Garment having extensible portions

Abstract

A garment including a waterproof, breathable extensible portion, including: a first region including a distal end and interior and exterior surfaces; a first closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the first region; a second region including proximal and distal ends and interior and exterior surfaces; a first waterproof joining area joining the proximal end of the second region to the distal end of the first region; a second closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the second region; a third region including proximal and distal ends and interior and exterior surfaces; and a second waterproof joining area joining the distal end of the second region to the proximal end of the third region. The extensible portion has a first length when the first closure portion engages the second closure portion and a greater second length when the first closure portion does not engage the second closure portion.

Description

GARMENT HAVING EXTENSIBLE PORTIONSFIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a garment. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a garment having one or more extensible portions.BACKGROUND

[0002] Garments such as, but not limited to, garments for rainy or cold weather activities can incorporate functional features, such as waterproofness and breathability. Consumers or service providers (e.g., garment rental providers) may wish to be able to adjust the size of such garments to accommodate wearers of different sizes.SUMMARY

[0003] In some embodiments, a garment includes at least one extensible garment portion, wherein the at least one extensible garment portion includes: a first region of the extensible garment portion, wherein the first region includes a distal end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, a first closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the first region; a second region of the extensible garment portion, wherein the second region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end of the second region, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the second region, and a first waterproof joining areajoining the proximal end of the second region to the distal end of the first region; a second closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the second region, wherein the second closure portion is configured to removably engage the first closure portion; a third region of the extensible garment portion; wherein the third region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end of the third region, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the third region; and a second waterproof j oining area joining the distal end of the second region to the proximal end of the third region, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a first length when the first closure portion is engaged with the second closure portion, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a second length when the first closure portion is not engaged with the second closure portion, wherein the second length is greater than the first length, and wherein the extensible garment portion is waterproof and breathable.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first closure portion is a first side of a zipper and the second closure portion is a second side of the zipper.

[0005] In some embodiments, the extensible garment portion is a pant leg, a sleeve, a torso portion of a jacket, a torso portion of a shirt, or a torso portion of a wader.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first region forms a proximal end of the extensible garment portion and the third region forms a distal end of the extensible garment portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least one of first region or the third region includes an insulation. In some embodiments, the at least one of the first or the third region includes a facing laminate that forms the exterior surface of the at least one of the first or the third region; and a textile lining forming the interior surface of the at least one of the first or the third region; wherein the insulation is positioned between the facing laminate and the textile lining, and wherein the facing laminate includes a facing layer oriented toward the exterior surface of the first or the third region; and a functional layer oriented toward the insulation. In some embodiments, both the first region and the third region include the insulation. In some embodiments, the functional layer includes at least one of a fluoropolymer, a polyurethane, a copolyether ester, a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyether, a polyamide, a polyacrylate, a copolyether amide, a polyethylene, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the functional layer includes a waterproof and breathable membrane.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second region includes a facing layer forming the exterior surface of the second region, a backing layer forming the interior surface of the second region, and a functional layer sandwiched between the facing layer and the backing layer. In some embodiments, at least one of (a) the functional layer of the second region or (b) the functional layer of the at least one of the first region or the third region includes at least one of a fluoropolymer, a polyurethane, a copolyether ester, a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyether, a polyamide, a polyacrylate, a copolyether amide, a polyethylene, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the functional layer of the second region includes a waterproof and breathable membrane.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the first waterproof joining area and the second waterproof joining area includes a stitched connection; and a waterproof seal overlaying the stitched connection. In some embodiments, the waterproof seal includes seam tape.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second length is greater than the first length by a difference that is in a range of from 3 to 30 centimeters.

[0011] In some embodiments, the extensible garment portion also includes a fourth region of the extensible garment portion, wherein the fourth region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the fourth region; a third waterproof j oining area joining the distal end of the third region to the proximal end of the fourth region; a fifth region of the extensible garment portion, wherein the fifth region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the fourth region; a third closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the fourth region; and a fourth closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the fifth region, wherein the fourth closure portion is configured to removably engage the third closure portion, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a first length when the first closure portion is engaged with the second closure portion and the third closure portion is engaged with the fourth closure portion, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have the second length when the first closure portion is not engaged with the second closure portion and the third closure portion is engaged with the fourth closure portion, and wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a third length when the first closure portion is not engaged with the second closure portion and the third closure portion is not engaged with the fourth closure portion, wherein the third length is greater than the second length.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

[0013] Figure 1A shows an exemplary garment having an extensible garment portion, the extensible garment portion being shown in a non-extended state.

[0014] Figure IB shows the exemplary garment shown in Figure 1A, the extensible garment portion being shown in an extended state.

[0015] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary extensible garment portion, the extensible garment portion being shown in a non-extended state.

[0016] Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary garment shown in Figure 2A, the extensible garment portion being shown in an extended state.

[0017] Figure 3A shows a photograph of a portion of an exemplary garment having an extensible garment portion, the extensible garment portion being shown in a non-extended state.

[0018] Figure 3B shows a photograph of a portion of the exemplary garment shown in Figure 3A, the extensible garment portion being shown in an extended state.

[0019] Figure 3C shows a photograph of a portion of an exemplary garment having an extensible garment portion, the garment being positioned inside-out to show interior elements of the garment, the extensible garment portion being shown in a non-extended state.

[0020] Figure 3D shows a photograph of a portion of the exemplary garment shown in Figure 3C, the garment being positioned inside-out to show interior elements of the garment, the extensible garment portion being shown in an extended state.

[0021] Figure 4A shows a perspective sectional view rendering of a portion of an exemplary extensible garment portion.

[0022] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary extensible garment portion shown in Figure 4 A.

