Garment for improving performance during running or walking

Abstract

Trousers or shorts, configured to improve performance during running or walking, comprising a main body made of a flexible material and an elastic element arrangement integrated into the main body. The elastic element arrangement comprises first (1) and second (1') elastic elements, configured as fourth (1) and fifth (1') bands, extending along a front or antero-medial portion of each thigh of the wearer, connecting a proximate non-yielding band (2), configured as a first band (2), at a waist circumference of the wearer, with respective first (3) and second (3') distal non-yielding bands, configured respectively as second (3) and third (3') bands, at or above each left or right knee of the wearer. Said first, second, third, fourth and fifth bands being integrated into the trousers or shorts. Said flexible material is a first fabric, said first, second and third bands are made of a second fabric and said fourth and fifth bands are made of a third fabric. The third fabric has a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the second fabric and higher than the modulus of elasticity of the first fabric.

Description

GARMENT FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE DURING RUNNING OR WALKING

[0001] The present invention relates to garments configured to improve performance during running or walking.

[0002] In recent years, a number of active exoskeletons have been developed that use electric motors to facilitate the wearer's walking or running. Such systems are characterized by significant bulk and weight, which constitutes an obstacle to their use, together with problems related to the limited battery life of the electric motors.

[0003] In order to overcome these limitations, passive exoskeletons have been proposed that do not use electric motors but instead use springs or elastic elements to help the human body recycle energy, by recovering and returning mechanical energy, thus reducing the metabolic cost of the physical activity performed by the user.

[0004] Like active exoskeletons, these passive devices must be worn over clothing and have a bulk and mass that, although lower than active exoskeletons, remain nevertheless non-negligible, restricting their use to fields such as the medical or occupational sectors.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a garment that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a garment which improves performance during running or walking, while simultaneously reducing the bulk and weight that the user must bear compared to passive exoskeletons of the state of the art.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a garment in which the means for improving performance during running or walking are integrated into the garment itself.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a garment that improves performance during running or walking, while reducing manufacturing costs compared to solutions of the state of the art.

[0009] The present invention achieves at least one of the above objects, and other objects that will become apparent from the present description, by means of a garment for improving performance during running or walking, comprising a main body made of a flexible material and an elastic element arrangement integrated into said main body.

[0010] The main body of the garment comprises a portion configured to cover a pelvic region of a wearer and first and second leg portions extending therefrom, each leg portion being configured to cover at least a respective portion of a thigh of the wearer.

[0011] The elastic element arrangement comprises non-yielding bands arranged at a proximal region of the wearer and at distal regions of the thighs, and one or more elastic elements arranged along a front or antero-medial portion of each thigh between said proximal and distal regions, the elastic elements being configured to cooperate with the non-yielding bands during use.

[0012] The elastic elements are made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than that of the material of the non-yielding bands and higher than that of the material of the main body of the garment.

[0013] As is known, a parameter used to characterize the elasticity of a material, in particular a fabric, is the modulus of elasticity, or Young's modulus. This parameter measures the resistance of the material to elastic deformation under an applied force. It is calculated as the ratio between stress (force per unit area) and strain (relative deformation).

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the garment is in the form of trousers or shorts for improving performance during running or walking, comprising at least a first fabric and provided with:

[0015] a first band, made of a second fabric and positioned along a first end portion of the first fabric at the waist circumference;

[0016] a second band, made of said second fabric and positioned along a second end portion of the first fabric at the lower left thigh circumference, i.e., above the left knee;

[0017] a third band, made of said second fabric and positioned along a third end portion of the first fabric at the lower right thigh circumference, i.e., above the right knee;

[0018] a fourth band, made of a third fabric, positioned at a front part of the left thigh and connecting the first band to the second band; and

[0019] a fifth band, made of said third fabric, positioned at a front part of the right thigh and connecting the first band to the third band;

[0020] wherein the first band, the second band, the third band, the fourth band, and the fifth band are integrated into the trousers or shorts; and

[0021] wherein the third fabric has a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the second fabric and higher than the modulus of elasticity of the first fabric.

