Apparel with Multi-Layer Fabric Panel

This application is a continuation of Unites States patent application Ser. No. 17/864,795, filed Jul. 14, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. ______ and claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/221,679, filed Jul. 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

This document relates to the field of apparel, and particularly to garments and other articles of apparel to be worn or carried by a body.

Many garments are designed to fit closely to the human body. When designing an article of apparel for a close fit to the human body, different body shapes and sizes must be considered. Designing a garment with a correct fit is often difficult because individuals wearing the same size garment often have differently shaped bodies with different overall measurements. For example, two individuals with the same waist measurement may nevertheless have significantly different shapes. One may have a larger stomach while another may have larger hips. As another example, two individuals with the same bra size may have differently shaped breasts with slightly different measurements. Designing garments with a correct fit is further complicated by the fact that each individual will experience periodic changes in measurements and shapes of certain body parts. For example, waist measurements will tend to change over time as the individual gains or sheds just a few pounds of body fat and/or water weight. Similarly, female breast size and shape tends to fluctuate throughout the month. Asymmetry in breast size is also common, making it difficult for many females to find a proper fit for a single size bra.

In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a garment or other article of apparel comprised of a fabric that is capable of conforming to various body shapes within a given size range. It would also be desirable to provide a fabric that is capable of dynamically adjusting to changing body shapes over time while also conforming to various curvatures on the human body. Furthermore, it would be advantageous for such fabric to be comfortable against human skin while also managing perspiration and moisture for the wearer. In addition, it would be desirable for such a garment or article of apparel to be attractive, relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a pants garment including a waistband with a multi-layer fabric panel. The multi-layer fabric panel includes a first fabric layer coupled to a second fabric layer. The first fabric layer is comprised of a first material and a second material, the first material forming an auxetic structure comprising a pattern of reentrant shapes, and the second material providing a fill portion positioned inside each reentrant shape of the auxetic structure. The second fabric layer is coupled to the first fabric layer along an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter of the waistband, the second fabric layer is free-floating relative to the first fabric layer in a central body portion between the upper perimeter and the lower perimeter of the waistband. A pelvis portion is connected to the waistband.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a fabric panel arranged on a brassiere or other article of apparel. The fabric panel includes a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer. The first fabric layer includes a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and a second material having a second modulus of elasticity, the first modulus of elasticity greater than the second modulus of elasticity. An auxetic structure is formed by the first material on the first fabric layer, the auxetic structure comprising a pattern of reentrant shapes. The second fabric layer is coupled to the first fabric layer along a perimeter portion of the fabric panel. The second fabric layer is free-floating relative to the first fabric layer at a central body portion located within the perimeter portion of the fabric panel.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a brassiere comprising a first cup section, a second cup section, and a sternum bridge. The first cup section is provided by a multi-layer fabric panel including a first fabric layer coupled to a second fabric layer. The first fabric layer includes a first material and a second material, the first material forming an auxetic structure comprising a pattern of reentrant shapes, and the second material providing a fill portion positioned inside each reentrant shape of the auxetic structure. The second fabric layer of the multi-layer fabric panel comprises a stretch fabric. The sternum bridge is positioned between the first cup section and the second cup section. The second fabric layer is coupled to the first fabric layer of the first cup section along a perimeter portion of the multi-layer fabric panel adjacent to the sternum bridge.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide an article of apparel that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned advantages.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. It is further understood that this disclosure includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the accompanying description. Alternate embodiments of the present disclosure and their equivalents may be devised without parting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any discussion herein regarding “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and that such particular feature, structure, or characteristic may not necessarily be included in every embodiment. In addition, references to the foregoing do not necessarily comprise a reference to the same embodiment. Finally, irrespective of whether it is explicitly described, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that each of the particular features, structures, or characteristics of the given embodiments may be utilized in connection or combination with those of any other embodiment discussed herein.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). Also, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous.

With reference to, an article of apparel is shown in the form of a brassiere(or “bra”). The braincludes a plurality of multi-layer fabric panelsprovided in different regions of the bra, including a cup sectionand shoulder straps. As described in detail herein, each multi-layer fabric panel(which may also be referred to herein as an “auxetic fabric panel”) includes a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer. An auxetic structuredefining a plurality of reentrant shapes is formed by one material incorporated into the first fabric layer. A fill for the reentrant shapes is provided by another material incorporated into the first fabric layer. The second fabric layer is coupled to the first fabric layer, but is free-floating relative to the first fabric layer. Together, the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer provide an improved fabric panel for an article of apparel that closely forms to various body shapes and sizes while also offering improved support and comfort for the wearer.

