US20170265531A1

US20170265531A1 - Swimwear

Info

Publication number: US20170265531A1
Application number: US15/455,888
Authority: US
Inventors: Huub TOUSSAINT; Dean Jackson
Original assignee: Huub Ltd
Current assignee: Huub Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-17
Filing date: 2017-03-10
Publication date: 2017-09-21
Also published as: GB201614967D0; EP3219213A1; JP2017206799A; GB2548432A; EP3219213B1; GB201604577D0

Abstract

Swimwear is provided. The swimwear includes: at least one of a waist strap, a back fastener and a drawstring for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer; a first leg portion including at least a first longitudinal strap or stiffening member, the at least a first longitudinal strap or stiffening member extending from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the means for providing tension; and a second leg portion including at least a second longitudinal strap or stiffening member, the at least a second longitudinal strap or stiffening member extending from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the means for providing tension. The swimwear may be a jammer, a swimskin or a wetsuit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to GB Application Nos. 1604577.5, filed Mar. 17, 2016 and 1614967.6, filed Sep. 2, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to swimwear. In particular, they relate to swimwear for improving the performance of a swimmer.

BACKGROUND

A swimmer is subject to friction drag, pressure drag and wave drag. Friction drag is due to the constant collision and rubbing of the swimmer's body against the surrounding water molecules.
Pressure drag builds as a swimmer picks up speed. Water builds up, for example, around the swimmer's head causing an increase in pressure in the frontal region of the swimmer's body and creating a pressure differential between the two ends of the swimmer's body.
At racing speeds, the swimmer is further impeded by wave drag, which is caused by waves created by the swimmer during swimming.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided swimwear, comprising: means for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer; a first leg portion including at least a first longitudinal strap or stiffening member, the at least a first longitudinal strap or stiffening member extending from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the means for providing tension; and a second leg portion including at least a second longitudinal strap or stiffening member, the at least a second longitudinal strap or stiffening member extending from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the means for providing tension.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided swimwear, comprising: a body harness comprising a first longitudinal strap, a second longitudinal strap, a first gripper strap, a second gripper strap and at least one of a waist strap and a drawstring; the first longitudinal strap being arranged to extend from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer; the second longitudinal strap being arranged to extend from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer; and the waist strap and/or drawstring extending at least partially around a waist of the wearer and coupled to the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap.
The body harness may further comprise a first gripper strap and a second gripper strap. The first gripper strap may be arranged to grip a first leg of the wearer above and adjacent to the wearer's knee, and be coupled to the first longitudinal strap. The second gripper strap may be arranged to grip a second leg of the wearer above and adjacent to the wearer's knee, and be coupled to the second longitudinal strap.
The waist strap may extend at least partially around a waist of the wearer and may be coupled to the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap.
The first longitudinal strap may be directly connected to the waist strap. The second longitudinal strap may be directly connected to the waist strap.
The lower body harness may further comprise one or more further straps, extending from a crotch region of the wearer, arranged couple to the waist strap. The one or more further straps may include a strap that is directly connected to the first longitudinal strap. The one or more further straps may include a strap that is directly connected to the second longitudinal strap. The one or more further straps may include a strap that is directed connected to the waist strap.
The lower body harness may further comprise at least one inner leg strap arranged to extend from a crotch region of the wearer and along an inner leg region of the wearer. The at least one inner leg strap may extend along an inner leg region of the first leg of the wearer and along an inner leg region of the second leg of the wearer.
The lower body harness may further comprise a lateral thigh strap arranged to couple the at least one inner leg strap to the first longitudinal strap. The lower body harness may further comprise a further lateral thigh strap arranged to couple the at least one inner leg strap to the second longitudinal strap.
The swimwear may further comprise a shell. The first strap may be arranged to substantially cover a first seam, in the shell, extending from the first hip region of the first leg of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region of the wearer.
The second strap may be arranged to substantially cover a second seam, in the shell, extending from the second hip region of the second leg of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region of the wearer.
The elastic modulus of each of the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap may be in the range 100 N/m to 3000 N/m. The elastic modulus of each of the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap may be at least 300 N/m.
The swimwear may be or comprise a jammer. Alternatively, the swimwear may be or comprise a swimskin. Alternatively, the swimwear may be or comprise a wetsuit, such as a wetsuit for a triathlete.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided swimwear, comprising: a lower body harness comprising a first longitudinal strap, a second longitudinal strap, at least one inner leg strap, a first lateral strap, a second lateral thigh strap and at least one of a waist strap and a drawstring; the first longitudinal strap being arranged to extend from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer; the second longitudinal strap being arranged to extend from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer; the waist strap and/or the drawstring extending at least partially around a waist of the wearer and coupled to the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap; the least one inner leg strap arranged to extend from a crotch region of the wearer and along an inner leg region of a first leg of the wearer and an inner leg region of a second leg of the wearer; the first lateral strap being arranged to couple the at least one the inner leg strap to the first longitudinal strap; and the second lateral strap being arranged to couple the at least one the inner leg strap to the second longitudinal strap.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided swimwear, comprising: a first seam arranged to extend from a first hip region of a wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer; a first longitudinal strap, having an elastic modulus of at least 100 N/m, located on and along the first seam, arranged to extend from the first hip region of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region of the wearer; a second seam arranged to extend from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer; a second longitudinal strap, having an elastic modulus of at least 100 N/m, located on and along the second seam, arranged to extend from the second hip region of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region of the wearer; at least one of a waist strap and a drawstring, arranged to extend at least partially around a waist of the wearer and coupled to the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap; a first gripper strap arranged to grip a first leg of the wearer above and adjacent to the wearer's knee, and being coupled to the first longitudinal strap; and a second gripper strap arranged to grip a second leg of the wearer above and adjacent to the wearer's knee, and being coupled to the second longitudinal strap.
The elastic modulus of each of the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap may be in the range 100 N/m to 3000 N/m. The elastic modulus of each of the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap may be at least 300 N/m.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided swimwear, comprising: means for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer; first and second leg portions, arranged to provide tension at positions above and adjacent to the knees of a wearer, including one or more longitudinal straps coupled to the means for providing tension at or above the iliac crest of the wearer.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a wetsuit, comprising: means for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer; a first leg portion comprising a first stiffening member arranged to extend from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer; and a second leg portion comprising a second stiffening member arranged to extend from a second hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer; wherein each of the first stiffening member and second stiffening member is coupled to the means for providing tension at or above the iliac crest of a wearer.
The means for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer may comprise at least one of a waist strap and a zipper.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided swimwear as illustrated in the appended figures and as herein described.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front elevation of an external surface of a shell of a jammer;

