Bodysuit with fastening arrangement

Abstract

A bodysuit (100, fig.1) comprising a fastening arrangement 122 configured to attach an anterior portion (102, fig. 1) of the bodysuit to a posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit having a lumbar region

Description

[0001] The present application is directed to a bodysuit with an improved fastening arrangement. Background

[0002] Bodysuits are popular clothing items that are typically worn by women. A bodysuit is a one-piece garment that covers the torso and crotch area of a wearer. It features a fastening arrangement that is usually located at a lowermost point on the garment. The fastening arrangement can be opened to form a cavity in the garment through which the wearer can enter the garment and can be closed to secure the garment over the wearer.

[0003] Whilst they are aesthetically desirable, bodysuits can often be uncomfortable to wear. In particular, the location of the fastening arrangement at the lowermost point on the garment means that this arrangement is positioned over the crotch of the wearer when it is being worn. This configuration can result in discomfort due to the arrangement rubbing against the wearer's crotch area. Summary

[0004] The invention is defined by the claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter; variants and alternative features which facilitate the working of the invention and / or serve to achieve a substantially similar technical effect should be considered as falling into the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

[0005] In a first aspect there is provided a bodysuit comprising: an anterior portion; a posterior portion having a lumbar region; and a fastening arrangement configured to attach the anterior portion to the posterior portion; wherein the fastening arrangement is configured to be engaged at a joining location that is between a lowermost point of the bodysuit and the lumbar region.

[0006] The anterior portion may be configured to cover at least one anterior feature of a wearer when the bodysuit is being worn by the wearer.

[0007] The posterior portion may be configured to cover at least one posterior feature of a wearer when the bodysuit is being worn by the wearer.

[0008] The lumbar region may be configured to cover the lumbar spine of a wearer when the bodysuit is being worn by the wearer.

[0009] The bodysuit may further comprise a neck opening located at an uppermost point on the bodysuit, and wherein the lowermost point of the bodysuit opposes the uppermost point on the bodysuit.

[0010] The fastening arrangement may comprise a first flap which is attached to the anterior portion.

[0011] The fastening arrangement may comprise a second flap which is attached to the second portion.

[0012] The first flap may be longer than the second flap.

[0013] The first flap may be at least three times as long as the second flap.

[0014] The fastening arrangement may comprise a first set of fasteners located on the first flap and a second set of fasteners located on the second flap.

[0015] Each fastener of the first set of fasteners may be configured to engage a fastener of the second set of fasteners at the joining location.

[0016] Each fastener of the first set of fasteners may be a male fastener, and each fastener of the second set of fasteners may be a female fastener.

[0017] The fasteners of the first and second set of fasteners may be snap fasteners.

[0018] The first set of fasteners may form a linear array that extends between the anterior portion of the bodysuit and a distal end of the first flap.

[0019] The first set of fasteners may comprise four fasteners.

[0020] The first set of fasteners may comprise a greater number of fasteners than the second set of fasteners.

[0021] The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Examples of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the front of a bodysuit 100 according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the rear of a bodysuit 100 according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates a two-dimensional view of the anterior portion 102 of a bodysuit 100, when a fastening arrangement of the bodysuit 100 is engaged, according to the invention;

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a two-dimensional view of the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100, when a fastening arrangement of the bodysuit 100 is engaged, according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates a two-dimensional view of the anterior portion 102 of a bodysuit 100, when a fastening arrangement of the bodysuit 100 is released, according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates a two-dimensional view of the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100, when a fastening arrangement of the bodysuit 100 is released, according to the invention. Detailed Description

[0029] Examples of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best mode of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the arrangement of components for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

[0030] Isometric views of the front and rear of a bodysuit 100 according to the invention are illustrated in figures 1 and 2 respectively. The bodysuit 100 is a one-piece garment that is configured to cover, at least, the torso and crotch of a wearer. The bodysuit 100 may otherwise be referred to as a bodice. The bodysuit 100 comprises an anterior portion 102 and a posterior portion 104. The anterior portion 102 may otherwise be referred to as a front portion, or the front, of the bodysuit 100. The anterior portion 102 may be described as the forward-facing portion of the bodysuit 100. The anterior portion 102 is named as such because it is configured to cover at least one anterior feature of the wearer when the bodysuit 100 is being worn. For example, the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 may cover the stomach and / or chest of the wearer when it is worn. The anterior of a wearer's body typically covers a greater surface area than the posterior of their body. Thus, the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 may be made of a greater amount of material than the posterior portion 104. Thus, the anterior portion 102 of the body suit is configured to cover the anterior of the body of a wearer in a manner that the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100 is unable to.

