HAIR HOLDING GARMENTS

Abstract

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a garment includes a main body portion configured for covering at least a portion of an upper torso of a wearer and at least one pocket operatively associated with the main body portion. The pocket is configured to hold hair of the wearer such that a weight of the hair of the wearer is distributed throughout the at least one pocket and the main body portion of the garment to reduce a pulling force of the hair on a scalp of the wearer.

Claims

1. A garment, comprising: a main body portion configured for covering at least a portion of an upper torso of a wearer when the wearer wears the garment and the main body portion having a neckline configured to be positioned about a neck of the wearer when the wearer wears the garment, the main body portion formed of a first material; and at least one pocket operatively associated with the main body portion, the pocket formed of at least a second material, wherein the at least one pocket is operatively associated with the main body portion such that an opening of the pocket is directly adjacent the neckline so as to be able to collect all hair past the neck of the wearer within the pocket such that a weight of the hair of the wearer is distributed throughout the at least one pocket and the main body portion of the garment to reduce a pulling force of the hair of the wearer on a scalp of the wearer, wherein the at least one pocket comprises an outer layer and an inner liner layer, wherein the outer liner layer is formed of the first material and the inner liner layer is formed from the second material, wherein the second material is different from the first material, wherein the second material is a material configured and adapted for protecting hair selected from a group consisting of: satin, silk, velvet, or absorbent material.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least second material is different from the first material.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the at least second material is one of satin, silk, velvet, absorbent material, or a combination thereof.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the main body portion comprises a front panel and a back panel, wherein the at least one pocket is operatively connected to the back panel.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the at least one pocket is operatively connected to an outside of the back panel.

6. The garment of claim 4, wherein the at least one pocket is operatively connected to an inside of the back panel.

7. The garment of claim 4, wherein the garment further includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve extending from the main body portion, wherein the at least one pocket includes a plurality of pockets operatively connected to an outside of the back panel, the front panel, the first sleeve, and/or the second sleeve.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are short sleeves such that the sleeves are configured to end above an elbow of the wearer, wherein the plurality of pockets comprises a first pocket operatively connected to the outside of the back panel, a second pocket operatively connected to the outside of the front panel, a third pocket operatively connected to the outside of the front panel.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are long sleeves such that the sleeves are configured to extend past the elbow of the wearer, wherein the plurality of pockets further comprises a fourth pocket operatively connected to the outside of the first sleeve, and a fifth pocket operatively connected to the outside of the second sleeve.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is removably associated with the main body portion, wherein the at least one pocket is attached to the main body portion using one or more of: hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, and/or a zipper.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is sewn onto the main body portion.

12. (canceled)

13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the first material is at least one of cotton, merino wool, or a combination thereof.

14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket comprises an outer layer and first inner liner layer and a second inner liner layer, wherein the outer layer is formed of the first material, the first inner liner layer is formed from the second material, and the second inner liner layer is formed of a third material, wherein the second material is different from the first material, and the third material is different from the first material and the second material, wherein the third material is at least one of satin, silk, velvet, absorbent material, or a combination thereof.

15. (canceled)

16. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: at least one pocket operatively associated with the main body portion, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to the hold hair of the wearer such that a weight of the hair of the wearer is distributed throughout the at least one pocket and the main body portion of the garment to reduce a pulling force of the hair of the wearer on a scalp of the wearer; a hood portion extending at least partially from a neckline of the main body portion at a hood seam and at least partially from a top edge of the at least one pocket, wherein the hood portion and the at least one pocket together are configured to accommodate all hair below a neck of a wearer within an interior of the pocket portion and the hood portion such that when the wearer places the hood portion over their head, all hair of the wearer is fully covered by the hood portion and the at least one pocket.

