams.

In embodiments the back panel 45 may be omitted, and the rear part of the bra 43 may simply comprise the support panels 49 without the back panel 45.

It will be understood that the bra shown in figures 6 and 7 will tend to resist the forward movement of the shoulders of the wearer, thus encouraging the wearer to maintain good posture.

The back panel 45 helps to ensure that the shoulder straps 16A, 16B and the support panels 49 remain in advantageous positions for postural support. In particular, where the shoulder straps 16A, 16B and/or the support panels 49 pass over the tops of the wearer's shoulders, the shoulder straps 16A/16B/support panels 49 should preferably be spaced relatively widely, so that they lie spaced relatively far from the neck of the user. Without the back panel 45, there would be a tendency for the support panels 49 to drift towards a narrower position, particularly because the support panels 49 cross at the back of the wearer and so tensile forces acting on the support panels 49 will have an inward component.

The presence of the back panel 45 also helps to ensure that, where the support panels 49 exert forces on the wearer's back, they are retained in place and so exert forces in the desired locations. In particular, it is desired for the support panels 49 to exert forwardly-directed forces in the region of the wearer's shoulder blades, at relatively wide positions on the user's back. This discourages the user from allowing her shoulders to roll forwardly.

With reference to figure 7 it can be seen that, if the shoulder straps 16A, 16B simply connected to the support panels 49 without the presence of the back panel 45, the shoulder straps 16A, 16B and the support panels 49 would tend to be pulled into a direct line between the crest of the wearer's shoulder and the appropriate wing 8A, 8B.

The combination of the shoulder straps I 6A, I 6B and the back panel 45 allows the support panels 49 to adopt a low, wide position across the wearer's back. This is particularly the case in embodiments (such as shown in figure 7) where, in use, the shoulder straps 16A, 16B extend downwardly over the wearer's back, from the crests of the wearer's shoulders, before being attached to the back panel 45. In preferred embodiments, the shoulder straps I 6A, 1 6B extend downwardly from the crests of the wearer's shoulders by at least 5 cm before being attached to the back panel.

It will be understood that most bras have the primary aim of supporting, suppressing and/or shaping the breasts of the wearer, and are therefore designed and constructed with this aim in mind, avoiding unnecessary additional components and features. By contrast, embodiments of the present invention aim additionally to encourage the wearer to adopt an improved posture.

While the bra 43 of figures 6 and 7 is shown as a rear-fastening bra, it should be understood that it (along with the other garments disclosed in this application) may be front-fastening, or may fasten in any other appropriate way.

Figures 8 and 9 show front and rear views of a further bra 51, which is similar to the bra 43 shown in figures 6 and 7. The difference is that the back panel 45, along with the associated support panels 49, is formed in two halves which are attached to one another by way of a seam 52 which lies substantially in line with the backbone of the wearer. In this embodiment, therefore, each support panel 49 is not a continuous strip of material extending from the connector 44 of one cup 4A, 4B diagonally across the back of the wearer, to be attached to the wing 8A, 8B of the other cup 4A, 4B. Rather, each support panel 49 is in the form of two parts, one connected to the connector 44, and the other connected to the wing 8A, 8B, with these two parts being connected by the seam 52.

Nevertheless, the overall effect of this bra 51 is the same as, or very nearly the same as, the bra 43 shown in figures 6 and 7.

Figures 10 and 11 show front and rear views, respectively, of a body-type garment embodying the present invention. The garment 53 has left and right breast cups 4A, 4B, and also extends to cover the torso of the wearer, and has a gusset region 54 defining leg holes 55. The gusset region 54 may be fastenable by way of press studs or the like, or may alternatively be found in a unitary manner, similar to that of a leotard.

In a similar manner to the bra 43 shown in figures 6 and 7, the garment 53 has rear wings 8A, 8B which are associated with the cups 4A, 4B, and which are adapted to pass around the wearer's back and be fastened together at a fastener 12.

Also in common with the bra 43 shown in figures 6 and 7, the garment 53 has shoulder straps 16A, 16B which extend from the tops of the cups 4A, 4B and extend over a wearer's shoulders, as well as a back panel 45 and associated crossed support panels 49.

It will therefore be understood that the garment 53 effectively comprises a bra, of the type shown in figures 6 and 7, which is integrated into a larger garment. The advantages with respect to encouraging good posture will be generally the same as those of the bra 43 shown in figures 6 and 7, however.