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear elevation of the external surface of a shell of the jammer;

FIG. 1C illustrates an external surface of a side panel of the shell of the jammer;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front elevation of an internal surface of the shell of the jammer;

FIG. 2B illustrates a rear elevation of the internal surface of the shell of the jammer;

FIG. 2C illustrates an internal surface of a side panel of the shell of the jammer;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front elevation of an internal surface of the jammer, including the shell and a lower body harness;

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear elevation of the internal surface of the jammer;

FIG. 3C illustrates an internal surface of a side panel of the jammer;

FIG. 4A illustrates a front elevation of an external surface of the jammer;

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear elevation of the external surface of the jammer;

FIG. 4C illustrates the external surface of a side panel of the jammer;

FIG. 5A illustrates a front elevation of an external surface of a shell of a first swimskin;

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear elevation of the external surface of the shell of the first swimskin;

FIG. 5C illustrates an external surface of a side panel of the shell of the first swimskin;

FIG. 6A illustrates a front elevation of an internal surface of the shell of the first swimskin;

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear elevation of the internal surface of the shell of the first swimskin;

FIG. 6C illustrates an internal surface of a side panel of the shell of the first swimskin;

FIG. 7A illustrates a front elevation of an internal surface of the first swimskin, including the shell and a lower body harness;

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear elevation of the internal surface of the first swimskin;

FIG. 7C illustrates an internal surface of a side panel of the first swimskin;

FIG. 8A illustrates a front elevation of an external surface of the first swimskin;

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear elevation of the external surface of the first swimskin;

FIG. 8C illustrates an external surface of a side panel of the first swimskin;

FIG. 9A illustrates a front elevation of an external surface of a shell of a second swimskin;

FIG. 9B illustrates a rear elevation of the external surface of the shell of the second swimskin;

FIG. 9C illustrates an external surface of a side panel of the second swimskin;

FIG. 10A illustrates a front elevation of an internal surface of the shell of the second swimskin;

FIG. 10B illustrates a rear elevation of the internal surface of the shell of the second swimskin;

FIG. 10C illustrates an internal surface of a side panel of the shell of the second swimskin;

FIG. 11A illustrates a front elevation of an internal surface of the second swimskin including the shell and a lower body harness;

FIG. 11B illustrates a rear elevation of the internal surface of the second swimskin;

FIG. 11C illustrates an internal surface of a side panel of the second swimskin;

FIG. 12A illustrates a front elevation of an external surface of the second swimskin;

FIG. 12B illustrates a rear elevation of the external surface of the second swimskin;

FIG. 12C illustrates an external surface of a side panel of the second swimskin;

FIG. 13A illustrates a front elevation of an external surface of a wetsuit;

FIG. 13B illustrates a rear elevation of the external surface of the wetsuit; and

