GB2624408A

GB2624408A - Garment

Info

Publication number: GB2624408A
Application number: GB2217129.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clyne Esther
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-16
Filing date: 2022-11-16
Publication date: 2024-05-22
Also published as: GB202217129D0

Abstract

A bra as might be used for sports comprising the usual components is characterised in that in addition to left and right shoulder straps 230a, 230b, and underband 220, it also has auxiliary support straps 240a, 240b which connect the central main body of the bra between the cups to the shoulder straps to reduce contact between the breasts. The body may comprise a central gore 223 with one or more apertures for ventilation and the apertures may comprise elastic seams to improve support. The underband may also comprise apertures. The bases of the bra cups may comprise elastic seams 215 for enhanced support. The bra may comprise a plurality of layers including an inner-most mesh layer and the mesh may extend up above the rest of the cup to cover the top of the breasts (313, figure 3).

Description

GARMENT

Field

The present invention relates to a garment, in particular to a bra for supporting the 5 breasts of a wearer.

Background

There is a need for lingerie that provides more support and comfort for the wearer.

Current options on the market can be lacking on this front, particularly for wearers with larger than average breasts.

Conventional bras also often comprise an underwire below the cups of the bra. The underwire is designed to provide lift, shape, and support to the breasts of the wearer.

The underwire is also designed to provide more rigidity to the bra. However, an underwire can cause discomfort to a wearer, digging into the ribs or causing breast pain. Underwires can also wear the fabric of the bra, eventually penetrating the fabric and requiring the bra to be replaced or abrading the skin of the wearer.

Generally, sports bras do not comprise underwires. However, rather than support the breasts of a wearer, sports bras instead compress the breasts. This can cause discomfort and pain to wearer. The designs are also often unsuitable for those with larger than average breasts. The tightness required to hold the breasts in place can cause pain in the breasts, and along the edges of the garment. Additionally, the material is often thick and non-breathable, so can cause discomfort and overheating.

Many conventional bra cups comprise a thick padded material to compensate for a lack of support from the shaping or other features of the bra. This can cause discomfort and overheating.

The present invention aims to at least partially address some of the above-mentioned problems and needs.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bra configured to support a wearer's breasts. The bra comprises a left cup configured to support the left breast of the wearer; a right cup configured to support the right breast of the wearer and a body portion connecting the left and right cup. The body portion comprises an underband coupled to the base of the left and right cups and configured to surround the torso of the wearer. The underband comprises a left wing and a right wing configured to extend around the torso of a wearer and meet at the centre of the wearer's back.

The bra further comprises a left shoulder strap configured to rest on the left shoulder of the wearer, the left shoulder strap connecting the left cup to the left wing of the underband, and a right shoulder strap configured to rest on the right shoulder of the wearer, the right shoulder strap connecting the right cup to the right wing of the underband.

The bra further comprises a first support strap configured to couple the left shoulder strap to one of the body portion, the base of the left cup or the base of the right cup; and a second support strap configured to couple the right shoulder strap to one of the body portion, the base of the left cup or the base of the right cup. The first support strap is configured to bias the left breast away from the centre of the torso; the second support strap is configured to bias the right breast away from the centre of the torso, such that the support straps reduce contact between the left and right breasts of the wearer.

The first and second support straps may comprise a soft elastic material.

The support straps and shoulder straps may be unitary with the shoulder straps and/or the point of contact on the body of the bra, or they may be fixedly attached to either of the shoulder straps and/or the point of contact on the body of the bra, either directly (e.g. sewn together) or through a coupling means such as a ring. The support straps may be removably attached to the shoulder straps to increase the ease of putting on/removing the bra.

For the purposes of construction, left and right are considered with respect to the wearer, i.e. the left cup supports the left breast of the wearer and the left wing of the underband extends around the wearer's left hand side.