[0022] Running, or power walking, is a widely practiced physical activity that helps to stay in shape and improves physical and mental well-being. Assistance in its practice is provided by the use of adequate equipment, both in terms of footwear and clothing. The garment according to the invention plays an important role in this regard, as it is designed to offer comfort, freedom of movement, and improve performance during physical activity.

[0023] The solution of the invention integrates elastic elements and non-yielding bands into the garment, the elastic element arrangement thereby forming an elastic support structure integrated into the garment, which may be regarded as providing a form of passive exoskeletal assistance, while remaining lightweight, non-intrusive, and suitable for large-scale production.

[0024] During running or walking, part of the energy required to generate positive mechanical work is provided by elastic energy stored in tendons during a preceding phase of negative work and subsequently released. The invention uses the elastic elements arranged along the front or antero-medial portion of each thigh as exotendons that store mechanical energy during elongation and release said energy during shortening, thereby assisting hip flexion and facilitating advancement of the leg.

[0025] Although in the present description the garment is illustrated and described mainly as trousers or shorts with said first non-yielding band positioned at the waist, it is to be understood that such configuration is provided by way of example only. The invention also includes garments in which said first non-yielding band is positioned higher than the waist, while remaining suitable for performing its function during running or walking.

[0026] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of exemplary, but not exclusive, embodiments. The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

[0027] In the description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0028] is a front view of a first embodiment of a garment according to the invention;

[0029] is a back view of the garment ofaccording to the invention;

[0030] is a front view of a second embodiment of a garment according to the invention;

[0031] is a back view of the garment ofaccording to the invention;

[0032] illustrates the phases of a running cycle.

[0033] The same reference numerals and letters in the figures identify the same elements or components.

[0034] In general terms, the garment comprises a main body and an elastic element arrangement integrated into the main body. The main body comprises a pelvic portion and first and second leg portions extending therefrom, each leg portion being configured to cover at least a portion of a respective thigh. The elastic element arrangement comprises elastic elements cooperating with non-yielding bands arranged at a proximal region of the wearer and at distal regions of the thighs.

[0035] The following description relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0036] In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1–4 and described below, the garment is implemented in the form of trousers or shorts made of at least a first fabric and provided with:

[0037] a first band 2, made of a second fabric and positioned along a first end portion of the first fabric at the waist circumference;

[0038] a second band 3, made of said second fabric and positioned along a second end portion of the first fabric at the lower left thigh circumference, i.e. above the left knee;

[0039] a third band 3’, made of said second fabric and positioned along a third end portion of the first fabric at the lower right thigh circumference, i.e. above the right knee;

[0040] a fourth band 1, made of a third fabric, positioned at a front part of the left thigh and connecting the first band 2 to the second band 3; and

[0041] a fifth band 1’, made of said third fabric, positioned at a front part of the right thigh and connecting the first band 2 to the third band 3’.

[0042] Advantageously, the first band 2, the second band 3, the third band 3’, the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ are integrated into the trousers or shorts; and the third fabric has a modulus of elasticity, or Young’s modulus, lower than the modulus of elasticity of the second fabric and higher than the modulus of elasticity of the first fabric.

[0043] Advantageously, the above-mentioned bands have different mechanical characteristics and are arranged so as to provide a mechanical energy return capable of facilitating the stride.

[0044] In a first variant of the invention, the first band 2, the second band 3 and the third band 3’ are sewn adjacent to the first end portion, the second end portion and the third end portion of the first fabric, respectively; while the fourth band 1 is sewn between two flaps of the first fabric, forming a first longitudinal portion of the trousers or shorts corresponding to the front part of the left thigh; and the fifth band 1’ is sewn between two further flaps of the first fabric, forming a second longitudinal portion of the trousers or shorts corresponding to the front part of the right thigh.

[0045] In a second variant of the invention, the first band 2, the second band 3 and the third band 3’ are inserted at least partially, preferably completely, inside the first end portion, the second end portion and the third end portion of the first fabric, respectively, that is inside the fabric forming the garment, thereby constituting a structure forming an integral part of the garment.

[0046] In said second variant, the fourth band 1 is inserted at least partially, preferably completely, inside a first longitudinal portion of the first fabric corresponding to the front part of the left thigh; while the fifth band 1’ is inserted at least partially, preferably completely, inside a second longitudinal portion of the first fabric corresponding to the front part of the right thigh.

