GB2621876A

GB2621876A - Body-shaping garment, method of formation thereof and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2621876A
Application number: GB2212417.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samawi Rana
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-08-26
Filing date: 2022-08-26
Publication date: 2024-02-28
Also published as: WO2024042328A1; GB202212417D0

Abstract

A body-shaping garment 10 comprises inner 14 and outer 12 garment elements, the inner garment being connected to the outer garment and the inner garment comprising a compression body 36, a first leg-receiver and a second leg-receiver 40. The compression body 36 includes a front portion for receiving at least a user’s groin; two hip portions 48b for receiving the user’s hips and a posterior portion 48c for receiving at least the user’s buttocks and a crotch portion 48d at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion 56 of the compression body 36. In a first aspect the crotch portion has increased permeability for cooling or breathability, preferably in the form of an aperture. In a second aspect leg receiving portions include compressive elements for at least part of the thighs. In a third aspect the inner garment includes a closure element (44, figure 3) for releasably closing an opening 42. Also claimed is a method of manufacture for a garment with an inner and an outer element.

Description

Body-Shaping Garment, Method of Formation Thereof and Method of Use Thereof The present invention relates to a garment which in-use shapes a user's body to provide a more flattering silhouette. The present invention also relates to methods of forming and wearing such a garment.

Upon wearing clothing, some users may find that undesirable bulges of excess skin and/or fat can protrude over and outwardly of the edges of the clothing. This effect is sometimes referred to as the "muffin top" effect. The bulges of excess skin and/or fat may occur anywhere wherever the clothing ends but are typically located around the waist.

An existing solution is to wear a garment, such as a corset, body-shaping garment or shapewear, which provide compression to smooth out, conceal or reshape the bulges of skin and/or fat. Whilst the solutions can provide a more flattering silhouette, such as an hourglass shape for women, there are issues with the existing solutions.

All existing solutions are close to the skin and prevent or inhibit airflow around the body. 15 This may result in overheating and friction, and thereby discomfort to the user. Any rigid garments, such as a corset, may also restrict the user's ability to move. also increasing the user's discomfort.

Non-rigid body-shaping garments that extend from the user' hips upwards sometimes end up moving and gathering around the narrowest portion of the user's body, such as the waist in women. To counter the movement of the garment upward along the user's body, some body-shaping garments extend between the legs, forming leg holes for the legs. However, this further increases the discomfort to the user due to the garment being tight-fitting and causing overheating from covering a greater area of skin. The body-shaping garment also provides a compressive force to the crotch area, which can result in health issues, such as urinary tract infections, irritation, abrasion, and potentially nerve damage over time.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body-shaping garment comprising: an outer garment element; an inner garment element connected to 30 the outer garment element, the inner garment element having: a compression body including: a front portion for receiving at least a user's groin; two hip portions for receiving the user's hips; a posterior portion for receiving at least the user's buttocks; a crotch portion at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body, connected to the front portion and connected to the posterior portion, the crotch portion having a crotch area of increased permeability for providing cooling and/or breathability to the user's crotch; and a first leg-receiver and a second leg-receiver provided at or adjacent to the in-use inferior end portion, on either side of the crotch portion.

The body-shaping garment compresses or constrains areas of the user's body, such as the abdomen, where undesirable bulges of skin and/or fat may otherwise form. By preventing or inhibiting the bulges of fat, the garment shaped or reshaped the user's body to provide a more attractive body shape. For women, the desirable body shape is an hourglass silhouette. Connection of the inner garment element to the outer garment element prevents or inhibits the outer garment element from translating upwards and/or downwards relative to the inner garment element. Translation of the outer garment element relative to the inner garment element may otherwise cause discomfort, for instance, by increasing friction thereby generating heat. In the case of the outer garment element being trousers, the connection between the inner and outer garment elements prevents or inhibits the crotch area of the trousers from riding up and rubbing against and/or compressing the user's crotch and/or restricting blood circulation to the legs. The crotch area enables more ventilation to the user's crotch which increases the user's comfort.

Preferably, the crotch area of increased permeability may be an aperture. The absence of fabric at the crotch area enables enhanced air flow thereat. Whilst fabric at the crotch area may be an alternative option, a disadvantage of providing fabric at the crotch area may be that the fabric may become malodorous. Furthermore, the aperture, opening or cut-out prevents or limits the compression force exerted on the crotch of the user, thereby reducing the likelihood of health issues. An aperture may also enable a user to use a lavatory without necessitating the removal of the compression body.

Beneficially, the compression body may comprise power mesh fabric for providing 30 compression. Power mesh provides a sturdy yet pliable material which can conform to the user's body for comfort whilst providing constriction to the user's body. The mesh-like material provides improved breathability.

The term "power mesh" used herein and throughout is intended to mean a durable, knitted or woven fabric, which includes synthetic fibres of at least one of: spandex, nylon, polyester, elastane, rayon, modal, or a combination thereof.

Additionally, at least one of: the first leg-receiver and the second leg-receiver may include 5 a leg-receiver body, the or each leg-receiver body extending away from the compression body along at least part of a longitudinal extent of the outer garment element. Optionally, the or each leg-receiver body may comprise power mesh fabric for providing compression to a user's thigh or thighs. Compression of the thighs at least may be provided, to avoid undesirable bulges of fat where the leg emerges from the fight 10 compression body.

Preferably, the inner garment element may be connected to the outer garment element via a sewn connection. A sewn connection is cost-effective, simple to manufacture, washable and provides a secure connection. As sewing thread has a small cross-sectional area, a sewn connection is also discreet. In contrast, bulkier connector mechanisms may form bulges beneath the fabric of the outer garment element, which is not aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, some fastening mechanisms, such as hooks, may carry of risk of discomfort and/or injury to the user.

Furthermore, the outer garment element may include at least one outer-garment seam and the inner garment element may be connected to the outer garment element via a sewn connection along at least part of the at least one outer-garment seam. At least one seam or part thereof of the inner-garment element is sewn to all or part of at least one seam of the outer-garment element. This enables the inner and outer seams to be aligned or substantially aligned with each other so as to provide the illusion of there being a single seam. Non-aligned, spaced-apart inner and outer seams may create a visible bulge of fabric beneath the outer-garment element, spaced-apart from the outer-garment element seam. Furthermore, if the inner-garment element seam is sewn to the fabric of the outer-garment element away from an outer-garment seam, the stitches of the sewn connection may be visible on an outer surface of the outer-garment element, which may be undesirable.

Additionally, the posterior portion may further comprise a posterior area of increased permeability for providing cooling and/or breathability. By providing an area of increased permeability, such as an aperture and/or a mesh panel having large or larger holes, provides better ventilation which may reduce the risk of overheating.

Beneficially, the posterior portion may comprise two posterior areas, each of the two posterior areas may include an opening for receiving at least part of a buttock therethrough. By being able to extend through the openings in the posterior portion, the compression body does not compress, compresses to a lesser extent or compresses a smaller volume of the user's buttocks, compared to a compression body devoid of openings in the posterior areas. The posterior area may even raise, support and/or reshape the buttocks to emphasise their shape and/or volume, as this may be aesthetically desirable.