17. A hooded garment, comprising: a main body portion configured for covering at least a portion of an upper torso of a wearer; a hood portion extending from a neckline of the main body portion at a hood seam; a continuous slit defined in the hood portion or the main body portion above, at, or below the hood seam configured to accommodate passing all hair below a neck of a wearer from an inside of the hood portion to an outside of the hood portion; and at least one pocket operatively associated with the main body portion, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to the hold hair of the wearer outside of the hood portion and such that a weight of the hair of the wearer is distributed throughout the at least one pocket and the main body portion of the garment to reduce a pulling force of the hair of the wearer on a scalp of the wearer.

18. The garment of claim 17, wherein the main body portion is formed of a first material, wherein the hood portion is formed of a second material, and wherein the at least one pocket is formed of a third material, wherein the second material and the third material are different from the first material, wherein the second material is a material configured and adapted for protecting hair selected from a group consisting of satin, silk, velvet, or absorbent material.

19. The garment of claim 18, wherein the hood portion comprises an outer hood layer formed of a first fabric and an inner hood liner layer formed of a second fabric, and wherein the at least one pocket comprises an outer pocket layer formed of a third material and an inner pocket liner layer formed of a fourth material, wherein the second material and/or the fourth material is a material configured and adapted for protecting hair selected from a group consisting of: satin, silk, velvet, cotton, merino wool, or absorbent material.

20. A garment configured to cover at least a portion of a head of a wearer, the garment comprising: a head covering portion; and a pocket portion operatively connected to the garment at a position immediately adjacent a seam configured to be proximate a neckline of a wearer when the wearer wears the garment, wherein when the head covering portion is placed on a head of the wearer, the pocket portion is configured to hold hair of the wearer outside of and extending below the head covering portion such that a weight of the hair of the wearer is distributed throughout the pocket and the head covering portion of the garment to reduce a pulling force of the hair of the wearer on a scalp of the wearer.

21. The garment of claim 20, wherein the pocket portion consists of: a first end defining a pocket opening, the pocket opening being adjacent the head covering portion; a second end opposite the first end, the second end begin a closed end; and a length of fabric comprising at least one fabric layer extending between the first end and the second end to define a partially enclosed volume between the first end and the second end, wherein hair of the wearer placed in the pocket is placed in the partially enclosed volume.

22. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is sized as a function of a length of the hair of the wearer such that the at least one pocket extends from a position proximate the neckline to: a) a position about midway between the neckline and a bottom seam of the garment, or b) a position proximate the bottom seam of the garment, or c) a position between a) and b).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] So that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue experimentation, other embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with this disclosure, showing a front of the garment having pockets thereon;

[0022] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 1A, showing the rear of the garment having pockets thereon;

[0023] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with this disclosure, showing a front of the garment having pockets thereon;

[0024] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 2A, showing the rear of the garment having pockets thereon;

[0025] FIG. 3A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with this disclosure, showing a front of the garment having pockets thereon;

[0026] FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 3A, showing the rear of the garment having pockets thereon and a slit therein;

[0027] FIGS. 4A to 4D show a progression of a wearer using the garment of FIG. 3A, wherein

[0028] FIG. 4A shows the wearer from the front wearing the garment, without utilizing the pocket or slit;

[0029] FIG. 4B shows the wearer from the front wearing the garment and utilizing the slit;

[0030] FIG. 4C shows the wearer from the rear wearing the garment and utilizing the slit; and

[0031] FIG. 4D shows the wearer from the front wearing the garment and utilizing the slit and utilizing the pocket;

[0032] FIG. 5A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with this disclosure, showing a front of the garment;

[0033] FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 5A, showing the rear of the garment having a pocket thereon;

[0034] FIG. 5C is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 5A, shown from the side;

[0035] FIG. 6A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with this disclosure, showing a front of the garment where the garment is in a closed state;

[0036] FIG. 6B is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 6A, showing a front of the garment where the garment is in an open state, and where an interior pocket is visible;

[0037] FIG. 6C is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 6A, shown from the rear;

[0038] FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with this disclosure, showing a front of the garment;

[0039] FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the garment of FIG. 7A, showing the rear of the garment having pockets thereon;

[0040] FIG. 8 shows the view of FIG. 1B, where the pocket is shown in an open position;

[0041] FIG. 9A shows the view of FIG. 3A, where a hood portion of the garment is lined for contour;

[0042] FIG. 9B shows the view of FIG. 3B, where the pocket is shown in an open position; and

[0043] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an embodiment of a garment in accordance with the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and is designated generally by reference character 100. Other embodiments and/or aspects of this disclosure are shown in FIGS. 2A to 8. Certain embodiments described herein can be used to redistribute the weight of an individual's hair to be held by the head, or body, rather than the scalp to improve the health of the hair and improve the comfort of the individual.

