Fabric for a sports bra

Abstract

The invention provides a fabric comprising first, second and third yarns. The first yarn comprises a first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and a first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres, the second yarn comprises a second plurality of hydrophobic fibres or a hydrophobic filament and the third yarn is interlaced amongst the first yarn and the second yarn and comprises an elastic filament and a hydrophobic yarn.

Description

Fabric for a sports braField of the disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure broadly relates to a fabric which is suitable for a sports bra.Background of the disclosure

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout this specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Sports bras typically comprise pads which cover the wearer's breasts. These are conventionally composed of sponge, latex, or polyurethane. However, these materials perform poorly at facilitating the absorption and evaporation of sweat, causing discomfort when the wearer perspires, such as during exercise.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a fabric suitable for a sports bra, and particularly a pad for a sports bra, which promotes evaporative cooling when the wearer sweats, absorbs moisture, and enables sweat to evaporate quickly.Summary of the disclosure

[0005] In a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a fabric comprising: a first yarn, the first yarn comprising a first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and a first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres; a second yarn, the second yarn comprising a second plurality of hydrophobic fibres or a hydrophobic filament; and a third yarn interlaced amongst the first yarn and the second yarn, wherein the third yarn comprises an elastic filament and a hydrophobic yarn.

[0006] The following options may be used in conjunction with the first aspect of the disclosure, either individually or in any combination.

[0007] The first yarn may form a bottom layer. The second yarn may form a top layer.

[0008] The first and second yarns may be the same. The first and second yarns may be different.

[0009] The fabric may be a double knit fabric. The fabric may be a knitted fabric The fabric may be a flat weft knit fabric. The bottom layer may be knitted of the first yarn and the top layer may be knitted of the second yarn.

[0010] The first yarn may comprise between about 50% and about 95% (w / w) of the first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and between about 5% and about 50% (w / w) of the first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

[0011] The second yarn further may comprise a second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The second yarn may comprise between about 50% and about 95% (w / w) of the second plurality of hydrophobic fibres and between about 5% and about 50% (w / w) of the second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

[0012] The first and / or second yarn may comprise about 84% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres and about 16% (w / w) of the plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

[0013] The first and / or second moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of at least about 4%.

[0014] The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may be independently selected from the group consisting of cotton, regenerated cellulose fibre, bamboo fibre, and wool. The first and / or second moisture absorbing fibre may be modal. The second yarn may consist, or consist essentially, of the second plurality of hydrophobic fibres.

[0015] The first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres may be independently selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid, acetate, and polyamide. The first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres may be polyester.

[0016] The first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of between about 20 tex and about 40 tex.

[0017] The first and / or second yarn may be a spun yarn.

[0018] The hydrophobic yarn may be selected from the group consisting of polyester (such as hydrophilic modified polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid, acetate (polyvinylacetate homopolymer or copolymer), and polyamide.

[0019] The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of no more than about 5%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of between about 1.4% and about 1.8%.

[0020] The elastic filament may be selected from the group consisting of elastane, elastolefin, elastodiene, nylon, polytrimethylene terephthalate fiber, polybutylene terephthalate, and elastomultiester.

[0021] The elastic filament may have a yarn count of between about 4 tex and about 30 tex. The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of between about 2 and about 10 tex.

[0022] The hydrophobic yarn may have a cross-section that is X-shaped, M-shaped, l-shaped, honeycomb-shaped, Y-shaped, U-shaped or O-shaped. The hydrophobic yarn may have a cross-section that is X-shaped.

[0023] The first and second yarns may be thicker than the third yarn. The first and second yarns may be individually at least 2 times thicker than the third yarn.

[0024] In a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a bra pad comprising or consisting, or consisting essentially, of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0025] In a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a bra comprising: a front panel configured to at least partially cover the breasts of a wearer, a rear panel attached to the front panel, such that the front and back panels are configured to surround the torso of the wearer, and a pair of shoulder straps connecting the front and back panels, the front panel having a pair of bra pads according to the second aspect of the disclosure attached thereto, wherein each bra cup is configured to at least partially cover a breast of the wearer.

[0026] The following options may be used in conjunction with the third aspect of the disclosure, either individually or in any combination.