Preferably, the outer garment element may include an outer garment torso-encircling edge and the compression body may extend away from the leg-receivers beyond the outer garment torso-encircling edge. The compression body extends in-use up the user's torso above the upper edge of the outer-garment element. This prevents or inhibits the muffin-top effect in outer garment elements which only cover the lower body, particularly "low-waisted" outer garment elements.

Advantageously, the compression body may further include an inner garment torso-encircling edge which may be formed at least in part from part of the front portion, hip portions and posterior portions, and the inner garment element may further have an inner garment opening for facilitating the donning of or the removal of the body-shaping garment, and a closure element for releasably closing the inner garment opening, the inner garment opening extending from the inner garment torso-encircling edge to or towards an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body. Opening and closing the inner garment opening enables the user to adjust the tightness of the compression body and thereby the compressive force exerted on the user's body This may make it easier for the user to remove and put on the compression body, especially if the user's hips are wider than their waist. A looser compression body may increase the user's comfort. On the other hand, a tighter compression body may increase the amount of reshaping, smoothing or concealing by the compression body, for example to accentuate body proportions even more, such as to provide an even smaller waist if desired.

Optionally, the closure element may comprise a zip. A zip is simple to do and undo. 30 Furthermore, if a closure element only has discrete, spaced-apart fasteners such as spaced-apart hooks or buttons and corresponding eyelets, there is a risk of undesirable bulges of fat forming in the inner garment opening, between the spaced-apart fasteners.

In contrast, a zip is or is substantially continuous along its extent, thereby preventing or inhibiting any such bulges of skin and/or fat from protruding.

Advantageously, the inner garment opening may be provided at an in-use lateral side of the compression body. The inner garment opening and the closure element may be more 5 easily obscured from sight, for example, the user's arm, compared to an opening and closure element which are at the front of the compression body. A lateral position also means that the user is able to reach the opening and closure element without help, unlike an opening and closure element positioned in the posterior portion of the compression body. Of course, the opening may be spaced-apart from the lateral side, such as at the 10 front or posterior portions of the compression body. There may even be more than one opening and/or more than one closure element.

Furthermore, the inner garment element may further comprise at least one strap receivable around, connected or connectable to the compression body. Preferably, the at least one strap includes a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap may help maintain the compression body in an extended configuration and/or prevent or inhibit gathering of the compression body around a narrower cross-section of the user's torso, such as around the waist in women or hips in men.

Beneficially, the shoulder strap may be removably connectable to the compression body. The shoulder strap may be customisable and/or easily replaceable. The shoulder straps 20 may also be omitted, for example when the outer-garment element is a shoulderless garment.

Preferably, the outer garment element may be a lower-body garment. Furthermore, the lower-body garment may be a pair of trousers. More preferably, the pair of trousers is a pair of jeans.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a body-shaping garment comprising: an outer garment element having an outer-garment torso-encircling portion; an inner garment element connected to the outer garment element, the inner garment element having a compression body including a front portion for receiving at least a user's groin; two hip portions for receiving the user's hips; a posterior portion for receiving at least the user's buttocks; a crotch portion at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion 56 of the compression body, connected to the front portion and connected to the posterior portion; the front, hip and posterior portions extending beyond the outer-garment torso-encircling portion in a direction away from the crotch portion; and a first compression leg-receiver and a second compression leg-receiver provided at or adjacent to the in-use inferior end portion, on either side of the crotch portion, wherein the first and second compression leg-receivers extend away from the compression body along at least part of a longitudinal extent of the outer garment element for providing body-shaping compression to at least a user's thighs or part thereof.

The leg-receivers provide compression of at least the thighs so as to avoid or reduce the likelihood of bulges of skin and/or fat where the legs emerge from the compression body.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a body-shaping garment comprising: an outer garment element; an inner garment element connected to the outer garment element, the inner garment element having a compression body including a front portion for receiving at least a user's groin; two hip portions for receiving the user's hips; a posterior portion for receiving at least the user's buttocks; a crotch portion at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body, connected to the front portion and connected to the posterior portion; each of the front portion, hip portions and posterior portions having an inner garment torso-encircling edge, an inner garment opening for facilitating the donning of or the removal of the body-shaping garment, the inner garment opening extending from the inner garment torso-encircling edge to or towards an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body; a first leg-receiver and a second leg-receiver provided at or adjacent to the in-use inferior end portion, on either side of the crotch portion; and a closure element for releasably closing the inner garment opening.

A circumference or girth of the compression body may be adjustable by opening and closing the opening. The adjustability may make it easier for the user to remove and put on the compression body, especially if the user's hips are wider than their waist. The ability to change the girth of the compression body may enable the user to adjust the tightness of the compression body.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a body-shaping garment, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an inner garment element and an outer garment element, the inner garment element having a compression body for compressing at least part of a user's torso, a first leg-receiver for receiving a first of the user's legs, and a second leg-receiver for receiving a second leg of the user. and b] connecting the inner garment element to an internal part of the outer garment element for providing a body-shaping garment. The body-shaping garment is easy to manufacture According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of wearing a body-shaping garment, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a body-shaping garment, preferably in accordance with any one of the first, second and/or third aspects of the invention; b] inserting a first leg of a user into the first leg-receiver and a second leg of the user into the second leg-receiver; c] positioning the body-shaping garment so that the compression body encloses the user's torso.

A user can reshape their body to have a more attractive appearance.

Beneficially, the body-shaping garment may further include a said inner garment opening and a said closure element, and the method may further comprise a step d] of closing the inner garment opening via the closure element. The user can adjust the tightness of the compression body by opening or closing the or a said inner garment opening, if there are a plurality of openings.

Optionally, the body-shaping garment may further include a said shoulder strap and the method further comprising a step e] after step c] of connecting at least one shoulder strap to the inner garment element. The shoulder strap may prevent or inhibit gathering of the compression body at or adjacent the narrowest part of the user's torso. The shoulder strap may also help to improve the user's posture.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front representation of an embodiment of a body-shaping garment in accordance with the first, second and third aspects of the invention, with part of an inner garment element that is obscured by an outer garment element of the body-25 shaping garment is shown in dotted lines; Figure 2 illustrates a back representation of the body-shaping garment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a front representation of the inner garment element of the body-shaping garment of Figure 1, with a closure element in a disengaged configuration and 30 a shoulder strap disconnected at one end from the inner garment element.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a garment indicated generally at 10. The garment 10 enables shaping or reshaping of a user's body by preventing or inhibiting the formation of undesirable bulges of skin and/or fat. The garment 10 may be referred to as a body-shaping garment. The garment 10 includes an outer garment element 12 and an inner garment element 14, but either feature may be omitted and/or a plurality of either may be provided.

The outer garment element 12 is preferably a lower body garment element. The lower body garment element is a pair of trousers in the shown embodiment, but any alternative may be envisioned, such as shorts, or a skirt by way of example. The outer garment element 12 may be formed of any material or combination of materials known in the art. The outer garment element 12 fabric may include natural fibres, synthetic fibres or any combination thereof. Examples of possible materials include cotton, wool, leather, silk, denim, linen, felt, suede, any other suitable material, or any combination of materials. In the preferred embodiment, the pair of trousers is a pair of jeans, such that the pair of trousers includes denim, and more preferably stretch denim, but any alternative type of trousers may be envisioned. The body-shaping garment 10 may thus be referred to as control jeans. The denim preferable comprises at least 50% cotton, although less than 50% cotton may be an option. The denim more preferably includes at least 60% cotton. In the preferred embodiment the denim includes 76% cotton. The denim may additionally include one or more elastomeric materials. An elastomeric material enables deniam to be stretchable. Preferably, one or more elastomeric materials may by way of example include polyester and/or elastane, even more preferably both. In the preferred embodiment, the denim includes 21% polyester and 3% elastane but the exact percentages are not critical. The percentages may be by weight or by volume. The denim preferably has a weight per unit area of at least 100 grams per square meter (GSM), and more preferably at least 200 GSM. In the preferred embodiment, the denim has a weight to unit area of 240 GSM.