FIG. 13C illustrates a side elevation of the external surface of the wetsuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate front and rear elevations of an external surface of a shell 80 of swimwear. In this example, the shell 80 is made from a material that is permeable to water and air. In this example, the swimwear is a swimming jammer. The shell 80 of the jammer is formed of a plurality of panels 34, 36, 38, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54 in the illustrated example. The shell 80 includes a first side panel 34, a crotch panel 36, a second side panel 38, a first upper front thigh panel 40, a second upper front thigh panel 42, a first lower front thigh panel 44, a second lower front thigh panel 46, a first upper rear panel 48, a second upper rear panel 50, a first lower rear panel 52 and a second lower rear panel 54.
The jammer is arranged to be worn such that a waistband/waist strap/stiffening member 4 is positioned at or below the navel of a wearer and above the iliac crest of the greater pelvis of the wearer. A drawstring 2 may be provided above the waist strap 4, as shown in various appended figures.
In some embodiments, a gripper strap made from silicone may be positioned on the inside of the waist strap 4 and/or adjacent to the drawstring 2.
The term “seam” as used herein is considered to relate to a boundary between two portions/panels of material.
A first longitudinal seam 6 is present in the shell 80 which is arranged to extend from a first hip region 1001 of a wearer of the jammer to a first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer. It can be seen in FIG. 1A that the first longitudinal seam 6 provides a boundary between the first side panel 34 and each of the crotch panel 36, the first upper front thigh panel 40 and the first lower front thigh panel 44. In this example, the first longitudinal seam 6 extends, at the front of the wearer, from the waist strap 4 of the jammer to a lower extremity 31 of a first leg portion of the jammer.
A second longitudinal seam 8 is arranged to extend from a second hip region 1003 of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer. The second longitudinal seam 8 provides a boundary between the second side panel 38 and each of the crotch panel 36, the second upper front thigh panel 42 and the second lower front thigh panel 46. In the illustrated example, the second longitudinal seam 8 extends, at the front of the wearer, from the waist strap 4 of the jammer to a lower extremity 32 of a second leg portion of the jammer.
A first crotch seam 14 extends upwardly at the front of the wearer from a crotch region 1005 of the shell 80 to the first longitudinal seam 6. The first crotch seam 14 provides a boundary between the crotch panel 36 and the first upper front thigh panel 40. A second crotch seam 16 extends upwardly at the front of the wearer from the crotch region 1005 of the jammer to the second longitudinal seam 8. The second crotch seam 16 provides a boundary between the crotch panel 36 and the second upper thigh panel 42.
A first inner leg seam 20 provides a boundary between the first upper front thigh panel 40 and the first upper rear panel 48, and between the first lower front thigh panel 44 and the first lower rear panel 52. A second inner leg seam 21 provides a boundary between the crotch panel 36 and each of the first upper rear panel 48 and the second upper rear panel 50. A third inner leg seam 22 provides a boundary between the second upper front thigh panel 42 and the second upper rear panel 50, and between the second lower front thigh panel 46 and the second lower rear panel 54.
A first lateral thigh seam 24 is arranged to extend laterally across the front of a thigh of a wearer of the jammer. The first lateral thigh seam 24 extends from the first longitudinal seam 6, in the first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer, to a first inner leg 1006 region of the wearer. The first lateral thigh seam 24 provides a boundary between the first upper front thigh panel 40 and the first lower front thigh panel 44. The first lateral thigh seam 24 is positioned such that the first lower front thigh panel 44 is smaller than the first upper front thigh panel 40.
A second lateral thigh seam 26 is arranged to extend laterally across the front of a thigh of a wearer of the jammer. The second lateral thigh seam 26 extends from the second longitudinal seam 8, in the second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer, across the front of the thigh of the wearer and to a second inner leg region 1007 of the wearer. The second lateral thigh seam 26 provides a boundary between the second upper front thigh panel 42 and the second lower front thigh panel 46. The second lateral thigh seam 26 is positioned such that the second lower front thigh panel 46 is smaller than the second upper front thigh panel 42.
A gluteal seam 18 extends from the crotch region 1005 of the wearer upwardly through a gluteal region 1008 of the wearer to the waist strap 4. The gluteal seam 18 provides a boundary between the first upper rear panel 48 and the second upper rear panel 50.
A third longitudinal seam 10 is arranged to extend from the first hip region 1001 of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer. The third longitudinal seam 10 provides a boundary between the first side panel 34 and each of the first upper rear panel 48 and the first lower rear panel 52. The third longitudinal seam 10 extends from the waist strap 4 and extends, at the rear of the wearer, to the lower extremity 31 of the first leg portion of the jammer.
A fourth longitudinal seam 12 is arranged to extend from the second hip region 1003 of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer. The fourth longitudinal seam 12 provides a boundary between the second side panel 38 and each of the second upper rear panel 50 and the second lower rear panel 54. The fourth longitudinal seam 12 extends from the waist strap 4 and extends, at the rear of the wearer, to the lower extremity 32 of the second leg portion of the jammer.
The first, second, third and fourth longitudinal seams 6, 8, 10, 12 are curved in shape in this example, such that an upper portion of each side panel 34, 36 is larger in width at the top and bottom than in the middle. FIG. 1C illustrates the shape of the first side panel 34. The second side panel 38 has the same shape as the first side panel 34.
A third lateral thigh seam 28 is arranged to extend laterally across the back of a thigh of a wearer of the jammer. The third lateral thigh seam 28 extends from the third longitudinal seam 10, in the first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer, to the first inner leg 1006 region of the wearer. The third lateral thigh seam 28 provides a boundary between the first upper rear panel 48 and the first lower rear panel 52. The third lateral thigh seam 28 is positioned such that the first lower rear panel 52 is smaller than the first upper rear panel 48.
A fourth lateral thigh seam 30 is arranged to extend laterally across the back of a thigh of a wearer of the jammer. The fourth lateral thigh seam 30 extends from the fourth longitudinal seam 12, in the second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer, to the second inner leg 1007 region of the wearer. The fourth lateral thigh seam 30 provides a boundary between the second upper rear panel 50 and the second lower rear panel 54. The fourth lateral thigh seam 30 is positioned such that the second lower rear panel 54 is smaller than the second upper rear panel 50.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and rear elevations of an internal surface of the shell 80 of the jammer. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shell 80 has been turned inside-out to show the internal surface. FIG. 2C illustrates the internal surface of the first side panel 34.
It can be seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C that a lower extremity of each of the first side panel 34, the first lower front thigh panel 44 and the first lower rear panel 52 has been turned upwards to form a first hem 58 on the inside of the shell 80 of the jammer. Each of the second side panel 38, the second lower front thigh panel 46 and the second lower rear panel 54 has been turned upwards to form a second hem 56 on the inside of the shell 80 of the jammer.
First and second gripper straps 60 a, 60 b are located on the first and second hems 58, 56 that are configured to grip a wearer's leg around its circumference. In this example, the first and second gripper straps 60 a, 60 b are arranged to grip the wearer's leg at a position around the thigh, adjacent to and just above each knee. The gripper straps 60 a, 60 b, may, for example, be made from silicone.