Advantageously, the first and second support straps provide additional support to a wearer's breasts, in addition to the support offered by the left and right cups. The support straps are configured to cup the breast and reduce contact between them, which can be uncomfortable, especially in higher temperatures. The soft elastic material provides support without compressing the breast or chafing. The support straps can also assist in reducing the pressure on the breasts of a wearer when laying on their side, for example, and for distributing the weight of the breasts and pressure points of contact more evenly across each breast.

Further advantageously, the additional support provided by the bra of the present invention can aid in reducing back pain relative to conventional bras and general discomfort. As noted above, sports bras are designed to compress the breasts of a wearer and so can cause discomfort and creasing, especially for a wearer with relatively large breasts.

The additional support also advantageously removes the need of an underwire. As discussed above, underwires are found in most conventional bra designs, and can be linked to health conditions such as breast pain. Further, underwires can reduce the lifetime of the bra, as it wears through the fabric it is designed to strengthen.

Advantageously, the forces acting on the breasts of a wearer are more akin to that of a sling, hammock, or papoose. The cups, underband and support straps combine to provide a support from the front, base and sides of the breast, rather than compress the breasts to retain them. This further reduces the discomfort that can be associated with traditional bras, whilst still providing sufficient support to the breasts of a wearer.

The body portion may further comprise a central gore connected to a side of and laterally positioned between each of the left and right cups to limit relative lateral movement of each cup. This advantageously improves the structural integrity of the bra, and strengthens the support provided by the cups.

The central gore may be positioned below the base of the cups, in order to provide additional support and lift to the breasts. Alternatively, the central gore may sit directly between the left and right cups, assisting the support straps in reducing 15 contact between the breasts.

The central gore may comprise one or more apertures cut out of the material. These one or more apertures advantageously improve the ventilation of the bra for a wearer, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant sensations.

The one or more apertures may comprise elastic seams to provide shape and support to the bra. Elastic seams advantageously assist in the central gore supporting the breasts of the wearer and advantageously provide structural integrity to the central gore and reduce the likelihood of failure of the material around the aperture.

The base of the right cup and the base of the left cup may overlap. Advantageously, the overlapping of the materials provide extra mitigation against contact between the breasts of the wearer.

The first support strap may be configured to couple the left shoulder strap to the base of the right cup; and the second support strap may be configured to couple the right shoulder strap to the base of the left cup such that the support straps cross in or near the centre of the wearer's torso.

Alternatively, the first and second support straps may be configured to couple the left shoulder strap and right shoulder strap respectively to the central gore of the body portion.

Both positions for connecting the support straps to the cups/body portion of the bra advantageously provide spacing between the breasts of the wearer, without pressuring the breasts or providing undue friction. They are also structurally sound positions for the support strap(s) to couple. The two options provide different aesthetic advantages whilst addressing the issue of reducing contact between the breasts. Crossed support straps may advantageously reduce the risk of the shoulder straps slipping.

The underband may comprise a first end at the extreme of the left wing, and a second end at the extreme of the right wing. The first and second ends may be configured to removably engage to form the bra. For example, the first and second ends may comprise a hook and eye engagement mechanism, or poppers.

Alternatively, the first and second ends may be joined with a zip, or hook and pull (such as VelcroTm). A significant number of sports bras do not include removable engagement at the rear of the user. This can lead to discomfort when putting on the bra, or further compression of the breasts.

Alternatively, the left and right wings of the underband may be unitary, such that the underband forms a single continuous band. This single continuous band is configured to encircle the torso of the wearer in use. Advantageously, this arrangement reduces the number of steps required to put on the bra, and can also reduce the risk of a wearer's skin being caught between components, or any difficulty fastening the bra.

The underband may comprise a plurality of apertures cut out of the material. Similar to the aperture of the central gore, these apertures may comprise a thick elastic seam to provide further strength and support to the breasts of the wearer.

The base of the left cup and the base of the right cup may comprise an elastic seam to provide additional shape and support. This thick elastic seam may function similarly to an underwire, but without the associated concerns regarding the metal of an underwire. The elastic seams are advantageously more pliable than an underwire, and do not compromise the longevity or structural integrity of a bra in the same manner that an underwire can.