The outer garment element 12 includes at least one and preferably a plurality of interconnected outer fabric panels 16. The outer fabric panels or outer panels 16 are preferably formed of the same material. However, two fabric panels could easily be formed of different materials. The, each or at least one outer fabric panel 16 comprises one layer of material, but a plurality of layers may be an option. The outer fabric panels 16 together form an outer garment torso-encircling portion 18, and at least one leg-encircling portions 20. In the case of the outer garment element 12 being a skirt, there is only one leg-encircling portion which encircles or surrounds both legs simultaneously. Preferably however, as the outer garment element 12 is a pair of trousers, there are preferably two leg-encircling portions 20. For simplicity, two leg-encircling portions 20 may be referred to as legs 20 here.

For clarity, the term "torso" used herein and throughout is intended to mean the user's trunk, i.e. the user's body from the neck down, including the shoulders, chest, abdomen, back and pelvis but excluding the arms and legs.

The term "crotch" used herein and throughout is intended to mean the region of the pelvis generally located between the user's legs, including the genitalia.

The term "groin" used herein and throughout is intended to mean the lower abdomen, excluding the genitalia region.

The outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 in-use receives the user's torso. The outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 includes a waistband region 22 having an outer garment torso-encircling edge 24. The outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 is to start at or adjacent to the outer garment torso-encircling edge 24. For clarity, the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 is considered to end level or substantially level with the crotch of the user and/or with the junction where the two leg-encircling portions 20 meet.

One or more edges of the outer fabric panels 16 are preferably connected together by a connector or connecting means. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting means is thread such that the connection is a sewn connection, but any alternative connecting means may be envisioned. Thus, the outer garment element 12 preferably also includes at least one seam, also referred to as an outer seam 26 for clarity, but no seam may be envisioned. In the shown embodiment, a front left panel 16a, a front right panel 16b, a back left panel 16c and a back right panel 16d are interconnected with each other, but any of these panels may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above panels may be provided. Any number of further panels may be provided connecting with any or any combination of the above panels. Any panel may be formed of sub-panels. Any panel may have a lower portion and an upper portion.

A first of the two leg-encircling portions 20, also referred to as a first or left leg 20a, is formed by at least the front left panel 16a and the back left panel 16c together. The front left panel 16a connects to the back left panel 16c along at least one, and preferably at least two outer seams 26. A said seam 26 may be defined by its relative position on the outer garment element 12. In the shown embodiment, the two outer seams 26 may be referred to as a left medial or inner-thigh seam 26a and a left lateral or outer-thigh seam 26b respectively, due to their position. However, any seam may additionally or alternatively be provided elsewhere on the outer garment element 12.

For clarity, the left outer-thigh seam 26b preferably extends towards, to or adjacent to the waistband region 22 as shown. The left outer-thigh seam 26b therefore preferably has a first seam portion 28a which extends in or along the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 and a second seam portion 28b which extends in or along at least part of the leg-encircling portion 20. The left outer-thigh seam 26b is preferably continuous but discontinuous may be an option.

Similarly, the second of the two leg-encircling portions 20, also referred to as a second or right leg 20b, is formed by at least the front right panel 16b and the back right panel 16d. The second trouser leg is or is substantially the mirror image of the first trouser leg, and as such, has similar right medial or inner-thigh seam 26a' and right lateral outer-thigh seam 26b'. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The front left panel 16a and the front right panel 16b preferably connect or are connectable with each other at the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18. Preferably, at least part of the front left panel 16a and at least part of the front right panel 16b are connected at a front seam 26c by a sewn connection. Optionally, the front left panel 16a and the front right panel 16b may be separably connectable to each other so as to form a closeable opening, not shown, closeable by at least one fastener or fastening means 30. In other words, the outer garment element 12 may have a button and optionally a fly, as in the present embodiment. The fastening means 30 may include any or any combination of known fasteners, such as: male and female engagement portions, a zip, a button, a lace, interference fit poppers, a hook, an eyelet, a clip, any other suitable fastening means, or a plurality of any of the above.

The outer garment element 12 further includes at least one belt loop 32 and at least one 30 pocket 34, but either or both features may be omitted. In the shown embodiment, there are five belt loops 32 but any number may be provided.

There are preferably five pockets 34 in the illustrated embodiment, but any alternative number may be envisioned. The pockets may be provided by connecting one or more further panels of fabric to any of the outer fabric panels 16. Preferably, a first said pocket 34 is provided on the back left panel 16c. A second said pocket 34 is provided on the 5 back right panel 16d. A third said pocket 34 is provided on the front right panel 16b. A fourth said pocket 34 is provided in, on or at least in part formed by the front left panel 16a. A fifth said pocket 34 is provided in, on or at least in part formed by the front right panel 16b. The exact position and/or dimensions of the pockets are not critical, and it is understood that any of the above pockets may be omitted or positioned elsewhere on 10 the outer garment element. One or more pockets may even be provided in or on the inner garment element in an alternative embodiment.

The inner garment element 14 in-use prevents or inhibits the formation of the bulges of fat by compressing, constraining or squeezing the user's body. This may result in the skin and/or fat bulges being redistributed, concealed and/or smoothed. The inner garment element 14 is preferably connected to the outer garment element 12 but connectable or completely separate therefrom may be alternative options. The inner garment element 14 includes a compression body 36, a first leg-receiver 38, a second leg-receiver 40, an inner garment opening 42, a closure element 44, and at least one strap 46, but any of the above features may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Figures 1 and 2 show the inner garment element 14 together with the outer garment element 12. Figure 3 shows the inner garment element 14 in isolation.

The terms "circumference" and "girth" may be used interchangeable throughout. The outer garment torso-encircling portion 18, each leg-encircling portion 20, the compression body 36 and the leg-receivers 38, 40 are or are generally tubular in shape, especially when in-use, such that the relevant part has a circular, elliptical or substantially circular or substantially elliptical shape in transverse cross-section. As such, each of the relevant parts of the garment 10 has a circumference.

Similarly, each part of the garment 10 extends generally along a direction or axis which 30 is or is generally normal to the transverse plane. Such an axis may be referred to as a longitudinal axis. Thus, the relevant parts of the garment 10 may be considered to has a longitudinal extent, also referred to as a height.

The compression body 36 in-use prevents or inhibits the formation of the bulges of abdominal fat by compressing, constraining or squeezing the user's torso or part thereof. The compression body 36 includes a front portion 48a, two hip portions 48b, a posterior portion 48c and a crotch portion 48d, although any of the above may be omitted.

Optionally, additional portions may be provided, as required. The compression body 36 may alternatively be referred to as a girdle or an abdominal restrain.