[0027] The bra pads may be irreversibly attached to the front panel. Alternatively, the bra pads may be removably attached to the front panel.

[0028] The front panel may comprise a pocket configured to receive the pair of bra pads.

[0029] The bra may further comprise a torso band configured to surround the torso of the wearer, wherein the torso band is attached to a bottom edge of the front panel and the back panel.

[0030] The bra may be fabricated from the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0031] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a use of the fabric of the first aspect of the invention in a bra pad.

[0032] In a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a use of the fabric of the first aspect of the invention in a bra.Definitions

[0033] The following are some definitions that may be helpful in understanding the description of the present disclosure. These are intended as general definitions and should in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure to those terms alone, but are put forth for a better understanding of the following description.

[0034] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. The term "consist" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated element, integer or step or group thereof and the exclusion of any unstated element, integer or step. The term "consist essentially of" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated element, integer or step or group thereof and allow for the presence of unstated elements, integers or steps that are not intentionally present and have only minor effects on the operation of the invention. Such unstated elements are commonly present in low amounts, for example less than about 5% or less than about 1%.

[0035] The terms "a" and "an" 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. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0036] In the context of this specification the term "about" is understood to refer to ±10% of the recited value.

[0037] Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of 1.0 to 5.0 isintended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 5.0, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 5.0, such as 2.1 to 4.5. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein.

[0038] The term "may" is intended to encompass both positive and negative recitations. Thus for example "A may be B" encompasses both "A is B" and "A is not B".

[0039] Any description of prior art documents herein, or statements herein derived from or based on those documents, is not an admission that the documents or derived statements are part of the common general knowledge of the relevant art.

[0040] For the purposes of description, all documents referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety unless otherwise statedBrief Description of the Drawings

[0041] Figure 1. A schematic of a bra pad fabricated using an embodiment of the fabric of the disclosure.

[0042] Figure 2. An embodiment of a bra of the third aspect of the disclosure and a bra pad of the second aspect of the disclosure.Detailed Description

[0043] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that a fabric as described herein may be used to prepare a bra pad which promotes evaporative cooling, absorbs moisture, and enables sweat to evaporate quickly, while being sufficiently thick to provide support and conceal the nipples.

[0044] In a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a fabric comprising: a first yarn, the first yarn comprising a first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and a first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres; a second yarn,the second yarn comprising a second plurality of hydrophobic fibres or a hydrophobic filament; and a third yarn interlaced amongst the first yarn and the second yarn, wherein the third yarn comprises an elastic filament and a hydrophobic yarn.

[0045] In the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure, the first yarn may form a bottom layer. That is, the bottom layer may be comprised of the first yarn. The bottom layer may be the layer which is, or is intended to be, in contact with the skin of the wearer. The second yarn may form a top layer. That is, the top layer may be comprised of the second yarn. The top layer may be the layer which is furthest from the skin of the wearer. Thus the third yarn, which is interlaced amongst the first yarn and the second yarn, may form a middle layer which is disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer. This arrangement is depicted in Figure 1.

[0046] The first and second yarn may be the same. The first and second yarns may be different. That is, the yarns may have the same composition or a different composition. Accordingly, the top and bottom layers may be the same, or the top and bottom layers may be different.

[0047] The first yarn may be more hydrophilic than the second yarn or may have the same degree of hydrophilicity as the second yarn. Thus the first yarn may be at least as hydrophilic as the second yarn. The moisture gain gradient from the second yarn to the first yarn may be between about 0 and about 20%, or about 0 to 10, 0 to 5, 0 to 3, 0 to 2, 1 to 20, 3 to 20, 5 to 20, 10 to 20, 3 to 10, 3 to 5 or 5 to 10%, e.g. about 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 or 20%. The bottom layer may be more hydrophilic than the top layer or may have the same degree of hydrophilicity as the top layer. Thus the bottom layer may be at least as hydrophilic as the top layer. The moisture gain gradient from the top layer to the bottom layer may be between about 0 and about 20%, or about 0 to 10, 0 to 5, 0 to 3, 0 to 2, 1 to 20, 3 to 20, 5 to 20, 10 to 20, 3 to 10, 3 to 5 or 5 to 10%, e.g. about 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 or 20%.