The underband may be formed of a soft elastic material. A soft elastic material for the underband advantageously provides support to the wearer without causing unnecessary discomfort. The choice of material can also assist in reduced perspiration (in combination with the optional apertures above).

The length of each support strap may be adjustable so as to vary the biasing force applied to each breast. Each individual wearer may have different needs on a day to day basis and also different needs between wearers. Further, the straps may need adjusting to compensate for different sizes of breasts (both for a wearer and between different wearers for the product). Providing an adjustable support strap allows a user to vary the biasing force to suit their needs at a given time.

Each cup may comprise at least two layers, the layers comprising different materials.

The at least two layers may comprise an external layer comprising an elastic material, such as LycraTM, and an internal layer comprising a fabric lining, such as cotton. The combination of an elastic material with a soft fabric lining, such as cotton, provides a wearer with both support and softness.

For the purposes of construction, an internal layer is the layer closest to the body of the wearer. The fabric lining is not sandwiched between two layers of elastic material. The internal layer may be referred to as a base layer or bottom layer, and the external layer as the exterior or front/top layer.

The internal layer may comprise a fabric mesh.

The internal layer may at least partially extend above the external layer so as to reduce the risk of the breasts of a wearer falling out of the bra cup. Additionally or alternatively, the bra may comprise a separate mesh portion extending above the cups and configured to enclose the breasts of a wearer from above, so as to reduce the risk of the breasts of a wearer falling out of the bra cup.

The profile of the underband may be curved under the left cup and right cup to provide additional support and lift to the breasts of a wearer. The shaping of the underband can advantageously contribute to the support and lift to the breasts, further compensating for the lack of a conventional underwire.

The shoulder straps may each comprise an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the length of said shoulder strap. As with the support straps, this advantageously allows a wearer to adjust the bra as desired. In particular, adjustment of the shoulder straps can assist in adjusting the position of the bra cups as desired, and the load which the shoulder straps bear when supporting the breasts.

The left shoulder strap may comprise a first support ring configured to translate along the length of the strap; and the right shoulder strap may comprise a second support ring configured to translate along the length of the strap. These support rings may be configured to removably engage. Advantageously, these support rings provide another point of contact between the two sides of the bra when engaged, providing extra support when needed.

The support rings may comprise a hook and eye engagement mechanism. For example, the first support ring may comprise a hook configured to engage with the second support ring, or a secondary loop configured to receive the hook, or vice versa. Both support rings may comprise a hook to engage with the other ring. Alternative engagement means are envisaged in addition to the hook and eye mechanism described above. For example, the support rings may comprise clips configured to engage, or poppers. Alternatively, an additional clasp may be provided to hold the rings together.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which Figure la illustrates a front view of a bra according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure lb illustrates a back view of the bra of Figure la; Figure 2a illustrates a front view of an alternative bra according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure lb illustrates a back view of the bra of Figure la.

It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figure la and lb illustrate a bra 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The bra 100 comprises a left cup 110a and right cup 110b. The cups 110a,b are configured to support the left and right breast of a wearer respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the cups 110a,b comprise two layers 111, 112. The layer closest to the body of the wearer in use, internal layer 111, comprises a fabric lining. The layer furthest from the wearer, external layer 112, comprises a soft elastic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the bases of the left and right cups 110a,b overlap in the midline of the front of the bra 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the left cup 110a overlaps in front of the right cup 110b, but it is envisaged that either arrangement could be used.

The bra 100 further comprises a body portion 120. The body portion 120 comprises an underband 125. The underband 125 is connected to the base of the left and right cups 110a,b, and is configured to surround the torso of the wearer in use. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a thick elastic seam 115 joining the underband 125 to the cups 110a,b. This thick elastic seam is configured to fulfil a similar function to a traditional underwire, but without the associated issues surrounding discomfort and pain discussed previously. The underband 125 comprises a soft elastic material, and curves upwards towards the centre of the torso of the wearer, providing additional lift and support to the breast. The underband 125 comprises left and right wings, which correspond to the left and right cups 110a,b. In the illustrated embodiment, these left and right wings are removably coupled with attachment means 128.

