Abstract:
The present invention concerns an improved article of clothing for nursing, with features that enhance the user&#39;s ability to selectively and controllably expose one or both breasts while simultaneously presenting a more secure and stylish look, both when in use and when not in use. The invention allows for individual or dual breast access in a non-obvious form that can provide as much breast coverage as the mother feels comfortable with. When access to the breast is not in use, the clothing shows no signs of having specific nursing functionality. The invention can be applied to articles of clothing in many fashion design style forms. The invention is also able to optionally provide breast support via an internal brassier, and nipple protection via removable pads.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62/152,906, submitted and received Apr. 26, 2015. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Breastfeeding, or nursing, whether in public or private spaces involves a great amount of personal choices. At different times, a nursing mother may desire clothes that focuses on practicality, while at another time style; meanwhile comfort and ease of use are always desired. The present invention describes a novel and heretofore un-contemplated article of clothing for allowing nursing mothers greater freedom in making those important choices. The invention allows for mothers to have it all in one simple and effective package. The invention allows for individual or dual breast access in a non-obvious form that can provide as much breast coverage as the mother feels comfortable with. When access to the breast is not in use, the clothing shows no signs of having specific functionality. 
         [0005]    Much of the prior art is essentially a variation on the idea of a removable over layer covering a bottom layer with holes through which the breasts pass. For example see any of the following prior art: CN2094217U, CN2756023Y, CN201709425U, CN204048110U, DE000004324359C2, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,227. These designs suffer from significant limitations, not the least of which is the required use of unflattering front pockets which are not suited for many styles of clothing. Another concern is that the pocket flap will not create a good seal of breast coverage, particularly along the side vertical edges. Of course when the user desires access to the breast, the fastening means must be undone. It is well known among nursing mothers that the ability of easy access using one hand is highly desired because the other is typically occupied holding the child or any number of other common items (baby gear, purse, phone, etc.). 
         [0006]    Another similar group consists of prior art in which again, there is a bottom layer with holes in it for the breasts to pass through, but that feature one single upper panel of fabric that can be raised to provide access to the breasts. See U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,452, U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,881, U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,090, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/625,325, and World Intellectual Property Organization publication number WO2005044028. While some advantage is made in ease of access, problems are again created with security of the clothing when breast access is not desired. Furthermore, controlling exposure and coverage becomes more difficult when breast access is desired. 
         [0007]    Another group of prior art features a common theme of providing access to the breast by means of a reversibly detachable fastener holding a breast cup (curved triangular layer) against a bra-like support system that surrounds the breasts. The fastener is typically located at a point above the breast and attached to the support system which is typically a band or string of fabric that runs over the user&#39;s shoulder and down the back to engage a lower band that rests around the user&#39;s chest and is positioned just under the breasts. See US patent application US20010019933. Due to the mechanisms involved, these are limited to under garments or brassiere and not well suited to many other clothing styles. Additionally, the prior art using this system is notoriously difficult to use; even more so when using one hand. 
         [0008]    Yet another group of prior art features relatively simple articles of clothing that feature a vertical or horizontal slit in the panel located over the breast. The slits are sealed with some mechanism such as zippers, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners. See German Patent DE000019800972A1, British Patent GB2246947A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,227, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,782 (FIG. 5). These designs are readily identifiable as nursing wear. The obvious and exposed mechanism is often unstylish and undesired by the user as it draws attention. These designs also suffer from reduced ease of access and an increased potential for injury to the breast or nipple. Controlling the amount of exposure or coverage becomes difficult during feeding. 
         [0009]    Still another group of prior art discloses the use of individual triangular panels for each breast that can be pulled aside to reveal the breast. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,677, World Intellectual Property Organization publication number WO2007053073A1, US patent application US20140220860. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,132, an additional over panel covers the triangular panels. The functional elements tend to limit the style of clothing with which the prior art can be used. Again as with other prior art, there is not much control over how much of the breast is exposed for nursing. 
         [0010]    It&#39;s important to note that coverage may be related to temperature comfort levels, child visibility, child skin contact, a mother&#39;s privacy preference, or a mother&#39;s modesty preference. Not being able to tightly control the level of exposure may cause the user to forgo wearing the article of clothing altogether in certain environments and social circumstances. 