[0045] In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a garment 100 includes a main body portion 102 configured for covering at least a portion of an upper torso of a wearer and at least one pocket 104 operatively associated with the main body portion 102. The pocket 102 is configured to hold hair of the wearer such that a weight of the hair of the wearer is distributed throughout the at least one pocket 104 and the main body portion 102 of the garment 100 to reduce a pulling force of the hair on a scalp of the wearer. In this way, the weight of the hair of the wearer is held by the body of the wearer, e.g., the shoulders and chest, rather than the weight of the hair being held only by the scalp of the wearer. This reduces the pull of the hair on the scalp, especially if the wearer has exceptionally long and/or heavy hair.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the main body portion 102 comprises, a front panel 106 and a back panel 108 sewn together at a seam 110, creating a front and back of the garment 100. In certain embodiments of the garment 100, the at least one pocket 104 is operatively connected to the front panel 106 and/or the back panel 108. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, an embodiment of a garment 100 (e.g., a short sleeve shirt) is shown where the front panel 106 includes two pockets 104a, 104b, e.g., a left and right pocket (FIG. 1A), and the back panel 108 includes one pocket 104c (FIG. 1B). This arrangement of pockets allows the wearer to hold their hair in front of their body, e.g., half on the left and half on the right, or on their back in the back panel pocket, or a combination of both. As shown, the pockets 104 can extend nearly the entire length of the front and back panels 106, 108, e.g., from adjacent a neckline 112 of the respective panel, to adjacent a bottom seam 114 of the respective panel. While this embodiment shows three pockets, any suitable number of pockets can be included as needed or desired.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the pockets can be operatively connected to an outside of the garment, where the pocket is visible to others. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, the pocket is shown operatively connected to the outside of the garment, e.g., the outside of the front panel and the back panel. In certain embodiments, as described later, the pockets can be operatively connected to an inside of the garment, where the pocket is not visible to others, which further protects the hair from environmental dangers (e.g., hazardous chemicals or materials), harsh environments (e.g., in space/aircraft, factory), or in high impact environments (e.g., contact sports).

