US2822547A

US2822547A - Garment for feminine wear

Info

Publication number: US2822547A
Application number: US451891A
Authority: US
Inventors: Halstead Marian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1954-08-24
Filing date: 1954-08-24
Publication date: 1958-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 1975-02-11

Description

Feb. 11, 1958 M. HALSTEAD GARMENT FOR FEMININE WEAR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 24. 1954 75 INVENTOR HALSTEAD MARIAN.

ATTORNEY Feb. 11, 1958 M. HALSTEAD GARMENT FOR FEMININE WEAR Filed Au 24, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR MARIAN HALSTEAD ATTORNEY Feb. 11, 1958 M. HALSTEAD GARMENT FOR FEMININE WEAR 5 Shee'ts-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 24, 1954 INVENTOR MAR|AN HALSTEAD BY M9 1w 4 ATTORNEY Unitid tent GARMENT FOR FEMININE WEAR Marian Halstead, New York, N. Y. Application August 24, 1954, Serial No. 451,891

4 Claims. (Cl. 2-30) This invention relates to a garment for feminine wear. Such garment, as hereinafter specfically disclosed, is especially well suited for feminine figures requiring a minimum of figure control and permits maximum freedom of bodily movements without adversely affecting the form fitting, non-wrinkling contour of the garment on the wearer. More specifically, the invention incorporates lightness of construction in a womans garment with comfortable body control and smooth fitting lines to enhance posture and figure appearance.

It is a specific object of this invention to provide an extremely light-weight garment for feminine wear having .a waist encircling portion contoured to fit smoothly over the hips of the wearer without cutting and further having a bust supporting portion associated with the waist encircling portion so constructed and designed as to permit maximum freedom of body movement while retaining smoothness of fit of the garment over the anatomy and comfortable control of the body curves, such garment beingwell suited for use with stocking supporting, if desired.

7 It is further object of this invention to provide a garment having a form fitting waist encircling portion passing above the hips without cutting into the flesh and muscle tissue associated therewith and including a crotch portion and sectionalized rear flap seat with the crotch portion so constructed and designed in its juncture with the waist encircling portion and the flap seat as to alleviate cutting of the leg tendons of the wearer and thus promote comfort and bodily freedom of movement for the wearer whether or not the garment is used for stockingsupport.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a feminine garment offering extreme snugness of fit for improved figure appearance and posture, such garment having a waist encircling portion and bust supporting portion interrelated to insure bosom uplift and support 7 action, and also having an improved crotch structure carrying a rear flap seat so designed as to alleviate leg tendon cutting.

Still further objects and purposes of the invention reside in the provision of a garment suitable for low cost mass production and offering to the wearer comfortable control of body curves and smooth, non-wrinkling contour fitting without cutting into the anatomy at any of the scams or edges of the garment.

Other objects and advantages of the instant invention will be readily apparent from the specific description set forth hereinafter, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a view of a garment according to one modification of the invention showing a rear side view thereof as it appears on the wearer;

Figure 2 is a front side view of the garment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear side view of a garment similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2, as especially designed for beach- Figure 4 is a view, in side elevation, of a garment embodying the features of the instant invention and showing the flap seat in open position and a halter strap bra;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the garment specifically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, showing the contour and cut of the individual pieces of fabric which are joined together in the production of the garment;

Figure 6 is a front elevational view showing the individual pieces, as shown in Figure 5, in fully assembled relationship ready to be worn;

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are front side views illustrating variations of the basic garment construction as shown in Figures 1 through 6 especially suited for beachwear use;

Figure 10 is a front elevational view of a further modified form of the invention supportable independently of an attached bra;

Figure 11 is a view'in side elevation of the garment modification of Figure 10 showing the flap seat in open position;

Figure 12 is an exploded view of the garment modification of Figures 10 and 11 showing the contour and cut of the individual pieces of fabric which are joined in the production of the garment, and

Figure 13 is a front side view of a modified form of the garment incorporating the figure control features of the instant invention and ideally suited for use in the support of stockings.