         [0011]    The group of prior art most related to the present invention forgoes the complicated fasteners in favor of a relatively simple system of overlapping layers that are situated to create a horizontal opening at the breasts when the top layer is urged upward and the bottom layer is urged downward. See German Patent DE102004006597A1, European patent application EP1127499A2, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,699. The prior art discloses basic articles of clothing that can be made of two separate pieces (featuring a top and bottom section) or one combined piece with two front panels that create the overlap. While these prior art inventions have sought to maximize the ease of access, they fail to provide enough security to prevent unintended access, and leave more to be desired when it comes to controlling the coverage when the user is trying to access their breast. The reason for the lack of security is that they rely on the curvature of the user&#39;s breasts and the elasticity of the fabric to create enough friction to stay in place. However, this fails to plan for the eventuality of changing breast size associated with nursing and engorgement periods. These prior arts also fail to plan for the eventuality of changing fabric conditions due to washing, stretching, and shrinking. The reason for the lack of coverage control is similarly a product of not taking into consideration the changing fabric conditions and user measurements. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention will address all of the concerns, failures, and shortcomings of the prior art by describing an improved article of clothing with features that enhance the user&#39;s ability to selectively and controllably expose one or both breasts while presenting a more secure and stylish look both when in use and when not in use. 
         [0013]    In other words it is a goal of the present invention to provide functionality that can be incorporated into many different styles of clothing. 
         [0014]    It is also a goal of the present invention to allow easy access to the breast. The invention allows a user to access the breast with one hand. 
         [0015]    It is another goal of the present invention that the user be able to control how much of the breast is exposed during access to the breast and while nursing. 
         [0016]    It is yet another goal of the present invention to allow the user to maintain coverage, even while nursing, over any portion of the neck, arms, shoulders, torso, or body that the article would cover while not nursing without drastically distorting the outward appearance of the article of clothing. 
         [0017]    It is still another goal of the present invention to be optionally convertible from one style of clothing to another by use of selectively and reversibly detachable features such as sleeves, straps, collars, pads, and internal breast supports. 
         [0018]    It is another goal of the present invention to allow the nursing child to have a great deal of visual freedom and improved air flow compared to covers or nursing aprons. 
         [0019]    It is a related goal of the present invention to allow the mother-user to have good visual access to the nursing child for improved safety, comfort, and bonding while the child is nursing. 
         [0020]    It is another goal that the article maintains the outward appearance of a non-nursing article when not being used for nursing and even when in use for nursing. 
         [0021]    It is an important goal of the present invention to offer mothers desiring to nurse an effective, comfortable, and secure article of clothing. 
         [0022]    Additional features, goals, and advantages of this invention will be readily understood from the following descriptions, drawings, and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0023]      FIG. 1A  depicts a simple non reversible connection between the front panels of an article of clothing located in a centered position between the bottom edge of the upper panel and top edge of the lower panel. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1B  depicts a simple non reversible connection between the front panels of an article of clothing located in a position relatively closer to the top edge of the lower panel compared to the bottom edge of the upper panel. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1C  depicts a simple non reversible connection between the front panels of an article of clothing located in a position relatively closer to the bottom edge of the upper panel compared to the top edge of the lower panel. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1D  depicts two simple non reversible connections between the front panels of an article of clothing located along an axis defining the central plane that bisects the article vertically into a right and left half. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1E  depicts a simple non reversible connection between the front panels of an article of clothing where the connection is elongated to reach substantially from the top edge of the lower panel to the bottom edge of the upper panel. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical t-shirt with one side of the front panels in the access position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical t-shirt with both sides of the front panels in the access position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical sleeveless shirt with both sides of the front panels in the non-access position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3B  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical sleeveless shirt with one side of the front panels in the access position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3C  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical sleeveless shirt with both sides of the front panels in the access position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4A  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical spaghetti top with both sides of the front panels in the non-access position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4B  