With reference now to, one embodiment of the multi-layer fabric panelis shown. The multi-layer fabric panelincludes a first fabric layer(or “first layer”) and a second fabric layer(or “second layer”) that is in contact with the first layer. The first layeris defined by a shape along a first perimeter. A central body portionis located inwardly from the first perimeterand extends across most of the area of the first layer. Similarly, the second layeris defined by the same shape as the first layeralong a second perimeter. A central body portionof the second layeris located inwardly from the second perimeterand extends across most of the area of the second layer.

The shape of the first layeris in registration with the shape of the second layer, and the two layers,are bonded together along to their perimeters,. This bonding be accomplished using any of various means, such as adhesives or other bonding agents. Alternatively, the first layermay be connected to the second layerby stitching or other connection means. The first layeris bonded to the second layeronly along the perimeters,, and thus the central body portionof the first layeris free-floating relative to the central body portionof the second layer. In other words, the central body portionof the first layermay be pulled away from and moved relative to the central body portionof the second layer. This free-floating arrangement provides for some level of independence of the first layerrelative to the second layer, even though the two layers are connected along their perimeters.

As shown in, the first layeris provided by a fabric including an auxetic structure. The term “auxetic structure” as used herein refers to a repeating pattern of reentrant shapes that are generally recognized as providing auxetic characteristics when stress is applied to the structure, regardless of whether the structure actually has a negative Poisson's ratio. The auxetic structureinis provided by a plurality of auxetic hexagons having reentrant angles. When the auxetic fabric panelis arranged on a garment, the auxetic hexagons are oriented in either an hourglass orientation (wherein the parallel bars on opposing ends of each hexagon are oriented generally horizontal upon the garment) or a bow-tie orientation (wherein the parallel bars on opposing ends of each hexagon are oriented generally vertical on the garment). The auxetic hexagons are shown in bow-tie orientation in the embodiment of. Each of the auxetic hexagons provides one cell in an array including rows and columns of auxetic hexagons.

The first layerof the multi-layer panel is formed from at least two different materials. The first material provides the auxetic structure. The second material provides a non-auxetic web into which the auxetic structureis embedded. The second material thus provides an interior area/fillwithin each cell of the auxetic structure.

shows an enlarged view of the fabric of the first layerof, including several enlarged auxetic hexagons. As illustrated in, the first layer is formed by a plurality of yarns or other threads, including a first yarn, a second yarn, and a third yarn, that are knitted, woven or otherwise stitched together or interlaced to provide the fabric of the first layer. The yarns,andare stitched together in such a manner that the fabric includes both the auxetic structure portionand the fill portion. As indicated in, the auxetic structure portionis formed of stitchings of the first yarnand the third yarn. The fill portion, meanwhile, is formed of stitchings of the second yarnand the third yarn. The term “thread” as used herein refers to a yarn or other strand of material that is used to form a fabric.

The first yarnand the second yarnmay be comprised of any of various different materials such as polyester, nylon, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), spandex, or other materials as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. The first yarnmay be the same as or a different material from the second yarn. However, the denier of the first yarnis greater than the denier of the second yarn. As used herein, the “denier” of a yarn refers to a unit of linear mass density of fibers. In general, yarns with greater deniers are thicker than yarns with lesser deniers. In the embodiment of, the first yarnis between 100 and 300 denier, and specifically about 150 denier; the second yarnis between 33 and 100 denier, and specifically about 50 denier. In this embodiment the denier ratio of the first yarn to the second yarn is about 3:1. The third yarnis comprised of an elastomer material, such as spandex or another material comprising elastane fibers. The third yarnis between 50 and 150 denier, and specifically about 100 denier. The foregoing denier ranges for the first, second and third yarns are an exemplary denier ranges for yarns used in one specific garment arrangement, and it will be appreciated that other denier ranges for the yarns may be appropriate for different embodiments and different articles of apparel.