[0047] In particular, all the above-mentioned bands 1, 1’, 2, 3, 3’ may be arranged inside internal passages formed in the first fabric.

[0048] For example, the first band 2, the second band 3 and the third band 3’ may be inserted inside respective internal passages formed in the trousers or shorts by means of double stitching parallel to the respective ends of the trousers or shorts. By contrast, the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ may be inserted inside respective internal passages formed by transverse double stitching, for example perpendicular to the respective ends of the trousers or shorts.

[0049] More specifically, the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ are to be considered elastic bands, whereas the first band 2, the second band 3 and the third band 3’ are to be considered non-yielding bands.

[0050] An elastic band is defined as a fabric band which, when subjected to a tensile force applied to its ends, deforms by elongating and, when such force ceases to act, returns to its original length.

[0051] Examples of fabrics behaving in this manner and suitable for use as the third fabric in the garment of the invention include: elastane combined with nylon or polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) laminated onto fabric, and natural rubber (latex) laminated onto natural or synthetic fabrics.

[0052] A non-yielding band is defined as a fabric band which, when subjected to a tensile force applied to its ends, does not deform, or deforms to an extremely limited extent, so that its length remains substantially unchanged.

[0053] Examples of fabrics behaving in this manner and sufficiently lightweight and flexible to be used as the second fabric in the garment of the invention include: high-density polyester, Dyneema® (i.e. UHMWPE – ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene – or HMPE – high-modulus polyethylene), and reinforced nylon.

[0054] In the present invention, the non-yielding bands 2, 3, 3’ are made of fabrics having a high Young’s modulus, for example on the order of 10^9 Pascals (1 Pascal = 1 Newton / m^2); the elastic bands 1, 1’ are made of fabrics having an intermediate Young’s modulus, for example in the range of 5×10^6 to 20×10^6 Pascals; whereas the first fabric, or garment fabric, has a low Young’s modulus, for example in the range of 0.1×10^6 to 0.5×10^6 Pascals.

[0055] Said first fabric is a breathable and lightweight fabric, for example made from a combination of polypropylene and polyester to ensure maximum comfort and durability.

[0056] Unlike the third fabric of the elastic bands 1, 1’, which mainly extends in one direction, namely along the length of the bands, the first fabric of the trousers or shorts is preferably stretchable in two directions (4-way stretch), thereby allowing the garment to follow the body in all movements without hindrance.

[0057] The elastic bands 1, 1’ are arranged along a front portion of each thigh, including an antero-medial region thereof. The exact positioning of each elastic band along the front region of the thigh may vary depending on the anatomical configuration of the user, without departing from the scope of the invention

[0058] A non-yielding band 2 is located at the waist. Above each knee, a respective non-yielding band 3, 3’ is provided. The elastic bands 1, 1’ connect the non-yielding waist band 2 with the non-yielding bands 3, 3’ positioned above each knee.

[0059] Due to their higher modulus of elasticity, the first band 2, the second band 3 and the third band 3’ are configured to substantially restrict movement of the ends of the elastic bands 1, 1’ under tensile load and to act as anchoring zones providing mechanical reaction points for tensioning the elastic bands.

[0060] Preferably, the first band 2, the second band 3 and the third band 3’, i.e. the non-yielding bands, are provided with respective adjustable closure means 4, 5, 5’ along the respective circumference.

[0061] In one variant, said adjustable closure means 4, 5, 5’ comprise a hook-and-loop (Velcro®) system or another suitable fastening system for adjusting the respective circumference of the band, namely the waist circumference, the lower left thigh circumference and the lower right thigh circumference.

[0062] In particular, the waist non-yielding band 2 and the non-yielding bands 3, 3’ above each knee are adjusted so as to adapt them to the user’s physical constitution.

[0063] The waist non-yielding band 2 and the non-yielding bands 3, 3’ above each knee define the anchoring points of the elastic bands 1, 1’. For this reason, the waist non-yielding band 2 is adjusted by means of the respective adjustable closure means 4 so as to fit the user’s waist circumference and to remain substantially stationary in a vertical direction when the elastic bands 1, 1’ are tensioned. The non-yielding bands 3, 3’ above each knee are adjusted by means of the respective adjustable closure means 5, 5’ so as to fit the user’s leg dimensions and to remain substantially stationary in a vertical direction when the elastic bands 1, 1’ are tensioned.

