WO2015116713A1

WO2015116713A1 - Garment shaping system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2015116713A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/013342
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erin Nevins
Original assignee: Nydj Apparel, Llc
Priority date: 2014-01-29
Filing date: 2015-01-28
Publication date: 2015-08-06
Also published as: US20150208737A1

Abstract

An upper body garment having shape forming structures. In one embodiment, the upper body garment includes an outer bodice and an inner camisole. The camisole includes a waist panel that incorporates elastic material for shape forming and a waistline adapted to resist slipping along a wearer's body.

Description

GARMENT SHAPING SYSTEM AND METHOD

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This present disclosure relates to clothing, and in particular, to garments incorporating shaping substructure.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Dresses, also known as frocks or gowns, are garments characterized by a skirt portion attached to a bodice. The length or hemlines of dresses vary with the time and fashion but a longer hemline is generally considered to be more modest.

[0004] There is some evidence that dresses were worn by cave people about 35,000 years ago. It is believed that they wore it for protection needs, and not fashion. Most of these garments were furs, grasses and leaves draped over the body. Later, ancient Egypt linens of various colors were draped over the shoulders and around the waist, which were understood to be worn for protection and fashion. During medieval times, layers of cloth dresses with many patterns and colors were worn by women.

[0005] In many cultures throughout history, dresses have been worn by men. For example, the Scottish kilt (although kilts are known to be from Scandinavian heritage), or the toga worn by the ancient Greeks, were male garments. More recently, in the early 1920's, it was common to see masculine styles of dress for women, with strong angles, made from sturdy materials. But this changed dramatically in the 1930's. The 1930's heralded a return to the feminine ideal, with a change of hemline and cut. Dresses tended to be extremely slimming and well fitted. The reason for this was a lack of materials from which to work, where dressmakers were required to fashion women's dresses out of less material. As a result, the hemlines rose a good few inches, and clothes were tailored for a close fit. [0006] During the 1930's and 1940's, with the women's movement arrived a significant shift in fashion, which moved towards more revealing creations. Women's dresses were fashioned with lower backs, revealing the upper portions of the buttocks, and waists were tucked in. Women's bodies became the focal point of their outfits, whereas in the past, fashion strived to conceal the female form. The war years, and the post war years, brought further poverty and lack of provisions. Again, hemlines were taken up to save money and time. This trend gave way to the 1960's and the invention of the mini-skirt, the shortest style of dress to date. Today, virtually all lengths and many various styles of dresses are available commercially and worn for a myriad of occasions.

[0007] Body shaping clothes have a long history as well. In fact, early examples of the corset date as early as 2000 BC. It appears, however, that the corset as an undergarment had its origin in Italy, and in France in the 1500's. The corset was a tight, elongated bodice that was worn underneath the clothing. Corsets of this time were often worn with a farthingale that held out the skirts in a stiff cone. The corsets turned the upper torso into a matching but inverted cone shape. These corsets had shoulder straps and ended in flaps at the waist. They flattened the bust, and in so doing, pushed the breasts up.

[0008] By the middle of the sixteenth century, corsets were a commonly worn garment among European and British women. The garments gradually began to incorporate the use of a "busk," or a long, flat piece of whalebone or wood sewn into a casing on the corset in order to maintain its stiff shape. The front of the corset was typically covered by a

"stomacher," a stiff, V-shaped structure that was worn on the abdomen for decorative purposes.

[0009] The most common type of corset in the 1700's was an inverted conical shape, often worn to create a contrast between a rigid quasi-cylindrical torso above the waist and heavy full skirts below. By 1800, the corset had become primarily a method of supporting the breasts, as the waist was raised to just under the bust line. Corsets still slimmed the torso but this was not their primary purpose.

[0010] In the early 1900's, a new type of corset was introduced and covered the thighs and changed the position of the hip, making the waist appear higher and wider. The developments of rubberized elastic materials in about 191 1 helped the girdle replace the corset. [0011] The girdle is a garment that encircles the lower torso, perhaps extending below the hips, and worn often for support. Constructed of elasticized fabric and sometimes fastened with hook and eye closures, the modern girdle is designed to enhance a woman's figure. Most open-bottom girdles extend from the waist to the upper thighs. In the 1960's, these models fell from favor and were to a great extent replaced by the panty girdle. The panty girdle resembles a tight pair of athletic shorts. Both models of girdles usually include suspender clips to hold up stockings. Later, the girdle was generally supplanted by pantyhose. Pantyhose replaced girdles for many women who previously used the girdle essentially as a means of holding up sheer nylon stockings. Those who wanted more control purchased "control top" pantyhose. Girdles and "body shapers" are still sold to women who want to shape their figure with a garment. Some of these garments incorporate a brassiere and thus become functionally equivalent to a corset. A modern example of the girdle is sold under the brand name Spanx.