[0048] The first yarn comprises a first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and a first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The first yarn may consist, or consist essentially, of a first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and a first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

[0049] The second yarn comprises a second plurality of hydrophobic fibres or a hydrophobic filament. The second yarn may consist, or consist essentially, of a second plurality of hydrophobic fibres or a hydrophobic filament. The second yarn may consist, or consist essentially, of a hydrophobic filament. The second yarn may further comprise a secondplurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The second yarn may consist, or consist essentially, of a second plurality of hydrophobic fibres and a second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

[0050] The first and / or second yarn (if the second yarn further comprises a second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres) may comprise between about 50% and about 95% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres (which are, correspondingly, the first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres), or about 50-60, 50-70, 50-80, 50-90, 60-70, 60-80, 60-90, 70-80, 70-90, 70-95, 80-90, 80-95, or between about 90% and about 95% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres. The first and / or second yarn may comprise between about 80% and about 90% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres. The first and / or second yarn may comprise about 50% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres, or about 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 84, 85, 90, or about 95% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres. The first and / or second yarn may comprise 84% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres. The first and / or second yarn may comprise 84% (w / w) of the first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres, respectively. The first and second yarn may comprise 84% (w / w) of the first and second plurality of hydrophobic fibres, respectively.

[0051] The first and / or second yarn (if the second yarn further comprises a second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres) may comprise between about 5% and about 50% (w / w) of the plurality of moisture absorbing fibres (which are, correspondingly, the first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres), or about 5-10, 5-20 5-30, 5-40, 10-20, 10-30, 10-40, 10-50, 20-30, 20-40, 20-50, 30-40, 30-50, or between about 40% and about 50% (w / w) of the plurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The first and / or second yarn may comprise between about 10% and about 20% (w / w) of the plurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The first and / or second yarn may comprise about 10% (w / w) of the plurality of moisture absorbing fibres, or about 15, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or about 50 (w / w) of the plurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The first and / or second yarn may comprise about 16% (w / w) of the first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres, respectively. The first and second yarn may comprise about 16% (w / w) of the first and second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres, respectively.

[0052] The first yarn comprises a first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The second yarn may, in some embodiments, comprise a second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres. The first and second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may be the same, or they may be different. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of at least about 4%, or at least about 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or at least about 20%. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of at least about 10%. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of between about 4% and about 20%, or between about 4-6, 4-8, 4-10, 4-12, 4-14, 4-16, 4-18,6-8, 6-10, 6-12, 6-14, 6-16, 6-18, 6-20, 8-10, 8-12, 8-14, 8-16, 8-18, 8-20, 10-12, 10-14, IQ- 16, 10-18, 12-14, 12-16, 12-18, 12-20, 14-16, 14-18, 14-20, 16-18, 16-20, or between about 18% and about 20%. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of between about 4% and about 16%. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of between about 10% and about 20%. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of about 4%, or about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or about 20%. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may have a moisture regain of about 13%. Moisture regain refers to the weight of water that is absorbed by a material expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry weight of the material.

[0053] The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may be independently selected from the group consisting of cotton, regenerated cellulose fibre (such as modal, cupro, viscose, lyocell, rayon, or Tencel®), bamboo fibre and wool. The first and second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may be the same, or they may be different. The first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may be, or may comprise, modal. The first and second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres may be, or may comprise, modal.

[0054] The first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres may be independently selected from the group consisting of polyester (such as PET, PBT, PTT, CEYLS®, ITER®, or SORONA®), polypropylene, polylactic acid, acetate, and polyamide. The first and second plurality of hydrophobic fibres may be the same, or they may be different. The first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres may be polyester. The first and second plurality of hydrophobic fibres may be polyester.