The jammer comprises both the shell 80 illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 2C and a lower body harness 5. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and rear elevations respectively of the internal surface of the jammer 100 (that is, the jammer 100 in its inside-out configuration), including the shell 80 and the lower body harness 5. FIG. 3C illustrates an internal surface of the side panel 34 of the jammer 100.
The lower body harness 5 comprises a plurality of straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 120, 124, 126, 128, 130, 206, 208, 210, 212. The straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 120, 124, 126, 128, 130, 206, 208, 210, 212 perform the technical functions of:
i) joining adjacent panels of the shell 80 at various seams and protecting those seams; and
ii) controlling the movement of the wearer in order to constrict the cross-section of the wearer during swimming.
The functionality of the lower body harness 5 is described in further detail below.
In this example, the straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 120, 124, 126, 128, 130, 206, 208, 210, 212 of the harness 5 join adjacent panels 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 of the shell 50 together by stitching, welding and/or adhering the straps to adjacent panels.
A first longitudinal strap 106 is located on and along the first longitudinal seam 6, such that it follows the path of the first longitudinal seam 6 on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. In this regard, the first longitudinal strap 106 extends, in front of the wearer, from the first hip region 1001 of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer. The first longitudinal strap 106 connects the first side panel 34 to each of the crotch panel 36, the first upper front thigh panel 40 and the first lower front thigh panel 44.
A second longitudinal strap 108 is located on and along the second longitudinal seam 8, such that it follows the path of the second longitudinal seam 8 on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. In this regard, the second longitudinal strap 108 extends, in front of the wearer, from the second hip region 1003 of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer. The second longitudinal strap 108 connects the second side panel 38 to each of the crotch panel 36, the second upper front thigh panel 42 and the second lower front thigh panel 46.
The first longitudinal strap 106 and the second longitudinal strap 108 are directly connected to the waist strap 4 in this example by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance.
A first crotch strap 114 is located on and along the first crotch seam 14, such that it follows the path of the first crotch seam 14, in front of the wearer, on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The first crotch strap 114 connects the crotch panel 36 and the first upper front thigh panel 40.
The first crotch strap 114 is directed connected to the first longitudinal strap 106 by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance. The first crotch strap 14 is coupled to the waist strap 4 of the jammer 100 through the connection that the first crotch strap 114 and the waist strap 4 each have with the first longitudinal strap 106.
A second crotch strap 116 is located on and along the second crotch seam 16, such that it follows the path of the second crotch seam 16, in front of the wearer, on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The second crotch strap 116 connects the crotch panel 36 to the second upper thigh panel 42.
The second crotch strap 116 is directed connected to the second longitudinal strap 108 by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance. The second crotch strap 116 is coupled to the waist strap 4 of the jammer 100 through the connection that the second crotch strap 116 and the waist strap 4 each have with the second longitudinal strap 108.
At least one inner leg strap 120 is located on and along the first, second and third inner leg seams 20, 21, 22. In the illustrated example, a single inner leg strap 120 is located on and along the first, second and third inner leg seams 20, 21, 22 on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The inner leg strap 120 connects the crotch panel 36 to each of the first and second upper rear panels 48, 50, connects the first upper front thigh panel 40 to the first upper rear panel 48, connects the first lower front thigh panel 44 to the first lower rear panel 52, connects the second upper front thigh panel 42 to the second upper rear panel 50, and connects the second lower front thigh panel 46 to the second lower rear panel 54.
The inner leg strap 120 is directed connected to each of the first crotch strap 114, the second crotch strap 116, a gluteal strap 118, a first lateral thigh strap 124, a second lateral thigh strap 126, a third lateral thigh strap 128, a fourth lateral thigh strap 130, the first hem 58 and the second hem 56. Each of the connections may be by stitching, welding and/or adhering, for instance.
The gluteal strap 118 is located on and along the gluteal seam 18, such that it follows the path of the gluteal seam 18, at the rear of the wearer, on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The gluteal strap 118 connects the first upper rear panel 48 and the second upper rear panel 50.
The gluteal strap 118 is directly connected to the waist strap 4 and directly connected to the inner leg strap 120 in the first and second inner leg regions 1006, 1007. The gluteal strap 118 may be connected to the waist strap 4 and the inner leg strap 120 by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance.
The first lateral thigh strap 124 is located on and along the first lateral thigh seam 24, such that it follows the path of the first lateral thigh seam 24, in front of the wearer, on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The first lateral thigh strap 124 connects the first upper front thigh panel 40 and the first lower front thigh panel 44.
The first lateral thigh strap 124 is directly connected to the first longitudinal strap 106 in the first lateral thigh region 1002. The first lateral thigh strap 124 is directly connected to the inner leg strap 120 in the first inner leg region 1006. The first lateral thigh strap 124 may be connected to the first longitudinal strap 106 and the inner leg strap 120 by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance.
The second lateral thigh strap 126 is located on and along the second lateral thigh seam 26, such that it follows the path of the second lateral thigh seam 26, in front of the wearer, on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The second lateral thigh strap 126 connects the second upper front thigh panel 42 and the second lower front thigh panel 46.
The second lateral thigh strap 126 is directly connected to the second longitudinal strap 108 in the second lateral thigh region 1004. The second lateral thigh strap 126 is directly connected to the inner leg strap 120 in the second inner leg region 1007. The second lateral thigh strap 126 may be connected to the second longitudinal strap 108 and the inner leg strap 120 by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance.
A third longitudinal strap 110 is located on and along the third longitudinal seam 10, such that it follows the path of the third longitudinal seam 10 on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. In this regard, the third longitudinal strap 110 extends, at the rear of the wearer, from the first hip region 1001 of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer. The third longitudinal strap 110 connects the first side panel 34 to each of the first upper rear panel 48 and the first lower rear panel 52.
The fourth longitudinal strap 112 is located on and along the fourth longitudinal seam 12, such that it follows the path of the fourth longitudinal seam 12 on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer. In this regard, the fourth longitudinal strap 112 extends, at the rear of the wearer, from the second hip region 1003 of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer. The fourth longitudinal strap 112 connects the second side panel 38 to each of the second upper rear panel 50 and the second lower rear panel 54.