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical spaghetti top with one side of the front panels in the access position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4C  depicts an article of clothing taking the form of a typical spaghetti top with both sides of the front panels in the access position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5A  depicts a simple reversibly detachable connection between the front panels of an article of clothing located in a centered position between the bottom edge of the upper panel and top edge of the lower panel, where the connection is attached and the panels are in the non-access position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5B  depicts three optional positions for a simple reversibly detachable connection between the front panels of an article of clothing located along an axis defining the central plane that bisects the article vertically into a right and left half. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5C  is a sectioned isometric view, or cutaway view, of the interior of an article of clothing depicting three optional positions for a simple reversibly detachable connection between the front panels of the article of clothing. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5D  is a magnified view of a first reversibly detachable connection between the front panels of the article of clothing, where the connection is positioned relatively closer to the top edge of the lower panel compared to the bottom edge of the upper panel. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5E  is a magnified view of a second reversibly detachable connection between the front panels of the article of clothing, where the connection is positioned relatively centered between the top edge of the lower panel and the bottom edge of the upper panel. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5F  is a magnified view of a third reversibly detachable connection between the front panels of the article of clothing, where the connection is positioned relatively closer to the bottom edge of the upper panel compared to the top edge of the lower panel. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5G  depicts a simple reversibly detachable connection between the front panels of an article of clothing located in a centered position between the bottom edge of the upper panel and top edge of the lower panel, where the connection is detached and the upper panel is pulled up. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6A  depicts a first pattern of seams where the front panels join the back panel along a vertical seam running from the base of the article of clothing and up along the side to the neck of the article of clothing. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6B  depicts a second pattern of seams where the upper front panel joins an upper back panel along a vertical seam running from the neck of the article of clothing down to the top edge of the lower panel. In this pattern the lower panel may be formed from a single tubular produced material or a vertical seam may be used. A horizontal seam joins the 
           [0045]      FIG. 6C  depicts a third pattern of seams where the lower panel may be formed from a single tubular produced material, or a vertical seam may be used, but the upper panel is joined to the lower panel along vertical seams positioned along the side and extending from the bottom edge of the upper panel to the top edge of the lower panel. 
           [0046]      FIG. 7A  depicts an article of clothing featuring an upper panel, a lower panel, at least one connection between the two panels, and an internal support band positioned to rest snugly against and around the user&#39;s chest just below their breasts. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7B  depicts an article of clothing featuring an upper panel, a lower panel, at least one connection between the two panels, and an internal brassier comprised of a lower support band, an upper support band, and a tubular layer of fabric material that connects the two. The upper support band is connected to the top edge of the lower panel, but the lower support band is not connected directly to the lower panel. 
           [0048]      FIG. 8A  depicts an article of clothing featuring an upper panel, a lower panel, at least one connection between the two panels, and an internal nipple pad positioned on the interior of the lower panel. 
           [0049]      FIG. 8B  depicts an article of clothing featuring an upper panel, a lower panel, at least one connection between the two panels, an internal brassier comprised of a lower support band, an upper support band, a tubular layer of fabric material that connects the two, and an internal nipple pad positioned on the interior of the tubular layer of fabric material. 
           [0050]      FIG. 9A  depicts an article of clothing in the style of a swimsuit top comprised of an upper panel, a lower panel, and at least one connection between the two panels. 
           [0051]      FIG. 9B  depicts an article of clothing in the style of a bandeau comprised of an upper panel, a lower panel, and at least one connection between the two panels. 
           [0052]      FIG. 10A  depicts an article of clothing in the style of a brassier comprised of an upper panel, a lower panel, at least one connection between the two panels, at least one reversibly detachable shoulder strap connected to the upper panel, and a reversibly detachable breast support member connected to the lower panel. 
           [0053]      FIG. 10B  is a sectional depiction of the article of clothing of  FIG. 10A  showing the inside of the article of clothing in more detail. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]    The following description is structured to focus on several preferred embodiments. As is commonly understood, the details of these particular descriptions are intended to be illustrative and should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are many other possible embodiments based on the disclosures made here which are not expressly discussed in detail. 
