Garments incorporating elastic bonding, elastic sealing, and / or elastic gripping agents

Abstract

Garments may include two layers with a pattern of an elastic agent positioned therebetween. The elastic agent may be configured to bind the two layers together and / or provide regions, or zones, within the garment of varying elasticity to selectively support and / or compress regions of wearer tissue. The garments may be underwear, bras, camisoles, shorts, or shirts that are configured to support anatomy and / or shape tissue to provide a pleasing smooth shape or contour to a wearer by using the pattern elastic agent. At times, the patterns may be configured to be responsive to contours or shapes of a wearer's body so that, for example, breasts and / or tissue of a wearer's torso may be supported and / or shaped for cosmetic and / or medical reasons and / or to increase wearer comfort.

Description

GARMENTS INCORPORATING ELASTIC BONDING, ELASTIC SEALING, AND / OR ELASTIC GRIPPING AGENTSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is an INTERNATIONAL (PCT) patent application claiming priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Number: 63 / 637,329, filed on 22 April 2024 and entitled “LEAKPROOF COMPRESSION BRIEF AND SLEEPING LEAKPROOF SHORTS and United States Provisional Patent Application Number 63 / 676,833 filed on 29 July 2024 and entitled “GARMENTS INCORPORATING ELASTIC BONDING, ELASTIC SEALING, AND / OR ELASTIC GRIPPING” both of which are incorporated herein in their respective entireties.FIELD

[0002] The present application is related to apparel and, in particular, intimate apparel that incorporate elastic bonding, sealing, and / or gripping agents and / / or adhesives.BACKGROUND

[0003] Supportive garments and shapewear typically include panels of fabric, or panels of fabric, that are minimally expansive so that they hold, or shape, the wearer's body tissue (often adipose tissue) into a desired configuration (e.g., slimmer hips, flatter tummy, etc.) by compressing the tissue into place. These rigid, and by necessity, tight-fitting garments limit the movement and flexibility of the wearer and also hold and retain heat and moisture, making them uncomfortable to wear.SUMMARY

[0004] Garments disclosed herein may be configured to provide support, compression, and / or smoothing of wearer anatomy such as breast tissue, tissue positioned at, or around, a wearer’s waist, legs, hips, and / or torso (e.g., a middle, back, and / or side thereof), and / or tissue overlying and / or underlying muscles (e.g., abdominal and / or gluteus maximus muscles). At times, the garments herein may beconfigured as shapewear. In some embodiments, the garments disclosed herein may be configured to compress and / or support tissue following the birth of a child and, in these embodiments, the garments may be configured to support the abdominal region to, for example, hold internal organs in place and / or smooth contours of the torso following birth. Additionally, or alternatively, the garments disclosed herein may be configured to compress and / or support tissue and / or wearer anatomy following injury or trauma. For example, the garments disclosed herein may be configured to compress and / or support back and / or abdominal anatomy following childbirth or while in recovery from injury or trauma.

[0005] In some embodiments, the garments disclosed herein may include two layers with a pattern of elastic agent positioned between them. For example, a garment may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and an elastic agent configured and arranged between the inner and outer layers in a pattern that bonds the inner layer to the outer layer and provides support to wearer tissue. Additionally, or alternatively, the garment may include a pattern of elastic agent positioned on an external surface of the outer layer (e.g., facing away from a wearer) and / or on an internal surface of the inner layer (e.g., facing toward from a wearer). At times, openings in the pattern may allow for airflow and / or moisture flow through the garment, which may increase the breathability of the garment and / or wearer comfort when the garment is worn.

[0006] The elastic agent may provide support to wearer tissue by, for example, being less elastic (e.g., harder to stretch) than at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer so that, for example, it holds wearer tissue and / or anatomy in place. However, the elastic properties of the (e.g., stretching capacities) of the inner and outer layers may correspond to those of the elastic agent and / or pattern so that uneven spreading of the garment does not occur when worn. For example, the pattern may be configured to that it provides support to tissue / anatomy but does not cause the inner and / or outer layer to bunch, rip, twist, or otherwise deform in an undesirable manner (e.g., a manner that interrupts a smooth surface of the garment).

[0007] In some embodiments, the pattern (or a portion thereof) may be solid and, in other embodiments, the pattern may have gaps, or holes, where there is no elastic agent positioned between the inner and outer layers. These gaps, or holes, in the pattern may be sized, configured, and / or positioned to correspond with portions ofthe anatomy that a wearer may not wish and / or need to be compressed such as the apex of the breasts or center of the back. At times, a degree of coverage of the inner layer by the pattern may vary across the pattern so that, for example, a density and / or thickness of the elastic agent (e.g., a strand or band) within the pattern varies across the pattern and, in some cases, support of wearer tissue / anatomy may be maximized over regions of the pattern with densely arranged (e.g., few, or smaller, openings / holes) elastic agent. In some instances, a variation of the pattern across a garment may include a region of greater density and a region of lesser density, wherein greater support is provided by the region of greater density and less support is provided by the region of lesser density. For example, when the garment is underwear, the region of greater density may correspond to the wearer’s tummy, hips, or waist and regions of medium density may extend therefrom so that the compression of the tissue provides smooth profile along the garment when worn. In some instances, the regions of medium density may transition to regions of low or no density to, for example, facilitate movement of the wearer and / or breathability of the garment.

[0008] In some embodiments, the garments disclosed herein may include a low- elasticity region and a medium-elasticity region proximate to the low-elasticity region, the medium-elasticity region being more elastic than the low-elasticity region. This may be achieved by, for example, thicker and / or more or pattern elements (e.g., strands or grid) within the low-elasticity region(s) and thinner and / or less pattern elements within the medium-elasticity regions. At times, there may be a gradual transition between the low-elasticity and medium-elasticity regions so that, for example, bulges of underlying tissue do not occur and / or a smooth contour of the wearer's body is formed and / or maintained. For example, a camisole garment may include a low-elasticity region positioned on a front of the garment at an approximate center thereof that begins below the breasts and extends to a bottom edge of the garment. This low-elasticity region may be configured to compress and / or support adipose tissue overlying the abdominal muscles. The camisole garment may then have a region of medium-elasticity that extends from the region of low-elasticity to the sides of the garment (or even all the way around the garment so that it touches the left and right sides of the low-elasticity region). This medium-elasticity may beconfigured to compress the tissue of the torso to a lesser, but still shaping, degree than the low-elasticity region.

[0009] Additionally, or alternatively, when the garment is a bra with breast cups and straps, the bra may include regions of low elasticity on the outer sides of the breast cups and the straps, which may transition to regions of medium elasticity or open spaces in the pattern toward the breast cups and / or around the back of the bra. For example, the pattern of elastic agent for a bra may include a first region of densely placed strands of elastic agent positioned between a left side of the inner and outer layers and a second region of densely placed strands of elastic agent positioned between a right side of the inner and outer layers and / or the pattern of elastic agent may cover all, or a substantial portion of the bra strap (so that the bra strap is a region of low elasticity).

[0010] At times, the pattern may be configured to correspond to and / or approximate an anatomical feature of the wearer so that, for example, features of the pattern curve in a manner that approximates an intermammary fold, a breast apex, a tummy, a waist, and / or buttocks. For example, the pattern includes strands of elastic agent having a shape that approximates an inner mammary fold of the wearer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the garments disclosed herein may comprise a fabric body configured to cover a lower portion of a wearer’s torso. The fabric body may include two leg openings, a waist opening, and a crotch region positioned between the two leg openings. Optionally, an absorbent pad may be attached to a wearer-facing side of the crotch region via a volume, or pattern, of elastic agent. At times (e.g., when the pattern of elastic agent is solid), the volume of elastic agent may be waterproof and / or water resistant and / or may be configured to prevent moisture from leaking through the pad to the fabric body. Additionally, or alternatively, the garment may include a volume, or pattern, of an elastic agent positioned proximate to the leg openings on a back side of the garment. This volume of elastic agent may be configured to shape and / or support tissue proximate to a wearer’s buttocks and / or overlying the gluteus maximus muscles to, for example, lift and / or support a lower portion of the buttocks and / or increase definition between where the buttocks transitions into the thigh. Additionally, or alternatively, the garment may include a volume, or pattern, of an elastic agent positioned on a front and / or around a circumference of the fabric body that is configured to supportabdominal tissue and / or shape a waist and / or torso of a wearer. At times, the volume and / or pattern of the elastic agent may extend from the waist opening toward the crotch region.