The front portion 48a in-use is positioned at, adjacent to, around, or receives, encloses, or covers at least a user's lower front torso, also referred to as a lower abdomen or groin. Preferably, the front portion 48a may even in-use extend up the front of the user's torso to any height. For example, the front portion 48a may extend up to at least the user's waist, chest, or shoulders.

Each of the two hip portions 48b in-use is positioned at, adjacent to, around, or receives, encloses, or covers a user's hip at least. Preferably, the hip portions 48b may extend further up and cover or receive the user's sides.

The posterior portion 48c in-use is positioned at, adjacent to, around, or receives, encloses, or covers at least the user's buttocks or part thereof. The posterior portion 48c may even optionally extend up the user's back.

The crotch portion 48d in-use is positioned at, adjacent to, around, or receives, encloses, or covers at least part of the user's crotch. Thus, the crotch portion 48d is at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion or region 56 of the compression body 36. The crotch portion 48d is connected to the front portion 48a. Additionally or alternatively, the crotch portion 48d is connected to the posterior portion 48c. More preferably, the crotch portion 48d is integrally formed with the posterior portion 48c and/or with the front portion 48a but non-integrally formed, such as separably or non-separably connected may be options.

The compression body 36 may be formed of at least one inner fabric panel 50. For clarity, the fabric of the compression body 36 may be referred to as a first fabric or primary fabric. Optionally, each or at least one of: the front portion 48a, the posterior portion 48c, the left hip portion 48b, the right hip portion 48b, and the crotch portion 48d may be formed of one or more inner fabric panels 50. The panels and the above portion may correspond or correspond substantially with each other. However, this is not necessary. For example, two or more portions may share a common inner fabric panel. The edges of at least one inner fabric panel 50 may be connected to form at least one seam, but once again, no seam may be an option Optionally, any of: the front portion 48a, the posterior portion 48c, the left hip portion 48b, the right hip portion 48b, and the crotch portion 48d may have one or more zones or areas of increased permeability to fluid, and more preferably to gas. The increased permeability may enable the compression body 36 to be more breathable and/or cooling, to reduce overheating. An area of increased permeability may reduce the formation of sweat. Furthermore, sweat evaporation may be increased at the area of increased permeability. The, each or at least one area of increased permeability may be in the form of an opening, aperture, or cut-out. Alternatively or additionally, the area of increased permeability may include a secondary fabric which enables improved or enhanced fluid exchange, at least compared to the first fabric. For example, the second fabric may include a mesh or net. If the first fabric also includes mesh, the second fabric may optionally have a mesh with mesh holes of greater surface area.

Preferably, the crotch portion 48d includes at least one crotch area 52. The crotch area 52 has an increased permeability. In other words, increased fluid exchange or fluid flow may occur in-use through, at or adjacent to the crotch area 52, at least compared to the crotch portion 48d away from the crotch area 52. In the preferred embodiment, the crotch area 52 is a cut-out or opening in the crotch portion 48d. Additionally, the crotch area 52 is preferably devoid of fabric, but this alternative may be envisioned, for example to provide protection to the user's crotch. The fluid may be air, for example. This may provide cooling to or increase the breathability of the crotch portion 48d.

Optionally, the crotch area 52 may enable a user to excrete egesta therethrough, whether liquid and/or solid, without having to take off the compression body 36.

Similarly, the posterior portion 48c has at least one, and preferably two posterior areas 54, shown as dotted ovals in Figure 2. Each of the two posterior areas 54 includes an opening extending in-use over or around at least part of a user's buttock. More preferably, the posterior areas 54 have dimensions and/or are positionable to in-use receive at least part of a buttock therethrough. By enabling the buttocks to be received at least in part through the posterior areas 54, the buttocks are not or are less compressed. The compression body 36 may even accentuate or enhance the shape and/or size of the buttocks.

Although not shown, the posterior portion 48c may optionally have a reinforcing or supporting element which may further support or raise the buttocks. Such a supporting element may comprise an elastic or resilient material by way of example, such as an elastic band by way of example. The elastic band may optionally be folded over an edge of the or each posterior area 54. This may prevent or inhibit fraying of material at the edge. The elastic band may be overlocked. Alternatively or additionally, the support element may be formed at least in part of a rigid or substantially rigid material.

The compression body 36 is also considered to have an in-use lower or inferior end portion or region 56, and an in-use superior or upper end portion or region 58. The compression body 36 further has an inner garment torso-encircling edge 60, also referred to as an in-use upper edge or top edge or terminal edge 60. The terminal edge 60 may optionally be bound or connected to a flexible elongate element or band. More preferably, the band is folded over the terminal edge 60. This may prevent or inhibit fraying by protecting the end of the fabric. Optionally, the flexible elongate element may even be elasticated element, such as an elastically deformable band. The elastically deformable properties of the flexible elongate element help to maintain the compression body in position around the torso.

Preferably, each of the front portion 48a, hip portions 48b and posterior portion 48c have a torso-encircling edge part 62. The plurality of edge parts 62 together form the inner 20 garment torso-encircling edge 60.

Preferably, the compression body 36 extends outwardly from the outer garment 10. In other words, the compression body 36 extends in a direction away from the crotch portion 48d and/or leg receivers 38,40; and extends beyond the outer garment torso-encircling edge 24. In the preferred embodiment, the inner garment torso-encircling edge 60 may be positioned in-use at or adjacent to the user's breasts or pectorals, and more preferably below a lower part of the user's breasts. However, the inner garment element may even extend over the breasts or pectorals.

As previously mentioned, the compression body 36 comprises or may even consist of a first fabric. The first fabric is preferably sufficiently pliantly deformable to mould to the user's body for comfort. The first fabric preferably includes one layer of material, but a plurality of layers may be an option. Preferably, the fabric of the inner garment element 14 has a higher resilient elasticity and/or higher resistance to being stretched than the fabric of the outer garment element 12, but this is optional.

In other words, the inner garment element 14 is resistant to being stretched. If the inner garment element 14 is in a stretched condition, for example, by the user's body, the inner garment element 14 is biased by a biasing force to or toward an unstretched condition. The biasing force acting on the inner garment element 14 has a greater magnitude than a biasing force acting upon the outer garment element 12 when the outer garment element 12 is stretched to the same extent as the inner garment element 14. The elasticity of the fabric may be constant throughout the inner garment element 14 and/or the compression body 36 thereof, but non-constant elasticity, such as variable may be an option.

The first fabric may comprise any material capable of smoothing, restraining and/or concealing undesirable bulges of fat. The first fabric may include a natural material or fibres, a synthetic material or fibres, or a combination thereof. Natural fibres may include, for example, cotton, or wool. Synthetic fibres may include any or any combination of: spandex, polyester, nylon, rayon, modal, elastane, and any other suitable synthetic fibres.

In the preferred embodiment, the fabric of the inner garment element 14 preferably includes nylon, lycra, polyester, elastane, gauze, and cotton, although any of these materials may be omitted and/or additional materials may be included. More preferably, the fabric of the inner garment element 14 and/or compression body thereof, includes power mesh, a cotton lycra material, a lycra material, a mesh material, gauze, brushed polyester, stretch lace, elastic, but any of the above may be omitted and/or any further material may be provided.

As previously mentioned, the term "power mesh" used herein and throughout is intended to mean a durable, knitted or woven fabric, which includes synthetic fibres of at least one 25 of: spandex, nylon, polyester, modal, rayon, and a combination thereof. Alternative names of power mesh include tulle, power net, stretch mesh and compression fabric.