While the garment 53 shown in figures 10 and 11 is a body-type garment, it should be appreciated that the garment may also be a top or camisole-style garment, as shown in figures 3 to 5. The garment 53 may optionally be a control or shaping garment which helps to give the wearer's mid-sections a flattering shape.

With reference to the top or camisole garment shown in figures 3 to 5, preferred elastic moduli are discussed above. These preferred moduli apply equally to the garment 53 shown in figures 10 and 11.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to women's garments, it will be appreciated that similar concepts can be applied also to men's garments for enhancing posture.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bra comprising a pair of breast cups from which extend respective wings provided with fastening means for releasably fastening the wings together at the back of a wearer, the bra further comprising: shoulder straps which, when worn, extend from each breast cup; a back panel which extends to cover a part of the back of the wearer, and is connected to the shoulder straps and to the wings; and respective support panels which extend from each shoulder strap, cross each other at the back of the wearer, and extend to the wing of the other breast cup, the support panels each being attached, at at least one location, to the back panel.
2. A bra according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder straps comprise a rigid material and the support panels are stretchable.
3. A bra as claimed in claim 2, in which the modulus of the support panel material is greater than 425g.
4. A bra as claimed in claim 3, in which the modulus of the support panel material is not less than 750g and not more than 850g.
5. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the front portion of each shoulder strap is connected to the respective support panel.
6. A bra as claimed in claim 5, in which the seam is situated, in use, on the back of the wearer at a position below the highest point of the shoulder.
7. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which each support panel is integral with the wing to which it extends.
8. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which each support panel has a reducing width in the direction from the wing towards the respective shoulder strap.
9. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which each shoulder strap is adjustably connected to the respective breast cup.
10. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the front portion of each shoulder strap is padded.
11. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the front portion of each shoulder strap widens from its end points towards a maximum width at its centre.
12. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a front panel provided with the breast cups, the wings being connected to the front panel at respective seams.
13. A bra as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each support panel is formed in two parts, interconnected by a seam.
14. A bra as claimed in claim 13, wherein the seam is substantially aligned, when worn, with the back region of the wearer.
15. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein the support panels are formed integrally with the back panel.
16. A bra according to any preceding claim wherein, in an as-worn configuration, the shoulder straps each extend downwardly over the wearer's back, from the crests of the wearer's shoulders, before being attached to the back panel.
17. An upper body garment incorporating a bra according to any preceding claim.
18. A garment according to claim 17, wherein the garment is a top, camisole or body-type garment.
19. An upper body garment having shoulder portions which, when the garment is worn by a wearer, extend over the shoulders of the wearer, each shoulder portion having a front portion and a rear portion, each rear portion including bands extending downwardly from the respective shoulder across the centreline of the back of the wearer so that the bands cross each other, the bands providing a reinforced cross which requires a greater force to stretch it than the material of the front portions.
20. A garment as claimed in claim 19, which comprises a garment body made up of the shoulder portions.
21. A garment as claimed in claim 20, in which the garment body further comprises a lower portion that extends around the chest region of the wearer.
22. A garment as claimed in claim 21, in which the garment comprises armholes which are defined by respective shoulder portions, the reinforced cross terminating at its lower end at respective sides of the garment between the lower edge of the respective armhole and a position corresponding to the bottom of the rib cage of the wearer.
23. A garment as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, in which the back of the garment body comprises a control fabric, the bands being bonded to the control fabric to form the reinforced cross.
24. A garment as claimed in claim 23, in which the modulus of the control fabric is not less than 500g.
25. A garment as claimed in claim 24, in which the modulus of the control fabric is not less than 700g and not more than 900g.
26. A garment as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the combination of a band and the control fabric gives a combined maximum extension of 20-39%, and preferably of 28-35%.
27. A garment as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26, in which the bands are bonded together at the region at which the bands cross each other.
28. A garment as claimed in claims 23 and 27, in which the combination of both bands and the control fabric gives a combined maximum extension of 10-17 %, and preferably of 12-14%.
29. A garment as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 28, in which the garment body extends downwardly below the waist of the wearer.
30. A garment as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, in which the front of the garment body comprises the control fabric, at least in the lower portion.
31. A garment as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 30, in which each front shoulder portion comprises the control fabric, except for a breast area.
32. A bra or an upper body garment substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2, Figures 3 and 4 and 5, Figures 6 and 7, Figures 8 and 9 or Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.