[0031] The posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100 may otherwise be referred to as the rear portion, or the rear, of the bodysuit 100. The posterior portion 104 may be described as the backward-facing portion of the bodysuit 100. The posterior portion 104 is named as such because it is configured to cover at least one posterior feature of the wearer when the bodysuit 100 is being worn. For example, the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100 may cover the back and / or buttocks of the wearer when it is worn. The posterior of a wearer's body typically covers a lesser surface area than the anterior of their body. Thus, the posterior portion 104 may be made of a lesser amount of material than the anterior portion 102. As such, the posterior portion 104 of the body suit is not configured to cover the anterior of the body of a wearer. The posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100 comprises a lumbar region 120 which will be described in further detail below with respect to figure 4.

[0032] The anterior and posterior portions 102, 104 of the bodysuit 100 may be separated by a dividing line 118 that traverses along a lateral edge of the garment. Dividing line 118 is illustrated in figures 1 and 2 as being positioned on a left side of the wearer. It should be appreciated that a corresponding dividing line (not illustrated) may be located on a right lateral side of the wearer. The lateral edge(s) of the bodysuit 100 may extend vertically downwards from below the armpit of the wearer when the bodysuit 100 is being worn. In some examples, the dividing line 118 may be imaginary. In other examples, the dividing line 118 may be defined by a seam. In this second example, the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 is made from a different piece of material from the posterior portion 104. In this example, the two portions of the bodysuit 100 may be stitched together during manufacturing.

[0033] The bodysuit 100 may further comprise a neck opening 106. The neck opening 106 is a hole in the bodysuit 100 through which the neck of a wearer may protrude. The neck opening 106 also separates the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 from the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. Specifically, the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 is located on a first, anterior, side of the neck opening 106, and the posterior portion 104 is located on a second, posterior, side of the neck opening 106. The neck opening 106 is located at a superior location on the bodysuit 100. That is, the neck opening 106 is located at the top, or at an uppermost point, of the bodysuit 100 when the bodysuit 100 is being held upright (e.g., worn by an upright wear). The neck opening 106 is the feature of the bodysuit 100 that is located closest to the head of the wearer. The neck opening 106 may have a neckline of any suitable design. In figures 1 and 2 the neck opening 106 is illustrated as having a round neckline. Examples of alternative necklines that may define the neck opening 106 are boat neck, collar, cowl, halter, plunging and scoop. In a further example, the bodysuit may be strapless (i.e., have a top portion in the form of a tube top). In this example, the neck opening may also be an opening for the arms and upper chest of a wearer.

[0034] in examples other than that in which the bodysuit is strapless, the bodysuit 100 may also comprise arm portions 108, 110. The first arm portion 108 is configured to provide an opening for a first arm of the wearer. The second arm portion 110 is configured to provide an opening for a second arm of the wearer. The first and second arm portions 108, 110 also act to separate the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 from the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. The arm portions 108, 110 of the bodysuit 100 may have any suitable design. In figures 1 and 2 the bodysuit 100 is illustrated as being sleeveless. In this example, the arm portions 108,110 are designed as holes in the fabric of the bodysuit 100 out of which the arms of a wearer can extend. Examples of alternative designs for the arm portions include short sleeves, long sleeves and straps.

[0035] The bodysuit 100 further comprises leg portions 112, 114. The first leg portion 112 is configured to provide an opening for a first leg of the wearer. The second leg portion 114 is configured to provide an opening for a second leg of the wearer. The first and second leg portions 112, 114 also act to separate the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 from the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. The leg portions 112, 114 of the bodysuit 100 may have any suitable design. In figures 1 and 2 the bodysuit 100 is illustrated as being legless. In this example, the leg portions 112, 114 are designed as holes in the fabric of the bodysuit 100 out of which the legs of a wearer can extend. Examples of alternative designs for the leg portions include shorts and trousers.