[0048] With reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an embodiment of the garment 200 (e.g., a long sleeve shirt or jacket) can include a first long sleeve 216a and a second long sleeve 216b extending from the main body portion 202. As used herein short sleeve refers to a garment where the sleeves extend to a point above a wearer's elbow (e.g., at or near a bicep region) and long sleeve refers to a garment where the sleeves extend to a point past the wearer's elbow (e.g., at or near a wrist region). As shown in this embodiment, the at least one pocket includes a plurality of pockets 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e operatively connected to an outside of the front panel 206, the back panel 208, the first sleeve 216a, and/or the second sleeve 216b. This allows the wearer to place their hair in multiple places as desired for comfort or style. Like the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, here the front and back pockets 204a, 204b, 204e can extend from the neckline 212 to the bottom seam 214 of the garment 200. Additionally, the sleeve pockets 204c, 204d can extend for most of the sleeve length, for example, from at or near a shoulder seam 218 to at or near a cuff seam 220. While this embodiment shows five pockets, any suitable number of pockets can be included as needed or desired.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the at least one pocket can be removably associated with the main body portion, where the main body portion allows for interchangeability of the pockets to accommodate varying arrangements of the pockets for differing hair styles. In certain embodiments, the at least one pocket can be attached to the main body portion using one or more of: hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, and/or a zipper, or the like. In certain embodiments, the at least one pocket can be sewn onto the main body portion.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the garment can be a short sleeve t-shirt, a sleeve t-shirt, a long sleeve t-shirt, a sweater, a hooded sweatshirt, a jacket, a work vest, a hazmat suit, or a sports jersey. A short sleeve shirt is shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, and a long sleeve shirt/jacket is shown in FIG. 2A and 2B. With reference now to FIG. 3A and 3B, a hooded garment 300 is shown, colloquially referred to as a hoodie. In this embodiment, the garment 300 can include, a main body portion 302, a hood portion 322 extending from a neckline 312 of the main body portion 302 at a hood seam 324, and a slit 326 defined in the hood portion 322 adjacent (e.g., above or below) or at the hood seam 322 configured to pass hair of a wearer from an inside of the hood portion 322 to an outside of the hood portion 322. In embodiments, the slit can be positioned at a back of the hooded portion or on the sides of the hooded portion (e.g., to allow the hair to come out of the slit over the shoulders of the wearer). The pocket 304d can be operatively associated with the main body portion 302 below the slit 326, to catch and hold the hair passing through the slit 326. Any suitable number of additional pockets 304a, 304b, 304c can be included on the front of the garment 300. Conventional hoodies do not have a means to pass the hair to the back of the garment. For wearers with long hair, the hair must either be brought to the front of the garment and worn outside the hood, the hair must be collected into the hood, or the hair must be tucked down the back of the garment, between the wearer's back and the back panel of the garment. However, this can be uncomfortable for the wearer, and may cause damage to the hair if it is always stuffed with in the hood or down the back of the garment. Thus, the slit 326 allows the hair to pass through the hood 322 or the back panel 308 and a natural place, and then collect in the pocket so that the pocket 304d and the hoodie 300 can carry the weight of the hair, while protecting the hair and allowing the wearer to wear the hood as intended.

[0051] FIGS. 4A to 4D show a progression of a wearer using the slit 326 and the pocket 304 of the hooded garment. In FIG. 4A, a wearer with long hair has put the hoodie 300 on but has not yet placed the hair through the slit 326. This is generally how someone with long hair would wear a conventional hoodie. As shown, this leaves the hair exposed to potential damage and can create blind spots in the wearer's peripheral vision. In FIG. 4B, the wearer has now placed their hair through the slit 326 in the hood 322/back panel 308. As shown the hair is now held behind the wearer, improving vision, and holding the hair out of the wearer's face. FIG. 4C shows a rear view of the wearer of FIG. 4B. As can be seen in FIG. 4C, the hair is passed through the slit 326, but is not yet placed into the pocket 304. FIG. 4D now shows the hair passing through the slit 326 and being held in the pocket 304. The hair is now protected from the elements and protected from accidental damage cause by sitting or stepping on the hair or getting caught in hazards. The weight of the hair is now also held by the rest of the garment 300, rather than the scalp of the wearer. The pocket 304 therefore not only improves the health of the hair, but improves the comfort and safety of the wearer, especially if working in an area where hair needs to be pulled back. In certain embodiments, the garment 300 can include slit 326, but may also include the pocket 304 on an inside of the back panel, either in addition to or instead of on the outside of the back panel. Any suitable combination of pockets 304 on the inside or outside of the back panel, on the front panel, or on the sleeves is contemplated herein.

[0052] FIGS. 5A to 5C show an embodiment of a garment 500 having the pocket 504, where the garment is a high visibility vest, typically worn over the clothes by construction workers, road workers, electricians, factory workers, tradesman, or the like. In these trades, it can be crucial to keep hair out of the way to avoid being caught in equipment and to avoid the hair falling in the line of sight, obstructing vision. Moreover, workers may also need to wear additional headgear such as helmets or hard hats. If an individual is utilizing a traditional head wrap, such as a turban, the hard had or helmet may not be able to fit properly. Embodiments of the garment 500 as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C therefore provide a means for holding long hair back and away from the face and work area, without requiring the wearer to put their hair on top of their head which allows the required protective wear to fit properly. The pocket 504 also allows the weight of the hair to be carried by the shoulders, rather than the scalp, improving the comfort of the wearer. Again, this embodiment of the garment 500 not only protects the hair, but greatly improves the safety and comfort of the wearer.

