US20150122861A1

US20150122861A1 - Garment with compression concealment compartment

Info

Publication number: US20150122861A1
Application number: US14/531,806
Authority: US
Inventors: Carol D. Adams; Anna A. Henry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-02
Filing date: 2014-11-03
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Abstract

A compression concealment compartment for concealing an article between a portion of a garment and a body of a wearer includes a concealment panel having a peripheral edge. The concealment panel has at least two layers and includes an outer panel constructed of a first material having at least one of a weight and a drape configured to reduce a silhouette of an article and having a peripheral edge. An inner panel is constructed of a second material and is joined to the outer panel along a portion of the peripheral edge, wherein together they define the peripheral edge of the concealment panel. A liner has an outer surface in opposed relationship with the inner surface of the inner panel, and an inner surface for facing the body of the wearer. The liner is joined to the concealment panel along a portion of the peripheral edge to define the compartment having an interior space for containing the article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/899,210, filed Nov. 2, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject matter described herein relates generally to an apparatus for hands free carriage of a firearm, and more specifically, to a garment with compression concealment compartment for a firearm that enables the firearm to be concealed when carried by a user.
Some known firearm holsters that enable a user to conceal a firearm—generally referred to as concealed-carry holsters—allow the firearm's grip to protrude beyond the structure of the holster. The protruding grip makes concealment of the firearm difficult because the outline of the grip is visible through the user's clothing, especially in warmer climates where the user's clothing is generally lightweight and thin. Furthermore, the exposed grip leaves the firearm vulnerable to moisture, for example, from adverse weather conditions or the user's perspiration.
At least some known concealed-carry holster garments are fabricated from a compression material, such as an elastic fabric with a fabric, elastic, or mesh holster pocket. Such known holster garments, however, do not utilize the compression features of the garment to facilitate retaining or concealing the firearm. Furthermore, many known concealed-carry holsters utilize a separate closure/retention component, such as a flexible strap, hook and loop fastener, mechanical snap, or magnet closure to facilitate retaining the firearm in the holster. Known belly band holsters, for example, fit snuggly to the user's body, but leave the firearm's grip exposed and do not have an outer material layer that facilitates minimizing the firearm's silhouette, which causes “printing.” The term “printing” generally means that the silhouette of a weapon can be recognized through the user's clothing, in which case the weapon cannot be considered concealed. Other known concealed-carry waistband type holsters are designed to carry a weapon as well as additional articles, such as an extra firearm magazine, money, passport, handcuffs, and the like. Such known holsters set just below the waist line, creating a large bulk that is visible through the user's pant exterior. In some known instances, such holsters require a larger pant size to be worn by the user.
There is a need, therefore, for an improved concealed-carry holster that provides for: a firearm to enter and exit through an exterior layer of a compression or shapewear garment, to an interior layer specially lined with a material that facilitates reducing the silhouette of the firearm; protection of the firearm from moisture; and utilizing the compression features of the garment for firearm concealment and retention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a compression concealment compartment for concealing an article between at least a portion of a garment and a body of a wearer of the garment is provided. The compartment includes a concealment panel having a garment facing surface, a body facing surface, and a peripheral edge. The concealment panel includes at least two-layer construction and has an outer panel having an outer surface defining the garment facing surface of the concealment panel and an inner surface. The outer panel is constructed at least in part of a first material having at least one of a weight and a drape configured to reduce a silhouette of the article, and has a peripheral edge. An inner panel has an outer surface in opposed relationship with the inner surface of the outer panel, and an inner surface defining the body facing surface of the concealment panel. The inner panel is constructed at least in part of a second material and is joined to the outer panel along at least a portion of the peripheral edge thereof to together define the peripheral edge of the concealment panel. A liner has an outer surface in opposed relationship with the inner surface of the inner panel and an inner surface for facing the body of the wearer of the garment. The liner is joined to the concealment panel along at least a portion of the peripheral edge thereof to define together with the concealment panel the compartment having an interior space for containing the article.
In another aspect, a compression concealment garment system for carrying and concealing an article against a portion of a wearer is provided. The system includes a garment adapted to enclose a portion of the wearer. The garment includes a compression material configured to confirm to the portion of the wearer. The system includes a concealment panel coupled to the garment. The concealment panel has a garment facing surface, a body facing surface, and a peripheral edge. The concealment panel is of at least two-layer construction an includes an outer panel having an outer surface defining the garment facing surface of the concealment panel, and an inner surface. The outer panel is constructed at least in part of a first material having at least one of a weight and a drape configured to reduce a silhouette of the article, and has a peripheral edge. An inner panel has an outer surface in opposed relationship with the inner surface of the outer panel, and an inner surface defining the body facing surface of the concealment panel. The inner panel is constructed at least in part of a second material and is joined to the outer panel along at least a portion of the peripheral edge thereof to together define the peripheral edge of the concealment panel. The outer and inner panels together define a compartment having an interior space for containing the article. A liner having an outer surface in opposed relationship with the inner surface of the inner panel, and an inner surface for facing the body of the wearer. The liner is joined to the garment. The liner encloses the concealment panel between the liner and the garment. The liner is configured to engage the portion of the wearer.
In yet another aspect, a method of fabricating a compression concealment garment having a compression concealment compartment is provided. The method includes joining an outer panel face-to-face to an outer surface of a compression garment. The outer panel includes a first material having at least one of a weight and a drape configured to reduce a silhouette of an article. The method also includes forming an opening through the outer panel and the compression garment. Furthermore, the method includes inserting the outer panel through the opening such that it is flush against an inner surface of the compression garment. The method also includes joining an inner panel to the outer panel along at least a portion of a peripheral edge thereof to form the compression concealment compartment having an interior space for containing an article. The inner panel includes a second material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an outer perspective schematic illustration of one embodiment of a compression concealment garment system including a compression concealment compartment;