[0036] The bodysuit 100 comprises a base point 116. The base point 116 is located at an inferior location on the bodysuit 100. The word "inferior" is used herein to define a lowermost point. Thus, the base point 116 may otherwise be defined as the lowermost location, or lowermost point, on the bodysuit 100 (when the bodysuit 100 is being worn by an upright wearer). That is, the base point 116 is the feature of the bodysuit 100 that is located furthest from the head of the wearer when the bodysuit 100 is being worn. The inferior location (or lowermost point) opposes the superior location (or uppermost point) of the neck opening 106 on the bodysuit 100. That is, the inferior location is at the opposite end of the bodysuit 100 to the superior location. The distance between the inferior location and the superior location may define the length of the bodysuit 100.

[0037] In the design of typical bodysuits the fastening arrangement for the bodysuit 100 is located at the base point 116 of the bodysuit 100. That is, the fastening arrangement is typically located underneath the crotch of a wearer. This arrangement splits the anterior and posterior portion 104s of the bodysuit 100 exactly along the dividing line 118 (i.e., along the sagittal plane) when the bodysuit 100 is being worn. However, this configuration often causes discomfort for the wearer, as the components of the fastening arrangement may rub against the wearer's crotch area.

[0038] To overcome the abovementioned problem, an advantageously located fastening arrangement is introduced herein. This arrangement can be seen in figures 3 to 6. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate two-dimensional views of the anterior and posterior portion 104s of the bodysuit 100 of figure 1, respectively, when the bodysuit 100 is closed. That is, in figures 3 and 4, the fastening arrangement of the bodysuit 100 is in a closed, or engaged, configuration.

[0039] As with figures 1 and 2, figures 3 and 4 illustrate the neck opening 106, arm portions 108,110 and leg portions 112,114 of the bodysuit 100. Figure 4 also illustrates that the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100 comprises a lumbar region 120. The lumbar region 120 of the posterior portion 104 is configured to cover the lumbar spine of a wearer when the bodysuit 100 is being worn by the wearer. The lumbar spine is a lower back region of the spinal column. The lumbar spine is located towards the rear crotch region of a wearer.

[0040] The bodysuit 100 further comprises a fastening arrangement 122 configured to attach the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 to the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100 when it is engaged. That is the fastening arrangement 122 is configured to allow a wearer to open the bodysuit 100 to position themselves within the bodysuit 100, and to close the bodysuit 100 so as to secure themselves within the bodysuit 100. The fastening arrangement 122 is located on the bodysuit 100 such that it is configured to be engaged at a joining location 124 that is located between the lumbar region 120 and the base point 116. That is, the joining location 124 is located between a lowermost point of the bodysuit 100 and the lumbar region 120 of the bodysuit 100.

[0041] The joining location 124 at which the fastening arrangement is secured is to the rear of the inferior portion of a wearer's crotch (i.e., behind the lowermost portion of the crotch). That is, the joining location 124 is to the rear of the wearer. The joining location 124 is configured to be located on the posterior of the wearer. The joining location 124 configured to cover a posterior feature of the wearer. The joining location 124 is configured to be located on the backside of a wearer. The joining location 124 may be configured to be located between, or over, the buttocks of a wearer.

[0042] The fastening arrangement is described in greater detail in figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate two-dimensional views of the posterior and anterior portion 102s of the bodysuit 100, respectively, when the bodysuit 100 is open (i.e., when the fastening arrangement is in an open, or released, configuration). The fastening arrangement further comprises first and second flaps 126, 130. A first flap 126 is attached to the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100. That is, the first flap 126 is connected to the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100. The first flap 126 is attached to the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 at an inferior location 138 on the anterior portion 102. That is, the first flap 126 is attached to the anterior portion 102 at a lowermost, or bottom, location on the anterior portion 102. In some examples, the first flap 126 may be attached to the anterior portion 102 by sewing or another suitable textile adhering means. In other examples, the first flap 126 may be attached to the anterior portion 102 because it is integral with (i.e., formed from the same piece of material as) the anterior portion 102.

[0043] When the fastening arrangement is in an open configuration, the first flap 126 may extend linearly away from the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100. That is, the first flap 126 may extend in a straight line along the sagittal plane. The first flap 126 may be in the form of a strap. The first flap 126 may be rectangular in shape. The first flap 126 may be planar. That is, the first flap 126 may extend substantially more in a first and second direction (e.g., across its width and its length) than it does in a third direction (e.g., across its depth). The first flap 126 may extend substantially more in a first direction (e.g., across its length) than it does in its first and second directions. The first flap 126 may be configured to extend, when the fastening arrangement is in a closed configuration, across the crotch area of a wearer. More specifically, the first flap 126 may be configured to extend around an inferior location of the crotch and along the back of the crotch area.

[0044] A second flap 130 is attached to the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. That is, the second flap 130 is connected to the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. The second flap 130 is attached to the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100 at an inferior location 140 on the posterior portion 104. That is, the second flap 130 is attached to the posterior portion 104 at a lowermost, or bottom, location on the posterior portion 104. In some examples, the second flap 130 may be attached to the posterior portion 104 by sewing or another suitable textile adhering means. In other examples, the second flap 130 may be attached to the anterior portion 102 because it is integral with (i.e., formed from the same piece of material as) the anterior portion 102.

[0045] When the fastening arrangement 122 is in an open configuration, the second flap 130 may extend linearly away (i.e., vertically downwards, along the sagittal plane) from the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. The second flap 130 may be in the form of a strap. The second flap 130 may be rectangular in shape. The second flap 130 may be planar. That is, the second flap 130 may extend substantially more in a first and second direction (e.g., across its width and its length) than it does in a third direction (e.g., across its depth). The second flap 130 may extend substantially more in a first direction (e.g., across its length) than it does in its first and second directions. The second flap 130 may be configured to extend, when the fastening arrangement is in a closed configuration, between the lumbar region 120 and the crotch area of a wearer. More specifically, the second flap 130 may be configured to extend along the back of the crotch area. The second flap 130 may not be configured to extend around an inferior crotch area of a wearer.

[0046] The first flap 126 is configured to attach to the second flap 130 of the bodysuit 100 to engage the fastening arrangement 122. The first flap 126 is therefore configured to attach to the second flap 130 at the joining location 124. The joining location 124 may be a location at which the first flap 126 overlaps with the second flap 130 to enclose the wearer within the bodysuit 100. The first flap 126 may have a length that is greater than the distance between the inferior location 138 of the anterior portion 102 and the joining location 124. The second flap 130 may also or alternatively have a length that is greater than the distance between the inferior location 140 of the posterior portion 104 and the joining location 124.

[0047] As illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the first flap 126 may be longer than the second flap 130. That is, the first flap 126 may have a length that is greater than the length of the second flap 130. The greater length of the first flap 126, relative to the second flap 130, enables the first flap 126 to wrap around the lowermost portion 116 of the crotch of a wearer. The greater length enables the first and second flaps to be joined at the joining location 124 that to the rear of the lowermost portion of the crotch 116. The first flap 126 may be substantially longer than the second flap 130. In some examples, the first flap 126 may be at least three times as long as the second flap 130.

[0048] Each of the first and second flaps 126, 130 may comprise a respective set of fasteners. That is, the fastening arrangement may comprise a first set of fasteners 128 attached to (i.e., located on) the first flap 126 and a second set of fasteners 132 attached to (i.e., located on) the second flap 130. At least one fastener of the first flap 126 may 132 engage with at least one respective fastener of the second flap 130 to close the fastening arrangement. In some examples, a single fastener of the first flap 126 may engage with a single respective fastener on the second flap 130 to close the fastening arrangement. In other examples, two or more fasteners of the first flap 126 may engage with two or more respective fasteners on the second flap 130 to close the fastening arrangement. Each fastener of the first set of fasteners 128 may be configured to engage a fastener of the second set of fasteners 132 at the joining location 124. This means that, irrespective of the specific fastener of the first set of fasteners 128 that engages with a respective fastener of the second set of fasteners 132, fasteners will always be engaged at a location that is between the lowermost portion of the bodysuit 100 and the lumbar region 120 of the bodysuit 100.