[0012] Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fiber having high elasticity. Spandex fiber is used in many apparel and clothing articles where stretch is desired for comfort and fit. For example, spandex is found in activewear, belts, bra straps and side panels, gloves, hosiery, leggings, skinny jeans, slacks, miniskirts, socks and tights, underwear, bra cups, support hose, and surgical hose, among others. For clothing, spandex is usually mixed with cotton or polyester, and accounts for a small percentage of the final fabric, which therefore retains most of the look and feel of the other fibers.

[0013] Various approaches to clothing including shape forming structure have been developed. Some include spandex as a shaping element. However, such products have had varying success in providing a garment with a natural shaping function. Moreover, various garments lack desirable comfort or include structure or support which is lacking in style, or uniformity in design. This is especially true in dresses.

[0014] What is therefore needed is a dress design which incorporates shaping structure into desirable designs. Accordingly, the present disclosure addresses the shortfalls associated with prior shaping garments and presents a stylish approach to shaping dresses. SUMMARY

[0015] Briefly and in general terms, the present disclosure is directed towards a garment including shaping technology. In one aspect, the garment is a dress including inner layers embodying shaping material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the garment of the present disclosure is a dress having an outer bodice and skirt. Attached to the interior of the bodice is a front upper panel and a back upper panel. A waist is provided between the bodice and skirt. The waist can be formed from elastine and extend completely around the waist. Extending downwardly from the waist to a length less than the hemline of the skirt is a shape forming lower panel. The lower panel forms structure circling the full interior of the skirt. A front portion of the lower panel further includes a panel lining. At the lower hemline of the shape forming lower panel can be a grip trim.

[0017] In a specific aspect, the present disclosure is embodied in a dress including a bodice and skirt. An interior of the dress include an upper front panel formed from polyester and is clean finished into the reverse side of a front portion of the bodice. An upper back panel also found from polyester is clean finished into the lower side of the back side portion of the bodice. A lower panel includes an interior of the skirt portion. The lower panel is formed from a nylon and spandex material. Further, the lower panel is not seamed into side seams of the outer skirt. A grip lace tape trim is provided along the hemline of the inner panel, the lace tape being formed from 1/4" silicone.

[0018] Moreover, in a specific embodiment, the inner lower panel includes a front portion underlining on from side of the skirt which define two layers. A first layer of the lower panel encircles the inside of the skirt, whereas the second layer underlines just the front portion of the dress. The same layer can extend from the waist to the hemline of the lower panel. In an alternate embodiment, the second layer can extend short of the hemline of the lower panel and/or begin below the waist.

[0019] Additionally, the lower panel can be formed from 74 - 86% nylon and 14 - 26% spandex. At the bodice and hemline, the second layer of the lower panel can have a width of 11 ". The second layer can also have a waist of approximately 10 3/4" which generally curves out to 1 1" at the bodice and hemline. [0020] In one embodiment, the garment of the present disclosure is an upper body garment having an outer bodice (e.g., shirt, top, etc.) and an inner camisole. A waist panel is provided at the lower end of the camisole. The waist panel may be formed from elastine and extends completely around the waistline. The shape forming waist panel extends from the bust-line to the waistline of the camisole. The waist panel forms a structure circling the full interior of the camisole. A front portion of the waist panel further includes a panel lining.

[0021] In a specific aspect, the present disclosure is embodied in an upper body garment including an outer bodice and an inner camisole. A front portion of the camisole is clean finished into the reverse side of a front portion of the bodice. A back panel of the camisole is also clean finished into the back panel portion of the bodice. The camisole is formed from a nylon and spandex material. Further, the camisole is not seamed into side seams of the bodice.

[0022] Moreover, in a specific embodiment, the camisole includes a waist panel which defines two layers. A first layer of the camisole's waist panel encircles the entire inside of the upper body garment, whereas the second layer of the camisole's waist panel underlines just a front portion of the upper body garment. The same layer may extend from the bust- line to the waistline of the camisole.