The first yarnis combined (e.g., stitched together) with the third yarnto form the auxetic structure portionhaving a first modulus of elasticity. Similarly, the second yarnis stitched together with the third yarnto form the fill portion having a second modulus of elasticity. The term “elastic modulus” (or “modulus of elasticity”) refers to a measure of the amount of force per unit area (stress) needed to achieve a given amount of deformation (strain). The higher the elastic modulus of a material, the greater the force required to deform the material to a given degree. In contrast, the lower the elastic modulus, the lesser the force required to deform the material to a given degree. In the embodiment disclosed in, both the auxetic structure portionand the fill portioninclude the third yarnwhich is comprised of elastane fibers. Thus, both the auxetic structure portionand the fill portionare stretchable portions of the first layer. However, because the first yarnused to make the auxetic structure portionhas a greater denier than the second yarnused to make the fill portion, the auxetic structure portionhas a greater modulus of elasticity than the fill portion. As a result, the auxetic structure portionis a more dominant structure and the fill portionis a more submissive structure. Thus, the more submissive fill portiontends to follow and conform to the strain on the more dominant auxetic structure portionwhen stress forces act on the layer.

The auxetic structure portionformed from the first yarnand the third yarnincludes a plurality of interconnected segmentsthat form a repeating pattern of reentrant shapes. The reentrant shapesprovide a raised area relative to the fill portionon one side of the fabric. Each reentrant shapemay also be referred to herein as a “cell” defined the by the interconnected segmentsproviding a cell wall and an interior areadefined within the cell wall (i.e., the area within the shape formed by the interconnected segments). In the embodiment of, each reentrant shapeis an auxetic hexagon having hourglass shape such that the auxetic structure portion forms a repeating pattern of hourglass shapes. The auxetic structure portionmay not provide the fabric with classic auxetic behavior, or even near-auxetic behavior, in all embodiments of the fabric. However, the auxetic structure portiondoes provide the fabric with a surface feature that has an auxetic shape (i.e., a repeating pattern of re-entrant shapes) and contributes to a lower Poisson's ratio for the fabric. Again, the actual auxetic properties exhibited by the fabric depends on the respective properties of and combined interaction of the auxetic structure portionand the fill portion.

As noted above, the term “auxetic structure” refers to a repeating pattern of reentrant shapes that are generally recognized as providing auxetic characteristics when stress is applied to the structure, regardless of whether the structure actually has a negative Poisson's ratio. It will be recognized that whether a structure is a truly auxetic with a negative Poisson's ratio, may depend upon the degree to which the structure is stretched. Structures may have a negative Poisson's ratio up to a certain stretch threshold, but when stretched past the threshold may have a positive Poisson's ratio. For example, it is possible that when the auxetic structure portioninis stretched past a threshold expansion position, the cells and segments of the auxetic structure portionmay be stretched to an extent that the auxetic structure portionbecomes slightly thinner (in the direction perpendicular to stretch). Accordingly, the term “true auxetic” as used herein refers to structures or materials that possess or exhibit a negative (i.e., below zero) Poisson's ratio over some distance of stretch. Preferably, the structure or material possesses a negative Poisson's ratio during the entirety of the stretch. The term “near auxetic,” is used herein to refer to a structure having a Poisson's ratio of approximately zero and, in particular, less than +0.20 (i.e., from about 0.0 to +0.20) over some distance of stretch. The term “lower the Poisson's ratio” is used herein to refer to structures with features that lower the Poisson's ratio of a fabric, laminate or other sheet of material. As noted in the preceding paragraph, an auxetic structure may serve to lower the Poisson's ratio of a fabric or other material, even if the material is not true auxetic or near auxetic.

With continued reference to, the fill portionformed from the second yarnand the third yarnis a substantially smooth span of fabric that is provided on the interior areaof each cell. The fill portionextends between the interconnected segments of the auxetic structure portionsuch that the fill portionof each cellis spread evenly through the entirety of the interior area. Thus, the interior areaof the fabric does not include any openings or holes with the exception of the tiny passages typically associated with an air permeable fabric. Accordingly, the fabric forming the first layer, including both the auxetic structure portionand the fill portionis continuous; moreover, the fabric is not a mesh material, netting or other material that is configured with numerous relatively large passages formed therein. In at least one embodiment, the fabric is defined as having less than 25% of its surface area exposing direct openings through the fabric (e.g., less than 10% of the surface area exposes a hole in the fabric sheet that extends perpendicularly through the sheet relative to the plane defined by the fabric sheet when it is in an upstretched state).