[0053] In certain embodiments, it may be necessary or desired to have the hair held within the garment, but still within the pocket. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the garment 600 can be a bio suit, a hazmat suit, or space suit is shown. In FIG. 6A, the garment 600 is shown zipped or buttoned up, so the pocket 604 is not visible. In FIG. 6B, the garment 600 is shown unzipped, or unbuttoned, so the pocket 604 is shown partially visible, using dotted lines. Because the pocket 604 is internal to the garment 600, it is not seen from the rear, as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the pocket 604 can be operatively connected to the inside of the back panel 608. This allows the pocket 604 to hold the weight of the hair but also protects the hair from a harsh or hazardous environment in which the wearer is working.

[0054] Another example of an internal pocket 704 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B on garment 700. Here, the garment 700 is a sports jersey. The pocket 704 carries the weight of the hair and protects the hair from being pulled, snagged, or damaged from physical contact. The internal pocket 704 also prevents the long hair from obstructing the player's name, often placed at the top of the back panel 708 of the sports jersey, below the neckline 712, and obstructing the player's number.

[0055] In certain embodiments, e.g., any one or more of the embodiments of the garment described above, the main body portion can be formed of a first material, such as any conventional material as desired for the type and style of clothing, e.g., cotton or wool. The pocket(s) however can be formed of a second material, different from the first material. The second material can be a material configured for hair protection and maintenance, for example, materials for counteracting frizz, breakage, or dryness. In certain embodiments, the pocket can be formed from satin, silk, velvet, high absorbent material (e.g., chamois or the like), merino wool, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0056] FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B show embodiments of the garment 100 and 300 where the pockets 104 and 304 are shown pulled open so the inside of the pocket is visible. FIG. 9A shows the inside of the hood portion 322 of garment 300 lined for contour. While the following description of the garment and pocket are shown with respect to garments 100 and 300, one having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure would readily appreciate that the following description can apply to all embodiments discussed herein.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the pocket 104, 304 can include an outer layer 160, 360 and an inner liner layer 162, 362. In certain embodiments, both the inner liner layer 162, 362 and outer layer 160, 360 can be of the same material, e.g., satin, silk, velvet, absorbent material, or any suitable combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the outer layer 162, 362 can be formed of the first material (e.g., the same material as the main body portion 102, 302) and the inner liner layer 160, 360 can be formed from the second material (e.g., satin, silk, velvet, absorbent material, or any suitable combination thereof). In certain embodiments, the main body portion 102, 302, the outer pocket layer 160, 360, and the inner liner layer 162, 362 can each be of different materials, for example to accommodate different types of garments. In certain embodiments, with respect to hooded garments (e.g., garment 300), the hood portion 322 can be of a single material, or it can be a two-layer hood, where the two layers are of the same or a different material. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, an inner liner 364 of the hood 322 can be silk, satin, or velvet, and the outer layer 366 of the hood 322 can be the same as the body portion 302 (e.g., cotton or wool). The materials of the hood can be the same or different from the materials of the pocket, and the materials of the hood and pocket can be the same or different to the materials of the main body portion of the garment.

[0058] For example, for a casual garment, the main body portion and the outer layer can be of cotton material, while the inner liner layer can be satin, while a work or athletic garment can include a heavy-duty durable fabric for the main body portion and the outer layer and the inner liner layer can be satin. A sleep garment may include a lightweight breathable fabric for the main body portion, and both the outer layer and inner liner layer of the pocket can be of satin, silk, or velvet. For a bath garment, the main body portion can be of a plush material while the inner layer of the pocket can be an absorbent material, e.g., chamois, terry cloth material, or the like, to help absorb water from wet hair and the outer layer of the pocket is satin or silk. A winter garment may incorporate merino wool for the material of the pocket. Any suitable combination of fabrics is contemplated herein.