More preferably, the power mesh may comprise a percentage of nylon. The power mesh preferably includes at least 1% by nylon, although less than 1% may be an option. All percentages of materials herein and throughout may be by weight or by volume. More preferably, the power mesh may include at least 10% nylon, and more preferably at least 15% nylon. Even more preferably, the power mesh includes at least 50% nylon. More preferably yet, the power mesh includes at least 80% by weight or volume of nylon. In the preferred embodiment, the power mesh includes at least 85% nylon.

Alternatively or, preferably in addition to nylon, the power mesh includes elastane. Thus, the power mesh may preferably include at least 1% elastane, although less than 1% may be an option. More preferably, the power mesh may include at least 10%, and more preferably at least 15% elastane. . The cotton lycra material may include a cotton and elastane blend. Preferably, the cotton lycra includes at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and most preferably, 95% cotton. The cotton lycra preferably includes at least 1%, more preferably at least 2% and most preferably at least 5% elastane. The cotton lycra material preferably has a GSM of at least 80, and more preferably at least 100, and most preferably 160.

The lycra material may include a polyester and elastane blend. Preferably, lycra material includes at least 60%, more preferably at least 80% and most preferably 95% polyester. The lycra material preferably includes at least 1%, more preferably at least 2% and most preferably at least 5% elastane. The lycra material preferably has a GSM of at least 80, and more preferably at least 100, and most preferably 200. Cotton lycra and lycra may enable the inner garment element 14 to be stretchable. The power mesh preferably additionally provides a resistance to being stretched so as to enable compression.

The mesh material and/or the brushed polyester may include at least 50%, more preferably 70%, even more preferably 90% and most preferably 100% polyester. The mesh material and/or brushed polyester preferably have a GSM of at least 50, and more preferably at least 60. The GSM of the brushed polyester is preferably at least 70. The GSM of the mesh material is preferably at least 100. Brushed polyester may provide comfort.

The gauze preferably includes Spunbond, Meltblown and Spunbond (SMS) material. The GSM of gauze is preferably at least 20, more preferably at least 40 and most preferably is 60. Any or any combination of the above materials may be provided in the outer garment element, if desired. Gauze may be used for increased absorbency and/or for reinforcement. In particular, gauze is used at or adjacent the closure element or closure fastener 44 and/or inner garment opening 42 if provided.

Preferably, all of the above materials are provided as distinct layers and/or on different 30 parts of the outer and/or inner garment element Blends may however, be an option.There may optionally be a plurality of any of the above layers.

Any known technique of weaving or knitting may be employed to form the inner garment element 14, the compression body 36, or an inner fabric panel 50, such as warp or circle knitting, by way of example only.

Preferably, the power mesh has a mesh-like structure. In other words, power mesh has 5 apertures which increase the breathability of the fabric.

Preferably, the power mesh is four-way stretchable, but any alternative may be an option. A two-way stretch or one-way stretch may be examples of such alternatives. The term "four-way stretchable" is intended to mean that which can extend in two non-colinear and non-parallel directions, such as cross-wise and longwise.

Power mesh beneficially is more breathable compared to many synthetic fabrics. This allows the evaporation of sweat and heat to escape.

The inner garment element 14 is preferably connected to the outer garment element 12 via at least one connection 53. The or each connection 53 is preferably a sewn connection or sewing connection. Preferably, the inner garment element 14 is sewn to at least part of at least one seam of the outer garment element 12 but this is optional. More preferably, the inner garment element 14 is sewn to at least part of one or more of: the left inner-thigh seam 26a, the left outer-thigh seam 26b, the right inner-thigh seam 26a', the right outer-thigh seam 26b', the front seam 26c, a posterior seam 26d, any other seam of the outer garment element 12, and any combination thereof. ,More preferably, the inner seams formed by tthe ends of the panels of fabric of the inner garment element may optionally face or extend outwardly or away from the user's body when in use, rather than inwardly towards the user's body. This may enable one or more of the inner seams of the inner garment element to contact and/or be sewn to the inwardly-facing ends of the panels of fabric of the outer garment element. This may enable overlapping and/or overstitching of one or more inner seams with one of more outer seams..

More preferably, the inner garment element 14 is connected to the second seam portion 28b of the left outer-thigh seam 26b or part thereof and/or to the second seam portion 28b of the right outer-thigh seam 26b. Furthermore, the inner garment element 14 is also preferably connected to the left inner-thigh seam 26a and the right inner-thigh seam 26a.

A plurality of connections 53 connecting the inner garment element 14 to the outer garment element 12 provides redundancy, in case the garment elements 12, 14 become detached at one of the connections 53. Beneficially, the, each or at least one connection 53 may preferably extend from just below the crotch level but higher or lower that the crotch level may be envisioned. Preferably, the, each or at least one connection 53 extends to terminate around or just above the knee when in use, but again, this is optional. The, each or at least one connection may extend beyond so as to extend further than the knee in use.

Preferably, the inner garment element 14 is not connected to the first seam portion 28a of the left outer-thigh seam 26b, although this may be an option. Similarly, the inner garment element 14 is preferably not connected to the first seam portion 28a of the right outer-thigh seam 26b, although this may be an option.

Preferably, the inner garment element 14 may also comprise one or more seams, also referred to as inner seams 64 for clarity.

The inner garment opening 42, also referred to as an opening for simplicity, in-use provides adjustment to the tightness of the compression body 36 and/or of the, each or at least one leg-receiver. This increases the ease of putting on and/or removal of the inner garment opening 42. Optionally, the inner garment opening 42 may additionally improve the user's comfort, by enabling the compression body 36 to be loosened, for example if the user has had a large meal. A plurality of inner garment opening may even be provided for additional adjustability, for example spaced-apart around a circumference of the compression body. The inner garment opening 42 is preferably provided at or adjacent an in-use lateral side of the compression body 36, but spaced-apart therefrom may be an option. For example, the opening may be provided in or on the front portion, or in or on the posterior portion. In the shown embodiment, the inner garment opening 42 is provided at the seam or junction 64 between a said hip portion 48b of the compression body 36 and the front portion 48a of the compression body 36.

The inner garment opening 42 preferably extends from at or adjacent the inner garment torso-encircling edge 60. The inner garment opening 42 also preferably extends to or towards the in-use inferior end portion 56 of the compression body 36. It may be envisioned that the inner garment opening 42 extends to a said leg receiver 38, 40 and/or extends all the longitudinal extent or height of the compression body 36 but preferably, as shown the inner garment opening 42 extends only part of the way towards the leg receiver 38, 40.

The closure element or closure fastener 44 in-use enables an opening, which is preferably the inner garment opening 42 in the shown embodiment, to be releasably closeable. The closure element 44 comprises a zip and at least one hook and eye or eyes, as shown in Figure 3, however, any of the above may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above features may be provided. The hook may be a multi-way hook. There may be more than one closure element per opening in the inner and/or outer garment element. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable closure element 44 may be provided.

The at least one strap 46 may have one or more of a plurality of functions, dependent on the configuration and/or position of the strap. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one strap 46 includes a shoulder strap 46. However, in an alternative embodiment, the strap could be a waist strap, to tighten the waist, by way of example only. The strap may extend around at least part of, or all the user's body in use.

