A method and apparatus for applying pressure to the abdomen of a patient to facilitate the insertion of a colonoscope is characterized by the use of a tensile compression device in the form of an elastic band which is wrapped around the patient's abdomen and secured in place. The tension of the band is adjusted to apply a desired degree of pressure to the patient's abdomen to reduce loops in the patient's colon so that the colonoscope can be fully inserted into the colon with minimal discomfort to the patient. The ends of the device are connected together when the desired degree of tension is obtained so that constant pressure and support are provided to the patient's colon. Addition pressure can be manually applied simultaneously with the pressure from the tensile device to reduce or eliminate more distal loops in the colon.

A shapewear or activewear garment that includes stays carried by the back fabric panel of the garment. In this regard, the stays act as anchors to keep the garment in place. Further, the stays provide tension that pulls the front fabric panel of the garment such that the front panel shapes and smoothes the wearer's midsection and or provides support and also provides resistance to shift when the garment is worn such that the garment does not ride up or down on the wearer.

A shapewear or activewear garment that includes stays carried by the back fabric panel of the garment. In this regard, the stays act as anchors to keep the garment in place. Further, the stays provide tension that pulls the front fabric panel of the garment such that the front panel shapes and smoothes the wearer's midsection and or provides support and also provides resistance to shift when the garment is worn such that the garment does not ride up or down on the wearer.

A 180-degree rotatable chest binder for compressing, flattening and stabilizing the breasts of the wearer. The chest binder is constructed of inner and outer layers, each made of four panels, joined together along the neck opening, arm openings and bottom openings of the wearer. This design permits the inner and outer layers to move independently, serving the two different functions of moving with the body for comfort while also compressing the chest.

A 180-degree rotatable chest binder for compressing, flattening and stabilizing the breasts of the wearer. The chest binder is constructed of inner and outer layers, each made of four panels, joined together along the neck opening, arm openings and bottom openings of the wearer. This design permits the inner and outer layers to move independently, serving the two different functions of moving with the body for comfort while also compressing the chest.

Garments that can be worn during early stages of pregnancy and postpartum are disclosed. The garments shape or contour the stomach or abdomen regions of the wearer to give the abdomen a smoother and slimmer appearance. The garments comprise at least one shaper stitch region that is adapted to apply a compressive force to the wearer's abdomen to shape the stomach or abdomen regions of the wearer.

Garments that can be worn during early stages of pregnancy and postpartum are disclosed. The garments shape or contour the stomach or abdomen regions of the wearer to give the abdomen a smoother and slimmer appearance. The garments comprise at least one shaper stitch region that is adapted to apply a compressive force to the wearer's abdomen to shape the stomach or abdomen regions of the wearer.

A midsection shaping garment for reshaping the contours of the midsection of the wearer includes a pair of pants that has a waistband. A lower edge of an annular band is coupled to the waistband. The annular band extends upwardly from the waistband and is body-shaping. The annular extends around the abdomen and lower back of the user from the waist to near the xiphoid of the user. The improvement is the annular band coupled to and extending upwardly from the waistband such that the annular band is configured to reshape the contours of the midsection of the user.

A midsection shaping garment for reshaping the contours of the midsection of the wearer includes a pair of pants that has a waistband. A lower edge of an annular band is coupled to the waistband. The annular band extends upwardly from the waistband and is body-shaping. The annular extends around the abdomen and lower back of the user from the waist to near the xiphoid of the user. The improvement is the annular band coupled to and extending upwardly from the waistband such that the annular band is configured to reshape the contours of the midsection of the user.

A seamless postpartum garment is disclosed that is formed from a seamless double layer circular knit tube. The garment is flexible and stretchable throughout, and made from at least two different knit structures. Use of different knit structures at strategic locations on the garment, allow for it to provide compression and comfort at strategic locations on a woman's postpartum body.