         [0055]    The various embodiments and components may have their position or orientation described by words such as “upwards,” “downwards,” “vertically,” “laterally,” “horizontally,” “around,” “against,” etc. These words should be understood in the context of the invention being an article of clothing worn by a person. As such, it will make sense to think of these descriptions in relation to the user (person wearing) the article in a standing position. For example, “upwards,” “downwards,” and “vertically” would be along the user&#39;s standing axis, “horizontally” would be perpendicular to the user&#39;s axis, “laterally” would be parallel to the user&#39;s axis and located on the user&#39;s sides, “around” would be generally defined by the user&#39;s body perimeter, and so on. 
         [0056]    For the first embodiment, please refer to  FIG. 1A . In a first embodiment, t-shirt  100 , the article of clothing is comprised of an upper panel  101 , a lower panel  102 , and a first connection  103  joining the two. Upper panel  101  is comprised of an upper top edge  104 , an upper bottom edge  105 , an upper outside face  106 , and an upper inside face  107 . Lower panel  102  is comprised of a lower top edge  108 , a lower bottom edge  109 , a lower outside face  110 , and a lower inside face  111 . Upper panel  101  partially covers lower panel  102  so that upper inside face  107  is pressed against lower outside face  110 , and upper bottom edge  105  is positioned lower on a user&#39;s torso than lower top edge  108 . This creates an overlapping section  112  between upper bottom edge  105  and lower top edge  108 . First connection  103  is made in overlapping section  112 . 
         [0057]    The distance of the overlapping section  112  is comprised by the range between 0.25 inches and 30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the distance is set so that the upper bottom edge  105  is at least under the curvature of the user&#39;s breasts, and so that the lower top edge  108  is at least above the user&#39;s nipples. In another embodiment, however, overlapping section  112  is situated so that the center point between upper bottom edge  105  and lower top edge  108  is located above the user&#39;s breasts. In yet another embodiment, however, overlapping section  112  is situated so that the center point between upper bottom edge  105  and lower top edge  108  is located below the user&#39;s breasts. 
         [0058]    Still referring to t-shirt  100 , first connection  103  is preferentially positioned along a vertical axis  113  defined by the plane that bisects the user and t-shirt  100  into two opposite but even halves, a right side  114  and a left side  115 . In this first embodiment, first connection  103  is further positioned equidistant from upper bottom edge  105  and lower top edge  108 . The inclusion of a connection, such as first connection  103  in t-shirt  100 , is a novel element that seemingly contradicts the purpose of the article of clothing&#39;s overlapping layers. However, by including a point of connection the two breasts are effectively assured of remaining covered until they are accessed. Surprisingly, this does not prevent easy access when the user desires to nurse or use a breast pump. In fact, this connection helps keep the layers aligned to prevent accidental bunch-ups of the upper layer, such as upper panel  101 , or accidental roll-downs of the lower layer, such as lower panel  102 . When the user is applying force to spread apart the upper and lower layer over one breast, they will feel secure that only that side will be exposed. The connection point also causes the panels to form tighter angles of curvature around the exposed breast section than the prior art since the distance is shortened from the two fixed points of the panel edges along the user&#39;s side (as seen in the prior art). 
         [0059]    Still referring to t-shirt  100 , the lower bottom edge  109  at least partially defines an opening for the user&#39;s lower torso. The upper top edge  104  at least partially defines an opening for the user&#39;s neck. T-shirt  100  is also comprised by two sleeves attached to two arm holes for the user&#39;s arms to pass through on either side. 
         [0060]    In another embodiment, upper top edge  104  may at least partially define an opening for the user&#39;s upper torso instead of the user&#39;s neck (such as for sleeveless article styles). Likewise, in another embodiment, lower bottom edge  109  may at least partially define an opening for the user&#39;s legs instead of the user&#39;s lower torso (such as for a long dress or skirt article style). 
         [0061]    In  FIG. 1A , the first connection  103  appears as a square, but that is meant only as an aid to location and is not meant to limit or be representative of the true appearance including shape and dimensions. The connection can be constructed in many different sizes and shapes known in the art. 