The different fibers that are used to form the fabric (e.g., the first yarn, second yarn, and third yarn, described above) are woven, circular knit, warp knit, or otherwise stitched together. The fibers may be contemporaneously stitched together by a machine to form a two-sided fabric that may be removed from the machine as a unitary sheet of material. In at least one embodiment, the first layeris provided by a warp-knit fabric stitched in a manner to form both the auxetic structure portionand the fill portion. For example, the fabric may be a warp-knit jacquard fabric. In this embodiment, the auxetic structure portionis raised relative to the fill portion on one side of the fabric, and the opposite side of the fabric is substantially smooth such that the auxetic structure cannot be easily detected from the opposite second side of the fabric, and the second side of the fabric appears uniform and is smooth to the touch relative to the first side. In such an embodiment, the first yarn(i.e., the yarn associated with the auxetic structure portion) is exposed on the first side of the fabric but not on the opposite second side of the fabric, and the second yarn(i.e., the yarn associated with the filler portion) is exposed on both the first side and the second side of the fabric. In other embodiments, the auxetic structure portionmay form recessed channels relative to the filler portionon the opposite side of the fabric. In such embodiments, the first yarnand the second yarnare exposed on both sides of the fabric.

In at least one embodiment, the above-described fabric of the first layeris the same as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,936,755, issued Apr. 10, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

With particular reference again to, the second layerof the auxetic fabric panelis provided by a stretch fabric material which is breathable, flexible, has a sufficient elasticity to provide support during use of the bra, and is durable against machine-washing. In at least one embodiment, the fabric material of the second layeris a compression fabric including elastane or other elastic fibers, such as a spandex fabric. Different fabric materials may be used to provide different qualities of elasticity. For example, in one embodiment a four-way stretch fabric may be used and in another embodiment a two-way stretch fabric may be used. Examples of stretch fabrics that may be used for the second layerof the include HEATGEAR® and THUS™ fabrics sold by Under Armour, Inc. In at least one embodiment the second layeritself is auxetic or near auxetic. Additionally, while the second layerof the auxetic fabric panelhas been described herein as being formed from a different fabric than the first layer, it will be recognized that in at least some embodiments, the second layeris identical to the first layer.

Again, the second layerof the auxetic fabric panelis connected to the first layeralong the perimeter portions,, and the central body portionof the first layeris free-floating relative to the central body portionof the second layer. However, the second layeris defined by a greater power (including both elastic recovery and tensile strength), and thus the second layeris configured to control the stretch and drive recovery of the first layer when a strain is applied to the multi-layer fabric panel.

The above described auxetic fabric panelofis illustrative of any number of possible embodiments of the panel. It will be recognized that modifications to this embodiment are possible, including the use of different types of threads and the arrangement of such threads within the panel, and the use of different reentrant shapes for the auxetic structures (e.g., arrowheads, twisted stars, etc.).

Bra with Multi-Layer Fabric Panel

The above-described multi-layer fabric panelis particularly configured for incorporation into an article of apparel. For example, in at least one embodiment, a plurality of auxetic fabric panelsmay be incorporated into the cupsand shoulder strapsof a bra, such as the bra of the embodiment of.

As shown in, the bragenerally includes a front portion, a rear portion, and shoulder straps. The front portion includes a cup sectionwith two cup panelsand a sternum bridge. The cup panelsare arranged on opposite sides of the sternum bridgeand are configured to cover and support the wearer's breasts. The sternum bridgeis located substantially in a center of the front portionsuch that when the brais worn by a wearer, the sternum bridgeis generally positioned over the sternum of the wearer. The sternum bridgeis provided as a gore that divides the front portioninto a left side and a right side while also serving as an anchor structure for the cup panels. One cup panelis arranged on each side of the sternum bridgesuch that the cup panelsmirror one another on the front portion. In other words, one cup panelis provided on the left side of the front portionand the other cup panelis provided on the right side of the front portion. In at least one alternative embodiment, the cup panelsof the bracan be formed together as a single piece which incorporates the sternum bridge.

A neckis formed on the front portionabove the cup panelsand the sternum bridge. The neckprovides a scooping neckline that is formed between the opposing shoulder straps. An under-bustis formed under the cup panelsand the sternum bridge, and extends around the cup panelsup to an underarm section on opposite sides of the bra. The under-bustfurther includes an elastic bust bandthat extends along a lower perimeter on the front portionof the bra. The bust bandfurther extends to the rear portionof the brasuch that it completely encircles the bottom of the bra. The bust band is generally comprised of an elastic material that holds the bottom portion of the brasecurely to the torso of the wearer during use.

The rear portionof the bra includes a back panelthat is arranged above the bust band. A center insertis positioned in a center of the back panel. The center insertis comprised of a mesh material which provides cooling airflow to the wearer's skin during use. The front portionof the brais connected to the rear portionalong two side seams.