[0064] Advantageously, the inner surface of the first band (2), the second band (3) and the third band (3’), intended to come into contact with the skin or with an undergarment, may comprise anti-slip material elements configured to increase friction, thereby further reducing the tendency of the traction force exerted by the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’) to cause downward sliding of the first band (2) and upward sliding of the second and third bands (3, 3’) during running.

[0065] Advantageously, the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ may be pre-tensioned.

[0066] In a first embodiment, illustrated in Figs.1 and 2, the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ have respective first ends 7, 7’ fixedly attached to the second band 3 and the third band 3’, respectively, and respective second ends adjustably fixed to the first band 2, preferably either directly fixed to the first band 2 or indirectly fixed to the first band 2 by means of a connecting flap 6b, 6b’ fixedly attached to the first band 2. This allows adjustment of the tension of the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ and, if necessary, also adjustment of their alignment with respect to the front part of the corresponding thigh.

[0067] Preferably, but not necessarily, hook-and-loop fastening systems 6a, 6b and 6a’, 6b’ are provided for adjustably fixing the respective second ends of the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ to the first band 2. Accordingly, at the upper part of each elastic band 1, 1’ there is provided a respective hook-and-loop fastening system 6a, 6b and 6a’, 6b’ or another type of fastening, configured to allow adjustment of the tension of said elastic band in order to adapt it to the user’s physical characteristics and usage conditions, ensuring effective mechanical energy return without compromising user comfort.

[0068] In one exemplary embodiment, said hook-and-loop fastening systems 6a, 6b and 6a’, 6b’ respectively comprise, or consist of, a hook portion 6a, 6a’ fixed to the respective second end of the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’, and a loop portion 6b, 6b’ fixed to the first band 2. The hook portion and / or the loop portion may protrude from the respective internal passage of the first fabric, where provided.

[0069] It has been found that for optimal functioning of the solution of the invention, the elastic bands 1, 1’ must be correctly aligned along the front part of each thigh. In general, this is ensured by proper selection of the garment size suitable for the user’s physical constitution. However, adjustment of the non-yielding waist band 2 in order to adapt it to the user’s waist circumference may cause small variations in the alignment of the elastic bands 1, 1’ along the front part of the respective thigh.

[0070] In order to allow adjustment of such alignment, if needed, the loop portion 6b, 6b’ preferably has a greater width than the hook portion 6a, 6a’. This allows variation of the position of the hook portion 6a, 6a’ both horizontally and vertically. Vertical displacement of the hook portion allows adjustment of the tension of the elastic band 1, 1’, while horizontal displacement allows adjustment of the alignment of the elastic band 1, 1’ so that it corresponds to the front part of each thigh, thereby ensuring optimal operation of the garment of the invention. In this context, the horizontal and vertical directions refer to an upright standing position of the user.

[0071] A second embodiment, illustrated in Figs.3 and 4, is substantially identical to the first embodiment but differs therefrom in that the first end 7, 7’ of the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ has an increasing width when approaching the second band 3 and the third band 3’, respectively. This enlarged connection causes the tension of the elastic bands 1, 1’ to be distributed over larger portions of the non-yielding bands 3, 3’ positioned above each knee, thereby providing a more efficient and stable anchoring of the elastic bands 1, 1’ to the respective non-yielding bands 3, 3’.

[0072] Preferably, also the respective connecting flap 6b, 6b’ may have an increasing width when approaching the first band 2 (solution not illustrated).

[0073] In a third embodiment, not illustrated, the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ have respective first ends fixedly attached at respective points of the first band 2 and respective second ends adjustably fixed to the second band 3 and the third band 3’, respectively, preferably either directly to the second band 3 and the third band 3’, or indirectly by means of respective connecting flaps fixedly attached to the second band 3 and the third band 3’, respectively.

[0074] Preferably, but not necessarily, hook-and-loop fastening systems are provided to adjustably fix the respective second ends of the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ to the second band 3 and the third band 3’, respectively.

