A waistband for a garment includes a bandroll having an absorption layer and a wicking layer. The wicking layer controls stretch properties of the absorption layer. The waistband comprises a second material and wherein a shrinkage of a material substrate of the bandroll substantially matches a shrinkage of the second material.

An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, may include a stretch woven textile. More particularly, a pelvic region and a pair of leg regions may include the stretch woven textile element. A waistband region may also include the stretch woven textile elements, or may be formed from a variety of other material elements. In order to limit stretch in the waistband region, a variety of waistband elements may be utilized. For example, the waistband elements may be (a) a layered structure with a textile layer and a polymer layer, (b) a layered structure joined with stitching, (c) a layered structure joined with bonds, or (d) a layered structure formed from a folded material element. In order to limit stretch in the waistband region, a tensile component may be utilized.

An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, may include a stretch woven textile. More particularly, a pelvic region and a pair of leg regions may include the stretch woven textile element. A waistband region may also include the stretch woven textile elements, or may be formed from a variety of other material elements. In order to limit stretch in the waistband region, a variety of waistband elements may be utilized. For example, the waistband elements may be (a) a layered structure with a textile layer and a polymer layer, (b) a layered structure joined with stitching, (c) a layered structure joined with bonds, or (d) a layered structure formed from a folded material element. In order to limit stretch in the waistband region, a tensile component may be utilized.

A utility belt is disclosed. The utility belt comprises a belt track, a ball bearing assembly, and an extender assembly. The belt track includes a first belt section having a first male locking mechanism and a first female locking mechanism, and a second belt section having a second male locking mechanism and a second female locking mechanism. The first male locking mechanism connects to the second female locking mechanism. The second male locking mechanism connects to the first female locking mechanism. The first belt section and the second belt section each comprises an outer sheath and an inner tube. The inner tube includes a plurality of C-shaped rings. The ball bearing assembly has a ball bearing and a joint. The ball bearing rotates about the belt track. An extender assembly is coupled to the belt track and includes at least one connector and at least one spacer.

Disclosed is a quick release tool belt for the waist of a user, which includes a support strap, a release band with belt teeth on a first end and a binding with a release mechanism on the second end and slidably coupled to the release band. The binding has a base, a release rotationally attached to the base with a tooth lock, a tooth coupling rotationally attached to the base and engaged with the release and the release band, and a lever rotationally attached to the release and engaged with the release band with a tightening tooth. When the release is in the engaged position the tooth coupling and the lever are engaged with the release band and when the release is in the release position, the tooth coupling is operably engaged with the release and the tooth coupling and the lever are disengaged with the release band.

Current watersport and surf shorts do not offer a combination of waistband fit adjustability with a double-sealed closure that minimizes irritation. They also rely almost exclusively on centerline closures, which are proximate to the area of most contact and agitation between a paddling surfer and their board. My solution is an integrated tensioning device and fit-adjustable belt with a double-sealed closure located off of the wearer's centerline.

A low profile closure may comprise a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband.

A body pad apparatus with high surface friction on the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces, to prevent slipping or repositioning of a body harnesses or personal flotation device, made of a material of a desired thickness that that conforms to stretch and pressure, and that has low profile attachments to secure the pad apparatus on, around, or to the user's body or to the harness or personal flotation device.

An expandable semirigid cummerbund for removable attaching to an object, such as tactical or outdoor equipment, to be carried in a manner that secures the object to a wearer's waist, the cummerbund comprising two segments wherein each segment comprises: an attachment member having a first side panel and an opposite second side panel that is connected to the first side panel to define a pocket between said side panels with an open end and an opposite closed end; a semirigid belt portion with an end slidably received within the pocket; an elastic member connecting the enclosed end of the belt to the closed end of the pocket and that expands in response to a pulling force on the belt portion to permit partial extraction of the end of the belt portion from the pocket, and to contract on withdrawal of the pulling force to pull the end back into the pocket; and a first connector on an outward facing surface of the first side panel operable to removably connect the attachment member to the object.

A waistband of an article of clothing including an inner fabric layer, and an outer fabric layer integrally formed or coupled with the inner fabric layer. The waistband also includes a mesh layer disposed between the inner and outer fabric layers. The waistband further includes one or more adhesive layers disposed between the mesh layer and the inner fabric layer, and configured to couple the mesh layer with the inner fabric layer and to enhance elastic strength of the waistband.