[0055] The first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of between about 9 tex and about 60 tex, or between about 10-20, 10-30, 10-40, 10-50, 10-60, 20-30, 20-40, 20-50, 20-60, 30- 40, 30-50, 30-60, 40-50, 40-60, or between about 50 tex and about 60 tex. The first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of between about 20 tex and about 40 tex. The first and second yarn may have a yarn count of between about 20 tex and about 40 tex. The first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of between about 25 tex and about 35 tex. The first and second yarns may both have a yarn count of between about 25 tex and about 35 tex. The first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of between about 3 tex and about 23 tex, or between about 3-5, 3-10, 3-15, 3-20, 5-10, 5-15, 5-20, 5-23, 10-15, 10-20, 10-23, 15-20, 15- 23, or between about 20 tex and about 23 tex. The first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of about 3 tex, or about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or about 60 tex. The first and / or second yarn mayhave a yarn count of about 30 tex. The first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of about 29.5 tex. The first and second yarns may both have a yarn count of about 30 tex. The first and second yarns may both have a yarn count of about 29.5 tex. Using a different measure, the first and / or second yarn may have a yarn count of about 20S / 2, that is, the first and / or second yarns may comprise two shares of 20S (29.5 tex) yarns. This would provide a total thickness, or yarn count, of 59 tex.

[0056] The first and / or second yarn may be a spun yarn, that is, it may be a yarn spun from staple fibres. Alternatively, the first and / or second yarn may be a filament yarn.

[0057] The third yarn comprises an elastic filament and a hydrophobic yarn. The third yarn may comprise an elastic filament sheathed by a hydrophobic yarn. Alternatively the hydrophobic yarn may be a filament yarn and the third yarn may comprise an elastic filament and a hydrophobic filament. The third yarn may consist, or consist essentially, of an elastic filament sheathed by a hydrophobic yarn. The third yarn may consist, or consist essentially, of an elastic filament and a hydrophobic filament. The elastic filament may have an elongation percentage of at least about 50%, or at least 75, 100, 125, 150, or at least about 200%. The elastic filament may have an elongation percentage of at least about 150%. The elastic filament may be selected from the group consisting of elastane, elastolefin, elastodiene, nylon, polytrimethylene terephthalate fiber, polybutylene terephthalate, and elastomultiester. The elastic filament may be selected from the group consisting of elastane, elastolefin, elastodiene, and elastomultiester. The elastic filament may be elastane.

[0058] The elastic filament may have a yarn count of between about 4 tex and about 30 tex, or between about 4-10, 4-15, 4-20, 4-25, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 15-20, 15-25, 15-30, 20-25, 20-30, or between about 25 tex and about 30 tex. The elastic filament may have a yarn count of between about 4 tex and about 10 tex. The elastic filament may have a yarn count of about 4 tex, or about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 tex. The elastic filament may have a yarn count of about 8 tex. The elastic filament may have a yarn count of about 8.4 tex. Using a different measure, the elastic filament may have a yarn count of about 70D.

[0059] The hydrophobic yarn may be selected from the group consisting of polyester (such as hydrophilic modified polyester, PET, PBT, PTT, CEYLS®, ITER®, or SORONA®), polypropylene, polylactic acid, acetate, and polyamide. Hydrophilic modified polyester is polyester which been subject to surface modification with hydrophilic molecules or polymers. Hydrophilic molecules or polymers which may be used for such surface modification of polyester include cellulose, starch, and acrylic acid or acrylate. An example of a hydrophilicmodified polyester is ITER® polyester, also referred to as NED polyester. While hydrophilic modified polyester is a hydrophilic type of polyester, generally speaking it is a hydrophobic yarn.

[0060] The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of between about 2 tex and about 10 tex, or between about 2-4, 2-6, 2-8, 4-6, 4-8, 4-10, 6-8, 6-10 or between about 8 tex and about 10 tex. The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of between about 4 tex and about 6 tex. The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of about 2 tex, or about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or about 10 tex. The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of about 5 tex. The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of about 5.5 tex. The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of about 6 tex. Using a different measure, the hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of about 50D. The hydrophobic yarn may have a yarn count of about 50D / 72F. That is, it may be 50 denier composed 72 filament fibre strands.

[0061] The hydrophobic yarn may have a cross-section that is X-shaped, M-shaped, l-shaped, honeycomb-shaped, Y-shaped, U-shaped or O-shaped. The hydrophobic yarn may have a cross-section that is X-shaped, M-shaped, l-shaped, honeycomb-shaped, Y-shaped, or U- shaped. The hydrophobic yarn may have a cross-section that is X-shaped. The shape of the yarn may create a plurality of spaces along its length that facilitates a capillary action.