For the most effective description of the various pieces of fabric which are united to make up the garment of the instant invention, reference will first be had to Figures 5 and 6 which respectively illustrate an exploded view and an assembled view of the individual fabric pieces. In the embodiment illustrated in these figures, a front abdominal panel 10 is provided to cover the lower abdomi nal region of the wearer, such panel having a convexly curved upper edge 11 joined to the concavely curved lower edge 12 of a lower chest bridging panel 13 to provide a seam curving upwardly adjacent the mid-point thereof. This seam, when the garment is positioned on the wearer, extends generally across the waist and slightly above the stomach so as to preclude cutting of the garment seam into the flesh at the waist. Thus restriction of the wearers breathing is alleviated while permitting expansion of the flexible area of the diphragm.

The edges along the sides of the abdominal panel 10 and chest bridging panel 13, when these two panels are joined at their

edges

11 and 12, flare outwardly along

lines

14 and 15 from the upper edge of the chest bridging panel to a point of maximum transverse dimension for the abdominal panel 10. A pair of

side panels

16 and 17 are joined along their

respective edges

18 and 19 to the side

flaring edge lines

14 and 15 made up by the abdominal panel 10 and chest bridging panel 13. The

side panels

16 and 17 are of such a length that their

respective edges

18 and 19, which are joined along

lines

14 and 15, terminate at the upper edge of the chest bridging panel 13 and the point of maximum transverse dimension of the abdominal panel 10.

Belowthe point of maximum transverse dimension of front abdominal panel 10, such panel tapers in width along a pair of concavely

curved lines

20 and 21, which lines are the garment edges which pass across the hips and downwardly above the upper part of the thighs toward the crotch of the wearer when in use. From the lower ends of the concavely

curved lines

20 and 21, the abdominal panel 10 narrows along a pair of converging concavely curved lines 22 and 23, terminating at the ends of lines 22 and 23 in a generally semi-circular lower edge 24 to be joined with a crotch section 25.

"Referring'again to the

side panels

16 and 17, it will Patented Feb. 1 1, 1958- be observed that such panels, in position on the wearer, extend .rearwardly around the sides of the body under the arms and back of the chest cage to be joined by suitable fastening means 30 and 31 secured to the outer free ends of the side panels. These fastening means cooperate with .each other adjacent the small .of the back to position the garment iniencircling relation :to the Wearers Waist. Thelower edges32 and 33.of the

respective side panels

16 ,and 17, when such panels are joined to the abdominal panel and lower chest :bridging panel, form continuations of the respective .concavely curved H1165 and .21 of the abdominal panel 10. Such edges 32 and Q33 and

lines

20 and 21 extend from :the point of connection of the fastening means 30.and.3.1at:the mal a th back of :th 'weareraround, over an above the ih p o th.ew. a .e ctossthe upper part of the thigh a d down a d y towa d the ro ch- These curved edges of the garment must smoothly engage and comfortably fit a r the h p o th a e -t zinsureasai s wrink in of th fabric o e arm n and un omfo ta le sli tin of the garment edges into the wearers anatomy.

As shown more clearly in Figure .4, the seam dine 14 terminates immediately above the hip bone at the junction of edge 33 and line 21. To insure smooth, nonwrinkling and non-.cutting fit of the garment across this portion of the anatomy, a fabric fullness is provided at 35 for @proper desired fitof the garment edge across the hip bone and muscle tissue associated -,t her,ewith.

As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, fabric fullness at 34 and 35, which respectively engage over the .opposite hip I bones of the wearer, is provided in the instant invention by the particular cut of the edges of abdominal panel adjacent its point of maximum transverse dimension in relation to the cut of

side panels

16 and 17 adjacent their lower edges 32 and 33. It will thus be apparent that as these panels are joined along the

lines

14 and 15, the edges 32 and 33, as continuations respectively of lines and '21, will have imparted adjacent their junction with such lines a fabric fullness at '34 and 35. This fullness permits the garment to smoothly and snugly engage across the hip muscle tissue which is associated with the terminus of the hip bone.

