Shaping, compressing, and supporting stretch fabrics including low-melt fiber

Abstract

The present invention relates an easy-settable stretch knit fabric comprising a first type 1 of rigid fiber, a second type 2 of elastic fiber, and a third type yam 3 of low-melt fiber, wherein, the low- melt fiber comprises low-melt polyolefin which can be fused at lower temperature than the heat-set temperature of elastic fiber. The fabrics include selected zones for partial thermally fusing or melting the polypropylene to achieve localized or targeted shaping, compressing, and / or supporting properties to the fabric or garment. Methods of making the fabrics and garments are also included.

Description

[0001]^ ^^ ^^ ^Shaping, Compressing, and Supporting Stretch Fabrics Including Low-Melt Fiber FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates an easy-settable stretch knit fabric comprising a first type 1 of rigid fiber, a second type 2 of elastic fiber, and a third type yarn 3 of low-melt fiber, wherein, the ^^ low-melt fiber comprises low-melt polyolefin which can be fused at lower temperature than the heat-set temperature of elastic fiber. The fabrics include selected zones for partial thermally fusing or melting the polypropylene to achieve localized or targeted shaping, compressing, and / or supporting properties to the fabric or garment. Methods of making the fabrics and garments are also included. ^^^ BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A shaping garment is designed to temporarily alter the wearers’ body shape to achieve a more fashionable figure. In recent years, fashion trends have tended to embrace clothing and apparel designs that increasingly accentuate natural shape / curves of the human body, and the shape wear has been a growing trend in the market. The primary application has been in women’s ^^^ apparel, such as inner wear, lingerie, jeans and woven pants. Many consumers look for a comfortable garment that enhances his or her shape while highlighting best features. Established technical solutions for shaping or compression has been to use different yarn loop structure with long float stitch, higher denier or high draft of elastic fiber; or to apply a special silhouette pattern in strategically selected areas. Other common practices include ^^^ introducing additional layers of fabric or pad that may be sewn to base fabric, or selecting the fabrics with different elasticity and sewing together in different positions (Sun W., US79500669B2;Costa, F., WO2013 / 154445A1; James S., US2010 / 0064409A1; Frank Z., US2011 / 0214216A1; Stewart M., GB2477754A; Lori H., US 7341500B2; Nicolas B., US7945970B2; Fujimoto M., EP 0519135B1). ^^^ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides fabrics which possess a tunable stretch performance capability that within one piece of fabric, different stretch levels could be achieved in different ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^locations. This performance characteristic allows for engineered design-garments with local shaping function. The present invention makes it possible to provide localized shaping into difficult fabric areas such as seamless and legwear applications. The present invention may also be used for pattern prints for various designs by employing different color fibers. ^^ Comfortable and effective fabrics and garments including knit fabrics that provide functionality such as localized shaping, compressing and / or support. This is accomplished without the need for special knitting patterns, using different fibers or yarns in different areas of the fabric, and without the need for extra layers of fabric. Examples of such fabrics in garments include ^^^ legwear, footwear (such as traditional athletic shoes and outdoor footing shoes-which lack an attached sole), shapewear, athletic wear, hosiery, socks, leggings, seamless, and non-apparel fabrics and articles such as para-medical products and accessories, including but not limited to wraps for knee, back, legs, ankles, and back, among others. ^^^ The present invention provides an easy settable stretch fabric comprising three types of yarns: (1) the rigid (or hard) fiber such as polyesters, nylon filaments, spun yarn of cotton or a blend with staple fibers; (2) the elastic fiber (such as spandex (elastane fiber); (3) and the low-melt (heat sensitive) polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Low melt polyolefin may be fused in the temperature between 60°C to 250°C, desirably about 100° to about 160°C, more ^^^ desirably about 160° to about 200°, these temperature ranges being higher than the temperature used for normal textile processing and household laundry, but lower than the temperatures used for heat setting elastic fiber. The low-melt fiber can be selected from a group of fibers made from modified polyester, nylon, and polyolefin and polypropylene and copolymers made from them in the form of staple fibers or filaments. ^^^ Desirably the low melting polypropylene fibers useful in the present disclosure melt in the range of about 160° to about 165 °C and other polyester fibers desirably melt at about 250°C. In accordance with the present disclosure, the low-melt polymer is partially or completely ^^^ fused in a thermal activating process, and become localized increased modulus and form cross linking with neighbor fibers, which helps in setting and fixing the yarn loop or crimp configuration ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^within the fabric. The fabric structure is stabilized, and the change of loop / crimp configuration and the relative movement of the yarns are restrained when the influence of external forces. The fabric has low shrinkage, good anti elastane slippage, anti-laddering and curving prevention properties. ^^ In another aspect of the disclosure, the elastic fabric can be heatset at lower temperature than typical elastic fiber heatset temperature without damaging the elastic fiber recovery power. The stretch level of invented fabrics could be controlled by applying different heat in thermal activating process. Various fabric structures, including woven, circular knit, warp knit or hosiery and various garment constructions, e.g., active wear, sportswear, intimate apparel and ready to ^^^ wear, such as jeans, can be made. The present invention further provides a garment, fabric or accessories with localized shaping effect by applying thermal activating process in targeted areas on the garment. In the shaping areas, the fabrics have low stretch level, high extension modulus and higher holding force, ^^^ which makes garment wearer’s body figures more attractive in critical areas: such as in front of belly of the body, along the inner and outer sides of a thigh of a wearer, around knee region, around buttock area in the rear port of body. The present invent finally provides the methods to make the composite yarn, the fabric and ^^^ the garment with low-melt fiber, The low-melt fibers are added by a variety of methods including in fiber spinning, fiber blending, yarn covering, weaving or knitting processes. The thermal activating process could be conducted on fabric, garment panel, or whole garment during fabric finish, garment making, before or after garment laundry process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES ^^^ A variety of different patterns for heat activation may be included in some embodiments. Non-limiting examples of suitable patterns are shown in the following patents, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety: EP0519135B1 US7341500 ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^US7945970 US7950069 US9636261 US10265564 ^^ US11707105 US20150051524A1 US20200345086A1 US20210259892A1 Each of the figures indicate sections / patterns for which heat activation can be applied. ^^^ Specific examples are included in the attached figures. These may optionally include lines of unheated fabric that act as “relief” zones that increase the stretchability of the fabric while maintaining the compression / support effects of the heat activation. The relief zones can be used to create a gradient of compression or to provide ease of donning and doffing for a garment. The white sections on the sock below are an example of including relief zones. ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^ Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary training tight with preconfigured compression zones and integrated structure patterns in accordance with an aspect herein. ^^ Figure 2 illustrates a back view of the exemplary training tight with preconfigured compression zones and integrated structure patterns of Figure 1 in accordance with an aspect herein. ^^^ Figure 3A illustrates a pattern piece used to construct the exemplary training tight of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect herein. Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary pattern piece used to construct an exemplary training tight having preconfigured compression zones and integrated structure patterns in accordance with ^^^ aspects herein. ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary article of apparel for an upper torso of a wearer, the article of apparel having preconfigured compression zones in accordance with an aspect herein. ^^ Figure 5 illustrates a front view of an exemplary training tight with organically shaped compression zones in accordance with aspects herein. Figure 6 illustrates a back view of the exemplary training tight of Figure 5 in accordance with aspects herein. ^^^ Figure 7 is a perspective view of a shirt in which heavily-stretchable cloth pieces are provided so as to be disposed on the shoulders and the upper arm portions. Figure 8 is a side-elevational view of an elbow supporter in which a heavily-stretchable ^^^ cloth piece is provided so as to be disposed on the upper arm portion and the front arm portion. Figure 9 is a front-elevational view of a glove in which a heavily-stretchable cloth piece is provided so as to be disposed on the back of the hand, the palm and the wrist. ^^^ Figure 10 is a rear view of an article of body wear in which heavily-stretchable cloth pieces are provided so as to be disposed on the back of the human body. Figure 11 is a front-elevational view of a long girdle in which a heavily-stretchable cloth piece is provided so as to be disposed on the thighs and the lower leg portions. ^^^ Figure 12 is a rear view of a long girdle in which a heavily-stretchable cloth piece is provided so as to be disposed on the hips. Figure 13 is a rear view of a lower leg supporter according to a first embodiment of the ^^^ invention in which a heavily-stretchable cloth piece is provided so as to be disposed on the lower leg portion. ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 14 is a front-elevational view of the lower leg supporter of Fig. 14. Figure 15 is a rear view of a modified lower leg supporter. ^^ Figure 16 a rear view of another modified lower leg supporter. Figure 17 is a graph showing results of muscle fatigue tests. ^^^ Figure 18 is a rear view of the garment in accordance with an aspect of the present Invention. Figure 19 is a front view of the garment in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. ^^^ Figure 20 is a rear view of the garment having an elastic panel assembly with two sets of Substantially vertical seams on opposite sides of a vertical center axis. Figure 21 is a drawing of the elastic panel assembly in FIG. 20. ^^^ Figure 22 is a rear view of the garment having an elastic panel assembly with Substantially vertical seams and a Substantially horizontal seam. Figure 23 is a rear view of another embodiment of a garment having an elastic panel ^^^ assembly with Substantially vertical seams and a Substantially horizontal seam. Figure 24 is a rear view of another embodiment of a garment having an elastic panel assembly with two sets of two Substantially vertical upper seams, two sets of two Substantially vertical lower seams, and a Substantially horizontal seam separating the upper and lower vertical ^^^ seams. ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 25 is a front elastic panel assembly with two sets of transverse seams on opposite sides of a vertical center axis converging onto a center panel. Figure 26 is a front elastic panel assembly with two sets of transverse seams on opposite ^^ sides of a vertical center axis meeting a center panel, a Substantially vertical lower seam on opposite sides of a vertical center axis below the center panel, and a substantially horizontal lower seam on opposite sides of a vertical center axis below the vertical lower seam. Figure 27 is a front elastic panel assembly with two transverse seams on opposite sides of a ^^^ vertical center axis which converge at the vertical center axis to form an upper V-shaped panel, wherein a Substantially vertical seam overlapping the vertical center axis below the upper V- shaped panel forms two lower panels. Figure 28 is a front elastic panel assembly with two sets of Substantially vertical seams ^^^ spaced symmetrically on oppo site sides of a vertical center axis, and a Substantially horizontal seam near the waist. Figure 29 is a front elastic panel assembly with substantially vertical seams spaced symmetrically on opposite sides of a vertical center axis, a Substantially horizontal seam near the ^^^ waist, and transverse seams near the crotch spaced symmetrically on opposite sides of a vertical center axis. Figure 30 is a front elastic panel assembly with substantially vertical seams spaced symmetrically on opposite sides of a vertical center axis, and a substantially horizontal seam near ^^^ the waist. Figure 31 is a front elastic panel assembly with a substantially vertical seam overlapping the vertical center axis and a Substantially horizontal seam on opposite sides of the vertical center axis. ^^^ Figure 32 corresponding to a first embodiment seen from the front. ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 33 corresponding to a first embodiment seen from behind. Figure 34 corresponding to a first embodiment seen and from the side. ^^ Figure 35 corresponding to a second embodiment seen from in front. Figure 36 corresponding to a second embodiment seen from behind ^^^ Figure 37 corresponding to a third embodiment seen from in front. Figure 38 corresponding to a third embodiment seen from behind. Figure 39 corresponding to a third embodiment seen from the side. ^^^ Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of an inner structure of pants having a body shaping function according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 41 is a diagram illustrating operations of a girdle of FIG. 40. ^^^ Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of an inner structure of pants having a body shaping function according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 43 is a diagram illustrating operations of a girdle of FIG. 42. ^^^ Figure 44 is an exploded perspective view of an inner structure of pants having a body shaping function according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 45 is a diagram illustrating operations of a girdle of FIG. 44. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 46 is an exploded perspective view of an inner structure of pants having a body shaping function according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 47 is a diagram illustrating operations of a girdle of FIG. 46. ^^ Figure 48 is an exploded perspective view of an inner structure of pants having a body shaping function according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 49 is a perspective view of a girdle of FIG. 48. ^^^ Figure 50 are diagrams illustrating a detailed structure and operations of a girdle of FIG. 49. Figure 51 are diagrams illustrating a detailed structure and operations of a girdle of FIG. ^^^ 49. Figures 52A to 52D are diagrams each illustrating a compression sock (for a right leg) according to an embodiment of the present invention. ^^^ Figure 53A to 53B are other diagrams each illustrating the compression sock (for a right leg) according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 54 is a diagram of a lower leg (right leg) viewed from a ventral side (front side), which illustrates a position of a great Saphenous vein. ^^^ Figure 55 is a diagram illustrating a lower leg (right leg) viewed from a ventral side (front side), which illustrates a position of a Saphenous nerve. Figure 56 is a diagram of a lower leg (right leg) viewed from a dorsal side, which illustrates ^^^ a position of a lateral Sural cutaneous nerve. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 57 is a diagram of a lower leg (left leg) viewed from a dorsal side, which illustrates a position of a small Saphenous vein. Figure 58 is a diagram of a right leg viewed from a plantar part, which illustrates a ^^ metatarsal bone. Figure 59 is a diagram of a lower leg (left leg) viewed from a dorsal side, which illustrates a position of a muscle-tendon junction connecting an Achilles tendon and a triceps Surae muscle. ^^^ Figure 60 is a diagram illustrating parts measured in a tensile test. Figure 61 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear. ^^^ Figure 62 is a medial side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear. Figure 63 is a lateral side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear. Figure 64 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear. ^^^ Figure 65 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted component incorporated into an upper of an article of footwear. Figure 66 is an enlarged front view of an exemplary embodiment of a knit cuff of an article ^^^ of footwear. Figure 67 is an enlarged front view of an exemplary embodiment of a knit cuff including an aperture for receiving a tied lace. ^^^ Figure 68 is an enlarged front view of an exemplary embodiment of a knit cuff including an aperture receiving a tied lace. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 69 is an enlarged front view of an exemplary embodiment of a knit cuff including an aperture for receiving a tied lace shown in phantom. ^^ Figure 70 is an enlarged lateral side view of a knit cuff including an exemplary embodiment of a malleolus zone. Figure 71 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a malleolus zone taken along the line shown in FIG. 70. ^^^ Figure 72 is an enlarged lateral side view of a knit cuff including an exemplary embodiment of a malleolus zone. Figure 73 is an enlarged lateral side view of a knit cuff including an exemplary ^^^ embodiment of a malleolus zone undergoing stretching. Figure 74 is an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a knit cuff with a malleolus zone. ^^^ Figure 75 is an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a knit cuff with a malleolus zone having a foot of a wearer inserted. Figure 76 is an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a knit cuff with a malleolus zone with a foot of a wearer disposed inside. ^^^ Figure 77 is an enlarged front view of a knit cuff including a feature to assist with orientation of the upper. Figure 78 is an enlarged front view of a knit cuff including an exemplary embodiment of a ^^^ stretch padding zone in a non-stretched condition. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 79 is an enlarged front view of a knit cuff including an exemplary embodiment of a stretch padding zone in a stretched condition. Figure 80 is a schematic representation of normal venous return in the calf area of a leg ^^ 100. The venous return includes a superficial vein 110 leading to a deep vein 130 via a perforator vein 120. Both the deep vein 130 and superficial vein 120 include one-way valves 140, which act to prevent flow of blood toward the foot by closing when blood flow is urged downward by gravity or rest. As is known in the art, the calf muscle 150 acts as a pump when it contracts and such contraction urges venous blood upward, thereby opening the one-way valves to allow blood ^^^ flow to pass therethrough. Figure 81 is another schematic representation of the venous anatomy of a human leg. Beginning at the foot 200, there are internal perforating veins 240, lateral perforating veins 230, posterior tibial venae comites, anterior tibial Veneae comites, the lesser Saphenous vein, the ^^^ popliteal vein 290 around the knee 210, deep fascia 300, the great saphenous vein 310, the superficial femoral vein 320, the common femoral vein 330, multiple valves 340, the external iliac vein 350, the internal iliac vein 360 and the common iliac vein 370. Figures 82 and 83 are schematic representations of where different bands or Zones of ^^^ compression would be applied to a leg through a compression hosiery as described herein. From the foot 200, toward the ankle 380, toward the knee 390 and toward the thigh 395, bands or Zones of decreasing compressive force contained in a compression hosiery will be applied to the leg of an individual. These bands or Zones, 400, 500, 410,510, 420,520, 430,530, 440,540, 450, 550, 460,560, 470, and 570 will apply circumferential pressure to the leg through the hosiery, thereby ^^^ reducing the amount of blood that pools or collects in the venous system due to Valvular incompetence. As can be appreciated, the Zones or bands can have different lengths or widths, different compressive forces, and even vary in number as some compression hosiery will have two bands, and others will have three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more. In one embodiment, the compression hosiery will have a different slope of decreasing force below the tibial plateau ^^^ (from the foot in the direction of the hip) than above the tibial plateau. In another embodiment, the slope below the tibial plateau will be steeper than the slope above the tibial plateau. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 84 is a schematic illustration of a compression hosiery as described herein on a leg. As can be seen, the compression hosiery includes multiple bands or Zones 600, 610,620, 630,640, and 650 that extend from the tip of the foot 590 past the knee 593 to just above the tibial plateau. ^^ There are also multiple bands or Zones 660 and 670 that extend from just above the tibial plateau to the upper thigh or hip 595. As with the other embodiments described herein, each Zone or band can have a different, discrete compressive force applied therein by the compression hosiery of the disclosure. In one embodiment, each Zone or band has a gradient of pressure that generally decreases in a direction from the foot to the hip or increases in a direction from the hip to the foot. ^^^ In some embodiments, the compression hosiery extends from the foot to just above the tibial plateau and in other embodiments, it extends past the tibial plateau to the hip, or any location therebetween. The number of bands or Zones can vary as desired and can be customized for a particular individual based on physical characteristics, valvular location, medical condition, or other distinguishing feature. Even in embodiments that terminate just above the tibial plateau, ^^^ there are at least two different Zones having different compression gradient slopes. Figure 85 shows a schematic front view of a right stocking with compression regions and stimulus induction zones. ^^^ Figure 86 shows a schematic front view of a left stocking with compression regions and stimulus induction zones. Figure 87 shows a schematic side view of the left stocking of FIG. 86, with the viewing direction towards the left outward side of the stocking. ^^^ Figure 88 shows an enlarged representation of the region I of a schematic stitch structure of a knitted surface with two functional elements configured as tuck stitch fabric. Figure 89 shows a schematic perspective view of a sock with a padded sole region and ^^^ stimulus - inducing structures on the left side and on the right side of an Achilles tendon of the wearer of the leg apparel. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 90 shows a schematic side view of the sock of FIG. 89. Figure 91 shows a schematic front view of leggings with stimulus - inducing structures in ^^ the lower leg region, in the knee region and in the thigh region. Figure 92 shows a schematic side view of the leggings of FIG. 91 from the left. Figures 93 A-C respectively illustrate a back, front, and side view of a representative ^^^ embodiment of a functional sock. Figures 94 A-B respectively show a back view and a side view, showing lengthwise and crosswise areas of compressive zones of the sock in accordance with some embodiments. ^^^ Figures 95 A-B illustrate top - down views of representative socks having compressive zones terminating near an opening of the socks. Figures 96 A-C illustrate various stages of an illustrative method of using an active stage - by - stage compressive item of clothing in accordance with some embodiments. ^^^ Figures 97 A-C illustrate various stages of an illustrative method of using an active stage - by - stage compressive item of clothing in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 98 A-C illustrate various stages of an illustrative method of using an active stage - ^^^ by - stage compressive item of clothing in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 99 A-C illustrate various stages of an illustrative method of using an active stage - by - stage compressive item of clothing in accordance with some embodiments. ^^^ Figures 100 A-C illustrate various views showing alternate shapes for compression zones in accordance with some embodiments. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figures 101 A-C illustrate various views showing alternate shapes for compression zones in accordance with some embodiments. ^^ Figures 102 A-C illustrate various views showing alternate shapes for compression zones in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 103 A-C illustrate various views showing alternate shapes for compression zones in accordance with some embodiments. ^^^ Figures 104 A-C illustrate various views showing alternate shapes for compression zones in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 105 A-C illustrate some ways in which lengthwise areas of various compression ^^^ zones may merge to from one or more unitary superior portions in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 106 A-B illustrate some ways in which lengthwise areas of various compression zones may merge to from one or more unitary superior portions in accordance with some ^^^ embodiments. Figures 107 A-C illustrate some alternate forms for compression zones in accordance with certain compression zone embodiments. ^^^ Figures 108 A-C illustrate some alternate forms for compression zones in accordance with certain compression zone embodiments. Figures 109 A-C illustrate some alternate forms for compression zones in accordance with certain compression zone embodiments. ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 110 illustrates some alternate forms for compression zones in accordance with certain compression zone embodiments. Figure 111 illustrates some alternate forms for compression zones in accordance with ^^ certain compression zone embodiments. Figure 112 illustrates some alternate forms for compression zones in accordance with certain compression zone embodiments. ^^^ Figures 113 A-B illustrate some alternate forms for compression zones in accordance with certain compression zone embodiments. Figures 114 A-C illustrate some possible difficulties encountered with use of some traditional circular compression socks. ^^^ Figures 115 A-C illustrate some possible difficulties encountered with use of some traditional circular compression socks. Figures 116 A-D illustrate compressive layered clothing systems in accordance with some ^^^ embodiments. Figures 117 A-C illustrate compressive layered clothing systems in accordance with some embodiments. ^^^ Figures 118 A-D illustrate compressive layered clothing systems in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 119 A-D illustrate some illustrative alternate clothing styles in which compression zones are incorporated in accordance with some embodiments. ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figures 120 A-B illustrate some illustrative alternate clothing styles in which compression zones are incorporated in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 121 A-B illustrate some illustrative alternate clothing styles in which compression zones are incorporated in accordance with some embodiments. ^^ Figures 122 A-E illustrate some illustrative alternate clothing styles in which compression zones are incorporated in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 123 A-C illustrate additional effects that are provided to materials in accordance ^^^ with certain embodiments. Figures 124 A-C illustrate additional effects that are provided to materials in accordance with certain embodiments. ^^^ Figure 125 illustrates subdivided compression zones having different compressive strengths. Figure 126 illustrates subdivided compression zones having different compressive strengths. ^^^ Figure 127 illustrates various gripping elements to facilitate application of a superiorly directed force to compression zones in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 128 A-B illustrate some embodiments in which the functional sock comprises one ^^^ or more arch support compression zones. Fig 129 shows a low-melt bi-component fiber 2 structure with first component 4 comprising regular polymer, and second component 6 comprising a low-melt component. Figure 130 shows low melt polyolefin adhering with neighbor fibers together. As used herein, the term “thermal activating process’ refers to the process that activates the low-melt fiber ^^^ stiffening and adhesive function by heat. During thermal activating process, the fabric is heat up ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^to a certain degree, in which the heat is sufficient to soften or melt the low melt polyolefin. Low melt polyolefin adhere neighbor fibers together (as shown in Figure 130) and work as binding material to lock or restrain the relative movement of the fiber. However, the temperature is not high enough causing permanent structural impairment of normal rigid fiber and recovery power ^^ damage of elastic fiber. Figure 131 is a schematic representation of plated knit stitches 10 wherein the knitted yarncomprises elastic fiber 12, low-melt fiber 18, a hard fiber 14. Elastic fibers 12 and low-melt fiber 18 are plated with hard fiber 14 to form a knit fabric 10. For jersey knit constructions in circular knit machines, the process of co-knitting elastic fiber is called "plating." With plating, the hard ^^^ fiber 14, the low-melt fiber 18 and the elastic fiber 12 are knitted