[0049] The first set of fasteners 128 may be adhered to the first flap 126 via any suitable means. In some examples the first set of fasteners 128 may be adhered to the first flap 126 by sewing each fastener onto the first flap 126. In other examples first set of fasteners 128 may be adhered to the first flap 126 by gluing each fastener onto the first flap 126. The second set of fasteners 132 may be adhered to the second flap 130 via any suitable means. In some examples the second set of fasteners 132 may be adhered to the first flap 126 by sewing each fastener onto the second flap 130. In other examples first set of fasteners 128 may be adhered to the second flap 130 by gluing each fastener onto the second flap 130.

[0050] In some examples, each fastener of the first set of fasteners 128 is a male fastener. In these examples, each fastener of the second set of fasteners 132 is a female fastener. A male fastener is a fastener that comprises a protrusion that is to be received within a receptacle. A female fastener is a fastener that comprises a receptacle within which the protrusion of the male fastener is to be received. An advantage of the fasteners of the first set of fasteners 128 being male fasteners is that the first set of fasteners 128, in being located on the first flap 126, are closer to the anterior of the wearer (when the wearer is inside the bodysuit 100) than the second set of fasteners 132 that is located on the second flap 130. It is easier for a wearer to engage the fastening arrangement if the arrangement is configured so that the male fasteners are closest to the anterior of the wearer. In alternative examples, the fasteners of the first set of fasteners 128 may be female fasteners and the fasteners of the second set of fasteners 132 may be male fasteners.

[0051] The fasteners of the first and second sets of fasteners 128, 132 may otherwise be referred to as connectors, or couplings. The fastening arrangement, and more specifically the fasteners of the first and second sets of fasteners 128, 132, may act to join the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 to the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. The fastening arrangement may form a junction between the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 and the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100. The fastening arrangement may link the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 to the posterior portion 104 of the bodysuit 100.

[0052] The fasteners of the first and second sets of fasteners 128, 132 may be any suitable type of fasteners. In one example, the fasteners of the first and second sets of fasteners 128, 132 may snap fasteners. The snap fasteners may otherwise be referred to as press studs, snap buttons, press buttons, press fasteners, dome fasteners, poppers or snaps. A pair of snap fasteners that is configured to form a snap connection is a pair of interlocking discs that are made out of metal or plastic. A first snap fastener of the pair of snap fasteners is a male fastener that comprises a protrusion in the centre of its disk. The second snap fastener is a female fastener that comprises a cavity in the centre of its disk. The protrusion of the first snap fastener is configured to locate within the cavity of the second snap fastener using a press fit. Such a fit links the two fasteners together and thereby forms a connection. Snap fasteners are advantageous as they are durable and aesthetically desirable. Other types of fasteners that may alternatively be selected for the first and second sets of fasteners 128,132 are hook and loop fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, buckles and buttons.

[0053] In the example illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the fasteners in the first set of fasteners 128 are arranged as a linear array extends between the inferior location 138 of the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 and a distal end 134 of the first flap 126 that opposes the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100. That is, in this example, the fasteners of the first set fasteners are arranged in a one-dimensional array, or in a line, that extends between the anterior portion 102 of the bodysuit 100 and the distal end 134 of the first flap 126. Arranging the first set of fasteners 128 in this way is advantageous as it means that the width of the first flap 126 can be reduced, further increasing comfort for the wearer. In this example, the fasteners in the second set of fasteners 132 may also be arranged as a linear array corresponding to the linear array of the first set of fasteners 128. That is, the fasteners of the second set of fasteners 132 may also be arranged in a one-dimensional line that extends from the inferior location 140 of the posterior portion 104 to the distal end 136 of the second flap 130. Ensuring that the first and second sets of fasteners 128, 132 are laid out similarly on the first and second flaps, respectively, allows that sets of fasteners to engage with each other effectively.

[0054] In the example of figures 5 and 6, the linear arrays of the first and second sets of fasteners 128,132 extend along the sagittal plane of the bodysuit 100 (i.e., vertically, or from the superior end to the inferior end of the bodysuit 100). In alternative examples, the linear arrays of the first and second sets of fasteners 128, 132 may extend along the transverse plane (i.e., horizontally, or along the lateral plane). In further examples the shape of the arrays may be different. For example, the arrays of the first and / or second sets of fasteners may be two-dimensional arrays. The two-dimensional array(s) may be in the shape of a square, a circle or any alternative shape.