The shoulder strapsare elongated fabric panels that extend upwardly from both the front portionand the rear portionof the braand further couple the front portionto the rear portion. Each shoulder strapincludes a first lengthand a second length. The first lengthextends upward from a seamthat connects the first lengthto one of the cup panelson the front portionof the bra. The first lengthcontinues to extend to a top apex of the shoulder strap(i.e., over the wearer's shoulder during use) and then further extends downward along a back stretch of the strap. The second lengthis connected to the first lengthalong the back stretch of the strap and extends fluidly into the back panelon the rear portion.

In the embodiment of, at least two different types of fabric panels are used to form each of the foregoing components of the bra. The two different types of panels include (1) the above-described auxetic fabric paneland (2) a two-ply laminate panel comprised of two layers of stretch material. However, it will be recognized that in other embodiments, most or all of the bra may be formed from only the auxetic fabric panels.

In the embodiment of, the two-ply laminate panel may be formed from two layers of stretch fabric that is the same as the fabric used as the second layerof the auxetic fabric panel. Both layers of the two-ply stretch material are bonded together throughout the layers using a bonding means such as an adhesive or bonding tape (e.g., BEMIS® tape). This bonded configuration of the two-ply laminate panels reduces bulk in the panel and results in each layer moving together in unison. Also, the perimeters of the two-ply laminate panels are free cut so there is no stitching or overlay in portions of the brathat utilize these panels.

The components of the braformed with a two-ply stretch material include the under-bust, the back panel, and the second lengthof the shoulder straps. In at least one embodiment, the orientation of the two-ply stretch material is consistent throughout the various portions of the bra where it is used.

The components of the braformed with one of the auxetic fabric panelsas described above include the cup panelsand the first lengthof the shoulder straps. Because each cup panelis an auxetic fabric panel, each cup panelincludes a first fabric layerthat provides an inner layer for the cup paneland a second fabric layerthat provides an outer layer for the cup panel. The inner layeris coupled to the outer layeralong a perimeter of each cup panel, but a central body portion of the inner layeris free-floating relative to the outer layer. As shown in, there is a turnover of the outer layeralong the perimeter of the cup panels, thus creating a smooth edge for the cups along the underarms and neckline.

The inner fabric layerof each cup panelincludes an auxetic structuredefined by a repeating pattern of reentrant shapes. In the exemplary embodiment of, the reentrant shapes are provided by auxetic hexagons. The auxetic hexagons are arranged in either an hourglass orientation (wherein the parallel bars of each hexagon are oriented horizontally) or a bow-tie orientation (wherein the parallel bars of each hexagon are oriented vertically). The auxetic hexagons are shown in an hourglass orientation in the embodiment of. However in other embodiments, the auxetic hexagons may be differently configured, e.g., in a bow-tie orientation.

The construction of the auxetic fabric panelsprevents the need for shaping of the cup panels. Thus, the cup panelsare not molded, enhanced with foam padding, or otherwise shaped in any manner. Thus, the cup panelsare substantially flat when not worn on a body (note thatshows the cup panels formed when a body is wearing the bra). The unique construction of the auxetic fabric panelsallow the cup panelsto automatically conform into the natural shape of the wearer's breast. The auxetic structureof the multi-layer fabric panel encourages auxetic behavior in the cup panelswhen the bra is worn. When a user dons the bra, the shape of the wearers breast provides strain on the cup panelsin one direction (e.g., in the horizontal direction), but the cup panels actually expand or splay (as opposed to contracting) in the opposite direction (e.g., in the vertical direction). As a result, a bra is provided with increased comfort and exceptional support, where the actual shape of the bra when in use is driven by the wearer's own breast shape and size. Furthermore, because the auxetic structures encourage auxetic behavior from the cup panels, the bra is configured to accommodate monthly fluctuations in breast size, as well as any breast asymmetry.

Similar to the cup panels, the first lengthof the shoulder straps are also formed from one of the auxetic fabric panels. Each lengthincludes a first fabric layerthat provides an inner layer and a second fabric layerthat provides an outer layer for the strap. Again, the inner layeris coupled to the outer layeralong a perimeter of the first length, but the central portion of the inner layeris free-floating relative to the outer layer. As shown in, there is a turnover of the outer layeralong the perimeter of the strap, thus creating a smooth edge for the strapson the shoulders of the wearer.