[0012] In some embodiments, an underwear garment may include an inner fabric layer having two inner leg openings, an inner waist opening, and an inner crotch region positioned between the two inner leg openings, an outer fabric layer having two outer leg openings, an outer waist opening, and an outer crotch region positioned between the outer two leg openings, and an elastic agent, the elastic agent being positioned between the inner and outer layers and configured to bond the inner layer to the outer layer thereby forming a garment with two leg openings, a waist opening, and a crotch region positioned between the two leg openings, the elastic agent being configured and arranged between the inner and outer layers in a pattern that provides support to wearer tissue. The elasticity of the fabric body may correspond to an elasticity of the elastic agent.

[0013] Optionally, a volume and / or pattern of an elastic agent may be positioned proximate to the leg openings on a back side of the garment and may be configured to support tissue proximate to a wearer’s buttocks. Additionally, or alternatively, the pattern may encircle a portion of the fabric body proximate to the waist opening and, at times, may extend from the waist opening toward the crotch region. In some instances, these garments may include an absorbent pad.

[0014] Additionally, or alternatively, the bras disclosed herein may include an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an elastic agent configured and arranged between the inner and outer layers in a pattern that bonds the inner layer to the outer layer and provides support to a wearer’s breasts. In some embodiments, a portion of the pattern of elastic agent proximate to a shoulder strap of the bra is approximately solid, thereby providing a low-elasticity region for the bra straps. Additionally, or alternatively, the pattern of elastic agent may not cover a center of breast cups of the bra, thereby allowing the breast cups to be more elastic than the regions of the bra covered by and / or in contact with the pattern of elastic agent. Additionally, or alternatively, the pattern of elastic agent may include a solid band of elastic agent proximate to a lower edge of the bra and / or strands of elastic agent that correspond to a side (e.g., left side, right side, center, and / or top) of the wearer’s breast. A shape and / or density of the pattern and / or strands thereof may correspondto a shape of the wearer’s breasts and, at times, may form a single sling for both breasts and / or two slings; one for each breast.

[0015] In some embodiments, the garments disclosed herein may be configured to allow the pattern of elastic agent to be seen through the inner and / or outer layers. This may be achieved when, for example, the inner and / or outer layer(s) comprise a semi-opaque or shear fabric and / or when the inner and / or outer layer(s) comprise a fabric that becomes semi-opaque or shear when stretched, thereby making the pattern visible. Additionally, or alternatively, an elasticity of the inner and outer layers may correspond to the elasticity of the elastic agent and / or the pattern so that deformation of the garment is uniform as the elastic agent expands or contracts.

[0016] The garments disclosed herein may be manufactured by for example, printing or silk screening the pattern of elastic agent onto the inner and / or outer layers and then assembling the garment together (e.g., placing the outer layer over the inner layer) and pressing or otherwise assembling them together via, for example, a mechanical and / or thermal process. Additionally, or alternatively, a pattern of elastic agent may be printed (e.g., 3D printed) etched, and / or molded as a separate component that is placed between the inner and outer layers and then the assembly of inner layer, elastic agent pattern, and outer layer may be bonded together via, for example, a mechanical (e.g., sewing, clamping, etc.), chemical (e.g., glue, adhesive, etc.), vibration, and / or thermal process. In some embodiments, the elastic agent pattern may be bonded to only one layer of a garment and then the other layer may be attached via, for example, a mechanical (e.g., sewing, clamping, etc.), chemical (e.g., glue, adhesive, etc.), vibration, and / or thermal process.Additionally, or alternatively, the elastic agent may act as a bonding agent that bonds the inner and outer layers (or portions thereof) together.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded assembly of an inner layer of fabric, a solid layer of elastic agent, and an outer layer of fabric, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 1 B illustrates an exploded assembly of the inner layer of FIG.2A, a broken, or dashed, layer of elastic agent, and the outer layer of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2A provides a schematic diagram of a linearly and diagonally stripped pattern of elastic agent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2B provides a schematic diagram of a grid pattern of elastic agent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2C provides a schematic diagram of a pattern that includes an array of dots of elastic agent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2D provides a schematic diagram of a repeating pattern of elastic agent in the form of a repeating logo, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 3A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an exemplary inner layer of fabric of a T-shirt garment with a plurality of elastic agent features thereon, or zones of thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 3B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 3C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 4A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an exemplary bra that includes a plurality of elastic agent features, or zones of elasticity, thereon and / or therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the bra of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 4C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the bra of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5A provides a schematic diagram of a front view an interior (i.e., wearer-facing) surface of a first strapless bra that includes a plurality of elastic agent features along upper and lower edges thereof, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 5B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the interior surface of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 5C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the interior surface of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 5D provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an interior (i.e., wearer-facing) surface of second strapless bra that includes a plurality of edge elastic agent features along the upper and lower edges thereof and array elastic agent features positioned along the back portion of the second strapless bra, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 5E provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the second strapless bra of FIG. 5E, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 5F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the second strapless bra of FIG. 5E, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 5G provides a schematic diagram of a front view of a third exemplary strapless bra that includes a low-elasticity zone and a high-elasticity zone that may be made using elastic agents, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 5H provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the third strapless bra of FIG. 5G, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 5I provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the third strapless bra of FIG. 5G, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 6A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an inner layer of a bra with a pattern of an elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 6B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 6C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 6D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of a bra positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 6E provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 6D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 6F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 6D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 7 provides a schematic diagram of a front view of another exemplary bra , in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 8A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an inner layer of a camisole with a pattern of elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 8B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 8A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 8C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 8A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 8D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of a camisole positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 8A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 8E provides a schematic diagram a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 8D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 8F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 8D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 9A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an inner layer of brief underwear, or panties, with a pattern of elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 9B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 9C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 9D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of brief underwear, or panties, positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 9E provides a schematic diagram a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 9D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 9F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 9D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 10A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an inner layer of extended brief underwear, or panties, with a pattern of elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 10B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 10C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 10D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of extended brief underwear, or panties, positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 10E provides a schematic diagram a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 10D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 10F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 10D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 11 A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an inner layer of another exemplary brief underwear, or panties, with a pattern of elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 11 B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 11 A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 11 C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 11 A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 11 D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of another exemplary brief underwear, or panties, positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 11 A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 11 E provides a schematic diagram a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 11 D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 11 F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 11 D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 12A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of an inner layer of shorts, or compression shorts, with a pattern of elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 12B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 12A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 12C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 12A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0073] FIG. 12D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of another exemplary brief underwear, or panties, positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 12A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0074] FIG. 12E provides a schematic diagram a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 12D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 12F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 12D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0076] FIG. 13A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of another exemplary inner layer of shorts, or compression shorts, with a pattern of elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0077] FIG. 13B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 13A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 13C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 13A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0079] FIG. 13D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of another exemplary brief underwear, or panties, positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 13A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0080] FIG. 13E provides a schematic diagram a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 13D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0081] FIG. 13F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 13D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0082] FIG. 14A provides a schematic diagram of a front view of another exemplary inner layer of shorts, or compression shorts, with a pattern of elastic agent positioned thereon, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0083] FIG. 14B provides a schematic diagram of a side view of the inner layer of FIG. 14A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0084] FIG. 14C provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the inner layer of FIG. 14A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0085] FIG. 14D provides a schematic diagram of an outer layer of another exemplary brief underwear, or panties, positioned over and attached to the inner layer of FIG. 14A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0086] FIG. 14E provides a schematic diagram a side view of the outer layer of FIG. 14D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0087] FIG. 14F provides a schematic diagram of a back view of the outer layer of FIG. 14D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0088] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals, and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, the description is done in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims.WRITTTEN DESCRIPTION

[0089] Garment pieces and / or layers may be bonded together using elastic bonding, sealing, and / or gripping agents collectively referred to herein as “elastic agents” configured and / or selected to bond the garment pieces together while providing elasticity to the garments and / or minimally impacting elasticity of elastic fabric with which garments may be made. Additionally, or alternatively, the elastic agents may be used to seal an edge of a garment to, for example, prevent fraying, finish off an edge with an elastic component, and / or add decorative features to garments. Additionally, or alternatively, the elastic agents may be configured and / or arranged on a garment to provide grip to the garment to, for example, increase acoefficient of friction between a wearer's skin and the garment and / or prevent movement of the garment relative to the wearer and / or another garment and / or piece of fabric (e.g., a bra cup and / or absorbent pad) the wearer is wearing.

[0090] Exemplary elastic agents include, but are not limited to, elastic glue, elastic adhesive, elastic resin, and / or elastic epoxy and in many instances may be configured and / or applied to provide high stretch (e.g., expansion in response to force), high recoverability (e.g., contraction when force is removed), and customizable based upon need and / or where / how the elastic agents are being used and for what purpose. The elastic agents may also be configured to be durable and long lasting (e.g., for years) when used in garments, which means they will be resistant to user wear and tear, exposure to chemical and / or mechanical cleaning agents and / or techniques, and / or resistant high and / or low temperature washing. In many cases, the elastic agents disclosed herein may be different from (i.e., not include) elastic bonding film, tacking, and / or 100% silicone, although silicone may be a component of an elastic agent used and / or disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the elastic agents may be configured to provide elastic characteristics similar to, or matching, elastic characteristics of the fabric and / or material to which they are affixed. In other embodiments (e.g., when used in shapewear, compressive, and / or smoothing garments), the elastic agents may be more rigid than fabric and / or material to which they are applied. Additionally, or alternatively, a degree of flexibility, elasticity, and / or rigidity for garments incorporating elastic agents may be responsive (e.g., proportional) to, for example, how much of the elastic agent is used, a density of the elastic agent composition, a density of application of the elastic agent to a fabric (e.g., more or less dense pattern), a thickness of the elastic agent, and / or a curing and / or application process for the elastic agent. At times, a plurality (e.g., two or more) elastic agents may be used to achieve a desired level of elasticity within a zone or region of a garment and / or the garment overall.

[0091] At times, the elastic agents used herein may have minimal spread characteristics so that they may be precisely placed on and / or between layers of fabric while retaining their shape and / or pattern with which they have been applied without, for example, bleeding or running while drying, curing, bonding two layers of fabric together, or otherwise being handled. In many embodiments, the elasticagents may be directly applied to garment fabric and / or material via, for example, a printing, silk screening, and / or painting process. In many embodiments, the elastic agents may be configured to maintain their characteristics (e.g., flexibility, shape, elasticity, color, and / or adherence to fabric) when the garments are exposed to high and / or low temperatures during, for example, remanufacturing, shipping, and / or repeated washing by an end user.

[0092] At times, the elastic agents disclosed herein may be used with elastic fabrics and / or materials and they may contribute to, increase, or decrease an overall elasticity of a garment into which they are incorporated as desired. A degree of elasticity and / or rigidity of the garments incorporating the elastic bonding agents may be controlled by, for example, varying the placement, density, weight, amount, and / or dimensions of the bonding agents being used. For example, when used in compression, smoothing, and / or shaping garments, an amount, weight, or density of the bonding agents may control a degree of compression, smoothing, and / or shaping provided by the garments.

[0093] In many embodiments, the elastic agents may be applied in a controlled pattern to attach two or more layers of fabric together and / or seal an edge of fabric and the degree of stretch / rigidity of the garment may be established by the density and / or weight of the controlled pattern across the fabric and / or garment. In some embodiments, the elastic agents described herein may be used to assemble bras, shirts, underwear, shapewear, compression wear, socks, panty hose, tights, thigh-high stockings, garter belts, and / or add structural rigidity and / or areas where compression may be applied to the wearer’s tissue via the garments that include the elastic agents. For example, an elastic agent may be applied to areas of a garment configured to support and / or lift breast weight such as bra straps, bands that wrap around a wearer’s torso, and / or breast cups. Additionally, or alternatively, an elastic agent may be applied to an internal surface or layer of a bra so that it directly abuts a wearer's skin when worn, which may assist with holding the bra in place.Additionally, or alternatively, an elastic agent may be used to affix a pad or bra cup to a bra in a permanent and / or removable way.

[0094] In other embodiments, the elastic agents disclosed herein may be used to affix leakproof and / or absorbent pads or layer(s) of fabric to a garment. For example, a pattern of elastic agent may be applied to a crotch region of underwear(e.g., briefs, bikini briefs, or boy shorts) to affix a pad (e.g., an absorbent pad) thereto and, in these embodiments, the elastic agent may not necessarily provide compressibility and / or smoothing to the garment but, instead, may provide a secure seal between the pad and the underwear that is flexible and therefore is more comfortable to wear. In some embodiments, the elastic agent may not be applied to the entirety of the interface between the pad and the undergarment, breathability of the garment may be improved (e.g., through the regions of the crotch that are not covered by the elastic agent). Alternatively, the elastic agent may be applied as a solid layer between the pad and the underwear and the elastic agent may contribute a waterproof and / or water-resistant layer that acts to hold water or other materials (e.g., blood or urine) in the pad so that they do not leak through the underwear to the wearer’s outer garments (e.g., pants, skirt, etc.).

[0095] Additionally, or alternatively, the elastic agent may be applied to an edge of one or more layers of fabric proximate to a waistband and / or leg opening of underwear to provide an elastic finished edge thereto. Additionally, or alternatively, the elastic agent may be applied proximate to a waistband and / or leg opening of underwear so that a layer of fabric and / or tacking may be overlaid thereon and affixed thereto. Additionally, or alternatively, an elastic agent may be applied proximate to an edge of one or more layers of fabric proximate to a waistband and / or leg opening of underwear so that the fabric may be folded over the elastic agent and attached to the garment as a folded-over band.

[0096] In some embodiments, a pattern of an elastic agent applied to fabric may be visible through one or more layers of fabric and this visibility may be increased as the fabric and elastic agent are stretched and become more shear. For example, a pattern of elastic agent between two layers of fabric may be invisible, or difficult to see, when the garment is in a neutral, unstretched state but when the garment is worn and the fabric and elastic agent stretches to accommodate the wearer's body therein, the pattern of elastic agent may be more visible, thus creating, for example, a stealth design, branding, or logo opportunity that may be pleasing to the eye as well as being functional. An example of how this may work is provided by the briefs, shorts, and boy shorts shown in FIGs. 12A-12F, respectively, and discussed below.

[0097] In some embodiments, a pattern of elastic agent, such as the patterns disclosed herein may be applied to one or more garment layers via, for example, silk screening, printing, molding, and / or another application process. Additionally, or alternatively, the patterns disclosed herein may be made as a separate component (via, for example, three dimensional printing, molding, etching, and / or injection molding) and then applied, bonded, and / or affixed to one or more garment layers.

[0098] In some instances, the patterns of elastic agents disclosed herein may vary across the pattern to, for example, provide targeted support, compression, and / or shaping of wearer tissue for therapeutic and / or cosmetic purposes. The patterns may also be configured to allow for breathability and / or movement of the wearer via, for example, curves, holes, or openings in the patterns. Additionally, or alternatively, the garments disclosed herein may be configured to expand and / or contract in a manner that is smooth between the pattern of elastic agent and one or more layers of fabric comprising the garment. For example, the garments disclosed herein may be configured to stretch without puckering, rippling, tearing, and / or bunching. This may be achieved by, for example, use of fabric that has complementary elastic characteristics to an elastic agent so that they both stretch, expand, and / or contract causing undue stress (e.g., shear stress) and / or deformation (e.g., puckering, gaps, bunching, etc.) in the garment. Additionally, or alternatively, patterns of elastic agent may be configured so that expansion and / or contraction of the elastic agent does not interfere with an overall shape of the garment of a fabric. This may be achieved via, for example, strategically placed holes, or gaps, in patterns of elastic agent used for a garment that allow for stretching without garment deformation / rippling, gaps, etc.

