A bra includes at least one cup. A sling is disposed adjacent the cup. The sling is disposed adjacent the cup in facing relation with a user of the bra. The sling includes a first layer deposed to be in contact with the skin of the user when the bra is worn; the first layer wicking moisture away from the skin of the user. A second layer of the wicking member is disposed on a surface of the first layer away from the skin contacting surface of the first layer. The second layer trapping moisture received from the first layer. A third layer is disposed on a surface of the second a layer which is away from the first layer and is a moisture barrier, preventing moisture from travelling therethrough.

A supportive garment may include a front panel for chest coverage. The front panel may include a first inner layer with fixed cupless padding, and a second inner layer of perforated fabric securely overlaying and fixed to the cupless padding. The front panel may include an outer layer, which encases the first and second inner layers, composed of elastic fabric. The supportive garment may include a set of straps. The set of straps may attach to an upper portion of the front panel at one end, wrapping over the shoulders of a user, and a side portion of the front panel at another end, partially wrapping around a torso of the user. The supportive garment may also include a bottom band affixed to a bottom portion of the front panel and the set of straps, which defines a torso opening and ensures a secure fit.

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.

Aspects of a flat-knit support garment for an upper torso are provided. The flat-knit support garment may include a bra structure having a flat-knit bra material that includes a cup zone, a body zone, a wing zone, a strap zone, and a chestband zone. In some instances, a perimeter of the flat-knit bra comprising a neck opening and armhole openings includes a finished edge treatment corresponding to a high stretch modulus, covered yarn. Such finished edges are generated in seamless construction with the unitary, flat-knit structure of the flat-knit support garment for an upper torso. The flat-knit characteristics of the support garment for an upper torso may correspond to one or more of a flat-knit stitch sequence, a yarn type, and/or a finishing treatment.

A post-surgery brassiere garment for a wearer comprising a connection means comprising strap means operable to secure the brassiere garment over shoulders of the wearer, and a band region to enclose a portion of the torso of the wearer to secure the brassiere garment to the wearer; a first adjustment means operable to adjustably close the band region of the brassiere garment, and a second adjustment means operable to adjustably connect the strap means to a front region of the band region of the brassiere garment, whereby, the first and second adjustment means are together operable to adjustably compress the torso of the wearer in region of the wearers chest.

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 lower torso garment, such as a brief, includes a body having a pair of leg openings, a crotch portion between the leg openings, and a waist opening, and a waist band connected to the body and positioned at the waist opening. The waist band includes a folded fabric portion forming an inner layer and an outer layer surrounding an elastomeric band. The elastomeric band includes a thermoplastic elastomer film including a styrenic block copolymer, and is positioned between the inner and outer layers.

A clothing article having a cup part includes a main body cloth front part 11, a main body cloth rear part 12, and a main body cloth shoulder strap 14 that are formed only of an elastic material. The main body cloth shoulder strap 14 is continuously formed with the main body cloth front part 11 and the main body cloth rear part 12. The main body cloth shoulder strap 14 is larger in width and less prone to stretch at a main body cloth shoulder strap top portion 14a than at a main body cloth front part joint portion 15 and at a main body cloth rear part joint portion 16. The main body cloth front part 11 is less prone to stretch at its bust part, and the main body cloth rear part 12 is less prone to stretch at its center zone. The main body cloth rear part joint portion 16 is placed more inward than the main body cloth shoulder strap top portion 14a and the main body cloth front part joint portion 15.

A bra that can include one or more internal bands to restrict the movement of the wearer's breasts. The bra can also include an outer layer and an inner layer that are connected, most often sewn together, and the one or more internal bands are disposed between the front and inner layers. The internal bands are configured to extend across the breast horizontally to restrict vertical, horizontal, and in-and-out movement of the breast.

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.