The underband 125 also comprises a plurality of apertures 127 to provide ventilation and reduce the likelihood of the wearer overheating or experiencing discomfort. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures are oval-shaped, extending perpendicular to the edge of the underband 125 and varying in height around the length of the underband 125, but it is envisaged that fewer apertures 127 may be used, of a variety of shapes and sizes.

The bra 100 further comprises a left shoulder strap 130a and right shoulder strap 130b. These shoulder straps 130a,b are configured to support the cups 110a,b and sit on the shoulders of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder straps 130a,b are unitary with the cups 110a,b (i.e. formed from a single cut out with the cups 110a,b), but it is envisaged that different materials could be used to provide the straps and so there may be joining points between the cups 110a,b and the shoulder straps 130a,b. The straps 130a, 130b in the illustrated embodiment are wider than that of traditional bras, to provide extra support and comfort. In the example, the shoulder straps 130a,b may have a width of up to and potentially exceeding 2.5cm, which is 66% wider than traditional straps with a width of 1.5cm. The length of the straps 110a,b are adjustable using adjustment slider 135 (Figure 1 b) at the rear of the bra 100. Translation of the adjustment slider 135 along the length of each strap 130a,b alters the length of the strap 130a,b in question.

The straps 130a, 130b are configured to connect the cups 110a, b to the underband 125 at the rear of the bra 100. In the illustrated embodiment, this connection occurs via rings 137. The shoulder straps 130a,b loop around the rings 137, as does the underband 125. Rather than directly join to the underband 125, the use of the rings 137 facilitate more movement of the shoulder straps 130a,b relative to the underband 125 which allows a wearer to adjust the positions of the shoulder straps 130a,b on their shoulder. The rings 137 allow the shoulder straps 130a,b to provide support without being overly rigid and inflexible.

The bra 100 further comprises a first support strap 140a and second support strap 140b. In the illustrated embodiment, the support straps 140a,b connect the shoulder straps 130a,b to the base of the opposite cup 110a, b. For example, the first support strap 140a extends from the left shoulder strap 130a and connects to the base of the right cup 110b and vice versa. It is envisaged that the support straps 140a,b could couple to the centre of the body portion at the base of the cups Adjustable sliders 145 are provided on each support strap 140a,b, which work in a similar fashion to those present on the shoulder straps 130a, 130b. In use, the first and second support straps 140a,b bias the left and right breasts of the wearer away from the centre of their torso respectively, reducing contact between the breasts of the wearer.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a bra 200 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. Bra 200 shares many core features with bra 100 of Figures la and lb. The bra 200 comprises left and right cups 210a,b with an underband 225 having a thick elastic seam 215 along the base of the cups 210a,b, and shoulder straps 230a,b connecting the cups to the underband 225 at the back of a wearer. Support straps 240a,b extend from the shoulder straps 230a,b to assist in supporting the breasts of a wearer and bias them away from the centre of the torso to reduce contact. Similarly, the wings of the underband 225 are joined with attachment means 228.

In contrast with bra 100 of Figures la and 1 b, the body portion 220 of bra 200 comprises a more prominent central gore 222. The support straps 240a,b are connected directly to this central gore 220, and so the connection sits higher on the wearer's torso than for bra 100 where the connection is at the base of the cups 110a, b. The central gore 222 comprises a cut out 223 towards the base of the cups 210a,b to provide improved ventilation. This cut out 223 shares a boundary with the thick elastic seam 215 to provide support and lift in the manner of a conventional underwire (as with bra 100).