[0059] With reference now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a garment 1000 is shown. In this embodiment, the garment 1000 can be a headwear garment. For example, if a wearer does not want to wear a shirt or jacket with a pocket, they can opt for a headwear with a pocket 1004 as shown. In this embodiment, the garment 1000 can include a head covering portion 1050, configured to cover at least a portion of a head of a wearer and a pocket portion 1004 adjacent the head covering portion 1050. In certain embodiments, with the garment 1000 placed on other wearer's head, the head covering portion 1050 can have a tail 1052 configured to hang down behind the neck of the wearer. As shown here, the pocket portion 1004 can be operatively associated with the tail, e.g., at a seam 1054. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the headwear garment 1000 can be what is colloquially known as a durag or do-rag. The novel durag shown in FIG. 10 allows a wearer to wear their hair down e.g., not tied up or wrapped in a turban or wrap on top of their head, but still have it fully protected by the beneficial durag fabric. The pocket 804 will also carry the weight of the hair, as discussed above for the body garments, where the weight of the hair will be distributed throughout the head covering portion 1050 and the tail 1052, rather than the scalp. In certain embodiments, the pocket 1004 and the head covering portion 1050 can all be made of the same material.

[0060] Certain embodiments of a garment include a satin/silk/velvet-lined hair pocket, which allows hair to be put up and out of the way in a manner that is convenient, stylish and healthy for the hair and head, and keeps the hair clean. In certain embodiments, the placement of the pocket(s) can be selected to provide the following benefits: [0061] shift the weight of the hair from the head and scalp to the garment top; [0062] retain the moisture of the hair to prevent breakage, frizz and dryness; [0063] give the wearer the opportunity to move their hair out of their way while doing any physical activity or and prevent the individual from rolling over onto their loose hanging hair while sleeping, or sitting or stepping on their loose hair; [0064] remove the stress placed on the hair and scalp from the pull of ponytails, head wraps, turbans and other applications which ties the hair tightly to the head; [0065] save time by avoiding the process of wrapping the hair into a bun, head wrap or turban; [0066] remove the need to balance the hair on top of their head with a bun or wrapped hair hairstyle, which can be difficult with extraordinarily long and heavy hair (e.g., down to the waist or past the waist); [0067] give the wearer peace of mind that their hair is protected without constant readjustment or maintenance; [0068] prevent or alleviate the symptoms and stress of migraine headaches and traction alopecia caused by the gravitational pull of long, heavy hair; [0069] provide a more affordable option to traction alopecia treatments and medications; and [0070] remove the burden of having to choose between an expression of beauty or health.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the garment can include a hair slit. The location of the hair slit in the garment can be selected to allow the wearer to move their hair from the interior of a hoodie to the exterior of the hoodie in order to wear the hood in the upright position without sacrificing comfort. In certain embodiments, the slit can be placed below the neckline of the hoodie on the back of the garment making access to the slit conveniently within reach. In certain embodiments, the slit can also be placed in the hood, above the neckline. In certain embodiments, the slit can be closed if not in use, for example via zipper, buttons, or snaps. In certain embodiments, the garment can include both the slit and a pocket, for use together, such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0072] Currently, there are no suitable means for someone with long, heavy hair (e.g., long dreadlocks, braids, or twists) to comfortably wear a hoodie with the hood in an upright position. Because of this, the only options available to wear a hood with long hair are to: stuff the hair into the hood; place the hair in front of the wearer, over either, or both shoulders; or keep the hair inside the hoodie but unsupported. However, these options are not suitable and do not solve the issues faced with conventional hooded garments.