[0099] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an exploded assembly 101 of an inner (e.g., wearer-facing) layer of fabric 110, a solid layer, or panel, of an elastic agent (e.g., one or more of the elastic agents disclosed herein) 130, and outer (e.g., outward facing when worn) layer of fabric 120. Solid layer of elastic agent 130 may be formed by, for example, a layer of elastic agent is applied to completely cover an interface between first and second layers 110 and 120 and / or a portion thereof. Alternatively, solid layer of elastic agent 130 may be formed by a vertically oriented stripe of elastic agent. FIG. 1 B illustrates an exploded assembly 101 of inner fabric layer 110, a patterned (in this case, a broken,or dashed line) layer of elastic agent 130, and outer fabric layer 120. Patterned layer of elastic agent 130 may be formed by, for example, printing the elastic agent on inner and / or outer fabric layer 110 and / or 120 in a pattern that does not occupy all the space between inner and / or outer fabric layer 110 and / or 220.[000100] FIGs. 2A-2D provide exemplary, non-limiting, patterns of elastic agent 130 when applied to a layer of fabric, in this case inner layer of fabric 110. In particular, FIG. 2A provides diagram of a linearly and diagonally stripped pattern 200A of elastic agent 130 when applied to inner layer of fabric 110, FIG. 2B provides drawing of a grid pattern 200B of elastic agent 130 when applied to inner layer of fabric 110, FIG. 2C provides diagram of a pattern 200C that includes an array of dots of elastic agent 130 when applied to inner layer of fabric 110, and FIG. 2D provides diagram of a repeating pattern 200D of elastic agent 130 in the form of a repeating logo when applied to inner layer of fabric 110. Additional and / or alternative patterns may also be used including, but not limited to, vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, zigzag stripes, one or more narrow stripes, one or more wide stripes, curved lines, lines of varying thickness, and / or dots of varying circumference. Patterns of elastic agents may incorporate lines and / or shapes of varying thickness and / or density of application, an alternating pattern of narrow and wide stripes, and / or a combination thereof. At times (e.g., when elastic agent is being used to provide support and / or flexible rigidity for a bra cup) a pattern may be curved and / or configured to provide more support at a center and / or apex of a curve (e.g., more support / less elasticity may be provided at apex of a breast curve than toward the edges of where the breast will reside within the bra).[000101] FIGs. 3A-14F provide non-limiting examples of how elastic agents 130 and / or a pattern of one or more elastic agents 130 may be used in various fashions and / or for various purposes in different garments. The garments and uses of elastic agents shown in the figures are exemplary and, in some cases, the elastic agent features for one garment may be applied to another garment in a similar manner that may, or may not, be shown in the figures and / or explicitly discussed herein. In some embodiments, not all elastic agent features of the garments shown in FIGs. 3A-14F are provided in every instance / embodiment of the invention or the particular garment being discussed. For example, a garment me shown to have a pattern of an elastic agent 130 that covers the front, sides, and back of a lower portion of a tank top butother versions of the tank top may only have the pattern of elastic agent positioned on the sides of the garment.[000102] FIGs. 3A-3C respectively provide diagrams of a front, side, and back view of an exemplary inner layer of fabric 110 of a T-shirt garment 300 with a plurality of elastic agent features, or zones, of thereon. The characteristics of the patterns used in FIGs. 3A-3C are illustrative only and do not limit the characteristics of other patterns of an elastic agent that may be used within the zones of garment 300 and / or other garments as, for example, shown and described herein. In some embodiments, a second, outer layer (e.g., outer layer 120) (not shown) may be overlaid upon inner layer of T-shirt garment 300 to provide a two-layer T-shirt.[000103] T-shirt garment 300 may include a central zone of relatively low elasticity 320 (sometimes referred to herein as low-elasticity zone 320) positioned to cover an approximate center of a wearer’s abdomen and compress, shape, and / or support portions of the wearer’s abdomen (e.g., internal organs, tissue overlying the wearer’s abdominal muscles, etc.) underlying central low-elasticity zone 320. T-shirt garment 300 may also include a region of relatively high elasticity 330 (sometimes referred to herein as a “high-elasticity zone”) positioned to cover a wearer’s sides and back and lightly compress, shape, and / or support portions of the wearer’s torso underlying high-elasticity zone 330.[000104] In some embodiments, T-shirt garment 300 may include a set of curved low-elasticity regions 340 positioned to correspond to a wearer’s breasts or intermammary fold when worn. The curved low-elasticity regions 340 may be configured to support, lift, and / or shape the wearer’s breasts. In these embodiments, T-shirt garment 300 may further include a corresponding set of low- elasticity zones 320 configured to cooperate with curved low-elasticity zones 340 and act in a manner similar to bra straps. Although shown as a T-shirt, the configuration of T-shirt garment 300 may be adapted and / or applied to other types of garments such as sleeveless tops, tank tops, long sleeve T-shirts, and bras.[000105] FIGs. 4A-4C respectively provide a front, side, and back view of an exemplary bra 400 that includes a plurality of elastic agent 130 features, or zones of elasticity, thereon and / or therein as may be the case when the elastic agent is applied between two layers of fabric used to manufacture bra 400. Bra 400 includes an under bust band 420 that includes elastic agent features that provide relativelylow elasticity so that portions of the wearer underlying under bust band 420 may be compressed, shaped, and / or supported to a greater extent than, for example, breast cup regions 430 which may have, for example, fewer or less-dense elasticity features. Under bust band 420 may wrap around a side of the wearer to an area corresponding to under the wearer’s arm as shown in FIGs. 4B and 4C. In some embodiments, under bust band 420 may extend fully around the garment (not shown). Alternatively, under bust band 420 may cooperate with a back panel 425 (as shown in FIGs. 4B and 4G) to wrap around a wearer. On some occasions, back panel 425 may have a degree of elasticity similar to under bust band 420 and, on other occasions, back panel 425 may have greater or less elasticity than under bust band 420. Bra 400 also includes two bra straps 440 that may include elastic elements as, for example, a layer of an elastic agent positioned between layers of fabric that make bra straps 440 and / or a printed pattern of elastic agent positioned between and / or on top of layers of fabric that make bra straps 440. Elastic elements present within bra straps 440 may act to control the elasticity and / or stretch of bra straps 440 and, in many cases, the elastic agents deployed within bra straps 440 may have low elasticity (e.g., less elastic than, for example, breast cup regions 430). [000106] FIGs. 5A-5I provide examples of how elastic agents, like the elastic agents disclosed herein, may be used with strapless bras to, for example, add gripping features and / or support zones to the garments. In particular, FIG. 5A provides a front view, FIG. 5B provides a side view, and FIG. 5C provides a back view of an interior (i.e., wearer-facing) surface of a first strapless bra 501 that includes a plurality of elastic agent features 515 along the upper and lower edges of first strapless bra 501 (also called edge elastic agent features 515). First strapless bra 501 also includes an optional back row of elastic agent features 525 positioned between the upper and lower edge elastic agent features 515 on the back side of first strapless bra 501 . In some embodiments, first strapless bra 501 may also include an option set of hook-eyes 527 to facilitate opening and closing of the bra so that it may be put on, or taken off, by the wearer.[000107] The plurality of edge elastic agent features 515 and / or back row of elastic agent features 525 may include, for example, elastic agent features of any appropriate shape including, but not limited to circles, triangles, squares, irregular shapes, wavy lines, zig-zag lines, straight lines, curved lines, words, graphics, and / oricons that, for example, match a contour of the upper or lower edge of strapless bra 510. The elastic agent features may be embedded into and / or extend outward from inner layer 510 so that the abut and / or lightly press into a wearer’s skin to, for example, increase a coefficient of friction between first strapless bra 501 and the wearer’s skin to prevent unintentional movement (e.g., sliding down the body and / or separation from the body) of first strapless bra 501 .[000108] FIGs. 5D-5F provide another example of how elastic agent features may be used on an interior surface of a strapless bra to, for example, increase engagement between the strapless bra and the wearer to, for example, prevent unintentional movement of second strapless bra 502. In particular, FIG. 5D provides a front view, FIG. 5E provides a side view, and FIG. 5F provides a back view of an interior (i.e., wearer-facing) surface of a second strapless bra 501 , which includes plurality of edge elastic agent features 515 positioned along the upper and lower edges of second strapless bra 502 and a pattern 555 of elastic agent features that extend approximately between the upper and lower edge and across a width of the back of second strapless bra 502 as shown in FIGs. 5E and 5F. Pattern 555 includes dots, or circles, of the elastic agent of varying size and density wherein the densest congregation of elastic agent dots are positioned proximate to edge elastic agent features 515 and the least dense congregation of elastic agent dots are positioned proximate to a center of second strapless bra 502 as shown. Pattern 555 therefore provides more elastic agents proximate to the top and bottom of the garment, which are regions where increased engagement with the wearer’s skin is desired to prevent unintentional movement of second strapless bra 502.[000109] FIGs. 5G-5I are illustrations of a third exemplary strapless bra 503 that includes a low-elasticity zone 520 and a high-elasticity zone 530 that may be made using elastic agents and / or a pattern of elastic agents as, for example, shown and described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, FIGs. 5G-5I may show an external layer and / or outside of a strapless bra, such as first and / or second strapless bra(s) 501 and / or 502.