         [0062]    In another embodiment similar to t-shirt  100 , the first connection  103  is not positioned along the vertical axis  113 . In another embodiment, t-shirt  120 , first connection  103  is positioned closer to the upper bottom edge  105 . See  FIG. 1B . In another embodiment, t-shirt  140 , first connection  103  is positioned closer to the lower top edge  108 . See  FIG. 1C . In another embodiment, t-shirt  160  is further comprised of at least a second connection. See  FIG. 1D . In another embodiment, t-shirt  180 , first connection  103  is elongated to connect more of the distance between upper bottom edge  105  and lower top edge  108 . See  FIG. 1E . In the above discussed embodiments, the first connection  103  is formed from stitching; however, it could be formed by rivets, adhesives, and other methods of connecting clothing materials well known in the art. 
         [0063]    In the various embodiments there are at least three well definable positions or states that result from the creation of an overlapping section such as overlapping section  112  in t-shirt  100 . The first is the non-access position. This position can be seen in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1C ,  FIG. 1D , and  FIG. 1E . There is a second position, the single access position, whereby the user creates an opening in the article of clothing by urging the upper panel and lower panel apart at the overlapping section on either side of the connection; for example when a user urges apart upper panel  101  and lower panel  102  at right side  114  or left side  115  of overlapping section  112 , of t-shirt  100 . See  FIG. 2A . The third position, the double access position, is when the user creates two openings by repeating the maneuver described above for both right side  114  and left side  115 . See  FIG. 2B . 
         [0064]    In another embodiment, sleeveless shirt  200 , the article of clothing features a sleeveless shirt style form, rather than a t-shirt style form. See  FIG. 3A . In another embodiment, spaghetti strap top  220 , the article of clothing features a spaghetti strap top style form. See  FIG. 4A . Though the style form can readily be changed, there is no loss of function with respect to allowing the user to go from non-access to access positions as desired. See  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 3C ,  FIG. 4B , and  FIG. 4C . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many other style forms could be substituted for the examples of the t-shirt, sleeveless shirt, and spaghetti strap top used above. For example, the invention could be practiced on a tube top, a dress, a gown, a brassier, lingerie, a skirt, a sweater, a long sleeve shirt, a hoodie, a coat, hospital gown, a tank top, a sports bra, a brassier, a bandeau, a bathing suit, pajamas, etc. This applies to all of the embodiments and features described throughout this invention. 
         [0065]    In another embodiment, t-shirt  240 , the first connection  103  is a reversibly detachable connection that can be optionally attached or detached by the user. In this embodiment, first connection  103  is made of hook and loop (Velcro®) strips. See  FIG. 5A . Hook and loop is a desirable material of construction because it has the advantage of not being visible on the surface of the article of clothing such as upper outside face  106  on t-shirt  100 . This feature is a desirable attribute, but not required. Any number of other suitable replacements commonly known in the industry could be substituted for hook and loop so long as the result is a reversibly detachable connection. For example, button snaps, button and buttonhole, magnets, hook and eye, clasps, d-rings, string-ties, etc. could easily take the place of the hook and loop in this and the other embodiments. 
         [0066]    In the same embodiment, t-shirt  240  there is a multiplicity of positions where the reversibly detachable connection  103  could be located with respect to upper bottom edge  105  and lower top edge  108 . See  FIG. 5B . Each position represents another variation of the embodiment, and hence its own embodiment. The positions of the reversibly detachable connections are best seen in  FIG. 5C  and magnifications  FIG. 5D ,  FIG. 5E , and  FIG. 5F . First connection  103  is located at each of these positions in separate but related embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 5D , t-shirt  260  has first connection  103  positioned closer to lower top edge  108 . Referring to  FIG. 5E , t-shirt  280  has first connection  103  positioned closer to the center point located between upper bottom edge  105  and lower top edge  108 . Referring to  FIG. 5F , t-shirt  300  has first connection  103  positioned closer to upper bottom edge  105 . Each position has advantages and disadvantages for ease of use, ability to control the opening in an access position, and security of article of clothing in the non-access position. The optimal selection will depend on factors such as style of the article, size and shape of the user, and user&#39;s preference. 