[0055] In the example illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the first set of fasteners 128 comprises four fasteners 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d. This number of fasteners is advantageous as it allows for a large number of fastening locations for the fastening array. This means that the bodysuit 100 can be adapted to suit different body dimensions for the wearer. It should be appreciated that the first set of fasteners 128 may, in alternative examples, comprise more or fewer fasteners. In some examples, the first set of fasteners 128 may comprise a greater number of fasteners than is necessary to close the fastening arrangement. For example, the first set of fasteners 128 may comprise four fasteners, where only two fasteners are required to close the fastening arrangement. In some examples there may be more fasteners in the first set of fasteners 128 than there are in the second set of fasteners 132. That is, the first set of fasteners 128 may comprise a greater number of fasteners than the second set of fasteners 132.

[0056] In the specific example illustrated in figures 5 and 6, where the first set of fasteners 128 comprises four fasteners, the second set of fasteners 132 comprises two fasteners 132a, 132b. In this example, only two fasteners of the four fasteners 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d in the first set of fasteners 128 can be adhered to the two fasteners 132a, 132b of the second set of fasteners 132. The remaining fasteners of the first set of fasteners 128, in this specific example, are redundant (i.e., not used). An advantage of the first set of fasteners 128 having more fasteners than the second set of fasteners 132 is that this minimises the number of overall fasteners on the bodysuit 100 whilst also ensuring that the bodysuit 100 is adaptable to different dimensions of wearer. It should be appreciated that the second set of fasteners 132 may, in alternative examples, comprise more or fewer fasteners. In alternative examples to the examples illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the second set of fasteners 132 may comprise more fasteners than the second set of fasteners 132. In a further example, the first and second sets of fasteners 128, 132 may comprise the same number of fasteners.

[0057] The invention described herein is advantageous as it minimises discomfort for a wearer wishing to wear a bodysuit 100. By locating the fastening arrangement of the bodysuit 100 at the rear of the base point 116 of the bodysuit 100, discomfort to a wearer's crotch area as a result of rubbing from the fastening arrangement can be reduced. The additional features of the invention described herein provide further advantages that are laid out above.

[0058] It will be understood that the above description of a preferred example is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. What has been described above includes examples of one or more examples. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable modification and alteration of the above devices or methods for purposes of describing the aforementioned aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further modifications and permutations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bodysuit comprising:an anterior portion;a posterior portion having a lumbar region; anda fastening arrangement configured to attach the anterior portion to the posterior portion;wherein the fastening arrangement is configured to be engaged at a joining location that is between a lowermost point of the bodysuit and the lumbar region.

2. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the anterior portion is configured to cover at least one anterior feature of a wearer when the bodysuit is being worn by the wearer.

3. The bodysuit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the posterior portion is configured to cover at least one posterior feature of a wearer when the bodysuit is being worn by the wearer.

4. The bodysuit of any preceding claim, wherein the lumbar region is configured to cover the lumbar spine of a wearer when the bodysuit is being worn by the wearer.

5. The bodysuit of any preceding claim, wherein the bodysuit further comprises a neck opening located at an uppermost point on the bodysuit, and wherein the lowermost point of the bodysuit opposes the uppermost point on the bodysuit.

6. The bodysuit of any preceding claim, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a first flap which is attached to the anterior portion.

7. The bodysuit of any preceding claim, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a second flap which is attached to the second portion.

8. The bodysuit of claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the first flap is longer than the second flap.

9. The bodysuit of claim 8, wherein the first flap is at least three times as long as the second flap.

10. The bodysuit of claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a first set of fasteners located on the first flap and a second set of fasteners located on the second flap.

11. The bodysuit of claim 10, wherein each fastener of the first set of fasteners is configured to engage a fastener of the second set of fasteners at the joining location.

12. The bodysuit of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein each fastener of the first set of fasteners is a male fastener, and wherein each fastener of the second set of fasteners is a female fastener.

13. The bodysuit of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the fasteners of the first and second set of fasteners are snap fasteners.

14. The bodysuit of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first set of fasteners forms a linear array that extends between the anterior portion of the bodysuit and a distal end of the first flap.

15. The bodysuit of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first set of fasteners comprises four fasteners.

16. The bodysuit of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the first set of fasteners comprises a greater number of fasteners than the second set of fasteners.

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