[0075] In one exemplary embodiment, said hook-and-loop fastening systems respectively comprise a hook portion fixed to the corresponding second end of the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’, and a loop portion fixed to the second band 3 and the third band 3’, respectively. Optionally, also in this case the loop portion has a greater width than the hook portion.

[0076] A fourth embodiment, not illustrated, is substantially identical to the third embodiment but differs therefrom in that the first end of the fourth band 1 and the fifth band 1’ has an increasing width when approaching the first band 2. Preferably, also the respective connecting flap may have an increasing width when approaching the second band 3 and the third band 3’, respectively (solution not illustrated).

[0077] In some embodiments, in addition to or in combination with the above-described tension-adjustment arrangements, the elastic bands may be dimensioned such that, when the garment is worn by the user in a resting upright position, an unstressed length of each elastic band is shorter than a distance between the respective anchoring zones arranged at opposite ends thereof, thereby contributing to a pre-tensioned condition.

[0078] To illustrate the operation of the trousers or shorts of the present invention, in all embodiments thereof, the various phases of the running cycle are shown by way of example in, focusing on the subject’s right leg, shown in black. The right foot begins ground contact in phase A, exerts maximum propulsion in phase B, and lifts off the ground in phase C. In phases C and D, the elastic band 1’ reaches an elongated state, such that its length is greater than the length it has in its neutral state, i.e. when it is not subjected to forces. Line 8 indicates the elongated state of the elastic band.

[0079] The elastic band 1’, when brought into an elongated position, generates an elastic return force, i.e. a force tending to restore the elastic band to its neutral length. Said return force acts so as to bring the ends of the elastic band closer together, i.e. the anchoring points of the elastic band to the non-yielding bands. The resulting force acts on the right knee in such a way as to assist the subject in lifting and advancing the right leg, thereby facilitating phases E and F of the movement. The energy stored in the elastic band during its elongation is thus used to facilitate the subject’s stride. An analogous cycle occurs for the left leg, temporally alternating with that of the right leg.

[0080] The invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated herein. Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, although the invention has been described mainly with reference to trousers or shorts, the same technical principles may be applied to other garments configured to be worn on the lower part of the body.