[0023] Additionally, the waist panel may be formed from 55 - 86% nylon and 14 - 45% spandex. At the waist panel of the camisole, the second layer of the waist panel may have an increased width. The second layer may also have an upper waist dimension which generally curves out at the bust-line and the waistline from a narrower region between the bust-line and the waistline.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1A is a front view, depicting an inverted dress garment;

[0026] FIG. IB is a front view, depicting a shape contouring interior structure of the dress garment;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a back view, depicting an inverted dress garment; and

[0028] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view, depicting a grip lace tape trim structure.

[0029] FIG. 4A is a front view of another embodiment of the inverted dress garment that is shaped in a V-neck and includes a vertical zipper in the front of the dress garment;

[0030] FIG. 4B is a front view, depicting a shape contouring interior structure of the dress garment shown in FIG. 4A;

[0031] FIG. 5A is a front view of another embodiment of the inverted dress garment that is shaped in a V-neck;

FIG. 5B is a front view, depicting a shape contouring interior structure of the dress garment shown in FIG. 5A;

[0032] FIG. 6A is a front view, depicting an inverted upper body garment in an embodiment of a shirt;

[0033] FIG. 6B is a rear view, depicting an inverted upper body garment in an embodiment of a shirt;

[0034] FIG. 7A is a front view, depicting an inverted upper body garment in an embodiment of a knit top; and

[0035] FIG. 7B is a rear view, depicting an inverted upper body garment in an embodiment of a knit top;

[0036] The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. The figures or text shows examples of possible implementations of the garment; however the teachings are applicable to other implementations without deviating from the present disclosure. The figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the various embodiments described herein. The figures do not describe every aspect of the teachings disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Each of the features and teachings disclosed herein may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide a garment shaping system and method. Representative examples utilizing many of these additional features and teachings, both separately and in combination, are described in further detail with reference to the attached figures. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, combinations of features disclosed above in the detailed description may not be necessary to practice the teachings in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to describe particularly representative examples of the present teachings.

[0038] In the description below, for purposes of explanation only, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0039] Moreover, the various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. It is also expressly noted that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of an original disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter. It is also expressly noted that the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are designed to help to understand how the present teachings are practiced, but not intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes shown in the examples.

[0040] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and the like. The terms, "for example," "e.g.," "in one/another aspect," "in one/another scenario," "in one/another version," "in some configurations" "in some implementations," "preferably," "usually," "typically," "may," and "optionally," as used herein, are intended to be used to introduce non-limiting embodiments. Unless expressly stated otherwise, while certain references are made to certain example system components or services, other components and services may be used as well and/or the example components may be combined into fewer components and/or divided into further components.

[0041] The disclosed shaping garment includes structure that functions and operates to trim the torso and waist of the wearer, as well as slims hips and thighs and controls the stomach area. It is to be understood that while a dress with shaping characteristics is shown and described, one or more features of the present disclosure can be applied to other articles.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1A, IB, and 2, one approach to a garment 100 in the form of a dress embodying shaping technology is shown. Here, the dress is depicted inside-out so that an interior of the garment is shown. The dress can have varying hemlines and styles. For example, as shown, the dress lacks sleeves and has a modest neckline and arm opening. However, various other styling's are contemplated as well.

[0043] In one embodiment, the dress includes a bodice 110. A front interior 120 of the bodice 1 10 can include an upper front panel 130. The upper front panel 130 can be made from a number of materials. In one contemplated approach, the upper front panel (ART # SHK - 1303110) can be made from 100% polyester. This material is clean finished into the garment 100.

[0044] As can be seen from FIG. 1A, the upper front panel 130 is shaped to provide contouring to the dress and support to the bust of a wearer. At a waist 140 of the dress, there is shirring allowing room only for the bust. Lateral edges 150 of the upper front panel can generally mimic the contour of arm openings 160. A top edge 170 of the front upper panel 130 can further include a curved profile and stop short of a neckline 180 of the dress. Extending down below the waist 140 of the dress is the shape contouring interior structure 270. FIG. IB shows the shape contouring interior structure 270 of the dress in greater detail.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, a back or rear side of the bodice 1 10 includes an upper back panel 190. The upper back panel can have a similar or different shape pattern from the upper front panel. Moreover, the upper back panel 190 can be clean finished into the garment 100 and is split vertically at a zipper assembly 200. Like the upper front panel, the upper back panel 190 extends vertically from the waist 140 and includes an upper curved edge 210 spaced from the neckline 180, and lateral curved edges 220 spaced from arm openings 160. Again, it is contemplated that the panel 190 can assume various other shapes.

[0046] A 1/8" double needle stitch is provided about a half moon section of support material 230 residing at a base of the zipper assembly 200. Also, a 1/4" elastic strip may be sown into the garment about the waist 140.

[0047] The skirt assembly of the dress garment 100 embodies the shaping technology. Again, it is to be understood that FIGS. 1A, IB, and 2 show an interior of the garment 100. A hemline 260 of the dress is configured to extend lower than the shape contouring interior structure 270. The lower panel 280 extends about a full perimeter of the waist 140, and includes a lower panel hemline 290. The lower panel 280 (ART # SHK - 13091 19) is formed from a 74 - 86% nylon, 14 - 26% spandex (59/61" 189 GSM) material and is not seamed into side seams of the garment 100. This permits the lower panel 280 to provide body shaping control independently of the outer skirt 300 of the dress. Further, 1/4" double needle cover-stitching 310 is incorporated into the lower panel 280 to keep seams flat.

[0048] The lower panel 280 includes a front portion 320 (FIG. 1A) and a back or rear portion 330. The front and rear portions 320, 330 can define separate structures that are attached by the 1/4" double needle cover stitching. The front portion further includes a front lower panel 340 configured between vertically arranged 1/4" double needle stitching. This front lower panel 340 is also contemplated to be formed from 74 - 86% nylon, 2 - 14 % spandex material. The front lower panel 340 and lower panel 280 thus form a double layer.

[0049] At the waist 140, the front lower panel 340 can have a width up to or more than 11 ". This same width range can be used at the hemline 290 of the shaping structures. A waist portion 350 of the lower first panel can assume a 10 3/4" width that gently expands to the 11 " width at the top and bottom of the first lower panel 340.

[0050] Further, a decoration or ornamental pattern 345 is included on an upper portion of the front lower panel 340. The crisscross diamond design stitch pattern can be provided in a unique color, such as purple.

[0051] As best seen in FIG. 3 (also depicted in FIGS. 1A and 2), the hemline 290 of the lower panel 280 can include gripping structure for controlling and stabilizing the shaping technology. That is, by remaining in place, the shaping substructure will consistently provide desired shaping functionality. In one specific approach, the hemline 290 is equipped with one or more strips of 1/4" silicone ribbons 350 configured along lacing 360 that encircles the hemline 290. Being so constructed, the ribbon 350 engages the wearer's body or under clothing and performs an anchoring function.

[0052] As can be seen from FIGS. 4A and 4B, another embodiment of the dress is shaped in a V-neck that also provides contouring to the dress and support to the bust of a wearer. At a waist of the dress, there is shirring allowing room only for the bust. In this embodiment, the dress includes a vertical zipper 420 that extends down the centerline of the dress. Lateral edges of the upper front panel can generally mimic the contour of arm openings. A neckline 480 of the front upper panel includes the V-neck profile of the dress. Extending down below the waist of the dress is the shape contouring interior structure 470. FIG. 4B shows the shape contouring interior structure 470 of the dress in greater detail.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, still another embodiment of the dress is shaped in a V-neck that also provides contouring to the dress and support to the bust of a wearer. At a waist of the dress, there is shirring allowing room only for the bust. Lateral edges of the upper front panel can generally mimic the contour of arm openings. A neckline 580 of the front upper panel includes the V-neck profile of the dress. Extending down below the waist of the dress is the shape contouring interior structure 570. FIG. 5B shows the shape contouring interior structure 570 of the dress in greater detail.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-7B, some embodiments of the garment shaping system and method are shown. In one embodiment, there are shown upper body garments embodying shape forming structures. The disclosed upper body shaping garments include structure that functions and operates to trim the torso and waist of the wearer. It is to be understood that while upper body garments with shaping characteristics is shown and described, one or more features of the present disclosure may be applied to other articles.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 6A-7B, one approach to an upper body garment 600 embodying shaping technology is shown. Here, the upper body garment is depicted inside- out so that an interior of the upper body garments is displayed. The upper body garments may have varying bust-lines, waistlines, necklines, arm openings, and styles. For example, as shown, the upper body garment has a modest neckline and arm openings. However, various other styling's are contemplated as well. Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates an inside out diagram of a shaping garment incorporated in a button down shirt, while

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates an inside out diagram of a shaping garment incorporated in a top that has a zipper along one side. In another embodiment, the shaping garment could be a pull over top.