The third lateral thigh strap 128 is located on and along the third lateral thigh seam 28, such that it follows the path of the third lateral thigh seam 28, at the rear of the wearer, on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The third lateral thigh strap 128 connects the first upper rear panel 48 and the first lower rear panel 52.
The third lateral thigh strap 128 is directly connected to the third longitudinal strap 110 in the first lateral thigh region 1002. The third lateral thigh strap 128 is directly connected to the inner leg strap 120 in the first inner leg region 1006. The third lateral thigh strap 128 may be connected to the third longitudinal strap 110 and the inner leg strap 120 by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance.
The fourth lateral thigh strap 130 is located on and along the fourth lateral thigh seam 30, such that it follows the path of the fourth lateral thigh seam 30, at the rear of the wearer, on the inner surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. The fourth lateral thigh strap 130 connects the second upper rear panel 50 and the second lower rear panel 54.
The fourth lateral thigh strap 130 is directly connected to the fourth longitudinal strap 112 in the second lateral thigh region 1004. The fourth lateral thigh strap 130 is directly connected to the inner leg strap 120 in the second inner leg region 1007. The fourth lateral thigh strap 130 may be connected to the fourth longitudinal strap 112 and the inner leg strap 120 by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front and rear elevations respectively of the external surface of the jammer 100, including the shell 80 and the lower body harness 5. FIG. 4C illustrates an external surface of the side panel 34 of the jammer 100.
A fifth longitudinal strap 206 is located on and along the first longitudinal seam 6, such that it follows the path of the first longitudinal seam 6 on the external surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. In this regard, the fifth longitudinal strap 206 extends from the first hip region 1001 of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer. The fifth longitudinal strap 206 connects the first side panel 34 to each of the crotch panel 36, the first upper front thigh panel 40 and the first lower front thigh panel 44.
The first and fifth longitudinal straps 106, 206 are therefore separated by the shell 80 of the jammer 80 at the first longitudinal seam 6. In some implementations, the first and fifth longitudinal straps 106, 206 may be attached to each other through the shell 80, for example, by stitching.
A sixth longitudinal strap 208 is located on and along the second longitudinal seam 8, such that it follows the path of the second longitudinal seam 8 on the external surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. In this regard, the sixth longitudinal strap 208 extends from the second hip region 1003 of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer. The sixth longitudinal strap 208 connects the second side panel 38 to each of the crotch panel 36, the second upper front thigh panel 42 and the second lower front thigh panel 46.
The second and sixth longitudinal straps 108, 208 are therefore separated by the shell 80 of the jammer 80 at the second longitudinal seam 8. In some implementations, the second and sixth longitudinal straps 108, 208 may be attached to each other through the shell 80, for example, by stitching.
A seventh longitudinal strap 210 is located on and along the third longitudinal seam 10, such that it follows the path of the third longitudinal seam 10 on the external surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. In this regard, the seventh longitudinal strap 210 extends from the first hip region 1001 of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer. The seventh longitudinal strap 210 connects the first side panel 34 to each of the first upper rear panel 48 and the first lower rear panel 42.
The third and seventh longitudinal straps 110, 210 are therefore separated by the shell 80 of the jammer 80 at the third longitudinal seam 10. In some implementations, the third and seventh longitudinal straps 110, 210 may be attached to each other through the shell 80, for example, by stitching.
An eighth longitudinal strap 212 is located on and along the fourth longitudinal seam 12, such that it follows the path of the fourth longitudinal seam 12 on the external surface of the shell 80 of the jammer 100. In this regard, the eighth longitudinal strap 212 extends from the second hip region 1003 of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer. The eighth longitudinal strap 212 connects the second side panel 38 to each of second upper rear panel 50 and the second lower rear panel 54.
The fourth and eighth longitudinal straps 112, 212 are therefore separated by the shell 80 of the jammer 80 at the second longitudinal seam 8. In some implementations, the fourth and eighth longitudinal straps 112, 212 may be attached to each other through the shell 80, for example, by stitching.
The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth longitudinal straps 206, 208, 210, 212 are directly connected to the waist strap 4 in this example by stitching, welding and/or adhering them together, for instance.
The first gripper strap 60 a is coupled to one or more of the first, third, fifth and seventh longitudinal straps 106, 110, 206, 210 and the inner leg strap 120. In some examples, the coupling is provided by attaching the first gripper strap 60 a directly to one or more of the first, third, fifth and seventh longitudinal straps 106, 110, 206, 210 and the inner leg strap 120 (e.g. by stitching). Alternatively, the coupling may be provided merely by means of the interconnection between the hem 58 and the first side panel 34, the first front lower thigh panel 44, and/or the first lower rear thigh panel 52.
The second gripper strap 60 b is coupled to one or more of the second, fourth, sixth and eighth longitudinal straps 108, 112, 208, 212 and the inner leg strap 120. In some examples, the coupling is provided by attaching the second gripper strap 60 b directly to one or more of the second, fourth, sixth and eighth longitudinal straps 108, 112, 208, 212 and the inner leg strap 120 (e.g. by stitching). Alternatively, the coupling may be provided merely by means of the interconnection between the hem 56 and the second side panel 38, the second front lower thigh panel 46, and/or the second lower rear thigh panel 54.
As described above, the waistband/waist strap 4 of the jammer 100 is arranged to be positioned at the navel of the wearer, such that it is located at or above the iliac crest of the greater pelvis of the wearer.
The waist strap 4 is arranged to provide tension in the jammer 100, when it is worn, at or above the iliac crest of greater pelvis of the wearer. The arrangement of the first, third, fifth and seventh longitudinal straps 106, 110, 206, 210, the first lateral thigh strap 124, the gripper straps 60 a, 60 b around the first hem 58 and the third lateral thigh strap 128 is arranged to provide tension in the jammer 100 just above the wearer's first knee, specifically in the first lower front thigh panel 44 and the first lower rear panel 52.
The arrangement of the second, fourth, sixth and eighth longitudinal straps 108 112, 208, 212, the second lateral thigh strap 126, the gripper straps 60 a, 60 b around the second hem 56 and the fourth lateral thigh strap 130 is arranged to provide tension in the jammer 100 just above the wearer's second knee, specifically in the second lower front thigh panel 46 and the second lower rear panel 54.
The tensioned portions of the jammer 100 just above the knees of the wearer and at the waist are interconnected by the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth longitudinal straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 206, 208, 210, 212 and by the inner leg strap(s) 120, the gluteal strap 118 and the crotch straps 114, 116. The tension in these straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 provides moment that act against medial rotation of the legs of the wearer at the hip joints (the two acetabulofemoral joints) and about sagittal axes passing through the hip joints.
When a person is swimming, a “snaking effect” can occur due to medial/lateral rotation of the legs at the hip joints. The constriction effect provided by the jammer 100 reduces or eliminates this snaking effect, improving the efficiency of a wearer's stroke and potentially enables the wearer to swim faster.
Embodiments of the invention reduce the amount of pressure drag on the wearer by reducing the cross-sectional area of water that the wearer is “swimming through”. This is achieved by restricting the medial/lateral rotation of the legs of the wearer at the hip joints (i.e. the “snaking effect”).
The curved nature of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth longitudinal straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 206, 208, 210, 212 acts to distribute the tension in the side panels 34, 38 over a larger area at the wearer's hips and just above the wearer's knees, ensuring that the jammer is securely anchored at the hips and just above the knees of the wearer and that the side panels 34, 38 are appropriately tensioned.
It may be possible to increase the amount of tension in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth longitudinal straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 206, 208, 210, 212, the inner leg strap(s) 120, the gluteal strap 118 and the crotch straps 114, 116 by stretching them, thereby increasing the constriction effect.
For example, the distance from the waist strap 4 to each of the lower extremities 31, 32 of the leg portions of the jammer 100 may be smaller than the distance from the wearer's iliac crest or navel to the upper extremity of each of the wearer's knees. When the jammer 100 is worn, it may be stretched such that it extends from a location at or above the wearer's iliac crest or navel to a location at or just above the upper extremity of each of the wearer's knees.
For instance, in this regard the jammer 100 may be shaped such that it extends from the wearer's iliac crest/navel to the upper extremity of the wearer's knees when stretched to between 110% and 130% of its original, unstretched length. In some embodiments, the jammer 100 may shaped such that it fits in this way when stretched to between 110% and 120% of its original, unstretched length. In some further embodiments, the jammer 100 may shaped such that it fits in this way when stretched to substantially 114% of its original, unstretched length.
In this example, the waist strap 4 is an elasticated waistband that extends around the whole circumference of a wearer's waist. It may, for example, have an elastic modulus in the range 100 N/m to 3000 N/m. In some embodiments, the waist strap 4 has an elastic modulus of at least 300 N/m. In some further embodiments, the waist strap has an elastic modulus of at least 700 N/m. In still further embodiments, the waist strap has an elastic modulus of at least 1000 N/m.
Each of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth longitudinal straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 206, 208, 210, 212, the first and second crotch straps 114, 116, the gluteal strap 118, the inner leg strap(s) 120, and the first, second, third, fourth lateral thigh straps 124, 126, 128, 130 might have an elastic modulus in the range 100 N/m to 3000 N/m. In some embodiments, the straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 124, 126, 128, 130, 206, 208, 210, 212 may each have an elastic modulus of at least 300 N/m. In some further embodiments, the straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 124, 126, 128, 130, 206, 208, 210, 212 may each have an elastic modulus of at least 700 N/m.
Each of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth longitudinal straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 206, 208, 210, 212, the first and second crotch straps 114, 116, the gluteal strap 118, the inner leg strap(s) 120, and the first, second, third, fourth lateral thigh straps 124, 126, 128, 130 might each have a width (for joining adjacent panels) of 20 millimeters or less. In some embodiments, the straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 124, 126, 128, 130, 206, 208, 210, 212 may each have a width of 15 millimeters or less.
The jammer 100 may be compliant with rules set out by the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA). FINA rules set restrictions on the amount of seams that can be provided in swimwear, state that straps/tapes may only be provided to join elements of swimwear, and state that such straps/tapes may have a maximum width of 20 millimeters.
Those that are skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the seams in the shell 80 of the jammer 100 has been chosen carefully to enable the straps 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 124, 126, 128, 130, 206, 208, 210, 212 to be appropriately positioned in order to achieve the constriction effect described above.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention are not limited to a jammer. By way of example, embodiments of the invention will now be described in the context of first and second women's swimskins.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate front and rear elevations of an external surface of a shell 81 of swimwear, in the form of a first women's swimskin. The shell of the swimskin is similar to the shell 80 of the jammer 100, except that it is instead also shaped to cover the upper body of a woman. In this regard, the crotch panel 36 has been replaced by a front body panel 136 and a rear body panel 66 has been added. The first, second, third and fourth longitudinal seams 6, 8, 10, 12 extend beyond the hip regions 1001, 1003 of the wearer and to underarm regions 1008, 1009 of the wearer.
Also, in the illustrated example, the first, second, third and fourth longitudinal seams 6, 8, 10, 12 are substantially linear, as shown in the illustration of an external surface of the first side panel 34 of the shell 81 in FIG. 5C.
Furthermore, the shell 81 of the first swimskin comprises a rear waist seam 64 that extends laterally and provides a boundary between the rear body panel 66 and each of the first upper rear panel 48 and the second upper rear panel 50.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate front and rear elevations of an internal surface of the shell 81 of the first swimskin. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the shell 81 has been turned inside-out to show the internal surface. FIG. 6C illustrates the internal surface of the first side panel 34.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and rear elevations respectively of the internal surface of the first swimskin 200 (that is, the first swimskin 200 in its inside-out configuration) including the shell 81 and the lower body harness 5. In this example, some of the straps in the lower body harness 5 also extend to the wearer's upper body.
It can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B that the full circumference waist strap 4 that was provided in the jammer 100 has been replaced by a half-circumference first waist strap 164 that extends laterally at the rear of the wearer's waist. The first waist strap 164 is positioned on and along the rear waist seam 64, on the internal surface of the shell 81, and connects the rear body panel 66 to each of the first upper rear panel 48 and the second upper rear panel 50. The first waist strap 164 may, for example, be stitched, welded and/or adhered to the panels 48, 50, 66.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate front and rear elevations of the external surface of the first swimskin 200, respectively. FIG. 8C illustrates the external surface of the first side panel 34.
The lower body harness 5 further comprises a second waist strap 264 that is positioned on and along the rear waist seam 64, on the external surface of the shell 81, and connects the rear body panel 66 to each of the first upper rear panel 48 and the second upper rear panel 50. The second waist strap 264 may, for example, be stitched, welded and/or adhered to the panels 48, 50, 66.
The first and second waist straps 164, 264, are therefore separated by the shell 81 of the first swimskin 200 at the rear waist seam 64. In some implementations, the first and second waist straps 164, 264 may be attached to each other through the shell 81, for example, by stitching.
Each of the first and second waist straps 164, 264 might have an elastic modulus in the range 100 N/m to 3000 N/m. In some embodiments, the straps 164, 264 may have an elastic modulus of at least 300 N/m. In some further embodiments, the straps 164, 264 may each have an elastic modulus of at least 700 N/m.
FIGS. 9A-12B relate to a second swimskin 300 comprising a shell 82. The second swimskin 300 differs from the first swimskin 200 in that the rear body panel 66 has been replaced by first and second rear body panels 67, 68 that include an aperture 69.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate front and rear elevations of an external surface of the shell 82 of the second swimskin 300. FIG. 9C illustrates an external surface of the first side panel 34 of the shell 82 of the second swimskin 300.
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate front and rear elevations of the internal surface of the shell 82 of the second swimskin 300. That is, where the shell 82 of the second swimskin 300 has been turned inside-out. FIG. 10C illustrates an internal surface of the first side panel 34 of the shell 82 of the second swimskin 300.
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate front and rear elevations respectively of an internal surface of the second swimskin 300. FIG. 11C illustrates an internal surface of the first side panel 34 of the second swimskin 300.
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate front and rear elevations respectively of an external surface of the second swimskin 300. FIG. 12C illustrates the external surface of the first side panel 34 of the second swimskin 300.
FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate front, rear and side elevations of an external surface of swimwear in the form of a wetsuit 400 having first and second leg portions. The wetsuit 400 may, for example, be a triathlon wetsuit.
The wetsuit 400 includes a waistband/waist strap 364, a first longitudinal strap/panel 206 and a second longitudinal strap/panel 208. The waist strap 364 is at least partially positioned at or above the iliac crest of the greater pelvis of a wearer of the wetsuit 400. In this example, at the front of the wetsuit 400 the waist strap 364 extends upwardly from a crotch region/panel 550 and is arranged to extend around the sides and back of the waist of the wearer.
At the front of the wetsuit 400, as shown in FIG. 13A, the waist strap 364 is positioned below a front body panel 136, and above the first and second longitudinal straps 206, 208 and first and second front thigh panels 640, 642.
At the rear of the wetsuit 400, as shown in FIG. 13B, the waist strap 364 is positioned below a plurality of rear body panels 501-504 and a zipper 505, and above a gluteal panel 601. The zipper 505 is used to (partially) open the wetsuit 400 in order to allow a person to enter and don the wetsuit 400.
In this example, the waist strap 364 is directly attached to the front body panel 136, the crotch panel 550, the first and second longitudinal straps 206, 208, the first and second front thigh panels 640, 642, the plurality of rear body panels 501-504 and the gluteal panel 601.
Unlike previous examples, in this example, the waist strap 364 is not positioned on one or more seams. In this example, the periphery of the waist strap 364 provides a junction between the waist strap 364 and adjacent panels/straps, at which a small amount of overlap between the waist strap 364 and the adjacent panels/straps may be present.
The first longitudinal strap 206 extends downwardly from a first hip region 1001 of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region 1002 of the wearer. It may, for example, extend to a position at or around a first knee of the wearer. The second longitudinal strap 208 extends downwardly from a second hip region 1003 of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region 1004 of the wearer. It may, for example, extend to a position at or around a second knee of the wearer.
In this example, the first longitudinal strap 206 is attached not only to the waist strap 364 but also to the first front thigh panel 640 and at least one rear thigh/ leg panel 604, 605. Unlike previous examples, in this example, the first longitudinal strap 206 is not positioned on one or more seams. The periphery of the first longitudinal strap 206 provides a junction between the adjacent panels/straps, at which a small amount of overlap between the first longitudinal strap 206 and the adjacent panels/straps may be present.
The second longitudinal strap 206 is attached not only to the waist strap 364 but also to the second front thigh panel 642 and at least one rear thigh/ leg panel 602, 603. Unlike previous examples, in this example, the second longitudinal strap 206 is not positioned on one or more seams. The periphery of the second longitudinal strap 208 provides a junction between the adjacent panels/straps, at which a small amount of overlap between the second longitudinal strap 208 and the adjacent panels/straps may be present.
Each of the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 has a higher elastic modulus than the adjacent panels 136, 550, 601-605, 640, 642. That is, each of the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 is stiffer/less flexible than the adjacent panels 136, 550, 601-605, 640, 642. The waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 may be stiffer/less flexible than any other material that is used to form panels of the wetsuit 400.
In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of each of the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 could, for example, be 10-40% greater than the elastic modulus of other panels of the wetsuit 400, such as the adjacent panels 136, 550, 601-605, 640, 642.
For instance, the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 and the adjacent panels 136, 550, 601-605, 640, 642 (along with other panels of the wetsuit 400) may be made from neoprene, but the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 may be made from a different (stiffer/less flexible) neoprene than the adjacent panels 136, 550, 601-605, 640, 642.
For example, the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 may be made from petroleum/oil based neoprene and the adjacent panels 136, 550, 601-605, 640, 642 (and other panels of the wetsuit 400) may be made from limestone based neoprene.
The waist strap 364 can be considered to be means for providing tension at or above the iliac crest of the wearer. The zipper 505 (potentially along with some of the back panels 501-504 of the wetsuit 400) can also be considered to be means for providing tension at or above the iliac crest of the wearer. Another form of (elongate) back fastener could be used instead of the zipper 505 in other examples.
Each of the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 acts as a stiffening member. The first and second longitudinal straps 206, 208 are effectively elongate stiffening members that are arranged to extend down the sides of the wearer's legs.
Collectively the waist strap 364, the first longitudinal strap 206 and the second longitudinal strap 208 provide a similar effect to that described above in relation to the jammer 100 and the swimskins 200, 300, in that they reduce or eliminate the snaking effect that can occur due to medial/lateral rotation of the legs at the hip joints, improving the efficiency of the wearer's stroke and potentially enabling the wearer to swim faster.
Leg panels within the leg portions of the wetsuit 400, such as those designated with the reference numerals 640, 642, 603 and 605 may perform the functionality of the first and second gripper straps 60 a, 60 b described above by gripping to an area of the wearer's leg just above the knee. In view of this, separate gripper straps 60 a, 60 b made from silicone are not necessary in this example.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention can be applied to other items of swimwear that are not illustrated in the appended figures. Such swimwear includes, but is not limited to, men's swimskins, swimwear that extends below the knees of a wearer, wetsuits and the like. The shell of such a wetsuit may, for example, be made from material that is not air and water permeable, such as neoprene.
In a wetsuit, the tension that is provided at or above the iliac crest of a wearer need not be provided by a waist strap or a drawstring. Instead, as explained above, it could be provided by a substantially vertical zipper in the shell of a wetsuit that is arranged to draw lateral portions either side of the zipper together to create the tension.
It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any straps that have been described above as being on the inside of the shells 80, 81, 82 of the swimwear 100, 200, 300 could instead be on the external surface of the shells 80, 81, 82 and vice versa. Furthermore, straps could be provided on both the internal surface of the shells 80, 81, 82 and the external surface of the shells 80, 81, 82 along any of the aforementioned seams.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. Swimwear, comprising:

means for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer;

a first leg portion including at least a first longitudinal strap or stiffening member, the at least a first longitudinal strap or stiffening member extending from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the means for providing tension; and

a second leg portion including at least a second longitudinal strap or stiffening member, the at least a second longitudinal strap or stiffening member extending from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the means for providing tension.

2. The swimwear of claim 1, wherein the means for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer comprises at least one of a waist strap and a back fastener.

3. The swimwear of claim 1, wherein each of the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member and the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member is stiffer than panels in the leg portions of the swimwear.

4. The swimwear of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member extends from the first hip region of the wearer to a position at or around a first knee of the wearer, and the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member extends from the second hip region of the wearer to a position at or around a second knee of the wearer.

5. The swimwear of claim 1, wherein the swimwear is a wetsuit and the first longitudinal straps or stiffening members are made from neoprene.

6. The swimwear of claim 1, wherein the means for providing tension at or above the iliac crest of a wearer is or comprises at least one of a waist strap and a drawstring.

7. The swimwear of claim 6, further comprising a body harness, the body harness comprising the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member, the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member and the at least one of a waist strap and a drawstring,

the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member being arranged to extend from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer;

the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member being arranged to extend from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer; and

the waist strap and/or the drawstring extending at least partially around a waist of the wearer and coupled to the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member and the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member.

8. The swimwear of claim 7, further comprising a shell, wherein:

the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member is arranged to substantially cover a first seam, in the shell, extending from the first hip region of the first leg of the wearer to the first lateral thigh region of the wearer; and

the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member is arranged to substantially cover a second seam, in the shell, extending from the second hip region of the second leg of the wearer to the second lateral thigh region of the wearer.

9. The swimwear of claim 7, further comprising a first gripper strap and a second gripper strap, the first gripper strap being arranged to grip a first leg of the wearer above and adjacent to the wearer's knee, and being coupled to the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member; and

the second gripper strap being arranged to grip a second leg of the wearer above and adjacent to the wearer's knee, and being coupled to the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member.

10. The swimwear of claim 6, wherein the swimwear comprises the waist strap which extends at least partially around a waist of the wearer and is coupled to the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member and the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member.

11. The swimwear of claim 10, wherein the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member is directly connected to the waist strap and the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member is directly connected to the waist strap.

12. The swimwear of claim 10, wherein the body harness further comprises one or more further straps, extending from a crotch region of the wearer, arranged to couple to the waist strap.

13. The swimwear of claim 12, wherein the one or more further straps include a strap that is directly connected to the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member, a strap that is directly connected to the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member and a strap that is directly connected to the waist strap.

14. The swimwear of claim 7, wherein the body harness further comprises at least one inner leg strap arranged to extend from a crotch region of the wearer and along an inner leg region of the wearer, and the at least one inner leg strap extends along an inner leg region of the first leg of the wearer and along an inner leg region of the second leg of the wearer.

15. The swimwear of claim 14, wherein the body harness further comprises a lateral thigh strap arranged to couple the at least one inner leg strap to the first longitudinal strap.

16. A wetsuit, comprising:

at least one of a waist strap and a back fastener for providing tension at or above an iliac crest of a wearer;

a first leg portion including at least a first stiffening member, the at least a first stiffening member extending from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the means for providing tension; and

a second leg portion including at least a second stiffening member, the at least a second stiffening member extending from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer and being coupled to the waist strap and/or the back fastener.

17. The wetsuit of claim 16, wherein the first longitudinal strap or stiffening member extends from the first hip region of the wearer to a position at or around a first knee of the wearer, and the second longitudinal strap or stiffening member extends from the second hip region of the wearer to a position at or around a second knee of the wearer.

18. The wetsuit of claim 16, wherein each of the first stiffening member and the second stiffening member is stiffer than panels in the leg portions of the wetsuit.

19. The wetsuit of claim 18, wherein the panels in the leg portions are made from a first neoprene, the first and second stiffening members are made from a second neoprene, and the first and second stiffening members have an elastic modulus that is 10-40% greater than an elastic modulus of the panels in the leg portions.

20. Swimwear, comprising:

a body harness comprising a first longitudinal strap, a second longitudinal strap, at least one inner leg strap, a first lateral strap, a second lateral strap and at least one of a waist strap and a drawstring;

the first longitudinal strap being arranged to extend from a first hip region of the wearer to a first lateral thigh region of the wearer;

the second longitudinal strap being arranged to extend from a second hip region of the wearer to a second lateral thigh region of the wearer;

the waist strap and/or the drawstring extending at least partially around a waist of the wearer and coupled to the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap;

the least one inner leg strap arranged to extend from a crotch region of the wearer and along an inner leg region of a first leg of the wearer and an inner leg region of a second leg of the wearer;

the first lateral strap being arranged to couple the at least one the inner leg strap to the first longitudinal strap; and

the second lateral strap being arranged to couple the at least one the inner leg strap to the second longitudinal strap.