[000110] In some embodiments, a pattern of elastic agents may be placed between two layers of fabric (e.g., inner layer of fabric 110 and outer layer of fabric 120) thereby creating a pattern that is not elastic agent that is not observable until, for example, the fabric is stretched thereby making it semi-opaque so the opaquepattern of elastic agents may be seen therethrough. In these embodiments, the elastic agents may be used to create a stealth design, branding, or logo that may be pleasing to the eye as well as functional. An example of how this may work is provided by the shorts, bikini briefs, and boy shorts shown in the figure and discussed herein.[000111] FIGs. 6A-6C respectively provide a diagram of a front, side, and back view of an inner layer 601 of a bra 600 with a pattern 605 of an elastic agent thereon. Pattern 605 includes a breast cups 610 and a back region 605 that are free, or nearly free from elastic agent, which allows for elastic expansion of bra 600 in these areas. Stated differently, an absence of elastic agent overlying breast cup regions 610 and back region 605 may provide for less compression in these regions of the bra, which may increase wearer comfort.[000112] Pattern 605 covers, or nearly covers, a bra strap region 640 of inner layer 601 with elastic agent to provide a region of low elasticity to support breast weight when bra 600 is worn. Pattern 605 also includes a lower band 615 that encircles a lower edge of inner layer 601 with elastic agent and an underarm band 620 (see FIGs. 6B and 6C) positioned along an upper edge of inner layer 601 between bra strap regions 640. The elastic agent of lower band 615 and underarm band 620 provide regions of low elasticity that support breast weight and hold bra 600 in place when worn. As may be seen in FIG. 6A, pattern 605 includes a left front region 650A and a right front region 650B, wherein tapered (e.g., wider at the midpoint and narrower along their length) strips of elastic agent of varying thicknesses are positioned to shape and support breast weight. Left and right front regions 650A and 650B include strips of elastic agent that extend from a midpoint (where right front region 650B joins back region 635 and where left front region 650A joins back region 635) (see FIG. 6B) to an under bust region below breast cup 610 as shown.[000113] Left front region 650A and right front region 650B each include a center anchor region of elastic agent 635A and 635B, respectively, roughly the shape of a triangle positioned between breast cups 610 and extending from lower band 615 as shown. Left front region 650A and right front region 650B also each include center elastic agent bands that extend from a midpoint 645 positioned approximately where left front region 650A and right front region 650B meet and curve downward (asoriented in FIG. 6A) toward center anchor region of elastic agent 635A and 635B and / or lower band 615. In addition, left front region 650A and right front region 650B each include a plurality of elastic agent bands that extend down from bra strap regions 640 toward midpoint 645 and / or over an upper (as oriented in FIG. 6A) portion of breast cups 610. In this way, a left front region 650A and right front region 650B each frame bra cups 610 with strands of elastic agent (which provide less elasticity than inner layer 601 alone) to support and / or shape the lower, inner, and outer sides of the wearer’s breasts as shown while allowing for a volume of breast tissue to expand into breast cups 610 when worn.[000114] As may be seen in FIGs. 6B and 6C, pattern 605 also includes a back region 630 where pattern 605 extends from the back side of bra strap region 640 along an upper edge of inner layer 601 and creates an upper edge of an open back region 655. Open back region 655 is roughly heart shaped and does not include elastic agent. A lower portion of back region 630 includes a plurality of strands of elastic agent extending, at an angle (e.g., 30-70 degrees) from midpoint 645 toward band 615. Strands of may be thicker proximate to midpoint 645 and then gradually to taper a thinner width as the intersect with lower band 615. As may be seen in FIG. 6C, some of the strands of elastic agent in back region 655 intersect with one another.[000115] FIGs. 6D, 6E, and 6F, provide diagrams of a front, side, and back of bra 600, which includes an outer layer 602 positioned over and bonded to inner layer 601 to form bra 600.[000116] FIG. 7 provides a front view of another exemplary bra 700 that includes breast cups 710, straps 740, and a pattern 730 of elastic agent comprising contoured lines that are contoured, along the front of bra 700, in a manner approximating an intermammary fold of a wearer. In addition, pattern 730 has lines of elastic agent that are thicker for regions (e.g., between breast cups 710 and on the sides of bra 700) where more support / less elasticity is desired.[000117] FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C respectively provide diagrams of front, side, and back sides of an inner layer 801 of a camisole 800. Inner layer comprises an upper portion 805 and a lower portion 810. Upper portion 805 is configured to be worn over a wearer’s breasts and lower portion 810 is configured to be worn over a wearer’s torso below the breasts. In some embodiments, upper portion 805 may besimilar to the inner portion of, for example, bra 600 and / or 700. Lower portion 810 may include a pattern 830 of elastic agent positioned thereon. Pattern of elastic agent 830 may include a region of low elasticity 835, an upper region of higher elasticity 830, and a lower region of higher elasticity 840. Region of low elasticity 835 may be configured to support and / or compress tissue (e.g., organs, skin, adipose, etc.) to flatten or smooth the abdominal region of a wearer, particularly after childbirth. Upper and / or lower higher elasticity regions 830 and 840 may be configured to support, shape, and / or compress tissue (e.g., organs, skin, adipose, etc.) and / or smooth tissue that may be compressed and / or supported by lower elasticity region 835. As may be seen in FIGs. 8B and 8C, pattern 830 may further include a back region 845 that, on some occasions, may have a higher elasticity than upper and / or lower higher elasticity regions 830 and 840.[000118] FIGs. 8D, 8E, and 8F respectively provide diagrams of front, side, and back sides of camisole 800 and / or an outer layer thereof. Camisole 800 includes an upper region 815 that fits over and covers upper portion 805 of inner layer 801 and a lower portion 820 that fits over and covers lower portion 810. Inner layer 801 and the outer layer may be affixed and / or bonded to one another via elastic agent pattern 830.[000119] FIGs. 9A-9F provide various views of brief underwear 900 that includes two leg openings, a waist opening, a crotch region positioned between the two leg openings, and elastic agent features in the form of a complex pattern that includes zones of high, medium, and low elasticity, wherein low-elasticity zones may be configured to provide maximum support and shaping of underlying tissue and compress the wearer’s abdomen to have, for example, a flatter or more-defined shape and / or support internal organs and / or tissue as may be desired in response to, for example, abdominal discomfort, back discomfort, a medical condition, and / or following childbirth and / or pelvic surgery. Medium-elasticity zones may have more elasticity than the low-elasticity zone to, for example, provide a smooth transition in tissue compression between low- and high-elasticity zones to, for example, create a smooth appearance and / or avoid bulges of tissue (e.g., skin and / or fat) that may be pushed away from low-elasticity zones. High-elasticity zones may occur on the periphery of medium- and / or low-elasticity zones and may include a lower density of elastic agent features than the low- and medium-elasticity zones. The pattern ofelastic agent shown in FIGs. 9A-9F is exemplary only and those of skill in the art will appreciate that the zones of varying elasticity may be formed using, for example, many different patterns (e.g., patterns 200A-200D), weights of applied elastic agent, density of elastic agent, and / or overlapping patterns and layers of elastic agents. [000120] FIG. 9A provides a front view, FIG. 9B provides a back view, and FIG. 9C provides a side view of an inner layer 901 of brief underwear 900 with a wearerfacing surface 915 and an external surface 910 with a pattern 930 of elastic agent printed or otherwise positioned thereon. External surface 910 may be bonded or otherwise affixed to an internal surface of an external layer 970 (shown in FIGs. 9D- 9F) to form a two-layer brief 900 with pattern 930 of elastic agent therebetween. In some embodiments, the elastic agent of pattern 930 may be configured to act as an adhesive that binds inner layer 901 to outer layer 970 to form brief under 900 (see FIGs. 9D-9F). Pattern of elastic agent 930 includes a front low-elasticity zone 950 wherein many lines of pattern 930 intersect, a back low-elasticity zone 950 wherein many lines of pattern 930 intersect, a plurality of medium-elasticity zones 940 that are proximate to and extend between the front and back low-elasticity zones 950, and a plurality of high-elasticity zones 980 that often extend from low-elasticity zones 950 and / or medium-elasticity zones 940 to an edge of the brief (e.g., leg hole or waistband).[000121] Inner layer 901 also includes a crotch region 920 to which additional material in the form of, for example, a single layer gusset, a multi-layer gusset, and / or a pad of light, medium, and / or high absorbability may be attached using elastic agent applied in, for example, a single layer that extends over the entire or a portion of an interface between the additional material and inner layer 901 , stipes along the edge of crotch 920, around the perimeter of the additional material, around the perimeter of crotch 920, and / or a pattern. At times, the pad may be configured to isolate outer layer 970 from fluids (e.g., urine, blood, etc.) that may exit the wearer and be held in the pad using, for example absorbent, water-resistant, leak-resistant, and / or waterproof materials.[000122] Inner layer 901 further includes edges that define leg openings 960 and a waistband 965. Leg openings 960 and / or waistband 965 may be bonded to corresponding leg openings 962 and / or waistband 967 of external layer 970 using an elastic agent with low, medium, and / or high elasticity as shown in, for example,FIGs. 9D-9F. Additionally, or alternatively, an edge of leg openings 960, waistband 965, leg openings 962, and / or waistband 967 may be covered with elastic agent to, for example, provide elasticity, bond the layers together, and / or prevent fraying of the respective edge.