Preferably, there are at least two shoulder straps 46, as shown. The function of the or each shoulder strap 46 is to connect with the compression body 36. The or each shoulder strap 46 prevents or inhibits the compression body 36 from moving down the user's body and bunching at the narrowest circumference of the user's body. The user's posture may be improved. An improved posture may help the user to strengthen their back muscles. The shoulder strap 46 may optionally exert a tensile strength on the compression body 36 such that the compression body 36 may be taut along the direction of the in-use inferior end to the in-use superior end. If the height of the compression body 36 is adjustable, the shoulder straps 46 may prevent or inhibit the height or longitudinal extent of the compression body 36 accidentally changing. The or each shoulder strap 46 preferably has a first strap end 66a, a second strap end 66b, and an intermediate strap portion 66c.

The intermediate strap portion 66c is in-use receivable around the user's shoulder. The shoulder strap 46 is integrally formed with, connected or connectable to the compression body 36. More preferably, the shoulder strap 46 connects to at or adjacent the inner garment torso-encircling edge 60 via the first strap end 66a and the second strap end 66b, although spaced-away from the inner garment torso-encircling edge may be an option. More preferably, the, each or at least one shoulder strap 46 is removably or separably connectable to the compression body 36. Preferably, the first strap end 66a and/or the second strap end 66b of the, each or at least one shoulder strap 46 comprises at least one strap-fastener portion 68a. The compression body 36 may be provided with at least one complementary strap-fastener portion 68b. The strap-fastener portion 68a and the complementary strap-fastener portion 68b may together be referred to as a strap-fastener. In the shown embodiment, the strap-fastener portion 68a is a hook whilst the complementary strap-fastener portion 68b is a bar or loop. Any alternative strap-fastener portion and complementary strap-fastener portion may be envisioned however, such as a hook and a loop of fabric, interference fit poppers, laces, a button, an eyelet, hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RIM), or any other suitable fastener, or combination thereof.

The first leg-receiver 38 and the second leg-receiver 40 in-use each receives a respective leg of the user therethrough. The first leg-receiver 38 and the second leg-receiver 40 are provided at or adjacent to the in-use inferior end portion 56 of the compression body 36, preferably on either side of the crotch portion 48d if a crotch portion 48d is provided. VVhilst the first leg-receiver 38 and the second leg-receiver 40 may simply be openings or apertures in the compression body 36, preferably as shown, at least one, and more preferably both the first leg-receiver 38 and the second leg-receiver 40 has a leg-receiver body 70. The or each leg-receiver body 70 is integrally formed here with the compression body 36 but may alternatively be connected or connectable, optionally separably connectable via a connector, to the compression body 36. The or each leg-receiver body 70 extends from the compression body 36. The or each leg-receiver body 70 may each have a length L and a leg-receiver end portion 72.

The length L of one or both leg-receivers may be equal to all, a major portion or, more preferably, a minor portion of a longitudinal extent of the outer garment element 12.

Optionally, the first leg-receiver 38 and/or the second leg-receiver 40 may also include power mesh. Preferably, the first leg-receiver 38 and/or the second leg-receiver 40 are formed of the same material or materials as the compression body 36 but one or more additional and/or alternative materials may be envisioned. The first leg-receiver 38 and/or the second leg-receiver 40 may thereby also provide compression of at least the user's thighs. The or each leg-receiver 38, 40 may optionally be referred to as compression leg-receiver. This may prevent or inhibit the formation of undesirable bulges of skin and/or fat where the legs extend from the compression body 36. The leg-receiver end portion 72 of one or both leg-receivers terminates at a leg-receiver edge 74. Optionally, a decorative element 76, such as lace in the present case, may be provided on, at or adjacent to or extend from the said leg-receiver edge 74 of one or both leg-receivers 38, 40. The lace may even more preferably be stretch lace such that the decorative element 76 may have a further function of at least partly compressing the user's thing in use, in addition to or instead of a decorative function. The length L may be such that the leg-receiver edge 74 of one or both leg-receivers 38 may be separated from a hem of the outer garment element 14 by a distance of at least 1 cm, although less than 1 cm may be an option, for example if the leg-receiver edge is at or substantially at the hem of the outer garment element 14. More preferably, the distance is at least 10 cm, and more preferably yet, at least 30cm. Even more preferably, the distance is at least 40 cm. Most preferably, the distance is 49.5cm from the hem to the leg-receiver edge 74 on the medial portion of the leg. Additionally or alternatively, the distance is 50.5 cm from the hem to the leg-receiver edge 74 on the lateral portion of the leg. Corresponding, the length L may be at least 1 cm, although less than 1 cm may be an option. More preferably, the length L may be at least 10 cm, and more preferably yet, at least 30cm. Even more preferably, the distance may be at least 40 cm. The length L may even match or substantially match the length of the outer garment element from crotch-level to the hem of the outer garment element. Preferably, the length L is such that the leg-receiver end portion 72 is at or adjacent the user's knee, and preferably above the knee when in use. The exact measurements are not critical however, and the person skilled in the art would understand that alternative measurements may be envisioned. The length of the leg receiver body may even be adjustable, similarly to the compression body.

In-use, the user may need to create the body-shaping garment 10 before being able to wear the garment. To form a body-shaping garment 10 as above described, the user obtains the inner garment element 14 and the outer garment element 12, the inner garment element 14 having at least the compression body 36 for compressing at least part of a user's torso, the first leg-receiver 38 for receiving a first of the user's legs, and the second leg-receiver 40 for receiving a second leg of the user. Optionally, either or both of the inner garment element 14 and the outer garment element 12 may be formed of panels of fabric. The panels of fabric may optionally need to be connected together to form the inner garment element 14. In the preferred embodiment, this is done by sewing the outer fabric panels 16 together to form the outer garment element 12. Similarly the inner fabric of panels 50 are sewn together to form the inner garment element 14.

The user then connects the inner garment element 14 to an internal part of the outer garment element 12 for providing the body-shaping garment 10 via one or more connections 53. In this case, the user sews the inner garment element 14 to the outer garment element 12 in one or more locations.

The user is then provided with a body-shaping garment 10 which they can wear. To put on the body-shaping garment 10, the user inserts a first leg through the first leg-receiver 5 38 and a second leg through the second leg-receiver 40. The user pulls up the garment 10 so that the compression body 36 is positioned around at least the user's lower torso. The buttocks are received in or enclosed by the posterior portion 48c. The front portion 48a covers or receives at least the front lower torso or front abdomen of the user. The hips are received in each hip portion 48b. The crotch portion 48d is at or adjacent the 10 user's crotch.

Depending on the dimensions, the compression body 36 may extend along the user's torso, beyond the outer garment torso-encircling edge 24. The inner garment torso-encircling edge 60 may be positioned or positionable anywhere along the user's torso. For example, the inner garment torso-encircling edge 60 may be positioned at or adjacent the user's waist, or at or adjacent their breasts or pectorals.

If one or more suitably dimensioned and positioned posterior areas 54 in the form of apertures are provided, one or both buttocks may be received therethrough. The posterior areas 54 may thereby support and/or shape the buttocks to provide a more flattering body shape.