[0056] In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the upper body garment 600 includes an outer bodice (shirt) 610 and an internal camisole 620. An interior of the camisole 620 includes a waist panel 630. The waist panel 630 may be made from a number of materials. The waist panel 630 of the upper body garment 600 incorporates the shaping technology. In some embodiments, the waist panel 630 extends around the full perimeter of the garment 600. In one embodiment, the waist panel 630 is formed from approximately a 60% nylon, 40% spandex material and is not seamed into side seams of the garment 100. This permits the waist panel 630 to provide body shaping control independently of the outer bodice (shirt) 610 of the upper body garment 600. Further, 1/4" double needle cover- stitching is incorporated into the front panel 630 to keep seams flat.

[0057] As may be seen from FIGS. 6A and 6B, the waist panel 630 is shaped to provide contouring to the upper body garment 600 and support to the bust of a wearer. A waist region 640 of the outer bodice (shirt) 610 of the garment 600 is also shown. The waist region 640 of the outer bodice (shirt) 610 is wider than the waist panel 630 of the camisole 620, which clings to and shapes the waist of the wearer. In this manner, the waist region 640 of the outer bodice (shirt) 610 is able to move freely from the waist panel 630 of the camisole 620 which is slimming the waist of the wearer without appearing to be provided a slimming effect (unlike a girdle or corset that typically can be seen to be providing a slimming effect).

[0058] A waistline 645 of the outer bodice (shirt) 610 is configured to extend lower than the waist hemline 650 of the shape contouring waist panel 630 of the camisole 620. The lateral edges of the waist panel 630 may generally mimic the contour of arm openings 660. A top edge of the waist panel 630 may include a curved profile along the bust-line 670 of the camisole 620.

[0059] In some embodiments, a 1/8" double needle stitch is provided in an ornamental crisscross diamond design stitch pattern residing on either side of the front zipper assembly 680. Also, a 1/4" elastic strip may be sown into the garment about waist of the shape contouring waist panel 630 of the camisole 620. The crisscross diamond design stitch pattern may be provided in a unique color, such as purple. [0060] As depicted in FIGS. 6A-6B, the shape contouring waist panel 630 of the camisole 620 may include gripping structure for controlling and stabilizing the shaping technology. That is, by remaining in place, the shaping substructure will consistently provide desired shaping functionality. In one specific approach, the waist is equipped with one or more strips of 1/4" silicone ribbons configured along lacing that encircles the waist. Being so constructed, the ribbon engages the wearer's body or under clothing and performs an anchoring function.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 6B back or rear side of camisole 620 includes an upper back panel 690. The upper back panel 690 may have a similar or different shape pattern from the front panel. The upper back panel 690 extends vertically from the waist 650 and includes an upper curved edge 700 and lateral curved edges 710. Again, it is contemplated that the upper back panel 690 may assume various other shapes. In one embodiment, the rear side of camisole 620 is only stitched in at the back of the upper body garment 600. Continuing, in some embodiments a loose thread chain is used to attach the camisole 620 to the end of the shoulder region of the outer bodice (shirt) 610. In this regard, the

garment 600 is tacked at the inside shoulder to keep the camisole 620 in place.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments of the upper body garment 600 there is a clean finished hem along the neck line of the power mesh camisole 620. Continuing, in some embodiments of the upper body garment 600 there is a seam along the bust-line 670 of the power mesh camisole 620 with slight shirring. In one embodiment, a front zipper assembly 680 separates the shape contouring waist panel 630 of the power mesh camisole 620 along the vertical centerline of the waist panel, starting just below the bust-line 670 of the camisole and finishing at the waist hemline 650 of the power mesh camisole 620. In another aspect, some embodiments of the upper body garment 600 include a clean finished hem at the waist hemline 650 of the shape contouring waist panel 630.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, an embodiment of an upper body garment 600 is shown that incorporates the shaping garment in a top that has a zipper along one side. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the upper body garment 100 of FIGS. 7A- 7B does not include an outer bodice (shirt) or a front zipper assembly. However, the upper body garment 600 of FIGS. 7A-7B is similar to the power mesh camisole 620 of FIGS. 6A- 6B in most other respects. An interior of the camisole 620 includes a waist panel 630. For example, the waist panel 630 may be made from a number of materials. The waist panel 630 of the upper body garment 600 incorporates the shaping technology. In some embodiments, the waist panel 630 extends around the full perimeter of the garment 600. In one embodiment, the waist panel 630 is formed from approximately a 60% nylon, 40% spandex material. Further, 1/4" double needle cover-stitching is incorporated into the front panel 630 to keep seams flat.

[0064] As may be seen from FIGS. 7A-7B, the waist panel 630 is shaped to provide contouring to the upper body garment 100 and support to the bust of a wearer. The waist panel 630 of the camisole 620 clings to and shapes the waist of the wearer. A top edge of the waist panel 630 may include a curved profile along the bust-line 670 of the

camisole 620. A bottom edge of the waist panel 630 may include a waist hemline 650 of the camisole 620. In some embodiments, a 1/8" double needle stitch is provided in an ornamental crisscross diamond design stitch pattern. Also, a 1/4" elastic strip may be sown into the garment about waist of the shape contouring waist panel 630 of the camisole 620. The crisscross diamond design stitch pattern may be provided in a unique color, such as purple.

[0065] Referring now FIGS. 8A-8B, the shape contouring pants 800 include a waist panel 810 that is shaped to provide contouring to the shape contouring pants and supports the waist of a wearer. The shape contouring pants 800 also includes left and right leg portions 820. In some embodiments, a 1/8" double needle stitch is provided in an ornamental crisscross diamond design stitch pattern. Also, a 1/4" elastic strip may be sown into the garment about waist of the shape contouring waist panel 810 of the shape contouring pants 800. The crisscross diamond design stitch pattern may be provided in a unique color, such as purple.

[0066] As noted, various designs of garments can employ the shaping technology, and the shaping substructure can be presented in various forms. When employed, the shaping garment operates to trim torsos and waists, slim hips and thighs and shape controls the rear and tummy.

[0067] The various embodiments and examples described herein are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention, nor the scope of the various embodiments and examples. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. In addition, various embodiments may be combined. Therefore, reference to an embodiment, one embodiment, in some embodiments, in other

embodiments, and the like does not preclude one or more methods, functions, or results of different embodiments from being combined. Further, reference to an embodiment, one embodiment, in some embodiments, in other embodiments, examples, and the like provides various aspects that may or may not be combined with those of one or more different embodiments and/or examples.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A dress having shape forming structure, comprising:

a bodice;

a skirt; and

a lower panel configured within the skirt, the lower panel having a plurality of layers.

2. The dress of claim 1, further comprising a waist extending a full perimeter of the dress, wherein the lower panel includes a first portion extending the full perimeter of the waist.

3. The dress of claim 2, wherein the lower panel includes a second portion underlying a front portion of the first portion.

4. The dress of claim 3, wherein the first portion and second portion of the lower panel define the plurality of layers.

5. The dress of claim 4, wherein the skirt has a hemline and the first portion extends from the waist to a panel hemline, the panel hemline residing above the skirt hemlines.

6. The dress of claim 5, wherein the panel hemline includes a grip lace tape trim.

7. The dress of claim 3, wherein the second portion has a width of eleven inches and a waist of ten and three quarters inches.

8. The dress of claim 1, wherein the lower panel is formed from nylon and spandex material.

9. The dress of claim 8, wherein the material has from 74 to 86 percentage nylon.

10. The dress of claim 8, wherein the material has from 14 to 26 percent spandex.

11. An upper body garment having shape forming structure, comprising:

a shirt;

a power mesh camisole; and

a waist panel configured within the power mesh camisole, the waist panel having a plurality of layers.

12. The upper body garment of claim 1 1, further comprising a waist extending a full perimeter of the upper body garment, wherein the waist panel includes a first portion extending the full perimeter of the waist.

13. The upper body garment of claim 12, wherein the waist panel includes a second portion underlying a front portion of the first portion.

14. The upper body garment of claim 13, wherein the first portion and second portion of the waist panel define the plurality of layers.

15. The upper body garment of claim 14, wherein the camisole has a bust-line and a waistline, and wherein the first portion extends from the bust-line to the waistline, the camisole waistline residing above the bodice waistline.

16. The upper body garment of claim 13, wherein the second portion has a width that is wider at the bust-line and the waistline, and narrower between the bust-line and the waistline.

17. The upper body garment of claim 1 1, wherein the waist panel is formed from nylon and spandex material.

18. The upper body garment of claim 17, wherein the material has approximately 60 percent nylon.

19. The upper body garment of claim 17, wherein the material has approximately 40 percent spandex.