         [0067]    In another embodiment there is at least a second connection. The first connection and the at least a second connection are located collinearly in a further related embodiment. 
         [0068]    Earlier, in an above paragraph, three definable positions were described—non-access, single access, and double access—defining a particular state the article of clothing could be manipulated into by the user. However, the use of a reversibly detachable connection allows for a fourth position, the dual access position. In the dual access position, the user can detach the connection between the upper and lower panels to create a larger opening in the overlapping section. This allows access to both the right side  114  and the left side  115  through the larger opening. See  FIG. 5G . 
         [0069]    With respect to  FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 6C ,  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 8A , and  FIG. 8B , each is a sectioned isometric view, or cutaway view of the interior of the article of clothing in a particular embodiment. Each of the referenced figures shows the front side of the article on the left, the back side on the right, an arm-hole on the upper right side, a neck hole along the top edge and an opening for the torso along the bottom edge. 
         [0070]    So far the descriptions have focused on the functional components and features of particular embodiments and related embodiments. The manner in which the components come together to form the functional garment has largely been ignored with the exception of certain novel features. This is because there are an infinite number of ways in which the sides, back, neck, arms, straps, or torso-hole could be formed without affecting the access and non-access functionality created by the novel features of this invention. However, in  FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6B , and  FIG. 6C  these fabrication concerns are addressed. The mentioned figures disclose particular seam patterns, where each seam pattern represents another embodiment that could be used in combination with any of the other embodiments discussed in the other paragraphs. 
         [0071]    In  FIG. 6A , t-shirt  320  is further comprised by a back panel  116  and a lateral seam  117 , where lateral seam  117  connects the upper panel  101  to the lower panel  102  and the back panel  116 . The lateral seam  117  runs laterally from the lower bottom edge  109  up to the lower top edge  108 . The lateral seam  117  continues just under the arm hole, around the arm hole to attach sleeves if any are present, and just above it over the user&#39;s shoulders to the neck hole formed by upper top edge  104 . In a related, but not depicted, embodiment that features the sleeveless style form, lateral seam  117  joins only the upper panel  101  to back panel  116 . 
         [0072]    In another embodiment, t-shirt  340  seen in  FIG. 6B , has upper panel  101  and lower panel  102  fabricated from tubular fabric so that no seam is necessary except for the sleeves, if any, and likewise no back panel is necessary. In another embodiment, not shown in the figures, a tack seam  118  is added along the back or sides of the article to join upper panel  101  and lower panel  102 . 
         [0073]    In another embodiment, t-shirt  360  seen in  FIG. 6C , has a hybrid of the seam patterns seen in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B . In t-shirt  360  the lower panel  102  is fabricated of tubular material, but the upper panel  101  is not, resulting in a partial lateral seam  119  that joins the upper panel  101  to the lower panel  102  from the upper bottom edge  105  up to the lower top edge  108 , which continues on the user&#39;s shoulders to the neck hole formed by upper top edge  104 . The partial lateral seam  119  also joins the sleeves if any are present at the arm hole. 
         [0074]    Another embodiment seen in  FIG. 7A , t-shirt  380  is similar to t-shirt  100  but is further comprised of an internal elastic band  381 . The internal elastic band  381  is positioned along the lower inside face  111 , so that it rests snugly against the user&#39;s torso at a position just under the user&#39;s breasts. The internal elastic band  381  gives support to the breasts and helps to secure the position of the lower panel  102 . 
         [0075]    Yet another embodiment seen in  FIG. 7B , t-shirt  400 , is similar to t-shirt  100  but is further comprised of an internal brassier support system, bra  401 . The bra  401  is comprised of an upper elastic band  402 , a lower elastic band  403 , and a tubular layer of fabric, bra body  404 , connecting the two elastic bands ( 402  and  403 ). The lower elastic band  403  hangs freely from bra body  404  and is otherwise unconnected to the rest of t-shirt  400 , while the upper elastic band  402  is connected to t-shirt  400  at the lower top edge  108 . In a similar embodiment, the connection between upper elastic band  402  and lower top edge  108  is reversibly detachable. By virtue of being reversibly detachable, the user can optionally connect the bra  401  when desired or disconnect it when not desired. 