[0062] The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of no more than about 5%, or no more than 4, 3, 2, or no more than about 1 %. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of between about 1 % and about 5%, or between about 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 3-4, 3-5, or between about 4% and about 5%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of between about 0.6% and about 4.5%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of between about 1 % and about 2%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of between about 1.4% and about 1.8%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of between about 1%, or about 2, 3, 4, or about 5%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of about 1%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of about 1.5%. The hydrophobic yarn may have a moisture regain of about 2%.

[0063] It is noted that the moisture regain of the moisture absorbing fibres in the first and, optionally, second yarn is comparatively higher, while the moisture regain of the hydrophobic yarn in the third yarn is comparatively lower. Where the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure is worn against the skin of a wearer, the first yarn may form a bottom layer in contact with the skin, while the second yarn may form a top layer furthest from the skin. The third yarn thus forms a middle layer. In use, moisture in the form of sweat is absorbed by the moisture absorbing fibres in the first yarn, then transported through the middle layer by the capillaryaction of the hydrophobic yarn, to the second yarn, in the top layer in which the moisture is caused to spread out and evaporate. Thus the moisture absorbing fibres should have a higher moisture regain, to absorb moisture, while the hydrophobic yarn should have a low moisture regain as it serves only to transport moisture, and should not cause it to become trapped in the middle layer.

[0064] In the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure, the first and second yarns may be thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be at least about 2 times thicker than the third yarn, or at least about 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 or at least about 6 times thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be between about 2 and about 6 times thicker than the third yarn, or between about 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 3-4, 3- 5, 3-6, 4-5, 4-6, or between about 5 and about 6 times thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be between about 4 and about 5 times thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be about 2 times thicker than the third yarn, or about 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4. 4.5, 5, 5.5, or about 6 times thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be about 4 times thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be about 4.4 times thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be about 4.5 times thicker than the third yarn. The first and / or second yarns may individually be about 5 times thicker than the third yarn.

[0065] The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of between about 100 tex and about 200 tex, or between about 100-110, 100-120, 100-130, 100-140, 100- 150, 100-160, 100-170, 100-180, 100-190, 110-120, 110-130, 110-140, 110-150, 110-160, 110-170, 110-180, 110-190, 110-200, 120-130, 120-140, 120-150, 120-160, 120-170, 120- 180, 120-190, 120-200, 130-140, 130-150, 130-160, 130-170, 130-180, 130-190, 130-200, 140-150, 140-160, 140-170, 140-180, 140-190, 140-200, 150-160, 150-170, 150-180, 150- 190, 150-200, 160-170, 160-180, 160-190, 160-200, 170-180, 170-190, 170-200, 180-190, 180-200, or between about 190 tex and about 200 tex. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of between about 100 tex and about 150 tex. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of between about 130 tex and about 140 tex. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of about 100 tex, or about 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or about 200 tex. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of about 130 tex. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of about 131 tex. Using a different measure, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, 2-8, 2-9, 2-10, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8,4-9, 4-10, 5-6, 5-7, 5-8, 5-9, 5-10, 6-7, 6-8, 6-9, 6-10, 7-8, 7-9, 7-10, 8-9, 8-10, or between about 9 mm and about 10 mm. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of about 1 mm, or about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or about 10 mm. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may have a total thickness of about 5 mm.

[0066] The fabric of the first aspect may have an evaporation rate of at least about 0.05g / h as measured by GB / T 21655.1 -Article 8.3, or at least about 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10 or 0.11 g / h, or from about 0.05 to about 0.15g / h, or from about 0.05 to 0.10, 0.10 to 0.15, 0.08 to 0.10, 0.10 to 0.12, 0.08 to 0.12 or 0.09 to 0.12. It may have an evaporation rate of around 0.11-0.12 g / h. These rates may be before washing, or may be after at least 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 washes, these washes being according to ISO 63302000-5A: normal cycle, ECE(B) + sodium perborate, degree Celsius, tumble dry medium, 2 kg in total weight. The evaporation rate may reduce by less than about 20% after 10 washes, or by less than about 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 %.

[0067] The fabric of the first aspect may remain absorbent after 10 washes. The time taken to absorb 0.05g water after 10 washes may be less than about 30 seconds, or less than about 25 or 20 seconds. The time taken to absorb 0.05g water may increase after 10 washes by less than about 50 fold, or less than about 40, 30 or 20 fold.

[0068] The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may be knitted. In particular, it may be flat weft knitted. The fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may be a double knit fabric.