[000123] FIG. 9D provides a front view, FIG. 9E provides a back view, and FIG. 9F provides a side view of an assembled brief underwear 900 that includes outer layer 970 overlaid upon and at least partially bonded to inner layer 901 via, for example, pattern 930 of elastic agent. As shown in FIGs. 9D-9F, pattern 930 may be seen through outer layer 970. Thus, outer layer 970 may be semi-transparent, shear, and / or semi-opaque. Additionally, or alternatively, some of all of pattern 930 may be seen through outer layer 970 and / or inner layer 901 when brief 900 is stretched as may occur when it is worn by a wearer. Additionally, or alternatively, some, or all of outer layer 970 may be opaque (not shown) so that pattern 930 is not visible from the outside when the wearer is wearing brief 900.[000124] FIGs. 10A, 10B, and 10C respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back and a side view of an inner layer 1001 of an extended brief underwear garment 1000 (also referred to herein as “extended brief 1000”) with a wearer-facing surface 1015 that has an external surface 1010 with a pattern 1030 of elastic agent printed or otherwise positioned thereon. FIGs. 10D, 10E, and 10F respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back and a side view of extended brief 1000 when an outer layer 1070 thereof overlays pattern 1030 and is attached to inner layer 1001 , thereby forming a fully assembled extended brief 1000.[000125] Inner layer 1001 includes edges that define leg openings 1062, a crotch 1064 positioned between leg openings 1062, and a waistband 1067. Leg openings 1062 and / or waistband 1067 may be bonded to corresponding leg openings and / or a waistband of outer layer 1070 (thereby forming leg openings 1060, crotch 1068, and a waistband opening 1065 of extended brief 1000) using an elastic agent with low, medium, and / or high elasticity as shown in, for example, FIGs. 10D-10F. Additionally, or alternatively, an edge of leg openings 1060, waistband 1065, leg openings 1062, and / or waistband 1067 may be covered with elastic agent to, for example, provide elasticity, bond the layers together, and / or prevent fraying of the respective edge.[000126] External surface of inner layer 1010 may be bonded or otherwise affixed to an internal surface of an outer layer 1070 (shown in FIGs. 10D-10F) to form extended brief 1000 with pattern 1030 of elastic agent positioned between inner layer 1001 and outer layer 1070. In some embodiments, the elastic agent of pattern 1030 may be configured to act as an adhesive that binds inner layer 1001 to outer layer 1070 to form extended brief 1000 (see FIGs. 10D-10F).[000127] In some embodiments, crotch 1064 may include additional material in the form of, for example, a single layer gusset, a multi-layer gusset, and / or a pad of light, medium, and / or high absorbability that may be attached using elastic agent applied in, for example, a single layer that extends over the entire or a portion of an interface between the additional material and inner layer 1001 , stipes along the edge of crotch 1020, around the perimeter of the additional material, around the perimeter of crotch 1064, and / or in a pattern. At times, the pad may be configured to isolate outer layer 1070 from fluids (e.g., urine, blood, etc.) that may exit the wearer and be held in the pad using, for example absorbent, water-resistant, leak-resistant, and / or waterproof materials.[000128] Pattern of elastic agent 1030 includes a front low-elasticity zone 1050 wherein a plurality of thick and lines of pattern 1030 intersect at an approximate center midline of the garment, which may be configured to align with a wearer’s belly or bellybutton. Low-elasticity zone 1050 is positioned to provide low elasticity to the front abdomen of a wearer to, for example, support tissue overlying the lower abdominal muscles and / or organs positioned underneath. Surrounding low-elasticity zone 1050 are an upper medium-elasticity zone 1040 that extends from waistband 1067 to low-elasticity zone 1050 and a lower medium-elasticity zone 1045 that has three regions on the left, right, and center of extended brief 1000 as shown. Upper and lower medium-elasticity zones 1040 and 1045 may be configured to compress and / or support underlying tissue to a lesser degree than low-elasticity zone 1050 so that, for example, tissue underlying upper and lower medium-elasticity zones 1040 and 1045 may gradually transition to providing less compression and / or support and / or have a smoothing effect on the abdominal tissue and / or tissue on the sides of the torso and / or back so that the tissue is compressed in a manner that is smooth (e.g., avoids bulges or puckers). A lower edge of pattern 1030 is defined by a bandthat curves so that an apex of the curve is positioned between and above leg openings 1062 and generally aligns with crotch 1064.[000129] As may be seen in FIGs. 10B and 10C, inner layer 1001 includes a back low-elasticity zone 1052 comprising a plurality of relatively thicker lines of elastic agent and a back medium-elasticity zone 1054 comprising a plurality of relatively thinner lines of elastic agent. Back low-elasticity zone 1052 may be configured to compress and / or support tissue surrounding a wearer’s waist and / or sides and lower rear medium-elasticity zone 1054 may be configured to provide lighter compression and / or support when compared with upper back low-elasticity zone 1052 so that there is a smooth transition in the degree of support provided by extended brief 1000 along the wearer’s torso. A lower edge of back low-elasticity zone 1052 may be curved, angled, and / or configured so that back low-elasticity zone 1052 may be wider on the sides than the center of the back as shown.[000130] Additionally, as may be seen in FIGs. 10B and 10C, extended brief 1000 may include bottom low-elasticity regions 1072 positioned proximate to a rear side of leg openings 1062 and extending toward a center of extended brief 1000. Bottom low-elasticity regions 1072 may extend from an edge of leg openings 1062 toward a midline of extended brief 1000 and, at times, may have a curved, or scalloped edge as shown in FIG. 10C. Bottom low-elasticity regions 1072 may be configured to, for example, lift and / or sculpt the buttocks and / or increase definition between the crease of the buttocks and thighs of a wearer.[000131] FIGs. 11 A, 11 B, and 11C respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back, and a side view of an inner layer 1101 of a brief underwear garment 1100 (also referred to herein as “brief 1100”) with a wearer-facing surface 1115 that has an external surface 1110 with a pattern 1130 of elastic agent printed or otherwise positioned thereon. FIGs. 11 D, 11 E, and 11 F respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back and a side view of brief 1100 when an outer layer 1170 thereof overlays pattern 1130 and is attached to inner layer 1101 , thereby forming a fully assembled brief 1100.[000132] Inner layer 1101 includes edges that define leg openings 1162, a crotch 1164 positioned between leg openings 1162, and a waistband 1167. Leg openings 1162 and / or waistband 1167 may be bonded to corresponding leg openings and / or a waistband of outer layer 1170 (thereby forming leg openings1160, crotch 1168, and a waistband opening 1165 of brief 1100) using an elastic agent with low, medium, and / or high elasticity as shown in, for example, FIGs. 11 D- 11 F. Additionally, or alternatively, an edge of leg openings 1160, waistband 1165, leg openings 1162, and / or waistband 1167 may be covered with elastic agent to, for example, provide elasticity, bond the layers together, and / or prevent fraying of the respective edge.[000133] External surface of inner layer 1110 may be bonded or otherwise affixed to an internal surface of an outer layer 1170 (shown in FIGs. 11 D-11 F) to form brief 1100 with pattern 1130 of elastic agent positioned between inner layer 1101 and outer layer 1170. In some embodiments, the elastic agent of pattern 1130 may be configured to act as an adhesive that binds inner layer 1101 to outer layer 1170 to form brief 1100 (see FIGs. 11 D-11 F).[000134] In some embodiments, crotch 1164 may include additional material in the form of, for example, a single layer gusset, a multi-layer gusset, and / or a pad of light, medium, and / or high absorbability that may be attached using elastic agent applied in, for example, a single layer that extends over the entire or a portion of an interface between the additional material and inner layer 1101 , stipes along the edge of crotch 1120, around the perimeter of the additional material, around the perimeter of crotch 1164, and / or in a pattern. At times, the pad may be configured to isolate outer layer 1170 from fluids (e.g., urine, blood, etc.) that may exit the wearer and be held in the pad using, for example absorbent, water-resistant, leak-resistant, and / or waterproof materials.[000135] Pattern of elastic agent 1130 includes a front low-elasticity zone 1150 that includes a plurality of strands of elastic agent that taper along their length from a relatively thin width on the left and right sides of brief 1100 to a thickest width toward a vertical midline 1117 superimposed upon FIG. 11 A, thereby concentrating the compression or support provided by brief 1100 and / or pattern 1130 in a region of brief 1100 that corresponds to the wearer's belly and abdominal muscles when worn. This may act to support internal organs as may be desired following childbirth and / or compress and / or shape tissue (e.g., adipose tissue and / or skin) overlying the abdominal muscles following childbirth or otherwise. As the strands become thinner as they travel away from vertical midline 1117, the elasticity of the garment gradually increases so that, for example, compression of underlying tissue may graduallydecrease away from the vertical midline of the wearer, which may provide a smoothed effect and / or a gradual application of compressive force to the wearer’s abdomen.[000136] As may be seen in FIGs. 11 B and 11C, inner layer 1101 includes a back low-elasticity zone 1152 comprising a plurality of relatively thicker lines of elastic agent. Back low-elasticity zone 1152 may be configured to compress and / or support tissue surrounding a wearer’s waist and / or sides. A lower edge of back low- elasticity zone 1152 may be curved, angled, and / or configured so that back low- elasticity zone 1152 may be wider on the sides than the center of the back as shown.