If one or more straps 46 are provided and if these are not already connected or integrally formed with the compression body 36, the one or more straps 46 may be attached to the inner garment element 14, and more preferably to the compression body 36 thereof. The one or more straps 46 may be connected at any point of putting on the compression body 36. The straps 46 may even be omitted altogether, if not required.

As the user may not necessarily be able to reach the posterior portion 48c once they are wearing the compression body 36, at least one of the first strap end 66a and the second strap end 66b of the or each shoulder strap 46 may be connected to the posterior portion 48c before the user puts the compression body 36 on. The other of the first strap end 66a and the second strap end 66b of the shoulder strap 46 may be connected at any point of putting on the compression body 36. Once both the first strap end 66a and second strap end 66b are connected to compression body 36 if not already integrally formed therewith, the shoulder strap 46 preferably encloses a user's shoulder.

Simultaneously with or secondarily to putting on the inner garment element 14, the user puts on the outer garment element 12. As the outer garment element 12 is in the preferred embodiment attached to the inner garment element 14, when the user puts on the inner garment element 14, the outer garment element 12 is also positioned around part of the user's body simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner garment element 14 and the outer garment element 12 are only connected along one or both leg-encircling portions 20, the inner garment element 14 and the outer garment element 12 are disconnected from each other in the region of the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18. Thus, the user can choose to pull up or remove the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 around their torso independently of the inner garment element 14. This may be beneficial for a number of reasons.

Firstly, when needing to use the lavatory, the user can simply pull down the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 of the outer garment element 12 without having to 15 remove the inner garment element 14, even when the outer garment element 12 is connected to the inner garment element 14.

Secondly, the disconnection between the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 and the inner garment 10 may enable the inner garment opening 42, and optionally the closure element 44 to extend from at or adjacent the inner garment torso-encircling edge 60 to beyond the waistband region 22. The inner garment opening 42, and optionally the closure element 44 may optionally extend to a said leg-receiver 38, 40. Being able to pull down the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 provides increased access to the inner garment opening 42 and/or closure element 44.

If at least one inner garment opening 42 and at least one corresponding closure element 44 is provided, the user may close the inner garment opening 42 via actuating the at least one closure element 44 or part thereof from a disengaged condition to an engaged condition. In the preferred embodiment, the user closes the inner garment opening 42 by engaging complementary hooks and/or zipping. Closing the or each inner garment opening 42 is preferably carried out once the compression body is in place but can be done before, during or after pulling up the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 around their torso.

Any other opening or openings may be similarly closed if the opening is in an open configuration, as required via moving a corresponding closure element into an engaged condition. For example, the user may zip or do up their fly and/or insert the button into a corresponding eye in the lower body garment 10, if either is provided.

As the outer garment element 12 is preferably a lower body garment 10, the user may optionally put on a top garment, over the compression body 36.

When wanting to remove the body-shaping garment 10, the user may do any or all the following if required: removing the top if wearing one, removing their arm from the or each shoulder strap 46 and/or undo the or each shoulder strap 46, actuate the or each closure element 44 into an unengaged condition, unbutton the button on the trousers, and unzip the fly of the trousers.

The user can optionally pull down the outer garment torso-encircling portion 18 prior to removal of the garment 10.

Whilst the outer garment element is preferably a lower body garment element, the outer 15 garment element may be an upper body garment element or a full body garment element. A top is an example of an upper body garment element. A dress or salopettes are examples of a full body garment element.

An example of an outer garment having only one seam may be a skirt. The skirt may be made from a panel of fabric which is formed into a tubular configuration with overlapping 20 end regions which can be sewn together to form a seam.

The outer garment may have no seam in a further embodiment. For example, the panel of fabric may be formed into a tubular configuration and the panel of fabric may overlap itself without being connected to itself A knitted outer garment may also be devoid of a seam.

In an alternative embodiment, the compression body may be fully contained within the outer garment element such that the compression body is obscured from view by the outer garment. This may be the case for instance where the outer garment is a high-waisted lower body garment, or a full-body garment.

Whilst the longitudinal extent or height of the compression body is preferably fixed, the 30 height may optionally be adjustable. For example, the height may be adjustable by removal or addition of panels of fabric. The compression body may alternatively be in-use rolled or folded down the user's body, by way of example. For clarity, the inner garment torso-encircling edge becomes the distalmost portion of the compression body relative to the crotch portion, irrespective of where the terminal edge of the fabric panel or panels is located. In other words, when the top or terminal edge of the compression body is rolled or folded back down over the user's torso, the fabric panel or panels folds. The fold becomes the new inner garment torso-encircling edge. The terminal edge is therefore positioned between the fold and the crotch portion.

Although the inner garment element and the outer garment element are connected together by a sewn connection, any alternative to sewing may be envisioned. Similarly, at least two inner fabric panels are preferably connected by a sewn connection, but any alternative to sewing may be envisioned. Furthermore, at least two outer fabric panels, are preferably sewn together, any alternative to sewing may be envisioned. For example, an adhesive, bonding, or by fusing the two garment elements and/or two fabric panels together. As an alternative to being connected, the inner and the outer garment elements and/or panels may be integrally formed from one continuous panel of fabric. In a further modification, the inner and outer garment elements and/or panels may be separably connectable via a fastener. The fastener may include any known fastening device, such as hook and loop fasteners, interference fit poppers, a button, a hook, laces, a clip, any other suitable fastener, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof.

The cotton lycra material preferably includes a 95% cotton and 5% elastane blend, however, the percentages could be altered. Similarly, the lycra material preferably includes a 95% polyester and 5% elastane blend, but once again, any alternative percentages may be envisioned. Although the power mesh preferably includes about 85% by weight or volume of nylon and about 15% by weight or volume of elastane, the power mesh may include any percentage of any of: spandex, nylon, polyester, elastane, rayon, modal, may be envisioned whether by weight or volume, such as any value between 0% and 100%. For example, a percentage of any of the above materials may be any of 0%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% and 100%. Any of the above values may be an upper bound or a lower bound. Any of spandex, nylon, and polyester may even be omitted entirely from the power mesh.

Whilst the outer garment element preferably includes denim, any alternative material may be envisioned for the outer garment element. Similarly, the inner garment element preferably includes power mesh, cotton, and lycra. Any of the above materials may be omitted and/or any further materials may be provided. For instance, the inner and/or outer garment element may include any or any combination of: pure cotton, a cotton blend, lycra. The pure cotton may have a weight per unit area of at least 80 GSM, and more preferably at least 100 GSM, and even more preferably at least 120 GSM.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner garment element has a higher resilient elasticity and/or higher resistance to being stretched than the fabric of the outer garment element.

In an alternative embodiment, the outer garment element may instead have a resilient elasticity and/or resistance to being stretched that may be the same or greater than the resilient elasticity and/or resistance to being stretched of the inner garment element or part thereof.

Although each leg has an inner-thigh seam and an outer-thigh seam, either seam may be omitted and/or one or more additional seams may be provided. Furthermore, although the inner-thigh seam is provided at or adjacent a medial position of the leg-encircling portion, spaced-apart therefrom may be an option. Similarly, although the outer-thigh seam is provided at or adjacent a lateral position of the leg-encircling portion, spaced-apart therefrom may be an option. For example, in addition to or instead of the inner-thigh seam and/or the outer-thigh seam, a seam may be provided on the front and/or on the back of the leg-encircling portion. Such a front seam and/or back seam may optionally be equidistant from the medial and lateral positions of the leg-encircling portion.

