Abstract:
A process of forming a textile and apparel formed utilizing the textile id disclosed. The textile includes a base layer and a spacer layer defined by a plurality of bosses extending from the base layer. In an embodiment, the bosses are oriented in a grid pattern, being spaced apart to define gaps for air circulation. Selected bosses are mechanically compressed and secured in the compressed state utilizing an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition may further include heat insulating or heat reflective particles. The resulting textile may be utilized to form articles of apparel, including garments such as shirts, patents, coats, and footwear.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application relates to an article of apparel and, in particular, a garment including a textile adapted to regulate thermal conditions of the wearer and methods of forming the textile. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The heat retention of a planar textile structure generally increases with increasing thickness. As thickness of the textile increases, however, resistance to the passage of moisture also increases. This results in apparel that, while warming, can cause the skin to be covered with uncomfortable perspiration. Accordingly, it would be desirable to form apparel from a textile that, while light, is capable of heat retention and transfers perspiration from the wearer. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is directed toward a process of forming a textile and apparel formed utilizing the textile. The textile includes a base layer and a spacer layer defined by a plurality of spacer elements extending distally from the base layer. In an embodiment, the spacer elements are oriented in a grid pattern, being spaced apart to define gaps for air circulation. Selected spacer elements are mechanically compressed and secured in the compressed state utilizing an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition may further include heat insulating or heat reflective particles. The resulting textile may be utilized to form articles of apparel, including garments such as shirts, pants, coats, footwear, and underwear. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of the front face of the textile for forming an article of apparel in accordance with the invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of the front face of the textile shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0006]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a schematic of the front face of the textile shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0007]      FIG. 1D  illustrates top plan view of the rear face of the textile shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0008]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the textile shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0009]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a textile in accordance with the invention. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate schematic views of the front face of the textile, showing spacer elements in a brickwork pattern ( FIG. 3A ) and checkerboard pattern ( FIG. 3B ). 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  each illustrates a gravure apparatus to apply the adhesive composition to the textile. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5A  illustrates an adhesive pattern in accordance with the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5B  illustrates an adhesive pattern layout in accordance with the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram including steps of forming the textile 
           [0015]      FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of the front face of the textile, showing selected spacer elements being secured by adhesive strip. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a cross sectional view of the textile, showing compressed and expanded spacer elements. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates an article of apparel formed from the textile of  FIG. 1A . 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Like numerals refer to like components throughout the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the textile  10  according to the invention includes a first or outer layer or portion  105  and a second or inner layer or portion  110 . The inner textile portion  110  is oriented such that it faces the wearer, i.e., it is oriented closer to the wearer than the outer textile portion  105  (i.e., the inner portion defines the face side of the fabric). In an embodiment, the inner portion  110  is in contact the wearer&#39;s skin. The inner textile portion  110  is discontinuous, being defined by one or more spacer elements  115  or bosses oriented in spaced relation from each other. Each spacer element  115  extends distally from the inner surface of the first textile portion  105 , toward the wearer. The spacer elements  115  may possess any dimensions (size/shape) suitable for its described purpose (space the first textile layer  105  from the skin of the wearer and/or fluid movement). By way of example, the spacer elements  115  may possess a generally cylindrical shape (e.g., a right cylinder), or may be a polygon, possessing, e.g., a generally rectangular or a generally square shape. The diameter (length and/or width) of the spacer element  115  may be approximately up to 2 cm (e.g., 0.5 mm-5 mm). The height of the spacer element  115  may be approximately 0.10-6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer elements  115  are generally square, possessing length of approximately 2 mm and a width of approximately 2 mm. Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the distal end of the spacer elements  115  may be generally square, or may be configured with a tapered  210  or rounded  215  edge, which assists in fluid roll off (explained in greater detail below). 