Although in the embodiment illustrated, the fabric fullness at 34 and 35 has been providedby the specific cut of the

panels

10, 16 and 17, it will *be appreciated that Within the scope of the instant invention such fabric fullness might be imparted to the garment at this particular location by a separate piece of fabric inserted at the junctionof the seam with the body engaging edges of the garment or by other suitable equivalent means.

Returning to the lower chest bridging panel '13, it will be observed that the upper edge thereof has a central upstanding portion 40 forming on the opposite sides thereof breast cup receiving cut-outs 41 and 42. The upstanding portion 40 is slightly tapered so that the side edges thereof, which form a part of the cut-outs 41 and 42, are straight and almost vertical. These side edges curve sharply outward from the base of upstanding portion 40 into the almost horizontal upper edge of the panel '13 to complete the breast cup cut-outs 41 and 42. Cut-outs 4iand 42, together with the upperedges 43 and .44 of the

respective side panels

16 and 17, form the seam line to be joined to the breast cup sections. The form of the openings for the breast cups, together with the sectionalizcd breast cup structure as described hereinbelow has been found to materially contribute to bust support anduplift in the complete garment structure.

The breast cups, for connection to the upper edge of chest bridging panel 13 and

side panels

16 and 17, are eachformed of an upper :section 45 and a lower section 46. The lower sections 46each have an edge which is sewn to one of the cut-outs '41 or 42=and an opposite edge which is joined with a mating edge of the appropriate upper section 45 to producebreast

cup seam lines

47 and 54,8 (see Figure 6). 'Thebreast

cup seam lines

47 and 48 extend outwardly, generally horizontal, with a slight rise from the side edges of upstanding portion 40 to the apex or tip of the breast cup. Thereafter the seam lines curve downwardly at an angle to the vertical to join with the ends of

lines

14 and 15 formed by the side edges of

panels

10 and 13.

In the construction of the garment of the instant invention, a structure has been achieved which insures maximum comfort and freedom of body movement to the individual wearer while still retaining the desired bust uplift and support to enhance posture and figure appearance; It has been found that the particular bust cup construction and breast cup .cut-lout form, as hereinabove described in combination with the other elements of the garment, insures the required breast support and uplift even in the absence of shoulder straps being used with the garment. In the absence of such straps, stiffening may be applied as desired to provide desired breast cup form. Thus, the sectional ,breast cups with two sections united along a seam line disposed as lines 47 and .48, so as to extend outwardly from the center line of the garment substantially horizontal, with .a slight rise to the .tip of the breast and thence across the .tip, turning gradually downwardly at about a sixty degree angle to the horizontal and terminating beneath the heavy portion of the breast, has been found to give .the desired results in the completed garment. Accordingly, as clearly .illustrated by several of the views on the drawings showing the garment positioned on the wearer the seam line for the breast cups does not terminate vertically beneath the breast but joins with the

lines

14 and 15 in the gar.- ment structure at the outer underside of the respective breasts.

A pair of shoulder straps 49 extending over the shoulders are provided connected between the upperr most point on the upper sections 45 of the breast cups and the edges of the side panels 16 and ;1 7. These edges, as is apparent from the description hereinabove, extend rearwardly around the sides beneath the arms 9f the wearer.

