Underwear crotch gusset with dual-layer padding for reducing genital outline visibility

Abstract

The present invention relates to an underwear crotch gusset designed to minimise genital outline visibility, commonly known as "camel toe". The gusset comprises outer and inner padded layers, with the outer padded layer having a larger cross-section than the inner padded layer. Each layer is elongate, featuring a narrowed rear end and a widened front end. The inner layer provides support and cushioning, while the outer layer offers a smooth, unobtrusive surface. Preferably, the outer padded layer is also thinner than the inner padded layer, which may further enhance concealment. The padded layers may be composed of foam, preferably viscoelastic foam, and may be adhered together with a suitable adhesive and secured with stitching. The interaction between the padded layers distributes pressure and contours, effectively reducing genital outline visibility compared to a single padded layer alone.

Description

Underwear Crotch Gusset with Dual-Layer Padding for ReducingGenital Outline VisibilityField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of garment construction, specifically to the design and manufacture of underwear. More particularly, this invention pertains to an improved crotch gusset for underwear that effectively minimises genital outline visibility, commonly referred to as "camel toe," while enhancing comfort, support, and aesthetic appeal.Background of the Invention

[0002] The appearance of "camel toe" in underwear is a common problem experienced by many wearers. This term refers to the outline of the female genitalia becoming visible through tight-fitting clothing, which can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing for the wearer. Various attempts have been made to address this issue, but they have proven to be deficient for several reasons.

[0003] One common approach has been the use of thicker fabric in the crotch area of underwear. While this can provide some degree of coverage, it often results in increased bulk and discomfort, making the underwear less suitable for everyday wear. Additionally, thicker fabric does not necessarily prevent the appearance of "camel toe" and can sometimes exacerbate the issue by creating visible lines under clothing.

[0004] Another method involves the use of silicone inserts or pads designed to be placed in the crotch area. Although these inserts can effectively mask the outline, they can be cumbersome and prone to shifting during wear, leading to further discomfort and the need for frequent adjustments. Moreover, silicone inserts can create an unnatural appearance and may not be aesthetically pleasing.

[0005] In light of these deficiencies, there is a need for an improved solution that effectively addresses the appearance of genital outline visibility without sacrificing comfort, aesthetics, or practicality. The present invention aims to overcome these challenges or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0006] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0007] The described underwear crotch gusset is designed to address the problem of genital outline visibility. The gusset comprises outer and inner padded layers, each having specific characteristics that enhance the concealment of genital contours. The outer padded layer has a larger cross-section than the inner padded layer. Through trial and experimentation, it was discovered that the interaction between these padded layers with different sizes and configurations effectively reduces genital outline visibility compared to a single padded layer alone. The inner layer serves to absorb and disperse pressure, while the outer layer smooths the external appearance. This dual-layer arrangement provides a superior solution to genital outline visibility.

[0008] The gusset functions by distributing pressure across the crotch region, thereby preventing the fabric from conforming closely to the labial region. The inner padded layer acts to absorb localised pressure points and prevent pronounced indentations in the fabric, while the outer padded layer provides a resilient and visually uniform surface that resists deformation. The larger cross-section of the outer padded layer relative to the inner layer contributes to the stability and shape retention of the gusset during wear.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments, the outer padded layer is thinner than the inner padded layer. This thickness differential has been found to improve conformity to body contours while further enhancing the smoothing effect. The thinner outer layer adds flexibility and reduces bulk without compromising the structural support provided by the thicker inner layer. As a result, the gusset delivers enhanced comfort, improved concealment of anatomical features, and a more discreet profile under tight-fitting garments.

[0010] According to one aspect, there is provided an underwear gusset for minimising genital outline visibility, the gusset comprising outer and inner padded layers, whereinthe outer padded layer has a larger cross-section than the inner padded layer. This arrangement enables a combined effect of pressure absorption and surface smoothing, helping to reduce the visibility of genital contours under tight-fitting garments.

[0011] Preferably, each padded layer is elongate and defines a narrowed rear end and a widened front end. The narrowed rear end may have a generally consistent width or a width which increases gradually towards the widened front end, and the widened front end may curve outwardly and then inwardly to a front edge of the gusset. This contour promotes a comfortable fit while optimising coverage at the region most prone to visual outline formation.

[0012] Preferably, the cross-sectional variation between the padded layers is greatest at the widened front end. This arrangement has been found to improve the effectiveness of the gusset in reducing visible definition at the front of the crotch region, where pressure and fabric tension are often highest.

[0013] Preferably, the outer padded layer is thinner than the inner padded layer. This configuration may enhance conformity to body contours while preserving a smooth exterior surface, reducing bulk and maintaining a discreet profile beneath tight garments.

[0014] Preferably, the padded layers comprise foam, more preferably viscoelastic foam. The use of viscoelastic foam contributes to wearer comfort and adaptability, as the material deforms under pressure while returning to its original shape, thereby maintaining gusset structure during movement.

[0015] Preferably, the front edges of the padded layers are coextensive, and the rear edges of the padded layers are likewise coextensive. Coextensive edges assist in achieving a seamless composite structure that sits comfortably within the underwear.

[0016] Preferably, the padded layers are adhered together using a suitable adhesive, and optionally further secured by stitching along their edges. This layered bonding improves structural integrity and limits shifting or bunching during wear.

[0017] Preferably, the gusset is stitched to an outer fabric layer of the underwear. This anchoring contributes to a secure and stable installation within the garment, supporting consistent positioning relative to the wearer's anatomy.

[0018] Preferably, an inner fabric liner interfaces with the inner padded layer. The inner fabric liner may comprise cotton. A liner provides a soft contact surface for improved comfort and breathability and may contribute to hygiene by forming a barrier between the foam structure and the skin.

[0019] According to another aspect, there is provided underwear comprising a gusset as described above, wherein the gusset is secured to an outer fabric layer of the underwear with stitching. This integration ensures that the gusset remains in the desired position during wear and supports consistent performance in terms of pressure dispersion and contour smoothing.

[0020] Preferably, the outer padded layer is thinner than the inner padded layer. This variation in thickness has been observed to enhance flexibility and reduce visual bulk, improving garment fit and concealment performance.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of minimising genital outline visibility, the method comprising applying a gusset as described above to a crotch region of underwear. The result is a reduction in the appearance of genital contours beneath form-fitting clothing.

[0022] Preferably, the gusset applied in the method includes an outer padded layer that is thinner than the inner padded layer, further enhancing concealment while reducing perceived bulk.

[0023] Preferably, the gusset is stitched to an outer fabric layer of the underwear. This approach provides improved placement accuracy and structural consistency, maintaining the intended pressure-dispersing and smoothing effect throughout use.

[0024] Preferably, the gusset is covered by an inner fabric liner interfacing the inner padded layer, which improves wearer comfort and assists in maintaining a hygienic interface.

[0025] Preferably, the padded layers are composed of viscoelastic foam, adhered together and secured with stitching. This composition and construction balanceresilience and flexibility to preserve the gusset’s functional profile during movement and over time.

[0026] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an underwear crotch gusset illustrating an outer padded layer and an inner padded layer.

[0029] Figure 2 shows perspective view of the gusset showing the relative thicknesses and cross-sections of the outer padded layer and the inner padded layer in accordance with an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the gusset sewn into the front panel of the underwear.

[0031] Figure 4 is an illustration of the gusset applied to the crotch area of the underwear.

[0032] Figure 5 is plan view of the gusset, showing the outward and inward curves, and the maximised cross-sectional variation between the layers at the front end.

[0033] Figure 6 shows padded layers of the gusset applied between an interior liner and of an outer fabric layer of the underwear in accordance with an embodiment.Description of Embodiments

[0034] Figure 2 shows an underwear crotch gusset 100 comprising an outer padded layer 101 and an inner padded layer 102. With reference to Figure 4, the gusset 100 is applied to the crotch area 103 of underwear 104. With reference to Figure 3, the gusset 100 may be sewn into a front panel 105 of the underwear 104.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the outer padded layer 101 has a larger cross-section than the inner padded layer 102. In some embodiments, the outer padded layer 101 is preferably thinner than the inner padded layer 102. This particular configuration has been found to enhance the concealment of genital outline visibility. The padded layers 101 , 102 may comprise foam material, such as viscoelastic foam. Interactionbetween these padded layers 101 , 102 with differing sizes and properties serves to minimise genital outline visibility by dispersing pressure and smoothing external contours.

[0036] As further shown in Figure 2, each padded layer 101 , 102 is generally elongate and may define a narrowed rear end 106 designed to fit between the legs and a widened front end 107. The narrowed rear end 106 may have a generally consistent width or a width which increases gradually towards the widened front end 107. The widened front end 107 may be somewhat semicircular or ovular in cross-section, wherein the widened front end 107 initially curves outwardly from the rear end 106 and then inwardly to form a rounded front end of the gusset 100. As evident from Figure 5, the cross-sectional variation between the layers 101 , 102 is maximised at the front end, contributing to the effectiveness of the gusset in masking genital outline visibility.

[0037] The padded layers 101 , 102 may have similar lengths. Front edges 108 of the padded layers 101 , 102 may be coextensive, and / or rear edges 109 of the padded layers 101 , 102 may be coextensive.

[0038] In some embodiments, the padded layers 101 , 102 are adhered together with a suitable adhesive.

[0039] With reference to Figure 6, the gusset 100 may be applied against an interior surface of an outer fabric layer 110 of the underwear 104. As evident from Figure 3, the padded layers 101 , 102 may be secured to the outer fabric layer 110 with stitching 111. The rear edges 109 may be similarly stitched to the outer fabric layer 110.

[0040] With further reference to Figure 6, an inner fabric liner 112 may cover the gusset 100. The inner fabric liner 112 may comprise cotton.

[0041] An exemplary method of use involves positioning the gusset 100 within the crotch region 103 of the underwear 104. The gusset 100 is oriented such that the narrowed rear end 106 extends between the legs of the wearer, while the widened front end 107 is positioned towards the front panel 105 of the underwear 104. The gusset 100 is preferably applied against the interior surface of the outer fabric layer110 and may be secured in place with stitching 111 along the front and rear edges 108, 109 of the padded layers 101 , 102.

[0042] The padded layers 101 , 102 may first be adhered together to form a composite gusset structure, with the outer padded layer 101 having a larger cross-section than the inner padded layer 102. In some cases, the outer padded layer 101 is thinner than the inner padded layer 102, enhancing external contour smoothing. The gusset 100 may be further covered by an inner fabric liner 112 that interfaces the inner padded layer 102 to provide a soft contact surface for the wearer.

[0043] Once installed, the gusset 100 disperses pressure exerted on the crotch region during wear and smooths the external appearance of the underwear. The interaction between the padded layers 101 , 102 serves to reduce the visibility of genital outlines under tight-fitting garments, enhancing both comfort and aesthetic appeal. This effect is achieved through a combination of mechanical and visual factors. The inner padded layer 102 absorbs and redistributes localised pressure that would otherwise cause the fabric to contour closely around the labial region. By dispersing this pressure across a broader area, the inner layer helps to prevent the formation of pronounced fabric indentations. Simultaneously, the outer padded layer 101 provides a smoothing surface that resists deformation and acts as a visual buffer between the underlying anatomy and the exterior of the underwear. The larger cross-section of the outer padded layer relative to the inner padded layer helps maintain the gusset's structural profile against the body and clothing.

[0044] In some embodiments, where the outer padded layer 101 is thinner than the inner padded layer 102, a further benefit may be observed. The thinner outer layer offers increased flexibility and allows the gusset to conform more naturally to the body’s contours while still maintaining a visually uniform external appearance. This thickness differential also reduces bulk at the front end of the gusset while retaining the underlying support of the thicker inner layer. The resulting composite structure provides targeted pressure absorption and surface smoothing in a manner that more effectively disrupts the visibility of anatomical features beneath form-fitting garments.

[0045] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. An underwear crotch gusset when used for minimising genital outline visibility, the gusset comprising outer and inner padded layers wherein the outer padded layer has a larger cross-section than the inner padded layer.

2. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each padded layer is elongate and defines a narrowed rear end and a widened front end.

3. The gusset as claimed in claim 2, wherein the narrowed rear end has a generally consistent width or a width which increases gradually towards the widened front end, and wherein the widened front end curves outwardly from the rear end and then inwardly to a front edge of the gusset.

4. The gusset as claimed in claim 2, wherein a cross-sectional variation between the layers is maximum at the widened front end.

5. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer padded layer is thinner than the inner padded layer.

6. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the padded layers comprise foam.

7. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein front edges of the padded layers are coextensive.

8. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein rear edges of the padded layers are coextensive.

9. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the layers are adhered together.

10. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein edges of the layers are stitched together.

11. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the padded layers are stitched to an outer fabric layer.

12. The gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an inner fabric liner interfaces the inner padded layer.

13. The gusset as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner fabric liner comprises cotton.

14. Underwear comprising the gusset as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the gusset is secured to an outer fabric layer of the underwear with stitching, thereby reducing genital outline visibility during wear.

15. The underwear as claimed in claim 14, wherein the outer padded layer is thinner than the inner padded layer.

16. A method of minimising genital outline visibility, the method comprising applying the gusset as claimed in claim 1 to a crotch region of underwear, thereby reducing the appearance of genital contours under tight-fitting garments.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the outer padded layer is thinner than the inner padded layer.

18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the gusset is stitched to an outer fabric layer of the underwear.

19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the gusset is covered by an inner fabric liner interfacing the inner padded layer.

20. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the padded layers are composed of viscoelastic foam adhered together and secured with stitching.

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