         [0020]    The spacer elements  115  are arranged in a predetermined pattern along the interior surface of the first textile portion  105  such that channels or gaps between adjacent elements. In an embodiment, the spacer elements  115  are disposed in an array. By way of example, the spacer elements  115  form a matrix, i.e., a rectangular array of elements ordered in columns  120  and rows  125  ( FIG. 1A ). With this configuration, a plurality of intersecting, elongated channels is defined between the rows and columns. Specifically, first or vertical channels  130  (from the viewpoint of  FIG. 1A ) are defined between adjacent columns  120 , while horizontal channels  135  are defined between adjacent rows  125 . The channels  130 ,  135  intersect each other at right angles to form a channel grid. The first channel  130  may possess the same dimensions as the second channel  135 , or may possess different dimensions. In an embodiment, the first channel  130  may include a transverse dimension (width/height) that is less than the transverse dimension of the second channel  135  (i.e., the channels  135  between rows  125  are wider than the channels  130  between columns  120 ). By way of example, the ratio of the transverse dimension of the second channel  135  to the transverse dimension of the first channel  130  may be in the range of 1:1-4:1 (e.g., 2:1, 3:1, etc.). By way of specific example, the horizontal channel  135  may be approximate 1 mm wide, while the vertical channel  130  may be approximately 0.5 mm wide. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , in another embodiment of the invention, the array is an offset matrix in which adjacent rows  125  and columns  120  are offset from each other such that the channels  130 ,  135  do not extend the full width/length of the textile (i.e., the channels are interrupted by spacer elements). Referring to  FIG. 3B , furthermore, the spacer elements  115  may be offset along the columns and rows such that the elements are oriented in a checkerboard style layout. In this configuration, no elongated channels are formed; instead, pockets  140  are defined between adjacent elements  115  along the rows  120  and columns  125 . 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1D , the back face of the textile  10  (the surface facing outward, away from the wearer) may be smooth or substantially smooth. For example, the outer surface of the first textile portion  105 , while possessing a texture, does not include spacer elements extending from its outer surface. 
         [0023]    The textile  10 —the first textile portion  105  and the second textile portion  110 —may be formed of the same or similar yarn. By way of example, the textile portions  105 ,  110  may be formed of hydrophobic yarn such as polyester or polypropylene. In another embodiment, the textile portions  105 ,  110  may be formed of hydrophilic yarn such as cotton or wool. In still other embodiments, the textile portions  105 ,  110  may be formed of a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns. In a preferred embodiment, the textile  10  (the first  105  and second  110  textile portions) is formed of hydrophobic yarn (e.g., polyester) provided with hydrophilic properties, e.g., via chemical treatment (such as a conventional wicking finish). 
         [0024]    In other embodiments, the first textile portion  105  and the second textile portion  110  are formed of yarns having different properties. By way of example, the second textile portion  110  may be formed of untreated hydrophobic yarn and the first textile portion  105  may be formed of hydrophobic yarn treated such that it possesses hydrophilic properties  110 . By way of further example, the second textile portion  110  may be formed of hydrophobic yarns and the first textile portion  105  may be formed of hydrophilic yarns. By way of still further example, the yarns of the first portion  105  and/or the second portion  110  may be treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) composition. Additionally, the denier of the yarns forming the first  105  and second  110  portions may differ (e.g., the denier of the first portion yarns may be greater than the denier of the second portion yarns). 
         [0025]    With the above configuration, a textile  10  including channels  130 ,  135  or pockets  140  is formed. The spacer elements  115  and the channels  130 ,  135  or pockets  140  cooperate to control movement of fluid within and through the textile  10 . Regarding liquid, the structure drives liquid from the second textile portion  110  to the first textile portion  105 . Specifically, when fluid contacts the surface of a spacer element  115 , it is drawn/moved along the length/height of the spacer element and into the first textile portion  105 , where it diffuses/spreads. Additionally, when liquid falls directly into a channel  130 ,  135  or pocket  140 , the liquid immediately contacts the first textile portion  105  where it diffuses/spreads. 
         [0026]    Alternatively, when the spacer elements  115  are non-wicking and/or hydrophobic, the liquid may contact the spacer elements  115 , rolling off the spacer element into the channel  130 ,  135  or pocket  140 . To this end, as mentioned above, the spacer elements  115  may be configured with a tapered  210  or rounded  215  edge, assisting in fluid roll off ( FIG. 2B ). 
         [0027]    With these configurations, liquid from the user (i.e., sweat) is immediately directed from the spacer element  115  and into a channel  130 ,  135  or pocket  140 . In other words, liquid is directed from the second textile portion  110  to the first textile portion  105 , where the liquid is held away from the skin of the wearer. This improves wearer comfort. 
         [0028]    It should be noted that the yarn may be selected to impart desired fluid absorption characteristics to the textile. That is, the first textile portion  105  may possess a first sorptivity (capillary action) value and the second textile portion  110  may possess a second sorptivity (capillary action) value. In an embodiment, the first sorptivity value is greater than the second sorptivity value (e.g., when the first portion is hydrophilic and the second portion is hydrophobic). In another embodiment, the first sorptivity value is less than or equal to the second sorptivity value. In a preferred embodiment, the first textile portion  105  generates greater capillary action (and thus possesses higher fluid sorptivity) than the second textile portion  110 . 