Referring more specifically to the ,crotqh seeiion 3 5, it will be noted that the section flares outwardly along a pair of concavely curved lines 50 and 51 f 'grn a gen.- erally semi-circular end edge 52, which is united with the lower edge 24 of abdominal panel .10 to a ,egnyex-ly curved end edge 53. The end edge 53 is united the fl p .seat o the garmen wh is m de up o pair of

seat panels

54 and 55,, which panels are gninedplong ,a center seam 56 to provide the flap seat for .the gannent. The opposite edges of the flap seat areenrved gutwandly along

lines

57 and 58 which, as continuations ,of .the edges 50 and 51 of crotch section 25, extend upyvardly to snugly engage beneath the buttocks of the wearer. The flap seat narrows in width from its point of maximum transverse dimension along a pair of converging

straight lines

59 and 60, the ends of which lines are joined by a curved line 61 which, on the wearer, forms thetop edge of the flap seat. The sectionalized-flap seat and its connection with the curved end edge 53 gives ,control to the fit of the seat so that it smoothly and snugly engages across the checks of the buttocks of the wearer and ,at the crease between the legs-and buttocks.

Fastening means 62 are provided to cooperate with fasteners 63 carried by the front abdominal panel 10 on the opposite sides thereof. Sirnilarsuitable fastening means 64 are provided at the opposite ends of lines ,59 and 60 of the flap seat to cooperate with fasteners 65 also carried by the abdominal panel 10. Intermediate the

fasteners

62 and 64, along edge lines59 and 60, there may be provided additional fasteningmeau 6 whicl1 cooperate with spaced fasteners 67 carried .by thefront abdominal panel 10.

As shown, a series of laterally spaced fasteners are provided on abdominal panel 10. It is generally desirable that some such fastening means be provided on the getment since this enables adjustment of the garment to accommodate different figure variations in the anatomy of the persons using the garment, without alteration of the garment.

Again referring to the crotch section 25, specific attention is directed to the connection thereof with the lower end of abdominal panel 10. As described hereinabove, the generally semi-circular edges 24 and 52 are joined to unite the crotch section with panel 10. The formation of the edges by reason of the cut of these two garment t pieces results in a formed crotch structure wherein the edges of the material 22 and 50 on one side thereof and 23 and 51 on the other side do not cut into the leg tendons adjacent the forward part of the crotch but instead provide smooth comfortable fit of the crotch with the wearers anatomy, thu promoting freedom of body movement without encountering cutting of the leg tendons.

The general fit and mode of application of the assembled garment, as shown in Figure 6, to a feminine figure will be generally apparent from the views shown in Figures 1 through 4. From these illustrations it will be apparent how the free ends of the side panels are fastened adjacent the small of the back to retain the abdominal panel, lower chest bridging panel and sectional breast cups in smooth, snugly fitting relation across the front of the figure. Also, these showings illustrate the manner in which the flap seat is connected to the fasteners provided on the front abdominal panel 10.

The appropriate positioning of stocking supporters 70 in relation to the assembled garment is shown on Figure 6 and their position when the garment is being worn, illustrated on Figures 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that such supporters are suitably secured to the garment as by tabs sewn to the panels at the appropriate points along their edges. As desired in use the garment may be worn with or without such stocking supporters.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a garment having the same basic characteristics as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and assembled from similar fabric pieces as shown in Figures 5 and 6. However, in these two figures the garment is especially designed for wear as a bathing suit or for general sportswear use. Thus in Figure '3 the leg encircling garment edge of the flap seat, crotch section and abdominal panel is provided with a band or cuff 75 which may be adjustable or elasticized if desired and a decorative strip or cuff 76 sewn along the upper top edge of the garment to enhance the garments appearance when used for beach or sportswear.

Figure 4 illustrates a slightly different beachwear garment embodying the structural characteristics of the instant invention employing in the place of the straps 49, a halter or removable strap 77 and utilizing tied fastening means, indicated generally at 78, in place of the more usual hook type fasteners which are employed in the garment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 to fasten the flap seat 1 to the front abdominal panel and the outer ends of the side panels to one another at the small of the back. As in the case of Figure 3, the leg engaging edges of the garment of Figure 4 are provided with an inelastic band or cuff 75 which may be adjustable or elasticized, if desired, and a decorative strip 76 applied across the top edge of the garment to give an attractive appearance to the garment for beachwear use. If will also be noted that with the use of a halter strap 77 in place of the shoulder straps or when no shoulder traps are employed, the edge line of the side panels may be altered to do away with the sharp bend as illustrated in Figures 1, 5 and 6. Accordingly, as shown at 79, the line extending downwardly and rearwardly from the point of connection of the shoulder strap 77 to the tie fasteners at the back of the garment may take a generally concave and then convex curve to smoothly engage around the side lower portion of the chest cage and beneath the arm of the wearer.