         [0076]    Still another embodiment seen in  FIG. 8A , t-shirt  420 , is similar to t-shirt  100  but is further comprised of left nipple pad  421  and right nipple pad  422 . Left and right nipple pad  421  and  422  are each positioned to rest between the user&#39;s left and right nipple, respectively and the lower inside face  111 . In a similar embodiment, the left nipple pad  421  and right nipple pad  422  are reversibly connectable to lower inside face  111 , and can be positionally adjusted by the user to optimize placement for the user&#39;s individual dimensions. It is understood that left nipple pad  421  and right nipple pad  422  can be constructed of disposable or non-disposable, washable, and reusable materials. 
         [0077]    A combination embodiment seen in  FIG. 8B , t-shirt  440 , is similar to t-shirt  400 , but the brassier support system, bra  401  is further comprised of bra left nipple pad  441  and bra right nipple pad  442 . Bra left nipple pad  441  and bra right nipple pad  442  are each positioned, respectively, to rest between the user&#39;s left and right nipple and the bra body  404 . In a similar embodiment, the bra left nipple pad  441  and bra right nipple pad  442  are reversibly connectable to bra body  404 , and can be positionally adjusted by the user to optimize placement for the user&#39;s individual dimensions. It is understood that bra left nipple pad  441  and right nipple pad  442  can be constructed of disposable or non-disposable, washable, and reusable materials. 
         [0078]    In another embodiment, not pictured, the use of style or design features are used to further conceal the existence and function of the upper and lower panels. For example, in one embodiment, pleats are used to disguise the seams. In another example embodiment, particular patterns and colors are used to disguise the seams and the edges of the overlapping section  112 . In another example embodiment, the use of bands, accomplishes the same. In another, the use of belts accomplishes the same. 
         [0079]    Another embodiment, swimsuit  460 , seen in  FIG. 9A , is an article of clothing in the style of a swimsuit top and is comprised of an upper panel  101 , a lower panel  102 , and at least one connection  103  between the two panels. 
         [0080]    In another embodiment, bandeau  480 , seen in  FIG. 9B , the article of clothing is in the style of a bandeau and is comprised of an upper panel  101 , a lower panel  102 , and at least one connection  103  between the two panels. 
         [0081]      FIG. 10A  depicts another embodiment, brassier  500 , which is an article of clothing in the style of a brassier comprised of an upper panel  101 , a lower panel  102 , at least one connection  103  between the two panels, at least one reversibly detachable shoulder strap  501  connected to the upper panel by at least one connector  502 , and a reversibly detachable breast support member  503  connected to the lower panel. See  FIG. 10B  for an additional view of brassier  500  showing the inside of the article of clothing in more detail. It is well known in the art that breast support member  503  can be made of a resilient but flexible material such as metal, fiberglass, resin, and plastics. 
         [0082]    Even though the above embodiments discussed a single overlapping section  112 , it is understood that multiple overlapping sections could be created in the same article of clothing. It will also be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that an article of clothing having multiple overlapping sections could have those sections stacked and aligned upon one another. Take for example another embodiment similar to t-shirt  400 , called sport-shirt  520  (not shown in the drawings) comprised of the first overlapping section  112 , and further comprised of a second overlapping section  524  built into the bra  401  by replacing bra body  404  with upper bra panel  521 , lower bra panel  522 , and bra connection  523 . In sport-shirt  520 , the upper bra panel  521  has a top edge that is connected to the upper elastic band  402 , and the lower bra panel  522  has a bottom edge is connected to the lower elastic band  403 . Furthermore, upper bra panel  521  has a bottom edge that is positioned below a top edge of lower bra panel  522 . The lower bra panel  522  is also positioned between the user and upper bra panel  523 , creating the second overlapping section  524 . The bra connection  523  connects lower bra panel  522  to upper bra panel  521  in the overlapping section  524 . 
         [0083]    Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of detail or with reference to one or more particular embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example. It should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Furthermore, the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms. Obvious variations and other various changes in the composition, combination, and arrangement of parts can be utilized to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as herein disclosed and claimed.