[000137] FIG. 12A provides a front view, FIG. 12B provides a back view, and FIG. 12C provides a side view of an inner layer 1201 of shorts 1200, which in some instances may be worn as a boy shorts underwear garment with a wearer-facing surface that is not shown and an external surface 1210 with a pattern 1230 of elastic agent printed, or otherwise positioned, thereon. In some embodiments, pattern 1230 may be similar to pattern 930 and / or scaled to fit (e.g., enlarged and / or contracted) shorts 1200.[000138] External surface 1210 may be bonded or otherwise affixed to an internal surface of an external layer 1270 (shown in FIGs. 12D-12F) to form two- layer shorts 1200 (see FIGs. 12D-12F) with pattern 1230 of elastic agent therebetween. As with brief 900 and inner layer 901 , pattern of elastic agent 1230 includes a front low-elasticity zone 1250 wherein many lines of pattern 1230 join and / or intersect, a back low-elasticity zone 1250 wherein many lines of pattern 1230 join and / or intersect, a plurality of medium-elasticity zones 1240 that are proximate to and extend between the front and back low-elasticity zones 1250, and a plurality of high-elasticity zones 1280 that often extend from medium-elasticity zones 1240 to an edge of the shorts (e.g., leg hole or waistband).[000139] Inner layer 1201 also includes a crotch region 1220 to which additional material in the form of, for example, a single layer gusset, a multi-layer gusset, and / or a pad of light, medium, and / or high absorbability may be attached using elastic agent applied in, for example, a single layer that extends over the entire or a portion of an interface between the additional material and inner layer 1201, stipes along the edge of crotch 1220, around the perimeter of the additional material,around the perimeter of crotch 1220, and / or a pattern. At times, the pad may be waterproof and / or leak resistant.[000140] Inner layer 1201 further includes edges that define leg openings 1260 and a waistband 1265. Leg openings 1260 and / or waistband 1265 may be bonded to corresponding leg openings 1267 and / or waistband 1267 of external layer 1270 using elastic agent with low, medium, and / or high elasticity as shown in, for example, FIGs. 12D-12F. Additionally, or alternatively, an edge of leg openings 1260, waistband 1265, leg openings 126, and / or waistband 1267 may be covered with elastic agent to, for example, provide elasticity and / or prevent fraying of the respective edge.[000141] FIG. 12D provides a front view, FIG. 12E provides a back view, and FIG. 12F provides a side view of shorts 1200 comprising inner layer 1201 and an outer layer 1270 overlaid upon and at least partially bonded to inner layer 1201 via pattern of elastic agent 1230. As shown in FIGs. 12D-12F, pattern 1230 may be seen through outer layer 1270. Thus, outer layer 1270 may be semi-transparent, semi-opaque, and / or semi-opaque. Additionally, or alternatively, some of all of pattern 1230 may be seen through outer layer 1270 and / or inner layer 1201 when shorts 1202 is stretched as may occur when it is worn by a wearer. Additionally, or alternatively, some, or all of outer layer 1270 may be opaque (not shown) so that pattern 1230 is not visible from the outside when the wearer is wearing shorts 1202. [000142] FIGs. 13A, 13B, and 13C respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back, and a side view of an inner layer 1301 of a pair of shorts 1300 that, on some occasions, may be worn as an underwear garment and / or a sleepwear garment with a wearer-facing surface 1315 that has an external surface 1310 with a pattern 1330 of elastic agent printed or otherwise positioned thereon. FIGs. 13D, 13E, and 13F respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back and a side view of shorts 1300 when an outer layer 1370 thereof overlays pattern 1330 and is attached to inner layer 1301 , thereby forming fully assembled shorts 1300.[000143] Inner layer 1301 includes edges that define leg openings 1362, a crotch 1364 positioned between and above leg openings 1362, and a waistband 1367. Leg openings 1362 and / or waistband 1367 may be bonded to corresponding leg openings and / or a waistband of outer layer 1370 (thereby forming leg openings 1360, a crotch 1368, and a waistband opening 1365 of shorts 1300) using an elasticagent with low, medium, and / or high elasticity as shown in, for example, FIGs. 13D- 13F. Additionally, or alternatively, an edge of leg openings 1360, waistband 1365, leg openings 1362, and / or waistband 1367 may be covered with elastic agent to, for example, provide elasticity, bond the layers together, and / or prevent fraying of the respective edge.[000144] External surface of inner layer 1310 may be bonded or otherwise affixed to an internal surface of an outer layer 1370 (shown in FIGs. 13D-13F) to form shorts 1300 with pattern 1330 of elastic agent positioned between inner layer 1301 and outer layer 1370. In some embodiments, the elastic agent of pattern 1330 may be configured to act as an adhesive that binds inner layer 1301 to outer layer 1370 to form shorts 1300 (see FIGs. 13D-13F).[000145] In some embodiments, crotch 1364 may include additional material in the form of, for example, a single layer gusset, a multi-layer gusset, and / or a pad of light, medium, and / or high absorbability that may be attached using elastic agent applied in, for example, a single layer that extends over the entire or a portion of an interface between the additional material and inner layer 1301 , stipes along the edge of crotch 1320, around the perimeter of the additional material, around the perimeter of crotch 1364, and / or in a pattern. At times, the pad may be configured to isolate outer layer 1370 from fluids (e.g., urine, blood, etc.) that may exit the wearer and be held in the pad using, for example absorbent, water-resistant, leak-resistant, and / or waterproof materials.[000146] Pattern of elastic agent 1330 includes a front low-elasticity zone 1350 wherein a plurality of thick and lines of pattern 1330 intersect at an approximate center vertical midline of the garment, which may be configured to align with a wearer's belly or bellybutton. Low-elasticity zone 1350 is positioned to provide low elasticity to the front abdomen of a wearer to, for example, support, shape, and / or compress tissue overlying the lower abdominal muscles and / or organs positioned underneath. Surrounding low-elasticity zone 1350 are an upper medium-elasticity zone 1340 that extends from waistband 1367 to low-elasticity zone 1350 and a lower medium-elasticity zone 1345 that has three regions on the left, right, and center of shorts 1300 as shown. Upper and lower medium-elasticity zones 1340 and 1345 may be configured to compress and / or support underlying tissue to a lesser degree than low-elasticity zone 1350 so that, for example, tissue underlying upper and lowermedium-elasticity zones 1340 and 1345 may gradually transition to providing less compression and / or support and / or have a smoothing effect on the abdominal tissue and / or tissue on the sides of the torso and / or back so that the tissue is compressed in a manner that is smooth (e.g., avoids bulges or puckers). A lower edge of pattern 1330 is defined by a band that curves so that an apex of the curve is positioned between and above leg openings 1362 and generally aligns with crotch 1364. [000147] As may be seen in FIGs. 13B and 13C, pattern 1330 extends around inner layer 1301 to the back thereof so that low-elasticity zone 1350 extend all the way around inner layer as shown. Medium-elasticity zones 1340 and 1345 also extend all the way around inner layer as shown. A back side of lower mediumelasticity zone 1345 curves so that it is wider proximate to the sides of inner layer 1301 and narrower toward the vertical center of inner layer 1301 .[000148] FIGs. 14A, 14B, and 14C respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back, and a side view of an inner layer 1401 of pair of shorts 1400 (also referred to herein as “shorts 1400”) with a wearer-facing surface 1415 that has an external surface 1410 with a pattern 1430 of elastic agent printed or otherwise positioned thereon. FIGs. 14D, 14E, and 14F respectively provide diagrams of a front, a back and a side view of shorts 1400 when an outer layer 1470 thereof overlays pattern 1430 and is attached to inner layer 1401 , thereby forming a fully assembled shorts 1400. Pattern of elastic agent 1430 is similar to pattern of elastic agent 1130, described above, only scaled (e.g., enlarged) to cover inner layer 1401.[000149] Inner layer 1401 includes edges that define leg openings 1462, a crotch 1464 positioned between leg openings 1462, and a waistband 1467. Leg openings 1462 and / or waistband 1467 may be bonded to corresponding leg openings and / or a waistband of outer layer 1470 (thereby forming leg openings 1460, crotch 1468, and a waistband opening 1465 of shorts 1400) using an elastic agent with low, medium, and / or high elasticity as shown in, for example, FIGs. 14D- 14F. Additionally, or alternatively, an edge of leg openings 1460, waistband 1465, leg openings 1462, and / or waistband 1467 may be covered with elastic agent to, for example, provide elasticity, bond the layers together, and / or prevent fraying of the respective edge.[000150] External surface of inner layer 1410 may be bonded or otherwise affixed to an internal surface of an outer layer 1470 (shown in FIGs. 14D-14F) toform shorts 1400 with pattern 1430 of elastic agent positioned between inner layer 1401 and outer layer 1470. In some embodiments, the elastic agent of pattern 1430 may be configured to act as an adhesive that binds inner layer 1401 to outer layer 1470 to form shorts 1400 (see FIGs. 14D-14F).[000151] In some embodiments, crotch 1464 may include additional material in the form of, for example, a single layer gusset, a multi-layer gusset, and / or a pad of light, medium, and / or high absorbability that may be attached using elastic agent applied in, for example, a single layer that extends over the entire or a portion of an interface between the additional material and inner layer 1401 , stipes along the edge of crotch 1420, around the perimeter of the additional material, around the perimeter of crotch 1464, and / or in a pattern. At times, the pad may be configured to isolate outer layer 1470 from fluids (e.g., urine, blood, etc.) that may exit the wearer and be held in the pad using, for example absorbent, water-resistant, leak-resistant, and / or waterproof materials.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:1 . A garment comprising an inner layer; an outer layer; and an elastic agent configured and arranged between the inner and outer layers in a pattern that bonds the inner layer to the outer layer and provides support to wearer tissue.

2. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the elastic agent provides support to wearer tissue by being less elastic than at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer.

3. The garment of claim 1 or 2, wherein a degree of coverage of the inner layer by the pattern varies across the pattern.

4. The garment of any of claims 1-3, wherein a density of the elastic agent within the pattern varies across the pattern.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein support is maximized over regions of the pattern with densely arranged elastic agent.

6. The garment of claim 4 or 5, wherein a variation of the pattern includes a region of greater density and a region of lesser density, wherein greater support is provided by the region of greater density and less support is provided by the region of lesser density.

7. The garment of claim 5, wherein the region of greater density gradually transitions to the region of lesser density, thereby smoothing a profile of supported wearer tissue.

8. The garment of any of claims 1-7, wherein the support to the wearer tissue is compressive support.

9. The garment of any of claims 1-8, wherein the garment is configured as shapewear.

10. The garment of any of claims 1-9, wherein the wearer tissue is abdominal tissue.11 .The garment of any of claims 1-10, wherein the wearer tissue is breast tissue.

12. The garment of any of claims 1-11 , wherein the wearer tissue is tissue positioned on the wearer’s torso.

13. The garment of any of claims 1-12, wherein the wearer tissue is tissue positioned on the wearer’s waist.

14. The garment of any of claims 1-13, further comprising a low-elasticity region; and a medium-elasticity region proximate to the low-elasticity region, the mediumelasticity region being more elastic than the low-elasticity region.

15. The garment of any of claims 1-14, wherein the pattern does not cover the entirety of the inner layer.

16. The garment of any of claims 1-15, wherein the inner layer includes a bra strap and the pattern of elastic agent covers all of the bra strap.

17. The garment of any of claims 1-16, wherein a portion of the elastic agent is configured to hold the garment in place on the wearer’s skin.

18. The garment of any of claims 1-17, wherein the pattern is configured to correspond to an anatomical feature of the wearer.

19. The garment of any of claims 1-18, wherein the pattern includes a panel of densely placed strands of elastic agent positioned between a front side of the inner and out layers.

20. The garment of any of claims 1-19, wherein the pattern includes a first region of densely placed strands of elastic agent positioned between a left side of the inner and outer layers and a second region of densely placed strands of elastic agent positioned between a right side of the inner and outer layers.

21. The garment of any of claims 1-20, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is semi-shear when stretched, thereby making the pattern visible.

22. The garment of any of claims 1-21 , wherein the pattern includes strands of elastic agent having a shape that approximates an inner mammary fold of the wearer.

23. The garment of any of claims 1-22, wherein the pattern includes a plurality of strands and a shape of the strands correspond to an anatomical feature of the wearer.

24. The garment of any of claims 1-23, wherein an elasticity of the inner and outer layers correspond to the elasticity of the elastic agent so that deformation of the garment is uniform as the elastic agent expands or contracts25. The garment of any of claims 1-24, wherein the garment is configured to be worn on a lower portion of a wearer’s torso.

26. The garment of any of claims 1-25, wherein the garment is a bra.

27. A method for manufacturing the garment of any of claims 1-25.

28. A method for manufacturing the garment of any of claims 1-25, comprising: applying the elastic agent to at least one of the first and second fabric layers; and assembling the garment so that the first and second layers are bonded together via the elastic agent.

29. A garment comprising: a fabric body configured to cover a lower portion of a wearer’s torso, the fabric body comprising: two leg openings; a waist opening; and a crotch region positioned between the two leg openings; an absorbent pad; and a volume of elastic agent, the absorbent pad being attached to a wearer-facing side of the crotch region via the elastic agent.

30. The garment of claim 29, wherein the volume of elastic agent prevents moisture from leaking through the pad to the fabric body.31 . The garment of claim 29 or 30, wherein an elasticity of the fabric body corresponds to an elasticity of the elastic agent.

32. The garment of any of claims 29-31, further comprising: a volume of an elastic agent positioned proximate to the leg openings on a back side of the garment, the volume of elastic agent being configured to support tissue proximate to a wearer’s buttocks.

33. The garment of any of claims 29-32, further comprising: a volume of an elastic agent positioned on a front of the fabric body, the volume of elastic agent being configured to support abdominal tissue of a wearer.

34. The garment of any of claims 29-33, further comprising: a volume of an elastic agent positioned around a circumference of the fabric body proximate to the waist opening.

35. The garment of claim 34, wherein the volume of the elastic agent extends from the waist opening toward the crotch region.

36. A garment comprising: a fabric body configured to cover a lower portion of a wearer’s torso, the body comprising: two leg openings;a waist opening; a crotch region positioned between the two leg openings; and a volume of elastic agent positioned proximate to the leg openings on a back side of the garment.

37. The garment of claim 36, wherein an elasticity of the fabric body corresponds to an elasticity of the elastic agent.

38. The garment of claim 36 or 37, further comprising: a volume of an elastic agent positioned on a front of the fabric body, the volume of elastic agent being configured to support abdominal tissue of a wearer.

39. The garment of any of claims 36-38, further comprising: a volume of an elastic agent positioned around a circumference of the fabric body proximate to the waist opening.

40. The garment of claim 39, wherein the volume of the elastic agent extends from the waist opening toward the crotch region.41 .A garment comprising: an inner fabric layer having two inner leg openings, an inner waist opening, and an inner crotch region positioned between the two inner leg openings; an outer fabric layer having two outer leg openings, an outer waist opening, and an outer crotch region positioned between the outer two leg openings; and an elastic agent, the elastic agent being positioned between the inner and outer layers and configured to bond the inner layer to the outer layer thereby forming a garment with two leg openings, a waist opening, and a crotch region positioned between the two leg openings, the elastic agent being configured and arranged between the inner and outer layers in a pattern that provides support to wearer tissue.

42. The garment of claim 41 , wherein an elasticity of the fabric body corresponds to an elasticity of the elastic agent.

43. The garment of any of claims 41-42, further comprising: a volume of an elastic agent positioned proximate to the leg openings on a back side of the garment, the volume of elastic agent being configured to support tissue proximate to a wearer’s buttocks.

44. The garment of any of claims 41-43, wherein the pattern encircles a portion of the fabric body proximate to the waist opening.

45. The garment of claim 44, wherein the volume of the elastic agent extends from the waist opening toward the crotch region.

46. The garment of any of claims 41-45, further comprising: an absorbent pad; and a volume of elastic agent, the absorbent pad being attached to a wearer-facing side of the crotch region via the elastic agent47. The garment of claim 46, wherein the volume of elastic agent prevents moisture from leaking through the pad to the fabric body.

48. A bra comprising: an inner fabric layer; an outer fabric layer; and an elastic agent configured and arranged between the inner and outer layers in a pattern that bonds the inner layer to the outer layer and provides support to a wearer’s breasts.

49. The bra of claim 48, wherein a portion of the pattern of elastic agent proximate to a shoulder strap of the bra is approximately solid.

50. The bra of claim 48 or 49, wherein the pattern of elastic agent does not cover a center of breast cups of the bra.51 .The bra of claim 48, 49, or 50, wherein the pattern of elastic agent includes a solid band of elastic agent proximate to a lower edge of the bra.

52. The bra of any of claims 48-51 , wherein the pattern of elastic agent includes strands of elastic agent that correspond to a side of the wearer’s breast.

53. The bra of any of claims 48-52, wherein the pattern of elastic agent corresponds to a shape of the wearer’s breasts.

54. The bra of any of claims 48-53, wherein the pattern of elastic agent forms a sling positioned underneath and around the wearer’s breasts.

55. The bra of any of claims 48-54, wherein the pattern of elastic agent forms a first sling positioned underneath and around a wearer’s first breast and a second sling positioned underneath and around a wearer’s second breast.

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