Further reference may be had to Figure 4 as illustrating the positioning of the edge line 21 of. abdominal panel 10 and edge 33 of side panel 17. This figure thus shows the location of the fabric fullness 35 which insures smooth and snug engagement of the garment as it passes over above the hips, around the side of the wearer to the back to be secured to the other side of the garment.

Briefly referring to Figures 7, 8, and 9, such views illustrate various modifications of the basic garment structure for beachwear use. Thus Figure 7 suggests a flaring skirt sewn to the basic garment structure along the upper edge of the chest bridging panel along the seam beneath the bust cups and also sewn to the diagonally extending side seams which extend from the underside edge of the bust cups, downwardly and rearwardly along the garment. Figure 8 illustrates the garment with an apron-like skirt 81 secured across the front of the garment and Figure 9 illustrates the basic garment structure having a waist encircling belt 82 used in conjunction with the basic garment. It may be noted that in garments incorporating the novel features of the invention, made of a fabric having a design, such as a plaid, stripes or other pattern, a center seam may be provided extending through the lower chest bridging panel, abdominal panel and crotch to facilitate matching of the fabric pattern or design. Also, within the scope of the invention, the upper breast cup section could be formed of fabric pieces seamed. to give attractive fabric pattern matching.

Referring to the modification shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, which modification is adapted to be worn independently of an affixed bra, it will be observed that the front abdominal panel 88 corresponds generally to the cut and contour of the abdominal panel 10 of the modification of Figures 1 through 6. However, the upper edge of abdominal panel 88 is formed with a concavely curved line 89. This line provides a dip at the center front of the garment so that, as positioned on the wearer, the fabric edge does not tend to cut into the wearers stomach so as to be uncomfortable but instead rides slightly beneath the waistline insuring a smooth, non-wrinkling fit across the front of the garment. A pair of side members 90 are seamed to the side edges of the abdominal panel 88 and are provided at their outer free ends with cooperating fastening means 91 which are adapted to be interconnected at the small of the back to position the garment in waist encircling relation to the wearer.

As illustrated in the drawings, the cut and'contour of the fabric pieces 88 and 90 are so related as to provide a fullness in the garment edge line which passes over the hip similar to the fabric fullness provided at 34 and 35 as illustrated on Figure 6. Thus, a smooth, non-wrinkling and non-cutting engagement of the garment material across the hips of the wearer is insured. Further along the upper edge 89 and the upper edges of side members 90, material is provided by the cut and contour of such fabric pieces so as to provide a non-cutting edge which edge extends up just beneath the wearers chest cage so that the flesh lies en cased in and beneath the fabric pieces rather than rolling out and over the edge as would be characteristic of an edge not possessing the fullness at this point in the garment. Although the desired garment edge fullness has been provided in the illustrated embodiment by the cut and contour of the individual fabric pieces, it will be readily recognized that within the scope of the instant invention, such edge fullness may be appropriately provided by insertion of a gusset or extra fabric piece instead of by the cut of the fabric pieces 88 and 90.

A crotch section 92 is secured to the lower edge of the abdominal panel 88 and is formed similarly to the crotch section 25 described hereinabove with regard to Figures 5 and 6. A flap seat, made up of

seat panels

93 and 94, is secured to the convexly curved end of crotch section 92 and the two

seat panels

93 and 94 sewn together along a center seam. The sectionalized flap seat in conjunction with the convexly curved end of the crotch section 92 gives effective control of the seat fit so that the flap seat smoothly and snugly engages upwardly beneath the buttocks of the wearer.