[0069] In a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a bra pad comprising the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure. The bra pad may consist, or consist essentially, of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure. A bra pad may also be referred to as a bra cup.

[0070] In a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a bra comprising: a front panel configured to at least partially cover the breasts of a wearer, a rear panel attached to the front panel, such that the front and back panels are configured to surround the torso of the wearer, and a pair of shoulder straps connecting the front and back panels,the front panel having a pair of bra pads according to the second aspect of the disclosure attached thereto, wherein each bra cup is configured to at least partially cover a breast of the wearer.

[0071] The bra of the third aspect of the disclosure may be of any conventional design, such as that depicted in Figure 2, which utilises bra pads of the second aspect of the disclosure, which comprise fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure. The bra pads may be attached to the front panel of the bra, in either an irreversible or removable manner. The front panel may comprise one or more pockets configured to receive the pair of bra pads.

[0072] The bra itself, that is, the front panel, real panel, the shoulder straps, and / or any other elements may also be fabricated from the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure. However, in an embodiment suitable to fabricate a bra, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure comprises yarns having a lower yarn count than in an embodiment suitable to fabricate a bra pad. In an embodiment suitable to fabricate a bra pad, the yarn count of each yarn may be such that the total thickness of the fabric is between about 100 tex and about 200 tex. In an embodiment suitable to fabricate a bra, the yarn count of each yarn may be such that the total thickness of the fabric is between about 10 and 40 tex, or between about 20 tex and about 30 tex, or about 28 tex. Furthermore, in an embodiment suitable to fabricate a bra, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may be knitted using a flat weft knitting machine. In an embodiment suitable to fabricate a bra pad, the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure may be knitted using a circular weft knitting machine. Furthermore, in an embodiment suitable to fabricate a bra, the first and / or second yarns may further comprise an elastic filament, which may be as described in respect of the third yarn.

[0073] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided use of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure in a bra pad. In a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided use of the fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure in a bra.Examples

[0074] The present disclosure is further described below by reference to the following nonlimiting examples.Example 1

[0075] A fabric of the first aspect of the disclosure, sponge, and latex were compared in respect of their evaporation rate and absorbency.MaterialsSamples of the following materials were obtained:1. Comfiknit bra pad made of knitted fabric as depicted in Figure 1 comprising, as a first and second yarn: 20S / 2 84% polyester / 16% modal spun yarn (forming a top and bottom layer), and as a third yarn: 70D elastane and 50D / 72F ITER® polyester having an X cross section, also referred to as NED polyester, and 70D elastane (forming middle layer).2. 100% polyether sponge bra pad3. 93% natural latex bra padMethodsAbsorbency

[0076] A central part of the bra pad with a diameter of 5.5cm and the rest of the bra pad were tested using AATCC 79-201 to give an absorbency value in seconds. Absorbing time was measured pre-wash, after 5 washes, and after 10 washes.Evaporation rate

[0077] Specimens were tested using GB / T 21655.1 -Article 8.3 to give an evaporation rate in g / h. Evaporation rate was measured pre-wash, after 5 washes, and after 10 washes. The specimen conditioning temperature was 21 ±1 °C (23 °C ± 2 °C) and relative humidity: 65% ± 2% (61%~67%).Washing procedure

[0078] Washing was carried out in accordance with ISO 63302000- 5A: normal cycle, ECE(B) + sodium perborate, degree Celsius, tumble dry medium, 2 kg in total weight.ResultsAbsorbency

[0079] The Comfiknit bra pad took less than 1 second to absorb 0.05 g of water in pre-wash condition, 30.38 seconds after 5 washes and 17.83 seconds after 10 washes. The sponge and latex bra pads took more than 180 seconds to absorb 0.05 g of water pre-wash, as well as after 5 and 10 washes. It appears that sponge and latex can be considered as non-absorbent.Evaporation rate

[0080] Comfiknit had a consistent evaporation rate of around 0.11-0.12 g / h pre-wash, as well as after 5 and 10 washes. The evaporation rate of sponge and latex could not be determined.Example 2

[0081] A knitted bra pad was prepared consisting of a top layer (second yarn) of 300D polyester, a bottom layer (first yarn) of 84% 20S / 1 spun polyester and 16% modal, and a middle layer (third yarn) of 30D elastane sheathed with 70D NED polyester.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of an two or more of said steps, features, compositions and compounds.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fabric comprising: a first yarn, the first yarn comprising a first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and a first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres; a second yarn, the second yarn comprising a second plurality of hydrophobic fibres or a hydrophobic filament; and a third yarn interlaced amongst the first yarn and the second yarn, wherein the third yarn comprises an elastic filament and a hydrophobic yarn.