Claims

A garment for improving performance during running or walking, comprising a main body made of a first flexible material and an elastic element arrangement integrated into said main body,said main body comprising a portion configured to cover a pelvic region of a wearer and first and second leg portions extending from said main body portion, each leg portion being configured to cover at least a respective portion of a thigh of the wearer,said elastic element arrangement comprising:– a proximal non-yielding band made of a second material and arranged at a waist circumference of the wearer;– a first distal non-yielding band made of said second material and arranged at a lower portion of a left thigh of the wearer, at or above a left knee;– a second distal non-yielding band made of said second material and arranged at a lower portion of a right thigh of the wearer, at or above a right knee;– at least one elastic element made of a third material and extending along a front or antero-medial portion of the left thigh of the wearer between said proximal non-yielding band and said first distal non-yielding band; and– at least one elastic element made of said third material and extending along a front or antero-medial portion of the right thigh of the wearer between said proximal non-yielding band and said second distal non-yielding band;wherein said non-yielding bands are integrated into the garment and configured to substantially restrict movement of the ends of the elastic elements during use; andwherein the third material has a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the second material and higher than the modulus of elasticity of the first material.The garment according to claim 1, in particular trousers or shorts, wherein said first flexible material of the main body is a first fabric, said second material of the non-yielding bands is a second fabric, and said third material of the elastic elements is a third fabric, the garment being provided with:a first band (2), configured as a proximal non-yielding band, made of said second fabric and positioned along a first end portion of the first fabric at the waist circumference;a second band (3), configured as a first distal non-yielding band, made of said second fabric and positioned along a second end portion of the first fabric at the lower left thigh circumference, in particular above the left knee;a third band (3’), configured as a second distal non-yielding band, made of said second fabric and positioned along a third end portion of the first fabric at the lower right thigh circumference, in particular above the right knee;a fourth band (1), configured as a first elastic element, made of said third fabric, positioned at a front part of the left thigh and connecting the first band (2) to the second band (3); anda fifth band (1’), configured as a second elastic element, made of said third fabric, positioned at a front part of the right thigh and connecting the first band (2) to the third band (3’);wherein the first band (2), the second band (3), the third band (3’), the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’) are integrated into the trousers or shorts; andwherein the third fabric has a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the second fabric and higher than the modulus of elasticity of the first fabric.The trousers or shorts according to claim 2, wherein each of said first band (2), second band (3) and third band (3’) is sewn adjacent to, respectively, the first end portion, the second end portion and the third end portion of the first fabric;wherein the fourth band (1) is sewn between two flaps of the first fabric, forming a first longitudinal portion of the trousers or shorts corresponding to said front part of the left thigh;and wherein the fifth band (1’) is sewn between two further flaps of the first fabric, forming a second longitudinal portion of the trousers or shorts corresponding to said front part of the right thigh.The trousers or shorts according to claim 2, wherein each of said first band (2), second band (3) and third band (3’) is inserted at least partially, preferably completely, inside respectively the first end portion, the second end portion and the third end portion of the first fabric;wherein the fourth band (1) is inserted at least partially, preferably completely, inside a first longitudinal portion of the first fabric corresponding to said front part of the left thigh;and wherein the fifth band (1’) is inserted at least partially, preferably completely, inside a second longitudinal portion of the first fabric corresponding to said front part of the right thigh;preferably wherein each of said first band (2), second band (3), third band (3’), fourth band (1) and fifth band (1’) is inserted inside a respective internal passage formed in the first fabric.The trousers or shorts according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first band (2), the second band (3) and the third band (3’) are provided with respective adjustable closure means (4, 5, 5’) along their respective circumference;preferably wherein said adjustable closure means (4, 5, 5’) comprise a hook-and-loop fastening system, or another suitable fastening system, for adjusting the respective circumference.The trousers or shorts according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’) are pre-tensioned.The trousers or shorts according to claim 6, wherein the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’) have respective first ends fixedly attached to the second band (3) and to the third band (3’), respectively, and respective second ends adjustably fixed relative to the first band (2), preferably fixed directly to the first band (2) or indirectly by means of a connecting flap (6b, 6b’) fixedly attached to the first band (2), so as to adjust the tension of said fourth band (1) and said fifth band (1’) and optionally also the alignment thereof with respect to the front part of the corresponding thigh.The trousers or shorts according to claim 7, wherein hook-and-loop fastening systems (6a, 6b and 6a’, 6b’) are provided for adjustably fixing the respective second ends of the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’) relative to the first band (2);preferably wherein said hook-and-loop fastening systems (6a, 6b and 6a’, 6b’) respectively comprise a hook portion (6a, 6a’) fixed to the respective second ends of the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’), and a loop portion (6b, 6b’) fixed to the first band (2);preferably wherein the loop portion (6b, 6b’) has a greater width than the hook portion (6a, 6a’).The trousers or shorts according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first end of the fourth band (1) and of the fifth band (1’) has an increasing width when approaching the second band (3) and the third band (3’), respectively;preferably wherein also the respective connecting flap (6b) has an increasing width when approaching the first band (2).The trousers or shorts according to claim 6, wherein the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’) have respective first ends fixedly attached at respective points of the first band (2), and respective second ends adjustably fixed to the second band (3) and to the third band (3’), respectively, directly on the second band and the third band or indirectly by means of a respective connecting flap fixedly attached to the second band and to the third band, respectively;preferably wherein a hook-and-loop fastening system is provided for adjustably fixing the respective second ends of the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’) relative to the second band (3) and the third band (3’), respectively;preferably wherein said hook-and-loop fastening systems respectively comprise a hook portion fixed to the corresponding second end of the fourth band (1) and the fifth band (1’), and a loop portion fixed to the second band (3) and to the third band (3’), respectively;preferably wherein the loop portion has a greater width than the hook portion.The trousers or shorts according to claim 10, wherein the first end of the fourth band (1) and of the fifth band (1’) has an increasing width when approaching the first band (2);preferably wherein also the respective connecting flap has an increasing width when approaching the second band (3) and the third band (3’), respectively.

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