[0023] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary extensible garment portion.

[0024] Figure 6A shows an exemplary garment having two extensible garment portions arranged in a sequential manner, the extensible garment portions being shown in a non-extended state.

[0025] Figure 6B shows the exemplary garment shown in Figure 6A, the extensible garment portions being shown in an extended state.

[0026] Figure 7 shows an exemplary garment including an extensible garment portion and a repair module.

[0027] Figure 8 shows an exemplary garment including an extensible garment portion and a garment connector configured to couple the exemplary garment to a further garment.

[0028] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Garments such as, but not limited to, garments for rainy or cold weather activities can incorporate functional features such as waterproofness and breathability. Such garments can also incorporate insulation. Garments incorporating such functional features may be more expensive than garments without such functional features. Parents may be hesitant to buy a high quality waterproof breathable garment for a younger child due to the fact that children grow quickly and may only get a short period of use until the child has grown too large to fit the garment. Additionally, garment rental centers, for example, ski garment rental centers may be able to utilize a smaller amount of different stock keeping units (SKU) due to the fact that one garment can be adjusted to fit a person with longer arms / legs or shorter arms / legs to produce a more comfortable wearing experience.

[0030] The present disclosure relates to garments including extensible portions. In some embodiments, the garments can include, for example, pants, with the extensible portion(s) of the pants including the pant legs; jackets, with the extensible portion(s) of the jacket including the sleeves and / or the torso (e.g., waist portion); coveralls or overalls, with the extensible portion(s) including the legs, sleeves, and / or torso; and waders, with the extensible portion(s) of the waders including the legs and / or the torso. Some embodiments can include combinations of the preceding. Additionally, while the garments with extensible portions will be described herein with specific reference to extensible sleeves, it is within the scope of the invention that other portions of the garments, such as pant legs or torso portions, may also be extensible using the techniques described herein.

[0031] In some embodiments, the garment 100 can be referred to as a clothing article, article, or the like. In the embodiment, shown in Figures 1A and IB, the garment 100 is a pair of pants. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is a pair of snow pants intended to be worn during, for example, winter activities such as, but not limited to, snow skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or the like. As a result, in some embodiments, the garment 100 can be insulated, waterproof and breathable. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is a pair of rain pants or the like. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is a garment to be worn on the upper body, such as a shirt or a jacket. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is a pair of waders.

[0032] In some embodiments, the garment 100 includes an extensible garment portion 110. Figure 1A shows the garment 100 with the extensible garment portion 110 in a non-extended state, andFigure IB shows the garment 100 with the extensible garment portion 1 10 in an extended state. In some embodiments, the extensible garment portion 110 is a portion of the garment that can be adjusted in the manner that will be described hereinafter in order to allow the size of the garment 100 to be adjusted, thereby to allow the garment 100 to be worn by different individuals or by the same individual over the course of a time period during which the individual is growing (e.g., by a child or young adult over the course of multiple years), or to allow the garment 100 to be stocked by a garment rental store and be adapted to differently sized individuals. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is a pair of pants and the extensible garment portion 110 is a pant leg. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is an upper body garment (e.g., a shirt or jacket) and the extensible garment portion 110 is a sleeve. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is an upper body garment (e.g., a shirt or jacket) and the extensible garment portion 110 is a torso of the upper body garment. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is a pair of waders and the extensible garment portion 110 is a leg of the pair of waders. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is a pair of waders and the extensible garment portion 110 is a torso of the pair of waders. The exemplary embodiments will be described herein with reference to one extensible garment portion 110 of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the garment 100 includes more than one extensible garment portion 110. For example, in some embodiments, the garment 100 is a pair of pants and both pant legs include an extensible garment portion 110. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is an upper body garment (e g., a shirt or jacket) and each sleeve includes an extensible garment portion 110.

[0033] Continuing to refer to Figures 1A and IB, in some embodiments, the extensible garment portion 110 includes a first region 120, a second region 140, and a third region 170. In some embodiments, the first region 120 defines a proximal end of the extensible garment portion 110 (e.g., is the region of the extensible garment portion 110 that is closest to the wearer’ s upper torso). For example, in embodiments in which the extensible garment portion 110 is a pant leg, the first region 120 is the portion of the pant leg that is closest to the waistband; in embodiments in which the extensible garment portion 110 is a sleeve, the first region 120 is the portion of the sleeve that is closest to the shoulder; in embodiments in which the extensible garment portion 110 is a torso portion of a shirt, jacket, or wader, the first region 120 is the portion of the torso that is closest to the head of the wearer. In some embodiments, the third region 170 defines a distal end of the extensible garment portion 110 (e.g., is the region of the extensible garment portion 110 that is furthest from the wearer’s upper torso). For example, in embodiments in which the extensiblegarment portion 110 is a pant leg, the third region 170 is the portion of the pant leg that is closest to the wearer’s ankle; in embodiments in which the extensible garment portion 110 is a sleeve, the third region 170 is the portion of the sleeve that is closest to the wearer’s hand; in embodiments in which the extensible garment portion 110 is a torso portion of a shirt, jacket, or wader, the third region 170 is the portion of the torso that is closest to the legs of the wearer. In some embodiments, the second region 140 is positioned between the first region 120 and the third region 170. For example, in some embodiments, the second region 140 is a portion of material that is essentially in the shape of a tube, that is, a piece of fabric or a laminate that has a certain length where two opposing edges of the fabric / laminate are sewn together, joining the first region 120 to the third region 170 via one or more seams. As used herein, the term “seams” can mean any one or more of the traditional seaming techniques used in garment making, for example, stitched seams, glued seams, welded seams, etc. In some embodiments, the seams are stitched seams. In some embodiments, in order to make a seam durably waterproof, the seams are often sealed, for example, using seam tape.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first region 120, the second region 140, and the third region 170 are made of the same material as one another. In some embodiments, the first region 120 and the third region 170 are made of the same material as one another and the second region is made of a different material. In some embodiments, the first region 120, the second region 140, and the third region 170 are made of different materials from one another. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 1 A, when the extensible garment portion 110 is positioned in the non-extended state, the second region 140 is mostly or entirely obscured from view, as will be described hereinafter, and the extensible garment portion 110 has a first length. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure IB, when the extensible garment portion 110 is positioned in the extended state, the second region 140 is mostly or entirely exposed and the extensible garment portion 110 has a second length that is greater than the first length.

[0035] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the extensible garment portion 110 as positioned in the non-extended state taken along the lines 2A-2A shown in Figure 1A. Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the extensible garment portion 110 as positioned in the extended state taken along the lines 2B-2B shown in Figure IB. In some embodiments, the first region 120 has an exterior surface 121 and an interior surface 122 opposite the interior surface 121. In some embodiments, the second region 140 has an exterior surface 141 and an interiorsurface 142 opposite the interior surface 141. In some embodiments, the third region 170 has an exterior surface 171 and an interior surface 172 opposite the interior surface 171.

[0036] In some embodiments, the extensible garment portion 110 includes a first closure portion 130 that is positioned on the interior surface 122 of the first region 120, and a second closure portion 160 that is positioned on the interior surface 142 of the second region 140. In some embodiments, the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 are configured to be releasably engaged with one another. For example, in some embodiments, the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 include opposite sides of a zipper. In other embodiments, the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 include opposite sides of a hook-and-loop fastener, include opposite sides of a series of snaps (which may be made, for example, from metal or plastic), include opposite sides of one or more buckles, include opposite sides of one or more magnetic fasteners, include opposite sides of one or more buttons and corresponding buttonholes, include opposite sides of material joined together by stitching, or include opposite sides of one or more drawcord-stopper fasteners. In some embodiments, the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 extend about the entire perimeter of, or substantially the entire perimeter of, the interior surface 122 and the interior surface 142, respectively. For example, in an embodiment in which the extensible garment portion 110 is a pant leg, the first closure portion 130 is positioned on the interior surface 122 of the first region 120 so as to extend about the interior of the pant leg in the first region 120, and the second closure portion 160 is positioned on the interior surface 142 of the second region 140 so as to extend about the interior of the pant leg in the second region 140. In some embodiments, the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 are attached to the interior surface 122 and the interior surface 142, respectively, in a manner so as not to negatively impact waterproofness of the extensible garment portion 110. For example, in some embodiments, the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 are attached by waterproof stitching (e.g., stitching covered by waterproof seam tape), by a tape, and / or by an adhesive.

[0037] Figure 2A shows a cross-section of a portion of the extensible garment portion 110 with the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 engaged with one another so as to configure the extensible garment portion 110 in a non-extended state. As shown in Figure 2A, when the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 are engaged with one another, the extensible garment portion 110 is folded upon itself in a proximal or “upward”direction along a first fold line 112, and is folded again upon itself in a distal or “downward” direction along a second fold line 114.

[0038] Figure 2B shows a cross-section of a portion of the extensible garment portion 110 with the first closure portion 130 disengaged from the second closure portion 160 so as to configure the extensible garment portion 110 in an extended state. As shown in Figure 2B, when the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 are disengaged from one another, the extensible garment portion 110 is not folded along the first fold line 112 or along the second fold line 114.

[0039] Thus, in some embodiments, the extensible garment portion 110 is longer when configured in the extended state (e.g., as shown in Figures IB and 2B) than it is when configured in the nonextended state (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A and 2A). In some embodiments, the difference in length of the extensible garment portion 110 when in the extended state as compared to the nonextended state is equal to, or substantially the same as, the distance between the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 along the interior of the extensible garment portion as seen in Figure 2B. In some embodiments, the difference in length of the extensible garment portion 110 when in the extended state as compared to the non-extended state is in a range of from 3 cm to 30 cm.

[0040] In some embodiments, to configure the extensible garment portion 110 in an extended state, a user disengages the first closure portion 130 from the second closure portion 160. For example, in embodiments in which the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 are opposite sides of a zipper, the user unzips the zipper to disengage the first closure portion 130 from the second closure portion 160. Similarly, in some embodiments, to configure the extensible garment portion 110 in a non-extended state, a user engages the first closure portion 130 with the second closure portion 160. For example, in embodiments in which the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 are opposite sides of a zipper, the user zips the zipper to engage the first closure portion 130 with the second closure portion 160. In some embodiments, because the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion are configured to be releasably engaged with one another, the extensible garment portion 110 can be switched from the non-extended state to the extended state and back to the non-extended state as needed by disengaging and re-engaging the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160.

[0041] Referring back to Figure IB, in some embodiments, the first region 120 includes a proximal end 123 and a distal end 124 opposite the proximal end 123. In some embodiments, the second region 140 includes a proximal end 143 and a distal end 144 opposite the proximal end 143. In some embodiments, the third region 170 includes a proximal end 173 and a distal end 174 opposite the proximal end 173. In some embodiments, the first region 120 and the second region 140 are joined to one another by a first waterproof joining area 150 that joins the distal end 124 of the first region 120 to the proximal end 143 of the second region 140. In some embodiments, the second region 140 and the third region 170 are joined to one another by a second waterproof joining area 180 that joins the distal end 144 of the second region 140 to the proximal end 173 of the third region 170.

[0042] In some embodiments, each of the first waterproof joining areal 50 and the second waterproof joining area 180 includes a stitched connection and a waterproof seal (e.g., a waterproof seam tape) overlaying the stitched connection. In some embodiments, each of the first waterproof joining area 150 and the second waterproof joining area 180 includes a stitched connection, a glued connection, a welded connection, a taped connection, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, each of the first waterproof joining area 150 and the second waterproof joining area 180 is configured to prevent water entry (e.g., to prevent water from passing from an exterior of the garment 100 to an interior of the garment 100).

[0043] In some embodiments, each of the first region 120, the second region 140, and the third region 170 is waterproof and breathable. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the first region 120, the second region 140, and the third region 170 are joined to one another by the first waterproof joining area 150 and the second waterproof joining area 180. Thus, in some embodiments, the extensible garment portion 110 is waterproof and breathable. In some embodiments, the garment 100 is waterproof and breathable.

[0044] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D show photographs of an exemplary garment 100. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A-3D, the garment 100 is a jacket and the extensible garment portion 110 is a sleeve. Figures 3 A and 3B show exterior views of the extensible garment portion 110. In the exterior views shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first region 120 and the third region 170 are a lighter color (e.g., blue) and the second region 140 is a darker color (e.g., black). Figure 3 A shows an exterior view of the extensible garment portion 110 of the garment 100 with theextensible garment portion 110 configured in its non-extended state. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, a portion of the second region 140 is visible while the extensible garment portion 110 is configured in the non-extended state. Figure 3B shows an exterior view of the extensible garment portion 110 of the garment 100 with the extensible garment portion configured in its extended state. Figures 3C and 3D show interior views of the extensible garment portion 110 (e.g., with the garment 100 turned inside out so as to show the interior of the extensible garment portion 110). In the interior views shown in Figures 3C and 3D, the first region 120 and the third region 170 are a darker color (e.g., black) and the second region 140 is a lighter color (e.g., gray). Figure 3C shows an interior view of the extensible garment portion 110 of the garment 100 with the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 engaged with one another so as to configure the extensible garment portion 110 in its non-extended state as described above with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 3D shows an interior view of the extensible garment portion 110 of the garment 100 with the first closure portion 130 and the second closure portion 160 disengaged from one another so as to configure the extensible garment portion 110 in its extended state as described above with reference to Figures 2 A and 2B. The specific colors and color differences shown in Figures 3A-3D are only exemplary and the garment 100, the extensible garment portion 110, the first region 120, the second region 140, and the third region 170 may have any color, including having the same color as one another or having different colors from one another.

[0045] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the garment 100 and the extensible garment portion 110 are waterproof and breathable. In some embodiments, the garment 100 and the extensible garment portion 110 are also insulated. Figures 4A and 4B shows a perspective sectional view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a layered structure forming of the extensible garment portion 110 that is waterproof, breathable, and insulated.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the first region 120 of the extensible garment portion 110 includes a series of layers. In some embodiments, the first region 120 includes a facing laminate 125 that forms the exterior surface 121 of the first region 120, a textile lining 126 that forms the interior surface 122 of the first region 120, and an insulation 127 that is positioned between the facing laminate 125 and the textile lining 126.

[0047] In some embodiments, the textile lining 126 includes a knit, a woven or a nonwoven textile. Any of the known knit, woven or nonwoven textiles can be used to form the textile lining126. For example, fibers, filaments, or yarns made from natural, synthetic or combinations of natural and synthetic materials can be used to make the textile lining 126. Polyester, nylon, cotton, wool and any blends or combinations thereof made be used to make the textile lining 126.

[0048] In some embodiments, the insulation 127 includes any insulation that is commonly used in garment insulation. Suitable types of insulation 127 can include, for example, pile insulation, fleece insulation, aerogel insulation, loft insulation, felt, down, wool, or a combination thereof.

[0049] In some embodiments, the facing laminate 125 includes a two-layer laminate. In some embodiments, the two-layer laminate includes a functional layer facing (e.g., oriented) toward the insulation 127 and a facing layer facing (e.g., oriented) away from the insulation 127. In some embodiments, the facing layer includes a knit, a woven or a nonwoven textile. Any of the known knit, woven or nonwoven textiles can be used. For example, fibers, filaments, or yarns made from natural, synthetic or combinations of natural and synthetic materials can be used to make the facing layer. Polyester, nylon, cotton, wool and any blends or combinations thereof made be used to make the facing layer. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 125 and other laminates described herein can be made in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 4,194,041, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0317276, or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0332202, assigned to W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., in Elkton, Maryland.

[0050] In some embodiments, the functional layer may include or may be a breathable membrane. The functional layer may be or may include a waterproof membrane. The functional layer may be or include a breathable and waterproof membrane. The membrane may be selected from polyurethane, polyester, polyether, polyamide, polyacrylate, polyolefin, copolyether ester and copolyether amides, polyethylene, as well as other suitable thermoplastic and elastomeric films. In a particular embodiment, the waterproof, breathable membrane may be made of a fluoropolymer, particularly made of microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane may be a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,187,390, to W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Such membranes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene are present in commercially available laminates from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Md., under the tradename GORETEX® fabric. The breathable and waterproof functional layer may be composed of a polyurethane coated microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane made substantially according tothe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,041 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,214, assigned to W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc., in Elkton, Md. In some embodiments, the waterproof, breathable membrane may be made of expanded polyethylene (ePE). In some embodiments, the ePE membrane may be a membrane of expanded polyethylene made substantially according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0317276 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0332202, both of which are assigned to W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., ofNewark, Delaware.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the second region 140 of the extensible garment portion 110 includes a three-layer laminate. In some embodiments, the three-layer laminate includes a facing layer forming the exterior surface 141 of the second region 140, a backing layer forming the interior surface 142 of the second region, and a functional layer sandwiched between the facing layer and the backing layer.

[0052] In some embodiments, the facing layer includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the facing layer of the facing laminate 125. In some embodiments, the functional layer includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the functional layer of the facing laminate 125. In some embodiments, the backing layer includes any of the materials described above with reference to the facing layer of the facing laminate 125.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the third region 170 of the extensible garment portion includes a series of layers. In some embodiments, the third region 170 includes a facing laminate 175 that forms the exterior surface 171 of the third region 170, a textile lining 176 that forms the interior surface 172 of the third region 170, and an insulation 177 that is positioned between the facing laminate 175 and the textile lining 176. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 175 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the facing laminate 125. In some embodiments, the textile lining 176 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the textile lining 126. In some embodiments, the insulation 177 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the insulation 127.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the first waterproof joining area 150 includes a group of separate elements that cooperate to join the first region 120 to the second region 140 in a waterproof manner. In some embodiments, the first waterproof joining area 150 includes a filler portion 151. In some embodiments, the filler portion 151 is formed from a three-layer laminate. In some embodiments, the three-layer laminate includesany of the materials discussed above with reference to the second region 140. In some embodiments, the filler portion 151 overlaps both the distal end 124 of the first region 120 and the proximal end 143 of the second region 140. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the filler portion 151 has an interior surface 152, an exterior surface 153 opposite the interior surface 152, a proximal end 154, and a distal end 155 opposite the proximal end 154. In some embodiments, the proximal end 154 is positioned between the textile lining 126 and the insulation 127 of the first region 120. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 125 of the first region 120 extends past the textile lining 126 and the insulation 127 in a distal direction so as to coincide with the distal end 155 of the filler portion 151. In some embodiments, the proximal end 143 of the second region 140 is folded over upon itself toward the interior of the garment 100 in order to provide a finished look to the second region 140 on the exterior of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the textile lining 126 of the first region 120 is folded over upon itself toward the exterior of the garment 100 in order to provide a finished look to the interior of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the filler portion 151 is joined to the first region 120 by a stitch 156 that passes through the textile lining 126, the proximal end 154 of the filler portion 151, and the insulation 127, but does not pass through the facing laminate 125 of the first region 120. In some embodiments, the filler portion 151 is joined to the second region 140 by a stitch 157 that passes through the distal end 155 of the filler portion 151, the facing laminate 125 of the first region 120, and the proximal end 143 of the second region 140. In some embodiments, the stitch 157 is overlaid by a waterproof seam tape 158 that prevents water ingress at points where the stitch 157 passes through the various layers present at the location of the first waterproof joining area 150. In some embodiments, the stitch 157 and the waterproof seam tape 158, taken together, can be referred to a waterproof seam 159. In some embodiments, the waterproof seam 159 prevents water ingress between the first region 120 and the second region 140, thereby causing the first waterproof joining area 150 to be waterproof.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the second waterproof joining area 180 includes a group of separate elements that cooperate to join the second region 140 to the third region 170 in a waterproof manner. In some embodiments, the second waterproof joining area 180 includes a filler portion 181. In some embodiments, the filler portion 181 is formed from a three-layer laminate. In some embodiments, the three-layer laminate includes any of the materials discussed above with reference to the second region 140. In someembodiments, the filler portion 181 overlaps both the distal end 144 of the second region 140 and the proximal end 173 of the third region 170. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the filler portion 181 has an interior surface 182, an exterior surface 183 opposite the interior surface 182, a proximal end 184, and a distal end 185 opposite the proximal end 184. In some embodiments, the distal end 185 is positioned between the textile lining 176 and the insulation 177 of the third region 170. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 175 of the third region 170 extends past the textile lining 176 and the insulation 177 in a proximal direction so as to coincide with the distal end 185 of the filler portion 181. In some embodiments, the filler portion 181 is joined to the second region 140 by a stitch 187 that passes through the proximal end 184 of the filler portion 181, the facing laminate 175 of the third region 170, and the distal end 144 of the second region 140. In some embodiments, the stitch 187 is overlaid by a waterproof seam tape 188 that prevents water ingress at points where the stitch 187 passes through the various layers present at the location of the second waterproof joining area 180. In some embodiments, the stitch 187 and the waterproof seam tape 188, taken together, can be referred to a waterproof seam 189. In some embodiments, the waterproof seam 189 prevents water ingress between the second region 140 and the third region 170, thereby causing the second waterproof joining area 180 to be waterproof.

[0056] In some embodiments, the distal end 184 of the filler portion 181 is positioned between the textile lining 176 and the insulation 177 of the third region 170. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 175 of the third region 170 extends past the textile lining 176 and the insulation 177 in a proximal direction so as to coincide with the proximal end 184 of the filler portion 181. In some embodiments, the distal end 144 of the second region 140 is folded over upon itself toward the interior of the garment 100 in order to provide a finished look to the second region 140 on the exterior of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the textile lining 176 of the third region 170 is folded over upon itself toward the exterior of the garment 100 in order to provide a finished look to the interior of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the filler portion 151 is joined to the third region 170 by a stitch 186 that passes through the textile lining 176, the distal end 185 of the filler portion 181, and the insulation 177, but does not pass through the facing laminate 175 of the first region 170.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the first closure portion 130 is attached to the first region 120 by a stitch 131 that passes through the closureportion 130 and the textile lining 126 of the first region 120, but does not pass through the insulation 127 or the facing laminate 125. Accordingly, the stitch 131 does not provide an avenue for water ingress into the garment 100. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the second closure portion 160 is attached to the second region 140 by a stitch 161 that attaches the second closure portion 160 to a seam tape 162, and the seam tape 162 is attached to the interior surface 141 of the second region 140. In this manner, the stitch 161 does not need to pass through the second region 140, thereby avoiding prevention of water ingress into the garment via the stitch 161.

[0058] In some embodiments, a garment includes an extensible garment portion that provides for more than one amount of adjustment. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a layered structure of an exemplary extensible garment portion 500. In some embodiments, the extensible garment portion 500, like other exemplary embodiments of extensible garment portions described herein, is defined by a first region 510, a second region 520, and a third region 530. In some embodiments, the first region 510 and the second region 520 are joined to one another by a first waterproof joining area 540. In some embodiments, the second region 520 and the third region 530 are joined to one another by a second waterproof joining area 560.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the first region 510 of the extensible garment portion 500 includes a series of layers. In some embodiments, the first region 510 includes a facing laminate 512 that forms the exterior surface of the first region 510, a textile lining 514 that forms the interior surface of the first region 510, and an insulation 516 that is positioned between the facing laminate 512 and the textile lining 514.

[0060] In some embodiments, the textile lining 514 includes any of the materials discussed above with reference to the textile lining 126. In some embodiments, the insulation 516 includes any of the materials discussed above with reference to the insulation 127. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 512 includes a two-layer laminate. In some embodiments, the two-layer laminate includes a functional layer facing toward the insulation 516 and a facing layer facing away from the insulation 516. In some embodiments, the facing layer includes any of the materials described above with reference to the facing layer of the facing laminate 125. In some embodiments, the functional layer includes any of the materials described above with reference to the functional layer of the facing laminate 125.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second region 520 of the extensible garment portion 500 includes a three-layer laminate. In some embodiments, the three-layer laminate includes a facing layer forming the exterior surface of the second region 520, a backing layer forming the interior surface of the second region 520, and a functional layer sandwiched between the facing layer and the backing layer.

[0062] In some embodiments, the facing layer of the three-layer laminate forming the second region 520 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the facing layer of the second region 140. In some embodiments, the functional layer of the three-layer laminate forming the second region 520 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the functional layer of the facing laminate 125. In some embodiments, the backing layer of the three- layer laminate forming the second region 520 includes any of the materials described above with reference to the facing layer of the facing laminate 125.

[0063] In some embodiments, the third region 530 of the extensible garment portion includes a series of layers. In some embodiments, the third region 530 includes a facing laminate 532 that forms the exterior surface of the third region 530, a textile lining 534 that forms the interior surface of the third region 530, and an insulation 536 that is positioned between the facing laminate 532 and the textile lining 534. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 532 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the facing laminate 125. In some embodiments, the textile lining 534 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the textile lining 126. In some embodiments, the insulation 536 includes any of the materials disclosed above with reference to the insulation 127.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first waterproof joining area 540 includes a group of separate elements that cooperate to join the first region 510 to the second region 520 in a waterproof manner. In some embodiments, the waterproof j oining area 540 includes a filler portion 542. In some embodiments, the filler portion 542 is formed from a three-layer laminate. In some embodiments, the three-layer laminate includes any of the materials discussed above with reference to the second region 140. In some embodiments, the filler portion 542 overlaps both the distal end of the first region 510 and the proximal end of the second region 520. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the filler portion 542 is positioned between the textile lining 514 and the insulation 516 of the first region 510. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 512of the first region 510 extends past the textile lining 514 and the insulation 516 in a distal direction so as to substantially coincide with the distal end of the filler portion 542. In some embodiments, the distal end of the facing laminate 512 is folded over upon itself toward the interior of a garment incorporating the extensible garment portion 500 in order to provide a finished look to the first region 510 on the exterior of the garment. In some embodiments, the textile lining 514 of the first region 510 is folded over upon itself toward the exterior of the garment incorporating the extensible garment portion 500 in order to provide a finished look to the interior of the garment. In some embodiments, the filler portion 542 is joined to the first region 510 by a stitch 544 that passes through the textile lining 514, the proximal end of the filler portion 542, and the insulation 516, but does not pass through the facing laminate 512 of the first region 510. In some embodiments, the filler portion 542 is joined to the second region 520 by a stitch 546 that passes through the distal end of the filler portion 542 and a taped attachment point 548 that is adhered to the second region 520. In some embodiments, the first region 510 is directly j oined to the second region 520 by a stitch 550 that passes through the distal end of the facing laminate 512 of the first region 510 and through the proximal end of the second region 520. In some embodiments, the taped attachment point 548 overlays the stitch 550 and includes waterproof seam tape that prevents water ingress at points where the stitch 550 passes through the facing laminate 512 of the first region 510.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second waterproof joining area 560 includes a group of separate elements that cooperate to join the second region 520 to the third region 530 in a waterproof manner. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 532 and the textile lining 534 of the third region 530 extend past the insulation 536 in a proximal direction so as to overlap the distal end of the second region 520. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the facing laminate 532 is folded over upon itself toward the interior of a garment incorporating the extensible garment portion 500 in order to provide a finished look to the third region 530 on the exterior of the garment. In some embodiments, the textile lining 534 of the third region 530 is folded over upon itself toward the exterior of the garment incorporating the extensible garment portion 500 in order to provide a finished look to the interior of the garment. In some embodiments, the textile lining 534 is joined to the third region 530 by a stitch 562 that passes through the textile lining 534 and a taped attachment point 564 that is adhered to the interior of the second region 530. In some embodiments, the facing laminate 532 is joined to the second region 520 by a stitch 566 that passesthrough the proximal end of the facing laminate 532 and the distal end of the second region 520. In some embodiments, the taped attachment point 564 overlays the stitch 566 and includes waterproof seam tape that prevents water ingress at points where the stitch 566 passes through the facing laminate 532 of the third region 530. In some embodiments, the textile lining 534 is joined to the insulation 536 by a stitch 568 that passes through the textile lining 534 and the insulation 536.

[0066] In some embodiments, the extensible garment portion 500 includes a first closure portion 570, a second closure portion 572, and a third closure portion 574. In some embodiments, the first closure portion 570 is joined to the extensible garment portion 500 at the first waterproof joining area 540. In some embodiments, the first closure portion 570 is positioned between the textile lining 514 and the filler portion 542 and is retained by the stitch 544. In some embodiments, the second closure portion 572 is joined to the extensible garment portion 500 at the second waterproof joining area 560. In some embodiments, the second closure portion 572 is positioned between the textile lining 534 and the second region 520 and is retained by the stitch 562. In some embodiments, the third closure portion 574 is joined to the extensible garment portion 500 by a taped and / or stitched attachment point 576 that is adhered to the interior surface of the second region 520.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first closure portion 570 is configured to releasably engage with a selected one of either the second closure portion 572 or the third closure portion 574. For example, in embodiments where the first closure portion 570, the second closure portion 572, and the third closure portion 574 are sides of a zipper, the first closure portion 570 may be the side of the zipper having a pull and a box, and the second closure portion 572 and the third closure portion 574 may both be the side of the zipper having a pin. Thus, the extensible garment portion 500 is capable of being configured at three different lengths: (1) a first, shortest length, in which the second closure portion 572 and the first closure portion 570 are engaged with one another; (2) a second, intermediate length, in which the third closure portion 574 and the first closure portion 570 are engaged with one another; and (3) a third, longest length, in which the first closure portion 570 is not engaged with either the second closure portion 572 or the third closure portion 574.

[0068] In some embodiments, a garment includes a plurality of extensible garment portions that are arranged in a sequential manner so as to provide for additional extension capacity. Figures 6Aand 6B illustrate a garment 600 including a first extensible garment portion 610 and a second extensible garment portion 615 that are arranged in a sequential manner. Figure 6A shows the garment 600 with both the first extensible garment portion 610 and the second extensible garment portion 615 in non-extended states, and Figure 6B shows the garment with both the first garment portion 610 and the second extensible garment portion 615 in extended states. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the garment 600 is a pair of pants and the extensible garment portions 610 and 615 are portions of a pant leg. In other embodiments, the garment 600 may be any of the other garments discussed above with reference to the garment 100.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first extensible garment portion 610 and the second extensible garment portion 615 may each provide an amount of extension that may be any of the amounts discussed above with reference to the extensible garment portion 110. In some embodiments, the first extensible garment portion 610 and the second extensible garment portion 615 may provide the same amount of extension as one another (e.g., each may provide an extension of 3 to 30 centimeters when in their respective extended states as compared to when in their respective nonextended states). In some embodiments, the first extensible garment portion 610 and the second extensible garment portion 615 may provide different amounts of extension than one another (e.g., the first extensible garment portion 610 may provide an extension of 3 to 30 centimeters and the second extensible garment portion 615 may provide an extension of 3 to 25 centimeters when in their respective extended states as compared to when in their respective non-extended states).

[0070] In some embodiments, the garment 600 includes a first region 620, a second region 630, a third region 640, a fourth region 650, and a fifth region 660. In some embodiments, the first region 620, the third region 640, and the fifth region 650 include any of the same materials and constructions discussed above with reference to the first region 120 and the third region 170. In some embodiments, the second region 630 and the fourth region 650 include any of the same materials and constructions discussed above with reference to the second region 140. In some embodiments, the garment 600 includes a first waterproof joining area670, a second waterproof joining area672, a third waterproof joining area 674, and a fourth waterproof joining area 676. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth waterproof j oining areas 670, 672, 674, and 676 are substantially similar to the waterproof joining areas discussed above with reference to the garment 100. In some embodiments, the first waterproof joining area 670 joins the first region 620 to the second region 630 in the manner discussed above with reference to the waterproofjoining area 150. In some embodiments, the second waterproof joining area 672 joins the second region 630 to the third region 640 in the manner discussed above with reference to the waterproof joining area 180. In some embodiments, the third waterproof joining area 674 joins the third region 640 to the fourth region 650 in the manner discussed above with reference to the waterproof joining area 150. In some embodiments, the fourth waterproof j oining area 676 joins the fourth region 650 to the fifth region 660 in the manner discussed above with reference to the waterproof joining area 180.

[0071] In some embodiments, the garment 600 includes closure portions on the interior surface thereof in substantially the same manner as discussed above with reference to the garment 100 in order to allow the first and second extensible garment portions 610 and 615 to be configured in either their respective non-extended or extended states. For example, in some embodiments, a first closure portion and a second closure portion configured to removably engage one another are included on the respective interior surfaces of the first region 620 and the second region 630. In some embodiments, a third closure portion and a fourth closure portion configured to removably engage one another are included on the respective interior surfaces of the third region 640 and the fourth region 650.