Particular attention is called to the form of the

leg engaging lines

95 and 96 of the flap seat shown in Figure 12 in comparison with the leg engaging.

lines

57 and 58 of the flap seat illustrated in Figures and 6. The curvature of

lines

57 and 58 provides a seat fullness particularly desirable for formation of a garment for use as an undergarment, particularly where it is contemplated that such garment will be used for the supporting of stockings. Thus, when the garment is used with stocking supporters, the pull of the stockings on the wearer insures that the leg-engaging

edge lines

57 and 58 of the respective fiap seat panels will be retained snugly down at the crease bet-ween the legs and the buttocks. In a structure such a s-illustrated in Figure 12, the

leg engaging lines

95 and 96*do not possess the same fullness as

lines

57 and 58 sinceithas been found that with a tight inelastic band as might be employedin a'bathing suit or other sport wear garment, acut for the flap set such as illustrated in Figure 12 is. desirable.

Figure 12 also illustrates a further edge line change inthe cut of thefiap seat in that it will be'noted that the

lines

97 and 9 3, which are secured to the front abdominal panel, are not-straight. as in the case of

similar lines

59 and 60 of the garment of Figures 5 and 6. Instead. in Figure 12, these li nes are curved toward the concave line 99 which line extends across'the back of thewearer when the garment is in. use. A slight curvature in the cut of lines 97 and'98 is desirably-provided where it is contemplated that the-edges will besewn to the front of the abdominal panel. It has been found thatthis curvature, coupled with sewing ofthe flap seat edgesto the abdominal panel along straight, generally vertical parallel lines results in betterabdorninal' fitof the garment on the average wearer. With the ilap seat edges sewn to the abdominal panel, the center seam of the rear flapseat may be openable through provision of suitable'fastening means to facilitate applying and removing the garment. Of course, where-detachable fasteners are used, figure variations between individualwearers may be readily accommodated by utilizing different ones of the fasteners mounted onthe front of the abdominal panel.

Although variations'of the cut and contour of the flap have-been specifically illustrated with respect to the embodiment of Figure-12, it is to be understood that such variations areequallyapplicable to the embodiment de-" band along' edges 57 and 58, such edges preferably will be cut and contoured similarly to the

lines

95 and 96 in Figure 12-. Also where the flap seat edges. are to be sewn to the abdominal panel such edges will be cut and contoured such as-shown-at 97 and 98 in Figure 12.

- In Figure 13 there is shown a garment embodying features of the instant invention'which is ideally suited for stocking support inconjunction with desired bodycontour control and bust uplift. This'garrnent is characterized by several of. the fabric pieces thereof being similar to the various-elements describedwith'regardto Figures 5 and-6; Accordingly, similar reference numerals are-applied to this figure where they have a counterpart in the embodimentof Figures 5 and 6. In the embodiment of Figure 13 a front abdominal panel 85 is joined with the lower edge of the lower chest bridging panel. 13 and side panels, similar to the structure illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. However, in this embodiment the lower edge of panel SSis not connected to a crotch section, such:crotchsectionbeing omitted. Accordingly, the a'odom'inal panel SS hangs downwardly on the wearer fitting snugly across the abdomen'to the end of the torso. Suitable: stocking supp'orters" as are. carried f at appropri ate poihtslat the lower edge of theabdominal'panel 851' Ihe form of theQinvention'illustrated in Figure 13 offers amaximum of freedom of bodily movement to the wearer together with extreme comfort while oifering stocking support and bust, waist and abdomen control. It will be readily recognized that the basic advantageous characteristics of the elements as described hereinabove with regard to Figures 5 and 6 are similarly present in the garment shown at Figure 13. Thus, the smooth, nonwrinkling and non-cutting fit of the garment across the hips, extending from the fabric fullness at 34 and 35 (Figure 6), is likewise carried over into the construction of the garment in Figure 13. Further, the improved bust cup structure, co-acting with the rest of the garment structure, results in firm but comfortable breast support to the wearer of the garment. In this regard it is again to be noted that the brest cup seams terminate at a point laterally of the underside of the breast to transfer maximum lift to the heaviest portion of the bust along the seam lines extending: rearwardly and downwardly toward the hips of the wearer.