Whilst the inner garment element is preferably connected to the outer garment element by a plurality of spaced-apart connections, this may have the disadvantage of forming folds in the inner and/or outer fabric panels. This may occur for example where the inner and outer garment elements are formed of different materials which may have different material properties. For example, after being stretched into a stretched condition, the inner garment element may return to an unstretched condition to a greater extent than the outer garment element. This may result in the outer garment element becoming baggy or loose. Conversely, if the circumference of the user's torso and/or thigh is less than the circumference of the compression body and/or leg receiver, folds in one or more of the compression body, the leg receiver and, optionally in the outer garment element, may appear. If the leg receivers are resiliently elastically deformable so as to automatically shrink or expand to fit the circumference of the user's body, the distance between two spaced-apart connections may be reduced. If the outer garment element is not or not as resiliently elastically deformable, folds of outer garment element may form between the connections. An option here is to provide a reduced number of connections between the inner garment element and the outer garment element. Another solution may be to provide one or more openings and optionally closure elements for enabling the user to adjust the circumference of the compression body and/or leg receivers.

One or more ribs may be provided to provide a reinforcing structure to the body-shaping 10 garment and more preferably to the inner garment element. The ribs may extend in any direction, such as longitudinally and/or circumferentially.

Optionally, the outer garment element may comprise one or more outer garment openings which are positioned or positionable to overlap or overlie with an inner garment opening and/or closure element of the inner garment element. The or each outer garment opening may thereby provide access to the inner garment opening and/or closure element associated therewith. This may enable the user to engage and/or disengage the closure element without having to remove all or part of the outer garment element. Optionally, one or more such outer garment openings may be obscured for discretion, for example by being hidden behind a flap or by being provided in a said pocket.

Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments.

Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral cross-section, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and/or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape.

It is therefore possible to provide a body-shaping garment which provides improved ventilation or breathability in at least the crotch area of the user, by virtue of having a crotch area of increased permeability, whilst simultaneously eliminating or reducing the muffin-top effect at least at the torso to improve the user's body shape.

It is also possible to provide a body-shaping garment which compresses at least part of the thighs of a user to eliminate or reduce the muffin-top effect at the legs.

It is also possible to provide a body-shaping garment which may be easier to put on and/or remove by providing a compression body which has an adjustable girth and thereby an adjustable tightness by virtue of having a closeable opening.

It is further possible to provide a method of manufacture of the body-shaping garment, which is easy to assemble. It is also possible to provide a method of use the body-10 shaping garment which is easier to put on than separate outer garment element and inner garment element.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of 15 one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1 Body-shaping garment comprising: an outer garment element; an inner garment element connected to the outer garment element, the inner garment element having: a compression body including: a front portion for receiving at least a user's groin; two hip portions for receiving the user's hips; a posterior portion for receiving at least the user's buttocks; a crotch portion at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body, connected to the front portion and connected to the posterior portion, the crotch portion having a crotch area of increased permeability for providing cooling and/or breathability to the user's crotch; and a first leg-receiver and a second leg-receiver provided at or adjacent to the in-use inferior end portion, on either side of the crotch portion.
2 Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crotch area of increased permeability is an aperture.
3 Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the compression body comprises power mesh fabric for providing compression.
4 Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of: the first leg-receiver and the second leg-receiver includes a leg-receiver body, the or each leg-receiver body extending away from the compression body along at least part of a longitudinal extent of the outer garment element.
5 Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each leg-receiver body comprises power mesh fabric for providing compression to a user's thigh or thighs.
6 Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner garment element is connected to the outer garment element via a sewn connection.
7 Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the outer garment element includes at least one outer-garment seam and the inner garment element is connected to the outer garment element via a sewn connection along at least part of the at least one outer-garment seam.
8. Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the posterior portion further comprises a posterior area of increased permeability for providing cooling and/or breathability.
9. Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 8, wherein the posterior portion comprises two posterior areas, each of the two posterior areas including an opening for receiving at least part of a buttock therethrough Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer garment element includes an outer garment torso-encircling edge and the compression body extends away from the leg-receivers beyond the outer garment torso-encircling edge.11. Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression body further includes an inner garment torso-encircling edge formed at least in part from part of the front portion, hip portions and posterior portions, and the inner garment element further has an inner garment opening for facilitating the donning of or the removal of the body-shaping garment, and a closure element for releasably closing the inner garment opening, the inner garment opening extending from the inner garment torso-encircling edge to or towards an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body.12. Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 11, wherein the closure element comprises a zip.13. Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the inner garment opening is provided at an in-use lateral side of the compression body. 14. Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner garment element further comprises at least one strap receivable around, connected or connectable to the compression body.15. Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one strap includes a shoulder strap.16. Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the shoulder strap is removably connectable to the compression body.17. Body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer garment element is a lower-body garment.18. Body-shaping garment as claimed in claim 17, wherein the lower-body garment is a pair of trousers.19. Body-shaping garment comprising: an outer garment element having an outer-garment torso-encircling portion; an inner garment element connected to the outer garment element, the inner garment element having a compression body including a front portion for receiving at least a user's groin; two hip portions for receiving the user's hips; a posterior portion for receiving at least the user's buttocks; a crotch portion at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body, connected to the front portion and connected to the posterior portion; the front, hip and posterior portions extending beyond the outer-garment torso-encircling portion in a direction away from the crotch portion; and a first compression leg-receiver and a second compression leg-receiver provided at or adjacent to the in-use inferior end portion, on either side of the crotch portion, wherein the first and second compression leg-receivers extend away from the compression body along at least part of a longitudinal extent of the outer garment element for providing body-shaping compression to at least a user's thighs or part thereof.20. Body-shaping garment comprising: an outer garment element; an inner garment element connected to the outer garment element, the inner garment element having a compression body including a front portion for receiving at least a user's groin; two hip portions for receiving the user's hips; a posterior portion for receiving at least the user's buttocks; a crotch portion at or adjacent to an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body, connected to the front portion and connected to the posterior portion; each of the front portion, hip portions and posterior portions having an inner garment torso-encircling edge, an inner garment opening for facilitating the donning of or the removal of the body-shaping garment, the inner garment opening extending from the inner garment torso-encircling edge to or towards an in-use inferior end portion of the compression body; a first leg-receiver and a second leg-receiver provided at or adjacent to the in-use inferior end portion, on either side of the crotch portion; and a closure element for releasably closing the inner garment opening.21 A method of forming a body-shaping garment, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an inner garment element and an outer garment element, the inner garment element having a compression body for compressing at least part of a user's torso, a first leg-receiver for receiving a first of the user's legs, and a second leg-receiver for receiving a second leg of the user; and b] connecting the inner garment element to an internal part of the outer garment element for providing a body-shaping garment.22 A method of wearing a body-shaping garment, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a body-shaping garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; b] inserting a first leg of a user into the first leg-receiver and a second leg of the user into the second leg-receiver; c] positioning the body-shaping garment so that the compression body encloses the user's torso.23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the body-shaping garment further includes a said inner garment opening and a said closure element, and the method further comprises a step d] of closing the inner garment opening via the closure element.24 A method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the body-shaping garment further includes a said shoulder strap and the method further comprising a step e] after step c] of connecting at least one shoulder strap to the inner garment element.