FIG. 2 is an inner schematic illustration of the compression concealment compartment of FIG. 1 illustrating an inner panel of the compartment;

FIG. 3 is an inner schematic illustration of the compression concealment compartment of FIG. 1 illustrating an inner liner material layer; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a firearm located in the compression concealment compartment (shown in dashed lines).

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant to illustrate features of embodiments of the disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems comprising one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As such, the drawings are not meant to include all conventional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be required for the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “including” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged; such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
The compression concealment garment system described herein provides a garment having a compression concealment compartment that when fabricated with the compression garment during the manufacturing process, facilitates reducing a silhouette of the compartment's contents through an outer garment layer, also known as “printing.” Furthermore, the embodiments described herein facilitate retaining articles, such as a firearm, securely within the compression concealment compartment and protecting the articles from external moisture sources.
With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a compression garment 10 including a compression concealment compartment 12, or concealment panel, is shown and described herein with particular reference to a waist cincher undergarment. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the compression garment 10 comprises a pair of front panels, including a first front panel 14 and a second front panel 16 coupled to a rear panel 18 together defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of the body of a user. In the exemplary embodiment, each of front panels 14, 16, is joined to back panel 18 at one or more continuous seams (not shown) by, for example, sewing, adhesive bonding, heat welding, or other bonding technique along the length of the panel seams (not shown). Alternatively, panels 14, 16, and 18 are integrally formed as a unitary garment.
In the exemplary embodiment, construction of each of front panels 14, 16, and rear panel 18 is generally comprised of a stretchable compression material such as a fabric including elastane, polyester, nylon, mixtures thereof, or other stretch fabrics (which may also be referred to herein as “elastic” materials or fabrics) to enable garment 10 to fit snug against a portion of the user's body. However, it will be recognized that any fabric with some modulus of elasticity may be utilized in various embodiments of garment 10. Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments of garment 10 are described herein with reference to a waist cincher undergarment, it is understood that garment 10 is not limited to the shape, dimensions, or even garments illustrated herein. Instead, a garment as used herein is contemplated to include, but not be limited to, articles of clothing worn over/on any portion of the body. For example, garment 10 may include compression tank tops, shirts, leg sleeves, shorts, pants, sports bras, or any other type of garment that fits snug to and conforms to the user's body.
Front panels 14, 16 further include a fastener 20, comprising any suitable separable fastening means, such as eyes and hooks (not shown), employed for releasably connecting front panels 14, 16 together at a substantially vertical medial line of garment 10, so as to facilitate donning and doffing of garment 10. Alternatively, fastener 20 comprises any textile type fastener that enables garment 10 to function as described herein, including, for example, without limitation, conventional slide fasteners, lacing fasteners, hook and loop, and button/snap type fasteners.
Compression garment 10 includes compression concealment compartment 12, or concealment panel. In the exemplary embodiment, compartment 12 includes a welt pocket opening 22. Alternatively, compartment 12 can have any style of opening that enables compartment 12 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, welt pocket opening 22 facilitates enabling convenient accessibility to a firearm (not shown in FIG. 1) without taking away from the integrity of compression from compression garment 10. Welt pocket opening 22 can be positioned at any angle that enables compression concealment compartment 12 to function as described herein. Welt pocket opening 22 enables access to an interior space of compartment 12 and an inner panel (not shown in FIG. 1) of compartment 12 from an outer surface 24 of garment 10 and an outer panel (not shown in FIG. 1) of compartment 12. The compression features of garment 10 work with welt pocket opening 22 to facilitate securely retaining and reducing visual bulk, or “printing,” of articles placed within compartment 12, for example, without limitation, a weapon (gun, knife, pepper spray, or Taser), money, identification, cell phone, handcuffs, medical devices, and the like.
FIG. 2 is an inner schematic illustration of compression concealment compartment 12 illustrating an outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 of compartment 12. FIG. 3 is an inner schematic illustration of compression concealment compartment 12 illustrating an inner liner 30. In the exemplary embodiment, outer panel 26 includes welt pocket opening 22 formed therethrough. Outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 comprise a material configured to stretch over articles enclosed in compartment 12 to facilitate reducing the silhouette, or “printing,” of the articles, and to facilitate providing a smooth comfortable surface to the user's body, respectively. In general, the weight and drape of the material is chosen to facilitate reducing the article's silhouette. The weight of the material generally refers to the actual weight of a standardized width of a yard of material, as in well known in the art. The drape of the material generally refers to the way in which the material falls of hangs, and is correlated with the material's stiffness.
In one suitable embodiment, the material comprises a closed-cell foam neoprene laminate sheet material that is about 2 millimeters (mm) thick. Alternatively, outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 include closed-cell foam neoprene laminate with a thickness in the range of about ¾ mm to about 3.75 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, the foam neoprene is laminated with a fabric, for example, without limitation, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, and a knitted fabric. In one suitable embodiment, a nylon or polyester knitted material is used to laminate the foam neoprene. Alternatively, outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 can be any material that enables compartment 12 to function as described herein. For example, in one suitable embodiment, outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 can be any material with a weight and drape suitable for reducing the silhouette, or “printing,” of the articles. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 comprise more than one layer of the material, for example, two or more layers of closed-cell foam.
Described herein is a method for fabricating compression concealment compartment 12. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in the exemplary embodiment, one method for fabricating compartment 12 includes positioning outer panel 26 face-to-face with outer surface 24 of one of panels 14, 16, and 18 of garment 10. In the exemplary embodiment, outer panel 26 is generally rectangular in shape and has a length in the range between about 1½ inches (in.) to about 9 in., and a width between about 1½ in. and about 9 in. Alternatively, outer panel 26 can have any dimensions that enable outer panel 26 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of outer panel 26 are determined based on at least one of the size of garment 10 and the desired size of compartment 12.
The method further includes forming welt pocket opening 22 by sewing outer panel 26 to outer surface 24 of garment 10. In the exemplary embodiment, outer panel 26 is sewn to outer surface 24 of garment 10 using a straight lockstitch. Alternatively, any type of stitch can be used that enables forming welt pocket opening 22 as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, welt pocket opening 22 is generally trapezoidal in shape and includes a bottom edge 32, a first end edge 34, a top edge 36, and a second end edge 38. In one suitable embodiment, bottom edge 32 is about 5½ in. in length, a first end edge 34 is about 1½ in. in length, top edge 36 is about 4 in. in length, and second end edge 38 is about 1 in. in length. The trapezoidal shape of welt pocket opening 22 facilitates easy access to an interior space of compartment 12 while enabling the bottom and sides of a firearm's grip to be at least partially covered by the bottom edge 32 of the welt pocket opening 22. More specifically, welt pocket opening 22 is sized to ensure that the bottom end of the firearm's grip is behind the bottom edge 32 to facilitate reducing the silhouette of the grip. In alternative embodiments, the dimensions of welt pocket opening 22 can be any length that enables welt pocket opening 22 to function as described herein. For example, without limitation, bottom edge 32 and top edge 36 can have a length in the range between about 2½ in. to about 6½ in., and first and second end edges can be in the range from about ¼ in. to about 2½ in. In alternative embodiments, welt pocket opening 22 is any shape that enables welt pocket opening 22 to function as described herein, for example, oval, circular, and triangular.
In the exemplary embodiment, the method further includes removing the material of outer panel 26 and outer surface 24 of garment 10 that is enclosed by stitched perimeter of welt pocket opening 22. The central area of the trapezoidal shaped opening 22 is cutout such that the cut edges are positioned adjacent the straight lockstitch without cutting into the stitch. Outer panel 26 is inserted through the cutout welt pocket opening 22, stretched, and positioned flush against an inner surface 40 of garment 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer edges 32, 34, 36, and 38 of welt pocket opening 22 are then sewn using a straight lockstitch, such that the perimeter of welt pocket opening 22 is framed using the straight lockstitch. Inserting outer panel 26 through the cutout of opening 22 and framing opening 22 with a straight lockstitch facilitates providing a smooth, finished edge to welt pocket opening 22. In alternative embodiments, the outer edges 32, 34, 36, and 38 of welt pocket opening 22 can be stitched using any type of stitch that enables welt pocket opening to function as described herein, for example, without limitation, a twin needle lockstitch, a zigzag lockstitch, a chainstitch, a double needle chainstitch, two needle bottom coverstitch, and the like. Furthermore, in some suitable embodiments, boning can be stitched into edge 32, 34, 36, and 38 of welt pocket opening 22. In one suitable embodiment, welt pocket opening 22 includes boning stitched into bottom edge 32.
In the exemplary embodiment, the method further includes positioning inner panel 28 face-to-face against outer panel 26 and joining them together at a plurality of seams (not shown) along a peripheral edge including a first outer edge 42, a second outer edge 44, a third outer edge 46, and a fourth outer edge 48 of outer panel 26 and inner panel 28, by, for example, sewing or other bonding technique along the length of the seams. In one suit embodiment, outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 are joined using a straight lockstitch along at least a portion of the peripheral edge.
In another suitable embodiment, outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 are joined together at a plurality of seams (not shown) of the peripheral edge along first outer edge 42, second outer edge 44, third outer edge 46, fourth outer edge 48, and along a seam 50, as shown in FIG. 2. In such an embodiment, seam 50 is sewn at an at angle between about 90 degrees from vertical and 165 degrees from vertical, beginning at approximately a midpoint of second edge 44 of outer panel 26 and inner panel 28. Seam 50 continues at the desired angle to a central portion of outer panel 26 and inner panel 28. Seam 50 then continues in a substantially vertical direction to third outer edge 46. The remaining corner material between seam 50 and outer edges 44 and 46 can be removed by cutting along seam 50. Seam 50 facilitates forming compartment 12 in a shape suitable for holding a firearm in an easily accessible position within compartment 12. It is contemplated that seam 50 can be curved and shaped in any form that enables compartment 12 to function as described herein. For example, without limitation, seam 50 can be sewn into outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 such that compartment 12 forms a substantially V-shaped compartment or a substantially circular-shaped compartment.
In the exemplary embodiment, the method further includes joining the peripheral edge including outer edges 42, 44, and 48 of outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 to garment 10. A straight lockstitch is sewn through outer panel 26, inner panel 28, and garment 10 as close to the outer edges of outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 as possible. The lower edge 48 of outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 is not joined to garment 20.
In the exemplary embodiment, the method further includes joining inner liner 30 to compartment 12 and garment 10. In one embodiment, inner liner 30 is formed from a moisture wicking polyester blend material configured for engagement with the user's body to wick away moisture, such as the user's perspiration. Alternatively, inner liner 30 is formed from any type of material that enables inner liner 30 to function as described herein. For example, without limitation, a stretchable compression material such as a fabric including elastane, polyester, nylon, mixtures thereof, or other stretch fabrics, or any woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or knitted fabric.
In the exemplary embodiment, inner liner 30 is generally rectangular in shape and is sized slightly larger than outer panel 26 and inner panel 28 of compartment 12. For example, inner liner 30 can have a length in the range between about 1½ inches (in.) to about 9 in., and a width between about 1½ in. and about 9 in, where the length and width substantially conforms to the length and width of outer panel 26 and inner panel 28. In the exemplary embodiment, inner liner 30 is sewn to outer panel 26, inner panel 28, and garment 10 using a straight lockstitch located along the outer edge seams (not shown) of inner liner 30. Alternatively, inner liner 30 is sewn to garment 10 using a straight lockstitch located along the outer edge seams (not shown) of inner liner 30. In alternative embodiments, any type of stitch can be used that enables joining inner liner 30 to outer panel 26, inner panel 28, and garment 10 as described herein.
In the exemplary embodiment, compartment 12 can be positioned in garment 10 at any suitable angle that enables compartment 12 to function as described herein. For example, FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a firearm located in compression concealment compartment 12 (shown in dashed lines). In this embodiment, compartment 12 is position substantially vertical with welt pocket opening 22 located at a top portion of compartment 12. Alternatively, compartment 12 can be positioned substantially horizontal with welt pocket opening 22 located at either side edge compartment 12. The angle of compartment 12 is based on at least one of the size of garment 10, the type of garment 10, and the user's desired entry angle to compartment 12 through welt pocket opening 22. For example, without limitation, compartment 12 can be positioned at an angle between about 45 degrees from vertical and substantially horizontal when fabricated on a rear panel of a waist cinching garment.
It is contemplated that garment 10 can include more than one compression concealment compartment 12. For example, without limitation, garment 10 can include two compartments 12, one on each side of garment 12 and mirrored about a centerline of garment 10. Alternatively, garment 10 may have any number and configuration of compartments 12 that enables garment 10 to function as described herein.
The embodiments described herein enable a firearm or other article to be concealed and carried by the user. The compression concealment compartment described herein is not limited to the specific embodiments described. The compartment as described herein covers a standard range of sizes, and is configured to enclose a typical subcompact pistol. The embodiments described can be applied to multiple compression garments to fit various firearm sizes. For example, without limitation, the embodiments described herein are configured to fit mini guns (e.g., North American Arms 0.22LR), micro or pocket guns (e.g., Ruger LCP or Smith & Wesson 0.380 Bodyguard), subcompacts (e.g., Glock 26, Glock 27, or Springfield XD-S), compacts (e.g., Springfield XDM), and standard size firearms (e.g., Colt 1911). The bottom and sides of the firearm's grip is at least partially covered by the bottom side of the welt pocket opening, while the hammer mechanism area may be exposed to facilitate quick draw of the firearm.
Exemplary embodiments of methods for a concealed carry garment having a compression concealment compartment are described above in detail. The embodiments and methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods may also be used in combination with other garments, such as compression tank tops, shirts, leg sleeves, shorts, pants, and sports bras, and are not limited to practice with only the embodiments and methods, as are described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented and utilized in connection with many types of garments.
Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compression concealment compartment for concealing an article between at least a portion of a garment and a body of a wearer of the garment, said compartment comprising:

a concealment panel having a garment facing surface, a body facing surface, and a peripheral edge, the concealment panel being of at least two-layer construction comprising:

an outer panel having an outer surface defining the garment facing surface of the concealment panel and an inner surface, said outer panel being constructed at least in part of a first material having at least one of a weight and a drape configured to reduce a silhouette of the article, and having a peripheral edge;

an inner panel having an outer surface in opposed relationship with the inner surface of the outer panel and an inner surface defining the body facing surface of the concealment panel, the inner panel being constructed at least in part of a second material and being joined to the outer panel along at least a portion of the peripheral edge thereof to together define the peripheral edge of the concealment panel; and

a liner having an outer surface in opposed relationship with the inner surface of the inner panel and an inner surface for facing the body of the wearer of the garment, the liner being joined to the concealment panel along at least a portion of the peripheral edge thereof to define together with the concealment panel the compartment having an interior space for containing the article.

2. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an opening formed through said outer surface of said outer panel, said opening configured to enable access to said interior space through said outer panel.

3. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 2, wherein said opening is formed as a welt pocket opening.

4. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 2, wherein said opening is trapezoidal in shape.

5. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and said second materials comprise a foam material having opposite first and second surfaces.

6. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 5, wherein said foam material comprises neoprene sheet material.

7. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 5, wherein said foam material comprises a fabric laminated to said first and second surfaces.

8. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 7, wherein said fabric comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, and a knitted fabric.

9. The compression concealment compartment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and said second material has a thickness between about ¾ millimeter and about 3.75 millimeter.

10. A compression concealment garment system for carrying and concealing an article against a portion of a wearer, said system comprising:

a garment adapted to enclose a portion of the wearer, said garment comprising a compression material configured to confirm to the portion of the wearer;

a concealment panel coupled to said garment, said concealment panel having a garment facing surface, a body facing surface, and a peripheral edge, said concealment panel being of at least two-layer construction comprising:

an outer panel having an outer surface defining said garment facing surface of said concealment panel and an inner surface, said outer panel being constructed at least in part of a first material having at least one of a weight and a drape configured to reduce a silhouette of the article, and having a peripheral edge; and

an inner panel having an outer surface in opposed relationship with said inner surface of said outer panel and an inner surface defining said body facing surface of said concealment panel, said inner panel being constructed at least in part of a second material and being joined to said outer panel along at least a portion of said peripheral edge thereof to together define said peripheral edge of said concealment panel, said outer and inner panel together defining a compartment having an interior space for containing the article; and

a liner having an outer surface in opposed relationship with said inner surface of said inner panel and an inner surface for facing the body of the wearer, said liner being joined to said garment, said liner enclosing said concealment panel between said liner and said garment, said liner configured to engage the portion of the wearer.

11. The system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said compression material of said garment comprises at least one of elastane, polyester, and nylon.

12. The system in accordance with claim 10 further comprising an opening formed through said garment and said outer panel of said concealment panel, said opening configured to enable access to said interior space.

13. The system in accordance with claim 12, wherein said opening is formed as a welt pocket opening.

14. The system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said first and said second materials comprise a foam laminate material comprising a fabric laminated to a first surface and a second surface of a foam material.

15. A method of fabricating a compression concealment garment having a compression concealment compartment, said method comprising:

joining an outer panel face-to-face to an outer surface of a compression garment, the outer panel including a first material having at least one of a weight and a drape configured to reduce a silhouette of an article;

forming an opening through the outer panel and the compression garment;

inserting the outer panel through the opening such that it is flush against a body facing surface of the compression garment; and

joining an inner panel to the outer panel along at least a portion of a peripheral edge thereof to form the compression concealment compartment having an interior space for containing an article, the inner panel including a second material.

16. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein joining the outer panel face-to-face to the outer surface of the compression garment comprises stitching the outer panel to the outer surface of the compression garment, wherein the stitch defines a closed perimeter of the opening.

17. The method in accordance with claim 16, wherein forming the opening through the outer panel and the compression garment comprises removing the first material of the outer panel and the outer surface of the compression garment enclosed within the closed perimeter defined by the lockstitch.

18. The method in accordance with claim 16 further comprising joining a liner to the compression garment, the liner enclosing the outer panel and the inner panel between the compression garment and the liner.

19. The method in accordance with claim 18, wherein joining the liner to the compression garment comprises stitching the liner to the compression garment such that the stitching extends through the outer panel and the inner panel along at least a portion of the peripheral edge thereof.

20. The method in accordance with claim 15 wherein joining the inner panel to the outer panel along at least a portion of a peripheral edge thereof comprises joining the inner panel to the outer panel along at least a portion of a peripheral edge thereof to form a shape suitable for enclosing a firearm in an easily accessible position within the compression concealment compartment.