parallel, side-by-side relation, with the elastic fibers and low-melt fibers always kept on one side of the rigid fiber, and hence on one side of the knitted fabric. During plating knit operations, an elastic fiber 12, a low-melt fiber 18, and a hard fiber 14 are delivered to the knitting needles 22 by a carrier plate 26. The carrier plate 26 simultaneously directs all three yarns to the knitting position. The elastic fiber 12, low- ^^^ melt fiber 18 and hard fiber 14 are introduced to the knitting needles 22 to form a single jersey knit stitch 10 like that shown in FIG. 3. Figure 131 shows the knit fabric structures with low-melt fiber. The low-melt fiber is plated with elastic fiber and rigid fiber to form stich loop structure. After thermal activating process, the low-melt fibers are fused partially and bond some of the elastic and rigid fiber to together. That prevents slippage of the yarn and anti-laddering. ^^^ Figure 132 shows in schematic form one feed position 20 of a circular knitting machine having a series of knitting needles 22 that move reciprocally as indicated by the arrow 24 in response to a cam (not shown) below a rotating cylinder (not shown) that holds the needles. In a circular knitting machine, there are multiple numbers of these feed positions arranged in a circle, so as to feed individual knitting positions as the knitting needles, carried by the moving cylinder, ^^^ are rotated past the positions. Figure 133 further explains the structure of core spun yarn 8 used in elastic woven. The yarn includes elastic fiber 12, rigid fiber 6 and low-melt fiber 18. The elastic fiber 12 and low-melt fiber 18 are located in the core while rigid fiber 6 is located in outside as a sheath. The elastic fiber ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^12 and low-melt fiber 18 are surrounded, preferably along the entirety of its length by a rigid fibrous sheath 10 comprised of spun staple fibers. Figure 134 shows one embodiment of a representative core spinning apparatus 40. During ^^ core spinning processing, elastic filament 48 and low-melt fiber 70 are put on deliver roll 46 and 64 separately and are combined with a rigid fiber 44 to form a composite core spun yarn 56. Two separated core fiber feeding devices 46 and 64 are installed on the machine. Elastic fiber is bare elastic filaments 48, while low-melt fiber tube 72 is taken off from end and then passes through tension control device 74 and guide bar. The tension device 74 serves to keep the yarn tension ^^^ stable at a pre-determined level. Figure 135 illustrates hosiery with high compression force in leg and foot area, where the low-melt fiber is melt by high temperature. In some embodiments, the shaping zones are placed in the leg area 102 and foot area 100 for hosiery and leg wears, as shown in FIG. 135. ^^^ Figure 136 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the shaping zone is applied in Butt Shaping zone, as shown in Fig. 136. The shaping zone is arranged around the buttock as a curved U shape. The Butt-shaping band 84 may push the butts of the wearer up and concentratesthe butts so as to make the contours of the butts look more rounded and elevated. It pushes both sides of the butts so that sides of the hips do not protrude and voluminous butt contours can be^^^ shown. Referring to FIG. 136, the butt-shaping band 84 is symmetrically. The butt-shaping bandpushes the hips of the wearer up in an arrow direction and includes the pocket portion, and tightens the butts in the arrow direction. In some embodiments of this invention, the shaping zone is placed in Thigh Slenderizing zone: The shaping zone 88 and 86 are applied in inside of thigh, or / and outside of the thigh areas of the wearers, from a knee region to a crotch region and from a ^^^ knee region to a hip region, as shown in Fig 136. This shaping zone 88 and 86 may act as to slim thigh and to lift the buttock. As described above, the compression bands 26 and 28 push and carveout the outer and inner portion of the thighs of the wearer in the arrow direction c to make the thighs look thin, smooth and slim. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 137 shows an embodiment, wherein the shaping zone is arranged in Abdomen Tighten zone, around waist area 92, 94 and 96 in front of abdomen on the garment, such as high waist underwear as shown in Fig 137. Through the higher holding force of shaping zone in this area, the wear’s waist may look as narrower. Fig 137 shows a shaping zone 90 with graduated ^^ edge 92 on the board between the shaping zone and no-shaping zone. The graduated edge provides a smooth, seamless transition between the shaping zone and no-shaping zone. As a result, no visible seams or lines, hems, or edges, show through the outer fabric when the pants are worn by the wearer. Within the shaping zone, the low-melt fiber is melt all over the area. While in graduated edges, only some part of the low-melt fiber is melt, but some keep in un-melt form ^^^ (shown as white space in area 92 in FIG. 137, where the low-melt fiber does not melt or fused. Figure 1a shows an example of a three fibers configuration of the inventive fabric as described herein, whereby different stretch levels may be achieved as well as local shaping. Figure 2a further depicts a useful configuration of the present invention, whereby a hard ^^^ yarn, a Lycra® spandex yarn and a heat responsive (low temperature) yarn, are combined in a knitted configuration. Figure 3a shows DSC graphs indicating the melting temperature of the useful polypropylene (PP) low melting fibers, as well as the polyester fibers useful in the present ^^^ invention. Figure 4a shows the marked difference achieved in the shaping zone of the inventive fabrics, where heat has been applied to the low melting fibers. The fusion of the fibers and the resultant contraction of the yarns as a result is clearly observable. ^^^ Figure 5a shows examples of garments made using the inventive fabric. The decorated area is where the shaping has occurred, thus achieving both a functional and a decorative purpose. The areas not decorated remain at the original stretch capability. Figure 6a further demonstrates further types of garment applications which use the ^^^ inventive fabrics. Again, the decorated areas are where the inventive yarn combinations (hard, ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^elastic and [ow melting) have been subjected to heat treatment, thus providing a shaping zone to the garment. As depicted, the garments shown include leggings, undergarments and socks. Figure 7a describes the inventive fiber types used and ways to combine the fibers to be ^^ constructed into a fabric. Figure 8a depicts one useful process for applying a designated temperature to a selected area of the fabric or garment to achieve areas or zones of shaping, which have less elasticity than non-heat-exposed areas of the fabric or garment. ^^^ Figure 10a describes an example of heat activation conditions useful in the present invention. Figure 11a provides examples of curing patterns (zones where heat is applied to the fibers) ^^^ useful in the present invention. Figure 12a shows examples of fabrics made using various curing patterns (using pattern boards). ^^^ Figure 13a shows the color change that may occur to the yarns when heat treated, thus providing a decorative feature which matches the pattern of heat transfer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fabrics according to the present invention are advantageously constructed with three types ^^^ of yarns: rigid fiber, elastic fiber and low-melt fiber. As used herein, the term ‘low-melt fiber’, refers to a fiber comprises a low melt polyolefin that has a melting temperature of greater than 60° C but lower than 250°C, which ensures that low-melt fibers do not appreciably soften, melt or flow during the manufacture and household laundry of fabric and garments, but do soften or melt during the thermal activating process and act as a stabilizer and binder for stretch fabric. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Low-melt polyolefin fiber has lower softening and melting temperature than regular textile fibers. The melting temperatures for regular textile fibers are mostly higher than 400 °C, such as 482 °C to 550 °C for normal polyester, 482 °C for Nylon 66, 415 °C for Nylon 66 and 450°C to 520°C for spandex. ^^ The low-melt fiber looks and behaves as regular rigid textile fibers with good flexibility and softness under normal textile and finishing processes. However, after thermal activating process, the low-melt fiber becomes stiffen, partially fused and adhered to the other neighbor fibers, including in elastic fiber, rigid fiber and other low-melt fibers. Such stiffen yarns and cross- linking structure restrict the relative movement of fiber inside fabric, lock and limit the fabric to be ^^^ stretched out, diminish the fabric shrinkage and provide the shaping function. The low-melt fiber can be selected from a group of fibers made from modified polyester, nylon, and polyolefin and polypropylene and the copolymers of these fibers in the form of staple or filament. The term ‘low-melt bi-component fiber” refers to a fiber which is manufactured with two ^^^ components, having a first regular polymer component and a second low melt polyolefin component. The low melt polyolefin component is a modified polymer which can be fused in the range of 60° C to 250° C temperature, the temperature lower than one used for heat setting elastic fiber. Fig 129 shows a low-melt bi-component fiber 2 structure with first component 4 comprising regular polymer, and second component 6 comprising a low-melt component. ^^^ As used herein, the term “thermal activating process’ refers to the process that activates the low-melt fiber stiffening and adhesive function by heat. During thermal activating process, the fabric is heat up to a certain degree, in which the heat is sufficient to soften or melt the low melt polyolefin. Low melt polyolefin adhere neighbor fibers together (as shown in Figure 130) and work as binding material to lock or restrain the relative movement of the fiber. However, the ^^^ temperature is not high enough causing permanent structural impairment of normal rigid fiber and recovery power damage of elastic fiber. As used herein, the term "rigid fiber" refers to a yarn which is substantially non-elastic, such as polyester, cotton, nylon, rayon, or wool. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Elastomeric fibers are commonly used to provide stretch and elastic recovery in fabrics and garments. “Elastomeric fibers” are either a continuous filament (optionally a coalesced multifilament) or a plurality of filaments, free of diluents, which have a break elongation in excess of 100% independent of any crimp. An elastomeric fiber when (1) stretched to twice its length; (2) ^^ held for one minute; and (3) released, retracts to less than 1.5 times its original length within one minute of being released. As used in the text of this specification, “elastomeric fibers” means at least one elastomeric fiber or filament. Such elastomeric fibers include but are not limited to rubber filament, biconstituent filament (which may be based on rubber, polyurethane, etc.), lastol, and spandex. ^^^ “Spandex” is a manufactured filament in which the filament-forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% by weight of segmented polyurethane. “Elastoester” is a manufactured filament in which the fiber forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 50% by weight of aliphatic polyether and at least ^^^ 35% by weight of polyester. Although not elastomeric, elastoester may be included in some fabrics herein. “Polyester bi-component filament” means a continuous filament comprising a pair of polyesters intimately adhered to each other along the length of the fiber, so that the fiber cross section ^^^ is for example a side-by-side, eccentric sheath-core or other suitable cross-section from which useful crimp can be developed. The polyester bicomponent filament comprises poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) or a combination of such members, having an after heat-set crimp contraction value of from about 10% ^^^ to about 80%. The term “elastic fiber” refers to the fiber that can provide elasticity and recovery for stretch fabric. It comprises “elastomeric fiber”, “elastoester fiber”, spandex, “polyester bi-component filament” and others throughout the specification. ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^A “composite yarn” is one comprising both elastic fiber and low-melt fiber surrounded by, twisted with, or intermingled with rigid fiber. The rigid fiber serves to protect the elastic fibers from abrasion during textile processes. Such abrasion can result in breaks in the elastic fiber with consequential process interruptions and undesired fabric non-uniformities. Further, the covering ^^ helps to stabilize the elastic fiber elastic behavior, so that the elongation of composite yarn can be more uniformly controlled during textile processes than would be possible with bare elastic fibers. The composite yarn also can increase the tensile modulus of the yarn and fabric, which is helpful to improve the fabric recovery power and dimensional stabilities. ^^^ The composite yarns include: (a) single wrapping of the elastic fibers with a rigid fiber; (b) double wrapping of the elastic fibers with a rigid fiber; (c) continuously covering (i.e., corespun or core-spinning) an elastic fiber with staple fibers, followed by twisting during winding; (d) intermingling and entangling elastic and rigid fibers with an air jet; and (e) twisting an elastic fibers and rigid fibers together. The low melt polyolefin yarn can be combined in any of these ^^^ composite yarns. As used herein, the term "fabric" refers to a knitted or woven material. The knitted fabric may be flat knit, circular knit, warp knit, narrow elastic, and lace. The woven fabric may be of any construction, for example sateen, twill, plain weave, oxford weave, basket weave, and narrow ^^^ elastic and the like. As used herein, “pick-and-pick” means a weaving method and a woven construction in which one weft yarn containing low-melt fiber and another weft yarn containing regular textile filament or staple fibers are woven in alternating picks. “Co-insertion” means a weaving method and a woven construction in which the low-melt ^^^ fiber and a regular spun staple or filament weft yarn are woven as one, in the same pick. As used herein, the term "molded" article refers to a result by which the shape of an article or shaped article is changed in response to application of heat and / or pressure. As used herein, the term "pressing" or "pressed" refers to an article that has been subjected to heat and / or pressure to provide a substantially planar structure. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^The stretch fabric comprising low-melt fiber, can be set at lower temperature than heat-set temperatures for normal elastane fibers. Under preferred heat condition, the low-melt fiber partially or completely melt and fused with neighbor fibers. After cooled down into room temperature, the low-melt fibers become stiffen and form cross linking with neighbor fibers. The ^^ fused low-melt fibers hold and bind the elastic fiber together with rigid fiber together .The fabric dimensional stability get controlled without damaging the elastic fiber performance, including the elasticity and recovery. These heat-treated or heat activated sections provide an altered stress- strain profile to the fabric or garment. So the fabric has low grow, good recovery and excellent shape retention, while keeping in the low shrinkage. This is desirable for fabrics containing heat ^^^ sensitive companion fiber, such as containing cotton, wool, polypropylene and silk. The low temperature is also beneficial for saving energy in fabric manufacture. According to the invention, the sufficient temperature for thermal activating may be from about 60°C to about 180°C rather than the 185-195°C range currently being used in many commercial elastic fabric production processes. The optimum temperature and processing time^^^ will depend upon the specific materials used in low-melt component. We also found that the invention stretch fabric comprising low-melt fiber, can be made with various stretch level by using different thermal activating temperature, which is lower than heatset temperature of elastic fibers. The fusion rate of low-melt fiber and the setting efficiency of the innovative fabric depend on the heat amount used during thermal activating process. As the ^^^ process temperature raises higher, more low-melt fiber melt and fused with neighbor fibers, the binding force among fibers become bigger and the elastic fiber is bound more firmly, which results in lower fabric stretch level. In this way, by adjusting activating heat temperature and time, the fabric with different ^^^ stretch level can be obtained. The thermal activation temperature could be adapted from 200C degree lower than fusing temperature to 50C higher temperature than fusing temperature. Many types of elastic fabrics may be produced with low-melt fiber that include, but are not limited to, woven fabric, circular knit fabrics, warp knit fabrics, seamless fabrics, hosieries, such as ^^^ panty hose, socks, thigh highs and knee thighs, among others. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^The low-melt fiber can be added during yarn spinning process by blended and mixed with rigid fiber. The low-melt fiber also can be blended together with rigid fiber in roving form in sliver processing. It is also workable to feed low-melt fiber with rigid fiber and elastic fiber together in ^^ covering process of composite yarns, such as air covering, single covering, double covering and core spun yarn process. It is also can be added during weaving and knitting operation through co- insertion or plating way. Dyeing and finishing of the fabric or garment after assembly can be conducted. ^^^ In some embodiments are circular knit and warp knit fabrics. Figure 131 shows the knit fabric structures with low-melt fiber. The low-melt fiber is plated with elastic fiber and rigid fiber to form stich loop structure. After thermal activating process, the low-melt fibers are fused partially and bond some of the elastic and rigid fiber to together. That prevents slippage of the yarn and anti-laddering. ^^^ FIG. 131 is a schematic representation of plated knit stitches 10 wherein the knitted yarn comprises elastic fiber 12, low-melt fiber 18, a hard fiber 14. Elastic fibers 12 and low-melt fiber 18 are plated with hard fiber 14 to form a knit fabric 10. For jersey knit constructions in circular knit machines, the process of co-knitting elastic fiber is called "plating." With plating, the hard ^^^ fiber 14, the low-melt fiber 18 and the elastic fiber 12 are knitted parallel, side-by-side relation, with the elastic fibers and low-melt fibers always kept on one side of the rigid fiber, and hence on one side of the knitted fabric. FIG. 132 shows in schematic form one feed position 20 of a circular knitting machine having a series of knitting needles 22 that move reciprocally as indicated by the arrow 24 in ^^^ response to a cam (not shown) below a rotating cylinder (not shown) that holds the needles. In a circular knitting machine, there are multiple numbers of these feed positions arranged in a circle, so as to feed individual knitting positions as the knitting needles, carried by the moving cylinder, are rotated past the positions. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^The device shown in FIG. 132 could be used for producing knit fabrics with three fibers where elastic fiber, low-melt fiber and one rigid fiber have the same stitch patterns. Three yarns are knitted together in the same routes. Single jersey or twill knit structures can be made. During plating knit operations, an elastic fiber 12, a low-melt fiber 18, and a hard fiber 14 ^^ are delivered to the knitting needles 22 by a carrier plate 26. The carrier plate 26 simultaneously directs all three yarns to the knitting position. The elastic fiber 12, low-melt fiber 18 and hard fiber 14 are introduced to the knitting needles 22 to form a single jersey knit stitch 10 like that shown in FIG. 3. The rigid fiber 14 is delivered from a yarn package 28 to an accumulator 30 that meters the ^^^ yarn to the carrier plate 26 and knitting needles 22. The rigid fiber 14 passes over a feed roll 32 and through a guide hole 34 in the carrier plate 26. Optionally, more than one rigid fiber may be delivered to the knitting needles via different guide holes in the carrier plate 26. The low-melt fiber 18 is delivered from a yarn package 60 to an accumulator 64 that meters the yarn to the carrier plate 26 and knitting needles 22. The low-melt fiber 18 passes over a feed ^^^ roll 66 and through a guide hole 34 in the carrier plate 26. The elastic fiber 12 is delivered from a surface driven package 36 and past a broken end detector 39 and change of direction roll(s) 37 to a guide slot 38 within the carrier plate 26. The feed tension of the elastic fiber 12 is measured between the detector 39 and drive roll 37, or alternatively between the surface driven package 36 and roll 37 if the broken end detector is not ^^^ used. The guide hole 34 and guide slot 38 are separated from one another in the carrier plate 26 so as to present the rigid fiber 14, low-melt fiber 18, and elastic 12 to the knitting needles 22 in side by side, generally parallel relation (plated). Commercially available elastane products for circular knitting are useful in the invention. Examples of commercially available brands include LYCRA® (a registered trademark of The LYCRA Company.) types 162, 169 and 562 (available from The ^^^ LYCRA Company.). The elastic fiber stretches (drafts) when it is delivered from the supply package to the carrier plate and in turn to the knit stitch due to the difference between the stitch use rate and the feed rate from the elastomeric yarn supply package. The ratio of the rigid fiber supply rate ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^(meters / min) to the elastic fiber supply rate is normally 2.5 to 4 times (2.5X to 4X) greater, and is known as the machine draft. This corresponds to elastic fiber elongation of 150% to 300%, or more. The feed tension in the elastic fiber is directly related to the draft of the elastic fiber. This feed tension is typically maintained at values consistent with high machine drafts for the elastic ^^ fiber. We found that improved results are obtained when the total elastomeric yarn draft, as measured in the fabric, is kept to about 5X or less, typically 3X or less, for example 2.5X or less. This draft value is the total draft of the elastic fiber, which includes any drafting or drawing of the elastic fiber that is included in the supply package of as-spun yarn. The value of residual draft from elastic fiber is termed package relaxation, "PR", and it typically ranges from 0.05 to 0.15 for the ^^^ elastic fiber used in the circular knit, elastic, single jersey fabrics. The total draft of the elastic fiber in the fabric is therefore MD*(1 + PR), where "MD" is the knitting machine draft. The knitting machine draft is the ratio of rigid fiber feed rate to elastic fiber feed rate, both from their respective supply packages. Because of its stress-strain properties, elastic fiber drafts more as the tension applied to the elastic fiber increases; conversely, the more that the elastic fiber is drafted, the ^^^ higher the tension in the yarn. A typical elastic fiber path, in a circular knitting machine, is schematically shown in FIG. 132. The elastic fiber 12 is metered from the supply package 36, over or through a broken end detector 39, over one or more change- of-direction rolls 37, and then to the carrier plate 26, which guides the elastic fiber to the knitting needles 22 and into the stitch. There is a build-up of tension in the elastic fiber as it passes from the supply package and over ^^^ each device or roller, due to frictional forces imparted by each device or roller that touches the elastic fiber. The total draft of the elastic fiber at the stitch is therefore related to the sum of the tensions throughout the elastic fiber path. The elastic fiber feed tension is measured between the broken end detector 39 and the roll 37 shown in FIG. 132. Alternatively, the elastic fiber feed tension is measured between the surface driven package 36 and roll 37 if the broken end detector ^^^ 39 is not used. The higher this tension is set and controlled, the greater the elastic fiber draft will be in the fabric, and vice versa. For example, this feed tension can range from 2 to 4 cN for 22dtex elastic fiber and from 4 to 6 cN for 44dtex elastic fiber in commercial circular knitting machines. With these feed tension settings and the additional tensions imposed by subsequent yarn-path friction, the elastic fiber in commercial knitting machines will be drafted significantly more than ^^^ 3X. Minimizing the spandex friction between the supply package and the knit stitch helps to keep the elastic fiber feed tensions sufficiently high for reliable elastic fiber feeding when the elastic ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^fiber draft is 7X or less. For reliably feeding elastic fiber from the supply package to the knit stitch, the elastic fiber draft is typically 3x or less. The low-melt fiber 18 is stretched (drafted) before it enters the knitting needle 22. The yarn is stretched out through the speed difference between an accumulator 64 and the carrier plate ^^ 26 and in turn to the knit stitch. The ratio of the feed rate from the stitch use rate to the accumulator 64 (meters / min) is normally 1.01X times to 1.35X times (1.01X to 1.35X). Adjusting the speed of accumulator 64 gives the desired draft or stretch ratio. Too low a stretch ratio will result in low quality fabrics having grin-through. Too high a stretch ratio will result in breakage of the low-melt fiber yarns. ^^^ In some embodiment, the warp knit fabrics include low-melt fiber. The first type of rigid filamentary yarn, such as polyester or polyamide, and a second type of elastic fiber 2 are interloped to form a plurality of locking nodes. The second types of the yarn forms a plurality of locking points with a third type of low-melt fiber 3. Through the fusing of yarn 3 during a thermal activation process, the fabric may be formed by knitting together the three types of yarn, the ^^^ knitting process forming the inter-looking of first and second of yarn, and the third type of yarn may effectively be a weft insertion yarn not forming any loops. Subsequent thermal activating process to heat the fabric to 600C-2000C degree centigrade, for 1-4 minutes, causes the second and third types of yarn to melt and adhere to each and possibility to other yarns. ^^^ During knitting process, the fabric is produced through consorted movement of all moving parts on the machine according to the loop forming method and predetermined stich pattern. In the fabric thus produced, there are open ended loops, close-ended loops and weft insertion yarns for the continuous stitches. ^^^ There are a variety of ways of combining yarns using the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 132 a direct knit may be made by feeding bare Lycra® spandex fiber, hard fiber, and Polypropylene (PP) fiber separately into the knitting machine. Alternatively, hard fiber and PP fiber may be interlaced together first and then fed into the knitting machine with bare Lycra® spandex fiber. ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Another way of combining yarns using the present invention includes covering the Lycra® fiber with another fiber and then knitting together with the covering fiber or another type of fiber. For example, Lycra® fiber may be covered with PP fiber, then knitted with the hard fiber. Alternatively, Lycra® fiber may be covered with hard fiber and then knitted together with PP ^^ fiber. Still another embodiment of the invention includes a Lycra® fiber covered with two fibers and then knitted to form a fabric. For example, using an air covering technique, a Lycra® fiber may be covered with a nylon or polyester fiber as well as a PP fiber to form a dual covered yarn, ^^^ and then this yarn may be knitted to form a fabric. Various deniers of low melting PP may be employed, including 30D, 50D, and 75D. The low melting PP fiber may be added into the entire garment or just in area which is intended to be shaped. ^^^ Three types of yarns are arranged on the warp knit machine, such as Karl Mayer, or Liba warp machine. The type 1 of rigid fiber is arranged on the first yarn guide bar. Structure loops of the yarn are formed cooperatively via the vertical movement of the knitting needle and the horizontal movement of the yarn guide needle. ^^^ Similarly, the elastic fiber and low-melt fiber are respectively arranged on the second and third guide bars. The order of these two yarn are not strict important. The fabric is produced from three types of s via the requisite reciprocating motions of yarn guide needle and in accordance to the predetermined texture structure. ^^^ It is understood that the fabric produced according to the aforementioned method, can be made on different types of Raschel machines or Trico machines, as long as a fusible yarn with proper low-melt property is provided so that at a special temperature (600C~2000C) in the process of heat treatment it adhere to each other and / or to other yarns to prevent sliding of loops. In this ^^^ way the elastic fabric will have super anti-slippage properties. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^In some embodiments is an article including a woven fabric having at least one low-melt fibers in warp or weft direction, by using composite yarn, such as core spun yarn, air covered yarn, single covered yarn or co-insertion weaving method. ^^ Figure 5 further explain the structure of core spun yarn 8 used in elastic woven. The yarn includes elastic fiber 12, rigid fiber 6 and low-melt fiber 18. The elastic fiber 12 and low-melt fiber 18 are located in the core while rigid fiber 6 is located in outside as a sheath. The elastic fiber 12 ^^^ and low-melt fiber 18 are surrounded, preferably along the entirety of its length by a rigid fibrous sheath 10 comprised of spun staple fibers. One embodiment of a representative core spinning apparatus 40 is shown in Fig. 134 During core spinning processing, elastic filament 48 and low-melt fiber 70 are put on deliver roll ^^^ 46 and 64 separately and are combined with a rigid fiber 44 to form a composite core spun yarn 56. Two separated core fiber feeding devices 46 and 64 are installed on the machine. Elastic fiber is bare elastic filaments 48, while low-melt fiber tube 72 is taken off from end and then passes through tension control device 74 and guide bar. The tension device 74 serves to keep the yarn tension stable at a pre-determined level. ^^^ The hard fiber or yarn 44 is unwound from tube 54 to meet the elastic fiber 52 and low- melt fiber 70 at the set of front rollers 42. The combined elastic fiber 52, fusible shaping 70 and hard fiber 44 are core spun together at spinning device 56. The stretch ratio for elastic fiber is normally 1.01X times to 5.0X times (1.01X to 5.0X) compared to the un-stretched fiber. Too low a stretch ratio will result in low quality yarns having ^^^ grin-through and an un-centered elastic filament. Too high a stretch ratio will result in breakage of the elastic filament and core void. The stretch controllable woven fabrics also can be made by using air covered yarn. The low-melt fibers are mixed or blended together with elastic fiber and rigid filament, such as nylon or polyester fiber during air covering process. Three fibers are introduced together into interlacing ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^nozzle and form interlaced points by pressure air. The interlaced yarn then is woven into fabrics to work as warp yarn or weft yarn. The low-melt fiber is also could be inserted into fabric as an alternative structure or co- insertion structure. In alternation structure or “pick-and-pick” structure, a woven construction in ^^ which the low-melt fiber and a spun staple or filament weft yarn are woven in alternating picks. In “Co-insertion” weaving construction, the low-melt fiber and a spun staple or filament weft yarn are woven as one, in the same pick. In another embodiment is the article comprising hosiery with low-melt fiber. The low-melt fiber can be used in any portion on the hosiery, such as in top, body, leg or toe portions. The low- ^^^ melt fiber is used in simple rigid form, or in composite yarn form, e.g. air-jet covered, single covered, double covered. It can be knitted in all course or alternate course form. The existing of low-melt fiber helps to prevent elastane fiber from running and laddering. The special shaping or holding effect could be achieved by applying or pressing high temperatures in predetermined area, where the fabric has lower stretch level and higher holding force to prevent slip during wear. In ^^^ cooperating with high denier elastane fiber, medical hosiery with high compression in target areas can be made. Figure 135 illustrates hosiery with high compression force in leg and foot area, where the low-melt fiber is melt by high temperature. One example is the application in pantyhose. The low-melt fiber is able to be knitted into ^^^ different portion of the pantyhose, including waistband, panty, leg and toe part. In waistband, the low-melt fiber increases the holding force to anchor the garment in place. In panty port, low-melt fiber enhances the holding force to hold up legs and shaping the body figure. It increases robust strength to with stand both rough handling while pulling into the wear position, sewing, and body movement. It is also provide shaping functions. In leg porting, low-melt fiber would not reduce the ^^^ sheer styles, mostly in plain stich as this delivers the maximum sheerness for a given denier and needle count. Various knit and tuck arrangements can be adopted to increase the garment durability without at the expense of touch, sheerness, stretch recovery and production speeds. In toes part, the low-melt fiber could increase the durability in this weak spot. Break down in the toe being one of the major causes of the garment failure. The low-melt fiber would affect aesthetic ^^^ desirability and function needs. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^In pantyhose knit machine, low-melt fiber can be placed at creel and fed in at any feeds and any yarn fingers, which enable the yarn to be introduced or taking out at any point in the knitting cycle. Most knitting machine have 4 feeds, each feed having several yarn fingers. ^^ Another example is socks where low-melt fiber is knitted in rib top, leg portion, foot portion and toe portion. In sock tops, most common structure is double covered elastic composite yarn laid in alternate course. The spandex denier is between 100D to 140D. In sock bodies, air-jet covered yarn comprising low-melt fiber with spandex, optionally with other rigid fiber, such as ^^^ textured polyester or Nylon, are plated together with rigid fiber. The spandex denier ranged from 10 denier to 40 denier. The fabric of this invention has at least 1 % by weight low-melt fiber that has a melting temperature above the temperature of the textile process and household laundry. These low-melt fibers used in the fabrics of this invention act as a stabilizer and binder for the fabric and soften or ^^^ melt during the thermal activating process, but do not appreciably soften, melt or flow during the manufacture of fabric and garments, particularly those manufacturing steps that require heat to finish and dye the fabrics. In some preferred embodiments, the low-melt fiber has a melting point of greater than 60° C. In some preferred embodiments the melting point of the low-melt fiber is from 100° to 200° C. Low-melts having a melt point above 210° C. are undesired in many ^^^ embodiments because they require such high temperatures to soften that other components in the fabric, such as elastic fiber may begin to degrade during the manufacture. Low melt is meant to have its traditional polymer definition; these materials flow in the manner of a viscous liquid when heated and solidify when cooled and do so reversibly time and time again on subsequent heating and cooling steps. Melting points are measured by ASTM Method D3418. Melting points are taken ^^^ as the maximum of the melting endotherm, and are measured on the second heat at a heating rate of 10 degrees Celsius per minute. The low-melt fiber comprises a low melt polyolefin that has a melting temperature of greater than 60° C but lower than 250° C. In some preferred embodiments, the melt temperature of the low melt polyolefin is 100° to C 180° C. In some most preferred embodiments the low melt ^^^ polyolefin has a melting temperature of 160° C. Low-melt fibers made from low melt polyolefins ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^having a melting temperature of greater than 100° C. are useful as stabilizing yarn for innovation fabrics while surviving normal fabric and garment manufacturing process without appreciably softening or melting. Selection of the low-melt fiber is dependent on the final properties of the material and the balance of heat required to finish, dye and wash the fabrics and garments versus ^^ the temperature the fabrics and garments will see during thermal activating process. As examples, for some types of undyed hosiery and lingerie garments, the melting temperature could be selected between 60° to C 100° C for better boarding and setting while surviving low pressure steam treatment. For the fabrics which need to be dyed at high temperature, such as polyester disperse dye, higher melting temperature yarn are required, e.g. 180° C. ^^^ In some embodiments of this invention, the low-melt fiber is made from low-melt bi- component fiber, which is a combination of a regular fiber polymer and a low melt polyolefin in one single fiber. The fiber has at least two separate and distinct regions of different compositions with a discernable boundary along the fiber length. The low melt polyolefin component can be fused in the range of 60° C to 200° C temperature, the temperature lower than one used for heat ^^^ setting elastic fiber. This compound will make the fiber bundle as fibrous form after thermal activating process, unlike the collapse phenomenon happened for mono-component fiber. Based on the cross sectional shape and geometry position, bi-component low-melt fibers can be selected from following groups as sheath-core, side-by-side, islands-in-the-sea, segmented pie and other structures. In side-by side structure, two polymers components are divided into two or ^^^ more distinct regions, lying side-by-side along the length. In sheath-core structure, core component is fully surrounded by the sheath component. This structure is employed when it is desirable for the surface to have good bonding and fusing, while the core may contribute to strength. The sheath of the fiber is low melt polyolefin with lower melting point than the normal polymer in core and so in an elevated temperature, the sheath melts, creating bonding pints with adjacent fibers. ^^^ For islands-in-the-sea structure fibers, one polymer is in a matrix of a second polymer. In segmented pie structure, the fiber contains alternate pie or wedges around the fiber circle with low melt polyolefins. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Figure 9a shows an embodiment of the invention whereby shaping patterns may be formed on the inventive knitted fabric via a press pillow method. As shown, the inventive fabric of the invention (identified as D71) is placed between two outer platens. One of the platens is heated as shown. A pattern board is placed over the knitted inventive fabric. The heat platen is then pressed ^^ onto the pattern board and heat is transferred through the pattern openings in the pattern board and onto the inventive fabric. The low melting fibers in the pattern area are then subjected to the heat and fused at a rate a set sufficiency which causes the area to have less stretch than areas not subjected to heat, i.e., areas which are protected by the pattern board. The fused fibers (melted area) form a zone or area in the garment which is the shaping zone. ^^^ Figure 10a shows an example of heat activation conditions used to achieve targeted zones of shaping. For example, a processing temperature of 160°C to about 165° C for the low melting fibers is provided and the processing time is about 13 to about 25 seconds at low pressure. The fabric temperature may be determined by using a temperature test strip, thermal test paper, or a thermal test meter, as shown in Figure 10a. ^^^ We discovered that the invention fabric comprising low-melt fiber can be made with various stretch level in different locations on the garment by applying different heat. Thermal activating process can be done in certain area to form stretch / recovery enhancement. When extra heat is applied on to certain pre-determined area, the fusion rate and set efficiency is high and the fabric has less stretch level within the area, which is called “shaping zone”. In such shaping zones, ^^^ the fabrics have high stretch modulus and higher retract force, which limit the fabric deformation as compared to no shaping area. As human body movement, such that the garment shape can get strategically relocated and get shaping effects during wearing. The portion of the human body surface to which the shaping zone is applied is subjected to ^^^ a tightening force, and therefore the difference between said shaping zone and no-shaping zone appears because of the pressure difference. This fabric in shaping zone may act to the shape of the body contours and to smooth or control the display of some of the key areas. The shaping zone may thus be tailored to extend over only those regions where it is desired. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^It will be appreciated that the shaping zone is not located all over the garment, so as to produce an allover squeeze but is provided in carefully selected areas. The results of the positioning of the shaping zone is to provide support and shaping to the contours of the body, slimming the thighs, lifting the buttocks and flattening the abdomen, thus creating an improved ^^ silhouette rather than simply constricting the entirely of the lower body. In some embodiment of the invention, the shaping zone is applied in Butt Shaping zone, as shown in Fig. 136. The shaping zone is arranged around the buttock as a curved U shape. The Butt-shaping band 84 may push the butts of the wearer up and concentrates the butts so as to makethe contours of the butts look more rounded and elevated. It pushes both sides of the butts so that ^^^ sides of the hips do not protrude and voluminous butt contours can be shown. Referring to FIG. 136, the butt-shaping band 84 is symmetrically. The butt-shaping band pushes the hips of thewearer up in an arrow direction and includes the pocket portion, and tightens the butts in the arrow direction. In some embodiments of this invention, the shaping zone is placed in Thigh Slenderizing ^^^ zone: The shaping zone 88 and 86 are applied in inside of thigh, or / and outside of the thigh areas of the wearers, from a knee region to a crotch region and from a knee region to a hip region, as shown in Fig 136. This shaping zone 88 and 86 may act as to slim thigh and to lift the buttock. As described above, the compression bands 26 and 28 push and carve out the outer and inner portionof the thighs of the wearer in the arrow direction c to make the thighs look thin, smooth and slim. ^^^ In some embodiment of the invention, the shaping zone is implemented in Tummy Flatter zone. The shaping zone is placed to cover abdominal portion of the wearers. In use, at least one shaping zone may extend across the lower abdomen of a wearer from a waist region to a crotch region. In some embodiments, the shaping zone is applied as a band in front portion of the pant, from hip to crotch area. The shaping zones may thus act to flatten the lower abdomen of a wearer. ^^^ It eliminates excess bulging, provides core stability and promotes body awareness, while providing a smooth look all around and providing abdominal compression while enhancing the posture of the wearer. For a figure-hugging fit, the shaping zone lifts and defines wear’s body and gives wearer a beautiful, shaped silhouette. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^In some embodiments, the shaping zone fabric is disposed in front of knee area. While the shaping zone keeps the pants leg straight and slack, it also provide better abrasion resistance and high fabric strength to improve the garment durability in this area. In some embodiments, the shaping zone is arranged in Abdomen Tighten zone, around ^^ waist area 92, 94 and 96 in front of abdomen on the garment, such as high waist underwear as shown in Fig 137. Through the higher holding force of shaping zone in this area, the wear’s waist may look as narrower. In some embodiments, the shaping zones are placed in the leg area 102 and foot area 100 for hosiery and leg wears, as shown in Fig 135. This shaping function can be used as medical or ^^^ sport or casual wear purpose, by increasing the holding force or compressional force in these areas. The shapes of the shaping zone can be modified variously to shape the hips and thighs using the above method. Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and ^^^ modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that the garment may comprise more than one shaping zone, for example, thigh slenderizing, flatter tummy, and butt-up zone, thus sliming the thighs, lifting the ^^^ buttocks and flattening the lower abdomen. The shaping zone may connect and or be integrally formed or they may be discrete areas of the garment. In a specific implementation, the shaping zone has a graduated edge. Fig 137 shows a shaping zone 90 with graduated edge 92 on the board between the shaping zone and no-shaping zone. The graduated edge provides a smooth, seamless transition between the shaping zone and ^^^ no-shaping zone. As a result, no visible seams or lines, hems, or edges, show through the outer fabric when the pants are worn by the wearer. Within the shaping zone, the low-melt fiber is melt all over the area. While in graduated edges, only some part of the low-melt fiber is melt, but some keep in un-melt form (shown as white space in area 92 in FIG. 137, where the low-melt fiber does ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^not melt or fused. In a specific implementation, a width of the gradation edge is about 1 / 2 inch to about 1.5 inch. In other implementations, the dimension of the gradation edge can be less or more, and the melt spots area can also be graduated in varying intensities. As described above, it is not necessary that the shaping is made according to a pattern. The ^^ shape of the panel can be indefinite and arbitrary (e.g., straight, curved, graduated, stipulated, or patterned). Furthermore, in some implementations, the edge may not be visible on the inside surface of the fabric because it is hidden by a seam, other material or fabric. The shaping zone may be added on garment to form various figure shapes to add functional and beauty effects. Some of the patterns and shapes include in triangle, lines, dot and others figures. ^^^ In a special implementation, there are several different shape patterns within a shaping zone. Figure 137 shows some of the pattern shapes in a shaping zone in from of the abdomen. Shape pattern 92 is graduated edge. Shape pattern 94 is a modest-fused zone, where the low-melt fiber is partially melt. Shape pattern 96 is a severe-fused zone, where the low-melt fiber is totally melt and fused. As the more low-melt fiber fused, the fabric has less stretch and has high holding ^^^ force with strong shaping effects. So, the garment special shaping effects could be achieved through engineered designing. In a special implementation, fabric shape pattern and different fusion rate are generated by applying the controlled heat in predetermined area. High temperature, or long time or high pressure is applied in the shaping zone with severe melt. ^^^ The thermal activating process can be accomplished by exposing the invention fabric to heat and or static pressure up to 5 bars depending on the composition of the low melt polyolefin. Heat can be applied as steam or dry heat. Suitable thermal activating process conditions can vary depending on many factors including the selected fusibility improvement additive, polymer chemistry, yarn linear density, and fabric construction, among other factors. For example, ^^^ preferred activating conditions for hosiery can include exposure to temperatures from about 900C to about 1400C , including from about 1050C to about 1350C for about 3 seconds to about 60 seconds, when steam heat is used, and 1650C to about 1950C for about 3 seconds to about 60 seconds, when dry heat is used. Suitable thermal activating processes include exposure to ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^temperatures from about 1100C to about 2000C , including from about 1600C to about 1800C for about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, when dry heat is used. The thermal activating process can be conducted in grey fabric, finished fabric, fabric panel during cut and sew of garment making, or final garments. The thermal activating process can also ^^ be applied on whole piece of fabric or certain parts or spots of fabrics. Typical processing condition is 600C to 1800C for 1 - 4 minutes. The process methods include pressing, laminate, oven, tent frame, heat plate or other methods. The heat treatment can be accomplished by simply subjecting the dry fabric to a temperature between 100C to 200C for 1-2 minutes, a very simple step. It also can be processed under complicated temperature profile under different patterns. ^^^ Thermal activating process may be incorporated into the garment during construction of the garment. Dyeing and finishing of the garment may be conducted before or after assembly of the garment with shaping effect. There are some benefits to develop shaping zone prior to fabric finishing. One example is where in a denim fabrics, including tend to shrink upon fabric finishing. ^^^ During wear of the garment, growth tends to occur. By including a shaping zone, growth of the fabric is resisted in addition to the benefits of flat and smooth fabric surface. The garment dyeing and finishing processes improve the elastic properties including the modulus of the fabric. Other forms of thermal activating processes are also available, including but not limited to, microwave, infrared, conduction, ultrasonic and laser technology. The selection of machine ^^^ setting for each technologies, mainly based on low-melt behaviors and the fabric performance requirement. Among them, the density of laser energy or power density and scanning speed are the most important for laser technology. Fabrics are exposed to a variety of process conditions that include exposure to heat and / or pressure. Therefore, in some of embodiments, a separate heat-setting / fusing process is not required ^^^ because the heat setting of the fabric will also result in fusing of the yarns. If heatset required, consider to use lower temperature and short time. Thanks to the adhesive force and interlocking structure, the fabric of the present invention has better visual effects, showing a flat and smooth surface appearance. The fabric of the invention ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^has a less tendency of elastic fiber seam slippage and running and fabric curving. It can prevent seam slippage and running and curving after thermal activating process between elastic fibers with neighbor fibers as well. The low-melt fiber can stand the repeat wash in fabric and garment finishing process and home laundry. ^^ In some embodiment, low-melt fiber has less soft hand touch feeling as compared with regular textile fibers. This could become harsher after thermal activating process if the content of low-melt fiber is too high. In contrast, when the low-melt fiber content is lower than 1%, the fabric is unable to deliver good easy-setting and good shaping performance. Some low melt ^^^ polyolefin has high pick-up rate for dye stuff. The fiber could have deep color that rigid fiber in the fabric. It was surprised to find that the low-melt fiber with optimum weight content can be hidden inside fabric and don’t show up in the surface of the fabric. The preferred content of low- melt fiber is between about 1% to about 55% of the total fabric weight. Within preferred content range, low-melt fiber is invisible or substantially invisible and untouchable from the back and the ^^^ surface of the fabric. The appearance and touch feel of the fabric has not noticeable change. The low-melt fiber is hidden during garment is worn. Unlike film or fabric laminate and extra panel and special weaving and knit structures, the low-melt fiber doesn’t form film or a different appearance on fabric surface. When low-melt fiber is used, the fiber in buried inside fabric body which avoid the unpleased shinning and rubbery touch surface. The fiber is also invisible from ^^^ outside and inside of garment with good breath ability. A variety of different fibers and yarns may be used with the fabrics and garments of some embodiments. These include cotton, wool, acrylic, polyamide (nylon), polyester, spandex, cellulose, rubber (natural or synthetic), bamboo, silk, soy or combinations thereof. ^^^ In addition, garments including shaping zone can be molded. For example, fabric can be molded under conditions appropriate for the rigid fiber in the fabric. Also, molding may be possible at temperature which will mold the shaped article, but below temperatures suitable for molding the rigid fiber. Examples of apparel or garments that include a shaping zone falling within the scope of the present invention include but are not limited to: jeans, pants, khakis, leggings, blouses and ^^^ et. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^ANALYTICAL METHOD In the examples that follow, the following analytical methods were used. Fabric Elongation (Stretch) ^^ Fabrics are evaluated for % elongation under a specified load (i.e., force) in the fabric stretch direction(s), which is the direction of the composite yarns (i.e., weft, warp, or weft and warp). Three samples of dimensions 20 cm x 6.5 cm were cut from the fabric. The long dimension (25 cm) corresponds to the stretch direction. The samples are partially unraveled to reduce the sample widths to 5.0 cm. The samples are then conditioned for at least 16 hours at ^^^ 20oC + / - 2oC and 65% relatively humidity, + / - 2%. A first benchmark was made across the width of each sample, at 6.5 cm from a sample end. A second benchmark was made across the sample width at 20.0 cm from the first benchmark. The excess fabric from the second benchmark to the other end of the sample was used to form and ^^^ stitch a loop into which a metal pin could be inserted. A notch was then cut into the loop so that weights could be attached to the metal pin. The sample non-loop end was clamped and the fabric sample was hung vertically. A 30 Newton (N) weight (6.74 LB) is attached to the metal pin through the hanging fabric loop, so that ^^^ the fabric sample is stretched by the weight. The sample was “exercised” by allowing it to be stretched by the weight for three seconds, and then manually relieving the force by lifting the weight. This cycle was carried out three times. The weight was allowed then to hang freely, thus stretching the fabric sample. The distance in millimeters between the two benchmarks was measured while the fabric was under load, and this distance is designated ML. The original ^^^ distance between benchmarks (i.e., unstretched distance) was designated GL. The % fabric elongation for each individual sample as calculated as follows: % Elongation (E%) = ((ML-GL) / GL) x 100 The three elongation results were averaged for the final result. ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Fabric Growth (Unrecovered Stretch) After stretching, a fabric with no growth would recover exactly to its original length before stretching. Typically, however, stretch fabrics will not fully recover and will be slightly longer after extended stretching. This slight increase in length is termed “growth.” ^^ The above fabric elongation test must be completed before the growth test. Only the stretch direction of the fabric was tested. For two-way stretch fabric both directions were tested. Three samples, each 25.0 cm x 6.0 cm, were cut from the fabric. These were different samples from those used in the elongation test. The 25.0 cm direction should correspond to the stretch ^^^ direction. The samples were partially unraveled to reduce the sample widths to 5.0 cm. The samples were conditioned at temperature and humidity as in the above elongation test. Two benchmarks exactly 20 cm apart were drawn across the width of the samples. The known elongation % (E%) from the elongation test was used to calculate a length of ^^^ the samples at 80% of this known elongation. This was calculated as E (length) at 80% = (E% / 100) x 0.80 x L, where L was the original length between the benchmarks (i.e., 20.0 cm). Both ends of a sample were clamped and the sample was stretched until the length between benchmarks equaled L + E (length) as calculated above. This stretch was maintained for 30 minutes, after which time the ^^^ stretching force was released and the sample was allowed to hang freely and relax. After 60 minutes the % growth was measured as % Growth = (L2 x 100) / L, where L2 was the increase in length between the sample benchmarks after relaxation and L was the original length between benchmarks. This % growth was measured for each sample and the ^^^ results averaged to determine the growth number. Fabric Recovery Fabric recovery means that fabric is capable of recovery to its original length after ^^^ deformation from elongation or tension stress. It is expressed as a percentage ratio of the increased ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^extended length of a fabric under tension to the length of the fabric following release of elongation or tension stress. It can be calculated from fabric stretch and fabric growth. Elastic Fiber Seam Slippage Fabric specimens are tested under standardized conditions of temperature, time and ^^ mechanical action to recreate the elastic fiber slippage that occurs in industrial garment washing and home laundering. Subsequently, elastic fiber slippage is measured according to the standard procedure shown. Two representative 50x50 cm fabric specimens cut parallel to the fabric length and width are prepared. Each specimen should contain different groups of warp and weft yarns. The specimen should be marked to indicate the warp direction. ^^^ Each specimen should over locked using following conditions to prevent raw edges from unravelling during washing: Sewing needle: 100 –110 SUK systems; Sewing thread: 30 Nm / 3 piles for both needle and bobbin thread; Stitch density: 3 – 4 stitch per cm. The fabric samples are washed and dried in following conditions: Wash machine: similar to a Tupesa TSP-15, 1 vertical machine with a single 75 cm diameter compartment; Bath temperature: ^^^ 98°C; Process time: 90 munities; Liquor ratio: 1 / 8; Machine speed: 25-28rp; PH:10; Salt:20 gr / 1; Drying temperature: 900C. After finishing washing and tumble drying, condition the specimens for at least 16 hours by laying each specimen as a single layer. Slightly steam irons the sample in order to facilitate measuring. ^^^ The elastic fiber seam slippage is measured through following way: along both two sides of specimen warp and / or weft direction, select two spots to mark and cut the fabrics. In each spot, cut 5cm in fabric width and / or length direction and carefully remove the over locked stitch threads. Under the fabric inspection light, remove the weft yarns and / or warp yarn one after another from the above 5.0 cm area and observe for warp / weft elastic fiber. Sometime de-twisting the covered ^^^ yarn is needed to find out the elastic fiber. Stop removing weft / warp yarn as soon as the elastic fiber appears. The distance between the fabric edge to elastic position is measured. The average of this distance in two specimens is considered as elastic fiber slippage in centimeters. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^EXAMPLES The following examples demonstrate the present invention and its capability for use in manufacturing a variety of fabrics. The invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various apparent respects, without departing ^^ from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the examples are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. Several composite yarns with elastic fibers and low-melt fibers were used as weft yarn. Various composite yarns, including single covering, air jet covering and dual core spun. Table 1 ^^^ lists the materials and process ways that were used to make the composite yarns for each example. Table 2 and 3 shows the detail fabric structure and performance summary for woven and knit fabrics. Lycra® spandex are available from The LYCRA Company, Wilmington, DE For example, in the column headed spandex 40D means 40 denier; 3.5X means the draft of the Lycra® imposed by the core spinning machine (machine draft). ^^^ Example 1: low melting fiber: Bi-component fiber Low melting fiber LOMELATM, manufactured by HUVIS Company, is used for making the composition yarn and fabrics. LOMELA(TM) is low melting bi-component filaments with core and sheath structure. The sheath is a low melting polymer and core is regular polyester fiber. ^^^ During thermal activating processing, the fiber can easily develop bonding function where a stable form is required. The yarn is 75 denier with 36 filaments. The melting temperature is 1650C for sheath component part. When the heat temperatures lower than 1500C, the fiber looks and behaves as regular polyester fiber. When the temperature reach 1500C or higher, the low melting sheath start to soft and melt. When the temperature reach 1650C, the sheath portion is totally melt and ^^^ fused with core fiber. The individual 36 filaments are melt and bound together to form a single thread bundle. It also connect and bond with neighbor rigid fiber and elastic yarn to form a cross linking structure within the fabric. Example 2: Low-melt fiber: mono-component fiber ^^^ A mono-component fiber comprising "polyolefin" polymer is used as low melting fiber. The fiber is spun into 40D with one filament. The fiber starts to melt at 135.650C and reach to ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^melting peak at 146.260C. The thermal activating process can be conducted in the temperature range of from about 120°C a period of 5 seconds to several minutes. After melting, it bonds with neighbor rigid fiber and elastic fiber to form a cross linking structure within the fabric. ^^ Example 3: Single covered yarn 75D / 36f low-melting bi-component yarn is wrapped around a core of 40D LYCRA® fiber. The LYCRA® fiber is stretch out at 3.0X during covering. The yarn has high recovery and shiny aesthetic on surface due to low-melting bi-component fiber. This covered yarn can be used for hosiery, pantyhose, socks and knit applications. ^^^ Example 4: Air jet covered yarn with two fibers 75D / 36f low-melting bi-component yarn is intermingled around a core of 70D LYCRA® fiber by using an air jet nozzle. LYCRA® fiber has draft 3.3X during covering. The interlacing knot are 75 knots per meter. The air pressure is 4 bar and the processing speed is 650 meters per ^^^ minute. The yarn could be used for hosiery, pantyhose, socks and knits. It also can be used as core in core spun yarn covered with cotton or other staple fibers. Example 6: Air jet covered yarn with two elastic yarns ^^^ 150D / 68f LYCRA® T400® polyester bi-component fiber and 75D / 36f low-melting bi- component yarn are intermingled with 40D LYCRA® fiber by using an air jet nozzle. LYCRA® fiber has draft 3.3X during covering. Three yarn are interlaced together with 82 knots per meter. The air pressure is 4.5 bar and the processing speed is 650 meters per minute. The yarn could be used for weft yarn in woven fabrics. Because LYCRA® T400® fiber is also an elastic yarn, this composite^^^ yarn has very good recovery power and stretch level. Example 7: Air jet covered yarn with 70D elastic fiber 140D / 144f polyester filament and 75D / 36f low-melting bi-component yarn are intermingled with a core of 70D LYCRA® fiber by using an air jet nozzle. LYCRA® fiber has ^^^ draft 3.3X during covering. Three yarns are interlaced together with 90 knots per meter. The air pressure is 4.5 bars and the processing speed is 650 meters per minute. As compared with Sample ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^5, this yarn is more powerful due to more LYCRA® fiber is used. The yarn could be used for weft yarn in heavier weight woven fabrics, such as denim. Example 8: Core spun yarn wit AJY yarn ^^ The core yarn is first made in the way as described in Example 4. It is 70D LYCRA® fiber with 75D / 36f low-melting bi-component air jet covered yarn. Then, the cotton sheath fiber is spun around this core yarn in a core spun machine. During core spun process, the core yarn is kept in straight form, so it can maintain in the center of the yarn without exposure. The yarn is 16s English counter with 4 TM twister level. It can be used as weft yarn for woven fabric, such as^^^ khakis and denims. Example 9: Dual core spun yarn The core yarn has two filaments: 105D LYCRA® fiber and 75D / 36f low-melting bi- component fiber. The sheath fiber is cotton fiber. The cotton fiber is spun around these two core ^^^ yarns together in a core spun machine with double deliver device. During core spun process, 105D LYCRA® fiber and 75D / 36f low-melting bi-component fiber are fed into twist are together, but ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^- melting fiber is only draft 1.05X time. The total yarn count is 16s English counter with 4 TM twister level. It can be used as weft yarn for woven fabric. ^^^ Example 10: Dual core spun yarn with elastic polyolefin The core yarn has two filaments: 40D LYCRA® fiber and 40D low-melting polyolefin ^^^ fiber, as described in Example 2. The sheath fiber is cotton fiber. The cotton fiber is spun around these two core yarns together in a core spun machine with double deliver device. During core spun process, 70D LYCRA® fiber and 40D low-melting mono-component polyolefin fiber are fed into twist are together, but with LYCRA® fiber draft as 3.5X time of its original length. The total yarn count is 16s English counter with 4 TM twister level. It can be used as weft yarn for woven fabric. ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Table 1: Elastic Composite yarn comprising low-melt fiber Yarn 2: Fiber 2: Yarn2: Elastic content % content % covering Fiber 1: Elastic Elastic Yarn 3: low covering E l f l i f lw er 4.98.02.91.51.82.62.64.0 ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Fabrics after Normal Finishing Fabrics after Thermal Activation^^^^^^^^^^ '^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^"#^$^ (^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ 1#^^^5^+^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ 4^^^^ 9.4.8.6.6.1 ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Table 3 Knit Fabric Example List ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ '^^^ ^^^^ ^^^"^^^^ ^^^^^^^ 1^^^^^#^^^^ 1^^^^^#^^^^ ^^^^^^+^^^8 ^^^"^^^^ Example ^^+^$^^^^^^^^^^"^^^^ 3^+^$^^^^^^^ 9^^^^ ^^^^^^+^ ^^^^^^ %^^+#^^ ^^^^^ ^^7^"^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ willyywillwill Example 18: Circular knit denim with low-melt fiber ^^ It is an innovative fabric. The fabric is a circular knit denim fabric with woven effects, containing two groups of yarns: effective yarn for surface and ground yarn for back. The effect yarn is two-ends of 30S cotton indigo dyed yarn. The ground yarn comprises 75D / 36f low-melt bi- component yarn and 70D T162C LYCRA® spandex fiber. ^^^ The fabric is knit on Monarch Circular Knitting Machine Model F-SEC-U / ST electric Jacque machine, with 32 inch cylinder diameter, 28 gauge (needles per circumferential inch) and 2958 needles, and 48 yarn feed positions. The circular knit machine is operated at 16 revolutions per minute (rpm). The LYCRA® fiber feed tension is measured between the supply package and the roller guide with an Iro Memminger digital tension meter MPF40GIF, model number, MER10. ^^^ The LYCRA® fiber feed tensions are maintained at 7 grams. The tension for low-melt fiber is ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^around 8~9 grams. The tension for indigo yarn is about 6~7 grams. After normal finish process, the fabric stretch is 70% and 30.1% in wales and course direction with growth (8.9% X 5.2% in wale X course direction). The fabric surface has ½ twill and jersey loop base is plain single jersey. This knit fabric has woven look and performance, and suitable to be used for jean. ^^ In some locations of this sample, a heat is added with pressure in pressing machine: 1600C degree for 1 minute under 2 bar pressure. After such thermal activating process, the fabric stretch, growth and recovery become: warp direction, 20.5%,2.9% and 82.6% ; course direction, 33.55,5.2% and 80.3% . The garment made from this fabric can have shaping effects. In critical areas, the fabric stretch can be reduced with high restrain force. ^^^ Example 19: cotton Circular knit fabric with low melt fiber The circular knit fabric is a single jersey fabric with three fibers: 50S supima cotton, 40D T162C LYCRA® fiber and 75D / 34f low-melt bi-component yarn. Three yarns are plated together into fabric and knit into single jersey. The content of elastic fiber and low melt fiber in fabric is 6.3% and 37.3% respectively. The fabric has good cotton touch and appearance and is a good ^^^ fabric T-shirt, under wear and casual wear. Before being dyed into blue, the fabric is heatset at various temperatures. The stretch levels (machine direction X cross machine direction) of the fabric without heaset, heatset under 1400c, 1500C and 1600C are: 131%X99%, 116%X93%, 100%X89% and 45%X50%, respectively. The fabric weights after such processes are: 12.902 OZ / Y^2, 10.913 OZ / Y^2, 10.394 OZ / Y^2 and 7.952 OZ / Y^2. ^^^ From these results, we can see that when the fabric is treated around 1600C, the fabric is set well, and the fabric stretch level is dramatically reduced and have light weight. It clearly demonstrates that the fabric comprising low-melt fiber can be heatset at much lower temperature used for heatset elastic fiber. The heatset temperature of T162C LYCRA® fiber is around 1950C. ^^^ Example 20: Polyester Circular knit fabric with low-melt fiber The circular knit fabric is a single jersey fabric with three fibers: 70d / 72f textured polyester, 40D T162C LYCRA® fiber and 75D / 34f low-melt bi-component yarn. Three yarns are plated together into fabric and knit into single jersey. The content of elastic fiber and low melt fiber in fabric is 7.8% and 46.1% respectively. The fabric is a good active wear and casual wear. ^^^ Before being dyed into black by disperse dye, the fabric is heatset at various temperatures. The ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^stretch levels (machine direction X cross machine direction) of the fabric without heaset, heatset under 1400c, 1500C and 1600C are: 140%X117%, 125%X109%, 121%X106% and 55%X62%, respectively. The fabric weights after such processes are: 12.323 OZ / Y^2, 11.816 OZ / Y^2, 10.688 OZ / Y^2 and 8.333 OZ / Y^2. ^^ As the heatset temperature increase, the fabric stretch decrease. When the fabric is treated around 1600C, the fabric is set well, and the fabric stretch level is remarkably reduced. It indicates that the fabric comprising low-melt fiber can be heatset at much lower temperature used for heatset elastic fiber. When the heat is applied in predetermined areas, the fabric has significant low stretch ^^^ level in these areas. Example 21: Seamless Fabric containing low melt fiber This fabric is made in Santoni seamless machine. The fabric is not heatset. This knit fabric is a jersey twill fabric with three fibers: 50S cotton, 30D T162C LYCRA® fiber and 75D / 34f low- ^^^ melt bi-component yarn. Cotton yarn forms the fabric face, and the elastic yarn and low-melt yarn are plated together to form fabric base.. The content of elastic fiber and low melt fiber in fabric is 6.3% and 34.2% respectively. The example fabric is made by circular knitting using a SMA-8-TOP seamless, 28 inch body size, knitting machine from SANTONI (from GRUPPO LONATI, Italy) (hereinafter, “the ^^^ SANTONI knitting machine”). In making the innovative fabrics, a combination of different knitting constructions using various types of yarns was used. The machine has 8 yarn feed positions. It operated at 70 revolutions per minute (rpm). The spandex feed tension is measured with an BTSR® digital tension meter, model number, KTF-100HP. The spandex feed tensions are maintained at 1 gram for each 10 denier spandex. The tension device for no-elastomeric elastic ^^^ yarn and hard yarn is IRO Memminger with model ROJ Tricot. The fabric stretch is 100% X 79% in wale and course direction. In order to obtain shaping effect, the garment is treated with heat in front of belly position at 1550C for 45 seconds under 2 bars pressure. After such thermal activating process, the fabric stretch level becomes 56% X 43%^^^ in wale and course direction. The fabric offers holding and restraining function in these positions. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^Example 22: Seamless Fabric containing low melt fiber This fabric is made in Santoni seamless machine. This knit fabric is a jersey fabric with woven fabric look, consisting three fibers: 60S cotton, 20D T162C LYCRA® fiber and 75D / 34f low-melt bi-component yarn. Three yarns are plated together into fabric and knit into jersey. The ^^ content of elastic fiber and low melt fiber in fabric is 4.8% and 38.9% respectively. The fabric stretch is 118% X 99% in wale and course direction. In order to obtain shaping effect, the garment is treated with heat in two sides of waist areas at 1500C for 45 seconds under 2 bars pressure. After such thermal activating process, the fabric stretch level becomes 76% X 63% in wale and course direction. The fabric has higher holding force in waist area for better slimming shaping effects. ^^^ Example 23: Socks The sock top is made with three kinds of fiber: rigid yarn, 30S 927W COOLMAX® fiber spun yarn ; the elastic yarn, 120D T902C double covered elastic composite yarn; the low-melt yarn: 75d / 36f low melt bi-component yarn. The elastic yarn and low-melt yarn is plated in with1 / 1 ^^^ laid –in structure. The sock foot is also made with three types of yarn: rigid 30S 927W COOLMAX® fiber spun yarn, plating with elastic 18D T178C LYCRA® fiber / 44D / 34f Nylon 6 air covered yarn and 75D / 36F low-melt bi-component yarn in plain jersey structure. The sock is knitted with 200 needles. ^^^ The sock has stretch (machine direction % X cross machine direction%) in top and in foot area is 112%X232% and 127.5%X184.0% after finishing. Some parts of the sock are treated with heat under press machine with 1500C for 60 seconds. The stretch level becomes 92%X200% and 94%X97% after heat treatment in top and foot area, respectively. Therefore, locally pressurized zones can be added into socks with this innovative method. The sock has a non-slip effect which ^^^ can more reliably have high friction coefficients in these treated zones than other areas. Example 24: Pantyhose Pantyhose is made by 15D LYCRA® fiber with 10 / 7 nylon single covered yarn plus 75D / 36F low-melt bi-component yarn. The knit structure is plain knit. In the middle of leg part, ^^^ the fabric is pressed with 1500C for 45 seconds. The stretch level in this area before thermal activating process is 139%X137% in machine and cross machine direction. After heat pressing ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^treatment, the fabric stretch is 94%X97% in machine and cross machine direction. Also, we find that in heat treated area, the spandex has better anti-run and anti-laddering performance in cutting hole. The melt and fused low-melting polymer binds with spandex together and prevent it run. ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^