[0073] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0225699 (Elhamsadat) provides an attempted solution for holding long, loose hair in a hooded garment, however the purpose of Elhamsadat is to provide a means for stuffing the loose hair into the hood and holding the hair in the conformal hood so that the hair does not fall out of the hood. But stuffing the hair into the hood creates discomfort for the wearer and will continually have to be readjusted when the wearer moves and the hair falls out. Also, depending on the length and thickness of the hair, this may not even be an option for some wearers as the hood may not be large enough to accommodate the length, bulk, or thickness of the hair. Therefore, embodiment of the garment 300 disclosed herein present a novel and nonobvious solution, different than Elhamsadat, because the garment 300 provides a means for holding the hair behind the head, and outside of the hood, and within the protective pocket on the back of the garment, maximizing the health and comfort of the hair and wearer. This is not realized in Elhamsadat, which holds the hood tightly to the head, and keeps the hair restricted within the head.

[0074] Wearing the hair in front of the hood is not desirable because the hair lays unsupported and in a way that hinders or restricts physical activity and may contribute to the stress, discomfort and displeasure associated with traction alopecia. Because of the weight and length of some hair, this option may cause discomfort over time and increase the chance of the wearer sitting (or in some cases, standing) on their own hair and may also hinder or restrict some activities as well as vision. Finally, letting the hair sit unsupported in the back of the garment may also contribute to the stress, discomfort and displeasure associated with traction alopecia. If all of these options are undesirable to someone with long hair, they may be forced to forego wearing a hoodie altogether. Embodiments of the garment described herein address each of these issues and provide a comfortable, safe, and convenient solution for the wearer.

[0075] In certain embodiments, rather than have a slit in the hoodie, the hood can be attached to the satin-lined pocket in order to protect the exposed section of hair from the elements. The hood can be attached permanently to the pocket via sewing or detachable via any suitable means, e.g., zipper, buttons, snaps, hook and loop closures. In certain embodiments, the interior of the attached or detachable hood can be satin-lined.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the garment can include any garment top, including outerwear, a satin-lined pocket is attached to the back of the garment to hold an individual's hair. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown, the top of the pocket can start at just under the neckline, on the front or back of any garment top. The bottom of the pocket can terminate a few inches above the bottom of the garment. In certain embodiments, the width of the pocket can be about the same shoulder-to-shoulder width of the garment unless a design feature calls for an ornamental tapering, e.g., if the shape of the garment is tapered. The width of the closable slit (if used) above the pocket can be at, or just under, the shoulder-to-shoulder width of the garment. In certain embodiments, the exterior of the pockets can have embellishments, indicia, or ornamental designs. In certain embodiments, the pockets can be removable from the garment, and, in such embodiments, the pockets can be interchanged between various garment via the use of zippers, snaps, buttons or hook and loop method provided that the garment top has the same or similar attachments. In certain embodiments, the pocket(s) can be attached to the garment on all sides of the pocket or just on the top half () or one third () of the pocket to the garment to allow for more free movement of the hair, for example if the wearer is performing some kind of physical activity.

[0077] Embodiments of the lined pocket can include different geometrical shapes of the pocket so that it can be placed on various parts of garments to fit the garment. In certain embodiments, the pocket can be placed in a manner that provides support and protection for the hair but is also aesthetic such as the sleeves of garments, the front of the garment or wrapped around the garment.

[0078] Those having ordinary skill in the art understand that any numerical values disclosed herein can be exact values or can be values within a range. Further, any terms of approximation (e.g., about, approximately, around) used in this disclosure can mean the stated value within a range. For example, in certain embodiments, the range can be within (plus or minus) 20%, or within 10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, or within any other suitable percentage or number as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art (e.g., for known tolerance limits or error ranges).

[0079] The articles a, an, and the as used herein and in the appended claims are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, an element means one element or more than one element.

[0080] The phrase and/or, as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean either or both of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with and/or should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., one or more of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the and/or clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to A and/or B, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as comprising can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0081] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, or should be understood to have the same meaning as and/or as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, or or and/or shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as only one of or exactly one of, or, when used in the claims, consisting of, will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term or as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., one or the other but not both) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as either, one of, only one of, or exactly one of.

[0082] Any suitable combination(s) of any disclosed embodiments and/or any suitable portion(s) thereof are contemplated herein as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0083] The embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for improvement in the art to which they pertain. While the apparatus and methods of the subject disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure.