A molded fabric laminate includes first and second fabric layers, each fabric layer including at least 80% natural fibers, and a patterned layer of cured shape memory elastomer molded between the first and second fabric layers. The patterned layer of the cured shape memory elastomer is a continuous layer of the cured shape memory elastomer defining a multiplicity of openings per square centimeter of the patterned layer, where the openings are free of the cured shape memory elastomer. Making the molded fabric laminate includes disposing a patterned layer of an uncured shape memory elastomer on a first fabric layer, contacting the patterned layer with a second fabric layer to yield a fabric sub-assembly, contacting the fabric sub-assembly with a surface of a heated mold, and molding the fabric sub-assembly to conform to the shape of the mold. The molded fabric laminate is typically part of a garment.

A bra cup manufactured using flexible foam particles. The manufacturing method comprises batching, cutting and sanitizing flexible foam particles. The flexible foam particles are blended together with a reactive material to form a mixture. The mixture may be cured to provide a bra cup of a substantially uniform structure in a desired shape and density. Using flexible polyurethane foam particles in the process of making bra cups, a reduced amount of virgin flexible polyurethane foam is required to manufacture brassieres.

A method of manufacturing a garment is provided that includes applying an adhesive layer to a first ply and/or a second ply in a first amount in a first zone where structural support is desired and in a second amount in a second zone where breathability is desired; arranging the first and second plies with respect to one another so that the adhesive layer is therebetween; and activating the adhesive layer to secure the first and second plies to one another.

A method of manufacturing a garment is provided that includes applying an adhesive layer to a first ply and/or a second ply in a first amount in a first zone where structural support is desired and in a second amount in a second zone where breathability is desired; arranging the first and second plies with respect to one another so that the adhesive layer is therebetween; and activating the adhesive layer to secure the first and second plies to one another.

A breast supporting garment and a method for producing it, the garment having at least one layer made of a fabric comprises a breast receiving portion bounded by a frame portion disposed at least partially below the breast receiving portion. The frame portion comprises a fabric reinforcing element in the form of a coating made of a material having, when in a liquid state during a coating process, having a capability to stay contained within an area of the fabric, to which the material is applied, and to penetrate the fabric to a part of the thickness of the fabric, at least in a portion of the area. The material, when solidified, has a lower elasticity than that of the fabric.

A brassiere includes a body portion configured to at least partially encircle a wearer of the brassiere. The body portion includes a torso band configured to at least partially encircle a wearer of the brassiere, and a pair of breast cups including a first breast cup and a second breast cup. The pair of breast cups are configured to support breasts of the wearer. The brassiere further includes an under-bust support adhered to the body portion adjacent to a lower periphery of the pair of breast cups.

A breast cup assembly including an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer, and a molded core assembly having two cup regions and disposed between the outer and inner fabric layers, the core assembly including an inner core foam layer laminated with an outer core fabric layer. Each of the inner and outer fabric layers may have a range greater than the extent of the core assembly, and the inner core foam layer at each of the two cup regions of the core assembly has varying thickness but substantially the same density across the cup region.

Disclosed is an algorithmic measurement data tool, method and system of tools used to standardize bra cup sizing, that can be useful to women, surgeons, and bra manufacturers to provide consistency and realistic expectations of breast and standardize bra cup sizes. The method utilizes measurement of the breast hemicircumference, used in conjunction with a standardized scale developed according to measurement results obtained from over 5000 patients, to accurately determine the woman's cup size. Tools, such as a slide rule, a software program, and 3D imaging may also be used, establishing the breast hemicircumference, to determine the proper bra size. The tool documents and algorithmically compares documented hemicircumference measurements to actual reported cup sizes and manufacturers. This tool, method and system is particularly useful for breast surgery patients, providing a standardized bra cup measurement of the patient's current size and a more accurate estimation of what her post-operative result may be.

Disclosed is an algorithmic measurement data tool, method and system of tools used to standardize bra cup sizing, that can be useful to women, surgeons, and bra manufacturers to provide consistency and realistic expectations of breast and standardize bra cup sizes. The method utilizes measurement of the breast hemicircumference, used in conjunction with a standardized scale developed according to measurement results obtained from over 5000 patients, to accurately determine the woman's cup size. Tools, such as a slide rule, a software program, and 3D imaging may also be used, establishing the breast hemicircumference, to determine the proper bra size. The tool documents and algorithmically compares documented hemicircumference measurements to actual reported cup sizes and manufacturers. This tool, method and system is particularly useful for breast surgery patients, providing a standardized bra cup measurement of the patient's current size and a more accurate estimation of what her post-operative result may be.

Articles of athletic garments, particularly sports bra and methods of treating the athletic garments with a shear thickening fluid (STF) are disclosed. The athletic garment comprises a STF treated fabric. The STF treated fabric in contact with the wearer's body part restricts movement of the body part when the shear stress exceeds the shear stress threshold value and stretches and conforms to the wearer's body part when the shear stress is less than the shear stress threshold value. The STF treatment method may include immersing the untreated fabric in a diluted STF bath, metering an amount of the fluid on the fabric, and removing the diluent from the treated fabric.