In one aspect, a functional garment is provided that includes a front panel having a left lateral end and a right lateral end opposite the left lateral end, the front panel comprising a first breast cup and a second breast cup between the left lateral and the right lateral end; a first side panel attached to the left lateral end at a left intersection; a second side panel attached to the right lateral end at a right intersection; and an elastic member attached at a first lateral end thereof to the front panel at the left intersection and at a second lateral end thereof to the front panel at the right intersection, the elastic member configured to apply mediolateral compressive forces to a wearer’s breast when the garment is worn.

A fused brassiere according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an outer fabric having elasticity; a lining having elasticity and configured to form a first pocket portion and a second pocket portion by being bonded to the outer fabric by being compressed against an inner surface of the outer fabric; a first cup-shaped pad portion and a second cup-shaped pad portion inserted into the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion, respectively; and a core member made of a material having elasticity lower than the outer fabric, formed in a region between the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion and in a circumferential portion of the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion, disposed between the outer fabric and the lining, and bonded together when the outer fabric and the lining are compressed against each other, wherein the core member includes: a first connecting portion formed to surround lower portions of the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion; a second connecting portion formed to surround upper portions of the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion; and a third connecting portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to each other, wherein a first cup-shaped pad portion includes a first breast point BP1, and a second cup-shaped pad portion includes a second breast point BP2; and wherein the first connecting portion is formed to surround the first pocket portion and the second pocket portion so that when viewed from the front, opposite ends of the first connecting portion are disposed higher than the first breast point and the second breast point, respectively.

The disclosure concerns a brassiere (10) of the type including at least a first cup (12a) and a second cup (12b), characterized in that each cup (12a, 12b) includes a first exterior support (28) and a second interior support (30) each of which has generally the shape of a crescent, defined by a generally convex edge (32, 34) and by an opposing concave edge (36, 38), the concave edge (36) of the first support (28) being generally arranged racing the concave edge (38) of the second support (30), the first support (28) and the second support (30) exhibiting a first lower end (40) and a second lower end (42), respectively, which are crossed in a zone of support (Z1) for the breasts.

A garment, such as a bra, may include a frame, support structure, casing and/or housing. The frame may be adapted to fit underneath a wearer's breasts and partially wrap around her torso. The support structure be coupled to the frame and may include a volumetric cup positioned thereon, which may be a cantilever projection from the frame adapted so that a portion of a wearer's breasts may be inserted therein. The frame and/or support structure may be encased in a casing. Casing may increase the size of volumetric cup to cover a larger portion of the wearer's breast. Casing may also provide padding or other mechanisms to increase the comfort of wearing the frame, support structure, and/or casing for the wearer. The casings (one for each side of the wearer) may be housed in a housing that wraps around the wearer's torso thereby enabling the wearer to wear the garment.

A garment, such as a bra, may include a frame, support structure, casing and/or housing. The frame may be adapted to fit underneath a wearer's breasts and partially wrap around her torso. The support structure be coupled to the frame and may include a volumetric cup positioned thereon, which may be a cantilever projection from the frame adapted so that a portion of a wearer's breasts may be inserted therein. The frame and/or support structure may be encased in a casing. Casing may increase the size of volumetric cup to cover a larger portion of the wearer's breast. Casing may also provide padding or other mechanisms to increase the comfort of wearing the frame, support structure, and/or casing for the wearer. The casings (one for each side of the wearer) may be housed in a housing that wraps around the wearer's torso thereby enabling the wearer to wear the garment.

A brassiere includes a back portion and a front portion coupled to the back portion at side areas. Straps are coupled to the front portion and the back portion. Cup panels are provided on the front portion and extend to the straps. Each cup panel includes a perimeter cup region and a central cup region located on the front portion and a strap region located on one of the straps. The perimeter cup region and the strap region having a greater elastic modulus than the central cup region. In at least one embodiment, each cup panel includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is provided by a polymer sheet including a plurality of openings formed in the polymer sheet. The arrangement of the openings on the polymer sheet contributes to the elastic modulus in the central cup region, the perimeter cup region, and the strap region of the cup panel.

A brassiere cup for a bra is disclosed. The cup comprises an inner foam-fabric layer which is in contact with a wearer's skin. The cup further comprises an outer spacer fabric layer and a middle plastic underwire. The outer spacer fabric layer is arranged on an outer side of the inner foam-fabric layer, the side being distal from the wearer's skin; and the middle underwire is sandwiched between the inner foam-fabric layer and the outer spacer fabric layer at the lower region. The outer spacer fabric layer comprises at least two fabric layers between which a support containing fusible yarn is sandwiched.

Aspects herein are directed to a pad insert configured to be removably positioned within a pocket space formed in a breast covering portion of a support garment. The pad insert has a perimeter shape that includes one or more concave edges, and one or more linear edges. The pocket space of the breast covering portion has a perimeter shape that is substantially the same as the perimeter shape of the pad insert. Thus, when the pad insert is positioned within the pocket space the concave edges of the pad insert align with concave edges of the pocket space, and the linear edges of the pad insert align with linear edges of the pocket space. The result of the configuration described is that the pad insert is “locked” into place within the pocket space which prevents the pad insert from shifting and/or rotating during wash and wear.

Aspects herein are directed to a bra system comprising a single-piece pad insert and a bra having a front portion with a pocket in communication with a pocket space formed between two textile layers used to form the front portion of the bra. The single-piece pad insert is used to provide shaping, modesty and support. When desired, a wearer can insert the pad insert into the bra by way of the pocket opening.

Aspects herein are directed to a bra system comprising a single-piece pad insert and a bra having a front portion with a pocket in communication with a pocket space formed between two textile layers used to form the front portion of the bra. The single-piece pad insert is used to provide shaping, modesty and support. When desired, a wearer can insert the pad insert into the bra by way of the pocket opening.