[0072] In some embodiments, in addition to providing the ability to adjust the size of the garment 100 via inclusion of at least one of the extensible garment portion 110 as described above, the garment 100 is configured to facilitate repair and replacement of at least one portion of the garment via inclusion of at least one repair module. In some embodiments, a repair module is included in the garment 100 at a location that is distal to the extensible garment portion 110. For example, in embodiments wherein the extensible garment portion 110 is a pant leg, the repair module is included at a location further along the pant leg (e.g., toward the cuff) than is the extensible garment portion 110. As another example, in embodiments wherein the extensible garment portion 110 is a sleeve, the repair module is included at a location further along the sleeve (e.g., toward the cuff) than is the extensible garment portion 110. Figure 7 shows an exemplary garment 700 including a first extensible garment portion 710, a second extensible garment portion 720, a first repair module 730, and a second repair module 740. In some embodiments, the first and second extensible garment portions 710 and 720 are substantially similar to the extensible garment portion 110 described above. In some embodiments, the repair module includes any of theexemplary repair modules disclosed in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2023 / 041981, assigned to W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH of Putzbrunn, Germany.

[0073] In some embodiments, in addition to providing the ability to adjust the size of the garment 100 via inclusion of at least one of the extensible garment portion 110 as described above, the garment 100 is configured to be connected to at least one further garment in a waterproof manner. In some embodiments, a garment connector configured for providing connection to a further garment is included in the garment 100 at a location that is distal to the extensible garment portion 110. For example, in embodiments wherein the extensible garment portion 110 is a pant leg, the further garment is an article of footwear, and the garment connector configured for providing connection to the further garment is included at a location further along the pant leg (e.g., at or near the cuff) than is the extensible garment portion 110. As another example, in embodiments wherein the extensible garment portion 110 is a sleeve, the garment connector configured for providing connection to the further garment is included at a location further along the sleeve (e.g., toward the cuff) than is the extensible garment portion 110. Figure 8 shows an exemplary garment 800 including a first extensible garment portion 810, a second extensible garment portion 820, a first garment connector 830, and a second garment connector 840. In some embodiments, the garment connector includes any of the exemplary connectors disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0196007 or in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0196009, both of which are assigned to W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., of Newark, Delaware.

[0074] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0075] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A garment, comprising: at least one extensible garment portion (100), wherein the at least one extensible garment portion comprises: a first region (120) of the extensible garment portion, wherein the first region includes a distal end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface; a first closure portion (130) positioned on the interior surface of the first region; a second region (140) of the extensible garment portion, wherein the second region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end of the second region, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the second region; a first waterproof joining area (150) joining the proximal end of the second region to the distal end of the first region; a second closure portion (160) positioned on the interior surface of the second region; wherein the second closure portion is configured to removably engage the first closure portion; a third region (170) of the extensible garment portion; wherein the third region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end of the third region, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the third region; and a second waterproof joining area (180) joining the distal end of the second region to the proximal end of the third region, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a first length when the first closure portion is engaged with the second closure portion, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a second length when the first closure portion is not engaged with the second closure portion,wherein the second length is greater than the first length, and wherein the extensible garment portion is waterproof and breathable.

2. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the first closure portion is a first side of a zipper and the second closure portion is a second side of the zipper.

3. The garment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the extensible garment portion is a pant leg, a sleeve, a torso portion of a jacket, a torso portion of a shirt, or a torso portion of a wader.

4. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first region forms a proximal end of the extensible garment portion and the third region forms a distal end of the extensible garment portion.

5. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of first region or the third region comprises an insulation.

6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the at least one of the first or the third region comprises: a facing laminate (125) that forms the exterior surface of the at least one of the first or the third region; and a textile lining (126) forming the interior surface (122) of the at least one of the first or the third region (120); wherein the insulation is positioned between the facing laminate (125) and the textile lining (126), and wherein the facing laminate (125) comprises: a facing layer oriented toward the exterior surface of the first or the third region; and a functional layer oriented toward the insulation.

7. The garment of claim 5, wherein both the first region and the third region comprise the insulation.

8. The garment of claim 6, wherein the functional layer comprises at least one of a fluoropolymer, a polyurethane, a copolyether ester, a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyether, a polyamide, a polyacrylate, a copolyether amide, a polyethylene, or a combination thereof.

9. The garment of claim 6, wherein the functional layer comprises a waterproof and breathable membrane.

10. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second region comprises: a facing layer forming the exterior surface of the second region, a backing layer forming the interior surface of the second region, and a functional layer sandwiched between the facing layer and the backing layer.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein at least one of (a) the functional layer of the second region or (b) the functional layer of the at least one of the first region or the third region comprises at least one of a fluoropolymer, a polyurethane, a copolyether ester, a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyether, a polyamide, a polyacrylate, a copolyether amide, a polyethylene, or a combination thereof.

12. The garment of claim 10 or 11, wherein the functional layer of the second region comprises a waterproof and breathable membrane.

13. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the first waterproof joining area and the second waterproof joining area comprises: a stitched connection; and a waterproof seal overlaying the stitched connection.

14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the waterproof seal comprises seam tape.

15. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second length is greater than the first length by a difference that is in a range of from 3 to 30 centimeters.

16. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the extensible garment portion further comprises: a fourth region of the extensible garment portion, wherein the fourth region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the fourth region; a third waterproof j oining area joining the distal end of the third region to the proximal end of the fourth region; a fifth region of the extensible garment portion, wherein the fifth region includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of the fourth region; a third closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the fourth region; and a fourth closure portion positioned on the interior surface of the fifth region, wherein the fourth closure portion is configured to removably engage the third closure portion, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a first length when the first closure portion is engaged with the second closure portion and the third closure portion is engaged with the fourth closure portion, wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have the second length when the first closure portion is not engaged with the second closure portion and the third closure portion is engaged with the fourth closure portion, and wherein the extensible garment portion is configured to have a third length when the first closure portion is not engaged with the second closure portion and the third closure portion is not engaged with the fourth closure portion, wherein the third length is greater than the second length.

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