Claims

^ ^^ ^^ ^CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An elastic fabric with easy set and shape enhance property, comprising a first type of fibers, asecond type of fibers, and a third type of fibers; said first type of fibers being rigid fibers, said second of fibers being elastic fibers, and said third of fibers being low-melt fibers ; Said rigid fiber forming the main body of the fabrics; wherein i) the low-melt fiber comprises a low melt polyolefin selected from the groupconsisting of polyester, polyamide, polyethylene and polypropylene; ii) The melting temperature of the low-melt fiber is between about 600C to2500C; iii) the content of low-melt fibers is no less than 0.5 % and no higher than 55%of the fabric weight;2. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said low-melt fiber is a filament from 10 denier to 450 denier;3. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said low-melt fiber is a staple fiber with denier from 0.5 denierto 10 denier;4. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said low-melt fiber is monopolymer;5. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said low-melt fiber is bi-component ;6. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said low-melt fiber is bi-component filament with sheath corestructure, wherein the sheath comprising low melt polyolefin. The filament denier is higher than 10 denier, but no higher than 450 denier.

7. The fabric in claim 1, where the melting temperature of low-melt fiber is about 1000C to about185oC.

8. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric comprising of spandex elastic fiber;9. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric comprising of polyester bi-component elastic fiber.

10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric that can be heatset at the temperature lower than1800C ;11. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric has a construction selected from the group consistingof woven, circular knit, warp knit, sock and seamless structure. ^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^12. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a fabric comprising of spun yarn with said rigidfiber as sheath and said elastic fiber and said low-melt fiber as core;13. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric in a fabric or garment comprising of air covered,bare or intermingled yarn with said elastic fiber and said low-melt fiber and optional said rigid fiber;14. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a fabric structures comprising of said fiber, saidelastic fiber and said low-melt fiber as core;15. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a circular knit fabric with plated, v-bed, flat orsingle face structure comprising of said rigid fiber, said elastic fiber and said low-melt fiber;16. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a warp knit fabric comprising of said rigid fiber,said elastic fiber and said low-melt fiber;17. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a hosiery, legging or sock comprising of said rigidfiber, said elastic fiber and said low-melt fiber;18. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a seamless fabric, sleeve or garment comprising ofsaid rigid fiber, said elastic fiber and said low-melt fiber;19. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a knit potentially used in combination with anadditional fabric, laminated, bonded or glued, comprising of said rigid fiber, said elastic fiber and said low-melt fiber;20. The fabric, garment, sleeve or accessory of claim 1, wherein said fabric can provide localized,targeted shaping or support via thermal activation of low-melt fiber.

21. The fabric of claim 1, wherein said fabric provides performance enhancing, including indurability, abrasion resistance, wrinkle resistance, anti-elastane slippage, anti-laddering and running, and anti-curving.

22. The garment comprising the fabric of claim 1.

23. The garment of claim19, including in active wear, sportswear, job wear, intimate wear, suchas panty, legwear, socks, seamless garments, shapewear, medical or para-medical products and accessories, footwear and / or ready to wear, such as jeans, shirtings and bottom weight.

24. The garment of claim 19, wherein said garment is shaping wear selected from a groupcomprising of intimate, swimming wear, linger wear, under wear and leg wear.

25. The garment of claim 19, wherein said garment is jeans, legging and khakis.^^^ ^^ ^^ ^<sub>^ ^26. The garment of claim 19, wherein the fabric shaping zone is disposed in the area from thegroup consisting of, hip-up, hip shaping, belly tummy, thigh slenderizing, waist slim area, and the combination thereof.

27. The garment of claim 19, wherein the fabric shaping zone is disposed in the area from thegroup consisting of arms, legs, torso, wrist, foot, hand to provide localized targeted compression and support.

28. The garment of claim 19, wherein the stretch level of said fabric shaping zone is at least 5%unit lower than said fabric in no shaping zone.

29. The garment of claim 19, wherein said fabric shaping zone are placed in a pattern selectedfrom the group consisting of dots, vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal lines, a grid, and combinations thereof.

30. The garment of claim 19, wherein said fabric shaping zone has graduated edge zone.

31. A method of making fabric of claim 1, comprising: adding low-melt fiber during yarnspinning, or yarn covering, or fabric formation process ; optionally dyeing or finishing the fabric or garment; and optionally thermal fusing said fabric before, during or after garment making in predetermined locations.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein the thermal activating process is conducted on the fabric orfabric panel before garment making.

33. The method of claim 27, wherein the thermal fusing temperature no lower than 600C but nohigher than 200<sup>0C.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein the method of applying said thermal activating process isselected from the group consisting of heat pressing, laminating, oven, tent frame, ironing, stamping, molding, laser, ultrasonic, boarding, steam, autoclave and / or the combination thereof. ^^^ ^

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