Bra 200 also has a different shape profile to bra 100. The profile of the underband 225 is less curved than that of bra 100, and the central gore 220 provides a higher coverage point on the wearer's torso. The cups 210a,b are also configured to cover a more of each breast of the wearer, potentially restricting the movement of the breasts more than that of bra 100. This may make bra 200 more suitable for exercise.

The shoulder straps 230a,b of bra 200 also comprise adjustment sliders 235 configured to slide along the length of the straps 230a,b to adjust the length. They also couple to the underband 225 via rings 237 to enable a more flexible fit for a wearer. In addition to these shared features with bra 100, bra 200 comprises a clasp 239. Clasp 239 comprises a first ring 239a on the left shoulder strap 230a and a second ring 239b on the right shoulder strap 230b, configured to removably engage with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, this clasp engagement means 239 is provided with a 'hook and eye' mechanism. The first ring 239a comprises an 'eye', and the second ring 239b comprises a hook configured to hook the eye of first ring 239a to retain the two rings 239a,b together. This clasp 239 provides additional support to the breasts of a wearer, and provides an additional point of contact between the left and right side of the bra which may reduce strain on the underband 225 and consequently a wearer's back. Providing additional points at which a load can be taken reduces the pressure at each of those points, and so the additional point of contact may reduce any potential discomfort of a wearer.

Figures 3a to 3c illustrate a bra 300 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. Bra 300 shares many core features with both bra 100 of Figures la and lb and bra 200 of Figures 2a and 2b. The bra 300 comprises left and right cups 310a,b with an underband 325 having a thick elastic seam 315 along the base of the cups 310a,b, and shoulder straps 330a,b connecting the cups to the underband 325 at the back of a wearer. Support straps 340a,b extend from the (wider than conventional) shoulder straps 330a,b to assist in supporting the breasts of a wearer and bias them away from the centre of the torso to reduce contact. Similarly, the wings of the underband 325 are joined with attachment means 328. In the illustrated example, as can be seen in Figure 3c, these are hook and eye attachment means.

Similar to bra 200 of Figures 2a and 2b, the shoulder straps 330a,b of bra 300 also comprise adjustment sliders 335 configured to slide along the length of the straps 330a,b to adjust the length. They also couple to the underband 325 via rings 337 to enable a more flexible fit for a wearer. In addition to these shared features with bra 100, bra 300 comprises a clasp 339. Clasp 339 comprises a first ring 339a on the left shoulder strap 330a and a second ring 339b on the right shoulder strap 330b, configured to removably engage with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, this clasp engagement means 339 is provided with a 'hook and eye' mechanism. The first ring 339a comprises an 'eye', and the second ring 339b comprises a hook configured to hook the 'eye' of first ring 339a to retain the two rings 339a,b together. Like with bra 200 this clasp 339 provides additional support to the breasts of a wearer, and provides an additional point of contact between the left and right side of the bra which may reduce strain on the underband 225 and consequently a wearer's back. Providing additional points at which a load can be taken reduces the pressure at each of those points, and so the additional point of contact may reduce any potential discomfort of a wearer.

Like bra 200, bra 300 again has a different shape profile to bra 100. The profile of the underband 325 is less curved than that of bra 100, and the central gore 320 provides a higher coverage point on the wearer's torso. The cups 310a,b are also configured to cover a more of each breast of the wearer, potentially restricting the movement of the breasts more than that of bra 100. In contrast to bra 200, this additional coverage is provided by a mesh 313, configured to reduce the risk of a wearer's breasts falling out during use. This may make bra 300 yet more suitable for exercise. The mesh 313 may form at least part of the internal layer 311, and may be a fabric mesh lining, configured to reduce the risk of overheating. The mesh 313 may form all of the internal layer 311 of each cup, or may comprise the portion of the internal layer 311 that extends above the external layer 312. Alternatively, mesh 313 may be a separate portion of material affixed to the cups 310a,b.