The inner fabric layerof each first lengthof strapincludes an auxetic structuredefined by a repeating pattern of reentrant shapes. In the exemplary embodiment of, the reentrant shapes are provided by auxetic hexagons. The auxetic hexagons are arranged in either an hourglass orientation (wherein the parallel bars of each hexagon are oriented horizontally) or a bow-tie orientation (wherein the parallel bars of each hexagon are oriented vertically). The auxetic hexagons are arranged in an hourglass orientation in the embodiment of. Because the first lengthof the strapis separated from the cup panelsat seam, the orientation of the auxetic hexagons on the strapmay be different from the orientation on the cup panels. The hourglass orientation of the auxetic hexagons on the strapsparticularly facilitates greater horizontal expansion or splaying of the strap when a vertical load is applied along the strap (i.e., from the weight of the wearer's breast). As a result of this expansion, the first lengthof strapprovides for increased comfort with less digging into the skin of the user. Furthermore, the strapwith a first stretch characteristic provided by the first lengthand a second stretch characteristic provided by the second lengthis advantageous because it provides a desired amount of stretch imbalance, with more or less stretch in the front versus back portion of the strap. This imbalance is helpful in creating a desired amount of support in the straps.

While the foregoing description describes use of the auxetic fabric panelin a bra, it will be recognized that the auxetic fabric panel may be used in any number of other articles of apparel. Examples of other types of articles of apparel that may incorporate the auxetic fabric panel described herein include shirts, long pants, shorts, briefs, sleeves, pads, shoes, hats, shoulder straps and bags, as well as numerous other garments, accessories, or other products configured to be worn on or carried by a person. Various configurations and arrangements of the auxetic fabric panelare possible in each of these articles of apparel. Another example of an article of apparel incorporating the auxetic fabric panel is provided below.

Waistband with Multi-Layer Fabric Panel

In yet another alternative embodiment, the auxetic fabric panelis incorporated into a waistband for a pants garment.show an exemplary embodiment of a pants garment in the form of a pair of leggings. The leggingsinclude a waistband, a pelvis portion, and two leg portions. The waistbandis arranged at the top of the leggings, and is configured to encircle the waist of the wearer. The pelvis portionextends downward from the waistbandand encircles the hips and buttocks of the wearer. The two leg portionsextend downward from opposite sides of the pelvis portion and are configured to cover the thighs, knees, and or calves on the leg of the wearer. Although the pants garment inis illustrated as a pair of leggings, it will be recognized that the pants garment may take other forms such as capris pants, shorts, briefs, leggings or any number of other pants garments (all of which may be collectively referred to herein as “pants garments”).

The waistbandinincludes the above-described auxetic fabric panel. Accordingly, the waistbandincludes at least one panel having an inner/first fabric layercoupled to an outer/second fabric layer. The inner layeris coupled to the outer layeralong a perimeter portion, but is free floating in a central body portion, as described above in association with. The inner fabric layerincludes at least a first material and a second material, wherein the first material forms an auxetic structure comprising a pattern of reentrant shapes, and the second material provides a fill portion positioned inside each reentrant shape of the auxetic structure. For example, the first material of the inner fabric layer may form an auxetic structure comprising a repeating pattern of auxetic hexagons, as described above in association with.

In at least one embodiment, the repeating pattern of auxetic hexagons are arranged in a bow-tie orientation on the waistband. Accordingly, when the waistbandis stretched in the horizontal direction, the auxetic structure of the inner layer encourages expansion of the waistband in the vertical direction. This provides additional comfort to the wearer and prevents the waistbandfrom digging into the skin of the wearer. In other embodiments, the auxetic hexagons could also be arranged in the hourglass orientation.

The outer fabric layermay be a stretch fabric that is the same as that described above in association with. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the outer layeris the same as the inner layer with the auxetic hexagons arranged in the same orientation in both the inner layer and the outer layer (i.e., both in either the hourglass orientation or the bow-tie orientation).

In at least one embodiment, the auxetic fabric panelof the waistband completely encircles the wearer, extending from a front to a back of the waistband. In other embodiments, the auxetic fabric panelis only provided on the back of the waistband, and is connected to a front stretch fabric panel (e.g., the above-described two-ply stretch panel) along a side seam.

The above-described waistbandofprovides similar advantages to that of the bradescribed in association with. For example, the waistband is configured to comfortably fit different body shapes within a same waist size. Additionally, the waistband is a stretch waistband that is capable of naturally fitting the shape and size of the wearer regardless of moderate periodic changes in waist size. Furthermore, the auxetic structures provided in the waistband provide a comfort fit that generally reduces digging into the skin of the wearer.