2. The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the first yarn forms a bottom layer.

3. The fabric of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second yarn forms a top layer.

4. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second yarns are the same.

5. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second yarns are different.

6. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fabric is a double knit fabric.

7. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fabric is a knitted fabric8. The fabric of claim 7, wherein the fabric is a flat weft knit fabric.

9. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bottom layer is knitted of the first yarn and the top layer is knitted of the second yarn.

10. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first yarn comprises between about 50% and about 95% (w / w) of the first plurality of hydrophobic fibres and between about 5% and about 50% (w / w) of the first plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

11. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second yarn further comprises a second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

12. The fabric of claim 11 , wherein the second yarn comprises between about 50% and about 95% (w / w) of the second plurality of hydrophobic fibres and between about 5% and about 50% (w / w) of the second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

13. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and / or second yarn comprises about 84% (w / w) of the plurality of hydrophobic fibres and about 16% (w / w) of the plurality of moisture absorbing fibres.

14. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and / or second moisture absorbing fibres have a moisture regain of at least about 4%.

15. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first and / or second plurality of moisture absorbing fibres is independently selected from the group consisting of cotton, regenerated cellulose fibre, bamboo fibre, and wool.

16. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first and / or second moisture absorbing fibre is modal.

17. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second yarn consists of the second plurality of hydrophobic fibres.

18. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres is independently selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid, acetate, and polyamide.

19. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first and / or second plurality of hydrophobic fibres is polyester.

20. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first and / or second yarn has a yarn count of between about 20 tex and about 40 tex.

21. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first and / or second yarn is a spun yarn.

22. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the hydrophobic yarn is selected from the group consisting of polyester (such as hydrophilic modified polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid, acetate, and polyamide.

23. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the hydrophobic yarn has a moisture regain of no more than about 5%.

24. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the hydrophobic yarn has a moisture regain of between about 1.4% and about 1.8%.

25. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the elastic filament is selected from the group consisting of elastane, elastolefin, elastodiene, nylon, polytrimethylene terephthalate fiber, polybutylene terephthalate, and elastomultiester.

26. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the elastic filament has a yarn count of between about 4 tex and about 30 tex.

27. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the hydrophobic yarn has a yarn count of between about 2 and about 10 tex.

28. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the hydrophobic yarn has a crosssection that is X-shaped, M-shaped, l-shaped, honeycomb-shaped, Y-shaped, U-shaped or O-shaped.

29. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the hydrophobic yarn has a crosssection that is X-shaped.

30. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the first and second yarns are thicker than the third yarn.

31. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the first and second yarns are individually at least 2 times thicker than the third yarn.

32. The fabric of any one of claims 1 to 31 wherein the first yarn is at least as hydrophilic as the second yarn.

33. A bra pad comprising or consisting of the fabric of any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. A bra comprising: a front panel configured to cover the breasts of a wearer, a rear panel attached to the front panel, such that the front and back panels are configured to surround the torso of the wearer, and a pair of shoulder straps connecting the front and back panels,the front panel having a pair of bra pads according to claim 33 attached thereto, wherein each bra cup is configured to cover a breast of the wearer.

35. The bra of claim 34, wherein the bra pads are irreversibly attached to the front panel.

36. The bra of claim 34, wherein the bra pads are removably attached to the front panel.

37. The bra of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the front panel comprises a pocket configured to receive the pair of bra pads.

38. The bra of any one of claims 34 to 37, further comprising a torso band configured to surround the torso of the wearer, wherein the torso band is attached to a bottom edge of the front panel and the back panel.

39. The bra of any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the bra is fabricated from the fabric of any one of claims 1 to 32.

40. Use of the fabric of any one of claims 1 to 32 in a bra pad.

41. Use of the fabric of any one of claims 1 to 32 in a bra.

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