It is envisaged that features of bra 100 could be used in combination with the 20 features of bra 200 or bra 300 and vice versa, or in any combination. For example, it is envisaged that the clasp 239 of bra 200 could be used on the shoulder straps 130a,b of bra 100, or a series of apertures 127 could be present in underband 225 instead of or in combination with the larger cut out 223 in the central gore 222 of bra 200, or that the mesh panel 312 of bra 300 is used with either bra 100 or bra 200. 25 Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bra configured to support a wearer's breasts, the bra comprising: a left cup configured to support the left breast of the wearer; a right cup configured to support the right breast of the wearer; a body portion connecting the left and right cups, the body portion comprising: an underband coupled to a base of the left and right cups and configured to surround the torso of the wearer, wherein the underband comprises a left wing and a right wing configured to extend around the torso of a wearer's and 10 meet at the centre of the wearer's back; a left shoulder strap configured to rest on the left shoulder of the wearer, the left shoulder strap connecting the left cup to the left wing of the underband; a right shoulder strap configured to rest on the right shoulder of the wearer, the right shoulder strap connecting the right cup to the right wing of the underband; a first support strap configured to couple the left shoulder strap to one of the body portion, the base of the left cup or the base of the right cup; and a second support strap configured to couple the right shoulder strap to one of the body portion, the base of the left cup or the base of the right cup; wherein: the first support strap is configured to bias the left breast away from the centre of the torso; and the second support strap is configured to bias the right breast away from the centre of the torso, such that the support straps reduce contact between the left and right breasts of the wearer.
2. The bra of claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises a central gore connected to a side of and laterally positioned between each of the left and right cups to limit relative lateral movement of each cup.
3. The bra of claim 2, wherein the central gore comprises one or more apertures cut out of the material.
4. The bra of claim 3, wherein the one or more apertures comprise elastic seams to provide support to the bra and the breasts of the wearer in use.
5. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the base of the right cup and the base of the left cup overlap.
6. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein: the first support strap is configured to couple the left shoulder strap to the base of the right cup; and the second support strap configured to couple the right shoulder strap to the base of the left cup such that the support straps cross in or near the centre of the wearer's torso in use.
7. The bra of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first and second support straps are configured to couple the left shoulder strap and right shoulder strap respectively to the central gore of the body portion.
8. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the underband comprises: a first end at an extreme of the left wing; and a second end at an extreme of the right wing, wherein the first and second end are configured to removably engage to form the bra.
9. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the left and right wings of the underband are unitary, such that the underband forms a single continuous band 25 around the torso of a wearer in use.
10. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the underband comprises a plurality of apertures cut out of the material.
11. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the base of the left cup and the base of the right cup comprise an elastic seam to provide additional shape and support.
12. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the underband is formed of a soft elastic material.
13. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the length of each support strap is adjustable so as to vary the biasing force applied to each breast.
14. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein each cup comprises at least two layers, the layers comprising different materials.
15 The bra of claim 14, wherein the at least two layers comprise: an external layer comprising an elastic material, such as LycraTM; and an internal layer comprising a fabric lining, such as cotton.
16. The bra of claim 15, wherein the internal layer comprises a fabric mesh.
17. The bra of claim 15 or 16, wherein the internal layer at least partially extends above the external layer so as to reduce the risk of the breasts of a wearer falling out of the bra cup.
18. The bra of any preceding claim, further comprising: a mesh portion extending above the cups and configured to enclose the breasts of a wearer from above, so as to reduce the risk of the breasts of a wearer falling out of the bra cup.
19. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the profile of the underband is curved under the left cup and right cup to provide additional support and lift to the breasts of a wearer.
20. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the shoulder straps each comprise 30 an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the length of the shoulder strap.
21. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein: the shoulder straps comprise strap engagement means configured to engage the shoulder straps to one another.
22. The bra of any preceding claim, wherein the strap engagement means comprises: a first support ring configured to translate along the length of the left shoulder strap; and a second support ring configured to translate along the length of the right strap; the first and second support rings are configured to removably engage.