Reference will'now be made to a preferred cut of the separate fabric pieces, i. e., as to whether such pieces are cut on the bias or onthe'straight. This relationship between the cut of the various fabric pieces has been found to result in a finished garment having ideal fit on female anatomy to conform" to the curves thereof and impart comfortable figure control and support without wrinkling or cutting" of the material edges into the wearers anatomy.

In the preferred construction, the front abdominal panel is-cut on the straight with the warp extending transversely across the width of the fabric. The lower chest bridging panel is cut on the bias if of woven or elasticized 'material to offer smooth, even fit of this panel across the lower chest cavity beneath the bust of the wearer. The side panels are cut substantially on the bias with thewarpof the material of such panels transferring tensiontorces to the upper and lower portions of the seam lines 14 and'15 where the side panels are joined to the edges of the abdominal panel 10 and lower chest bridging panel 13.

Further, the sections 45and 46 of the breast cups are cut from the material so that the warp threads therein are directed in lines extending generally between the junction'of the breast cup seams with the

lines

14 and 15 and the point of attachment of the shoulder straps with respect to section 45 and somewhat parallel to the outer edge of curve 41 with: respect to section 46. The crotch sectionZS maybe cuteither on the bias or on the straight and the panels of the flap seat are cut generally on the bias to insure figure tit and sung engagement of the seat beneath and over the buttocks of the wearer.

It will be appreciated'that the reference to the specific cut of thematerial in-rela'tion to each of the individual pieces of fabric utilized in making'up the garment is given merely'as a preferred construction of the garment. However, within the scope of the instant invention, under certain conditions and figure variations, the cut of the various fabric or elasticized material pieces may be altered.

Having'thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. A garment for feminine wear comprising a' front abdominal panel, a lower chest bridging panel, said abdominal panel and lower chest bridging panel being joined along their respective upper and lower edges, the edges along the sides of said abdominal panel and said chest bridging panel flaring outwardly from the upper edge of said chest bridging panel to the pointof maximum transverse'dimension of saidabdorninal panel, a pair of side panels secured to said side edges respectively, said frontabdorninal panel tapering in width along a pair of'concavely curved lines below said point of maximum transverse dimension and the lower edges of said side panels forming outward continuations of said concavely curved lines, the junctures of said side panels with the side edges of said abdominal panel having a fullness of material immediately adjacent said concavely curved lines to insure snug, non-cutting engagement of said lines across the hips and rearwardly around the back of a wearer, cooperating fastening means secured to the outer free end portions of said side panels for securing the garment about the waist of a wearer, the upper edge of 'said lower chest bridging panel having a central upstanding portion forming with the remainder of said upper edge a pair of similarly formed breast cup receiving cut-outs, a pair of br st cups each having an upper section and a lower section, said lower section being joined along one edge thereof to the edge of one of said cut-outs, the opposite edge of said lower section being united with one edge of said upper section to form a seam extending generally horizontally from the side edge of said central upstanding portion outwardly to the apex of the breast cup and thence curving downwardly and laterally to the intersection of the side edge and upper edge of said lower chest bridging panel, and said upper section having an edge joined with the upper edge of the adjacent side panel.

2. A garment for feminine wear as recited in claim 1 wherein the upper edge of said abdominal panel is convexly curved and the lower edge of said chest bridging panel is concavely curved so that the seam formed by joining such edges will curve upwardly adjacent the mid point of its length to pass above the stomach of a wearer in use.

3. A garment for feminine wear comprising a front abdominal panel, a lower chest bridging panel, said abdominal panel and lower chest bridging panel being joined along their respective upper and lower edges, the edges along the sides of said abdominal panel and said chest bridging panel flaring outwardly from the upper edge of said chest bridging panel to the point of maximum transverse dimension of said abdominal panel, a pair of side panels secured to said side edges respectively, said front abdominal panel tapering in width along a pair of concavely curved lines below said point of maximum transverse dimension and the lower edges of said side panels forming outward continuations of said concavely curved lines, the junctures of said side panels with the side edges of said abdominal panel having a fullness of material immediately adjacent said concavely curved lines to insure snug, non-cutting engagement of said lines across the hips and rearwardly around the back of a wearer, cooperating fastening means secured to the outer free end portions of said side panels for securing the garment about the waist of a wearer, the upper edge of said lower chest bridging panel having a central upstanding portion forming with the remainder of said upper edge a pair of similarly formed breast cup receiving cut-outs, each of said cut-outs having an edge configuration formed with a generally horizontal line portion and a substantially vertical line portion joined at their adjacent ends with an interconnecting concavely curved line, a pair of breast cups each having an upper section and a lower section, said lower section being joined along one edge thereof to the edge of one of said cut-outs with the ends of said one lower section edge terminating at the upper end of the side edge of said central upstanding portion and at the upper end of the side edge of said lower chest bridging panel, the opposite edge of said lower section being united with one edge of said upper section to form a seam line extending generally horizontally from the side edge of said central upstanding portion outwardly to the apex of the breast cup and thence curving downwardly and laterally to the intersection of the side edge and upper edge of said lower chest bridging panel, and said upper section having an edge joined with the upper edge of the adjacent side panel.

4. A garment for feminine wear comprising a front abdominal panel, a lower chest bridging panel, said abdominal panel and lower chest bridging panel being joined along their respective upper and lower edges, the edges along the sides of said abdominal panel and said chest bridging panel flaring outwardly from the upper edge of said chest bridging panel to the point of maximum transverse dimension of said abdominal panel, a pair of side panels secured to said side edges respectively, said front abdominal panel tapering in width along a pair of concavely curved lines below said point of maximum trans verse dimension and the lower edges of said side panels forming outward continuations of said concavely curved lines, the junctures of said side panels with the side edges of said abdominal panel having a fullness of material immediately adjacent said concavely curved lines to insure snug non-cutting engagement of said lines across the hips and rearwardly around the back of a wearer, cooperating fastening means secured to the outer free end portions of said side panels for securing the garment about the waist of a wearer, the upper edge of said lower chest bridging panel having a central upstanding portion forming with the remainder of said upper edge a pair of similarly formed breast cup receiving cut-outs, a pair of breast cups each having an upper section and a lower section, said lower section being joined along one edge thereof to the edge of one of said cut-outs, the opposite edge of said lower section being united with one edge of said upper section to form a seam line extending generally horizontally from the side edge of said central upstanding portion outwardly to the apex of the breast cup and thence curving downwardly and laterally to the intersection of the side edge and upper edge of said lower chest bridging panel, and said upper section having an edge joined with the upper edge of the adjacent side panel, a crotch section having one end joined to the lower edge of said abdominal panel and flaring outwardly from its junction with said abdominal panel, a flap seat secured to the 0pposite end of said crotch section, said flap seat comprising a pair of similar seat panels joined along adjacent side edges and having convexly curved outward side edges to engage around an beneath the buttocks of a wearer in use, and cooperating fastening means carried respectively by the outer free ends of said seat panels and at laterally spaced positions on said abdominal panels to enable detachably connecting the ends of said seat panels to the abdominal panel in positioning the garment on a wearer.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,954,526 Holahan Apr. 10, 1934 2,060,689 Read Nov. 10, 1936 2,335,430 Metz Nov. 30, 1943 2,561,783 Burr July 24, 1951 2,691,166 Roth Oct. 12, 1954