         [0029]    It should also be understood that while the textile portions  105 ,  110  may be generally hydrophobic or hydrophilic, the relative degree of the relevant property may differ. For example, while the first textile portion  105  and the second textile portion  110  may be considered hydrophobic, the second textile portion  110  may be less hydrophobic than the first textile portion  105  (and vice versa), i.e., the second textile portion experiences a greater moisture pick-up under a standard atmosphere (moisture pick up being measured by the mass of absorbed and adsorbed water that is held by a material). Similarly, while both textile portions  105 ,  110  may be considered generally hydrophilic, the second textile portion  110  may be less hydrophilic than the first textile portion  105  (and vice versa). Alternatively, the portions  105 ,  110  may possess identical wicking properties. 
         [0030]    Along with liquid flow, the textile structure  10  further enables movement of air along and through the textile  10 . While both the first textile portion  105  and the second textile portion  110  are air permeable, the air permeability of the textile  10  along a channel  130 ,  135  or pocket  140  is greater than the air permeability of the textile along a spacer element  115 . Accordingly, the channels  130 ,  135  or pockets  140  capture air and direct it out through the textile  10  (via the first textile portion  105 ), enhancing air flow during physical activity, thereby creating a heat dissipating or cooling effect. In a preferred embodiment, the first textile portion  105  possesses higher vapor permeability (breathability) than the second textile portion  110  (in its unprinted state). 
         [0031]    The textile  10  may be formed utilizing any process suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, the textile  10  is knitted to form a unitary structure. By way of example, the textile is formed via warp knitting. By way of further example, the textile  10  is a double knit jacquard formed via a process that simultaneously forms both textile portions  105 ,  110 . While forming the second textile portion  110 , knitting is selectively started and stopped at predetermined positions to form spacer elements  115 . Stated another way, the channels  130 ,  135  or pockets  140  are formed wherever the knitting operation is suspended (creating regions that are substantially free of pile) and spacer elements  115  are formed wherever the knitting operation is resumed (creating regions including pile). 
         [0032]    In other embodiments, the textile  10  possesses loop pile construction. By way of example, the textile  10  may be formed as described U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,600 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,733, the disclosure of each patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In still other embodiments, the first  105  and second  110  textile portions are independent layers secured together, e.g., via adhesive, stitching, etc. Accordingly, the textile  10  may possess a unitary construction, or may be formed of multiple, distinct layers. 
         [0033]    In order to control the properties of the article of apparel, the textile  10  may be processed to selectively seal areas of the fabric and compress the fibers, filaments or yarns forming the textile. In an embodiment, one or both textile portions  105 ,  110  may be compressed and sealed to minimize its breathability and/or fluid abortion properties. Specifically, the filaments, fibers, or yarns along the surface of a textile portion  105 ,  110  may compressed by an applicator and secured in its compressed state utilizing an adhesive or sealant composition. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, the textile  10  may be further processed to selectively compress and/or seal one or more of the spacer elements  115 , as well as to selectively seal all or part of the channels  130 ,  135  or pockets  140 . Specifically, one or more spacer elements  115  is fully or partially compressed by an applicator and secured in its compressed state utilizing an adhesive or sealant composition. By way of example, the textile  10  may be processed by a rotogravure apparatus configured to simultaneously compress a selected spacer element  115  and apply an adhesive or sealant composition to the compressed spacer element. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the rotogravure apparatus  400  includes an impression roller  405 , a gravure cylinder  410 , and a tank  415  that holds the adhesive compositing or sealing agent  420 . The cylinder  410  is engraved with surface cells (not illustrated) that captures the adhesive composition or sealing agent  420  from the tank  415  and transfers the adhesive to the textile  10 . The cells are positioned on the cylinder  410  such that they selectively register/align with one or more of the spacer elements  115  and/or one or more channels  130 ,  135  or pockets  140  on the textile  10 . Accordingly, when the textile  10  contacts the cylinder  410 , the adhesive composition  420  is applied in a discontinuous pattern on the front side of the textile, selectively compressing and securing the spacer elements  115  in their compressed state ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ) (discussed in greater detail below). 
         [0035]    In another embodiment, the rotogravure is a reverse kiss gravure coater. Referring to  FIG. 4B , the gravure cylinder  410  rotates in the opposite direction of the substrate; moreover, an impression roller  405  is not utilized. Instead, the textile  10  passes between a pair of idler rollers  430 A,  430 B, which are offset from the gravure cylinder  410 . Accordingly, the textile  10 , under tension, contacts (is pressed against) the gravure cylinder  410 , transferring the adhesive composition and/or compressing the spacer elements  115 . An exemplary reverse kiss gravure apparatus and process is disclosed in WO1997007899A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, the speed of the roller may be approximately 30 revolutions per minute, and the applied wet coating possesses a thickness of no more than 30 μm. 
         [0037]    The adhesive composition  420  may be any adhesive suitable for its described purpose. For example, the adhesive includes a polymeric binder such as polyurethane. Polyurethane, while flexible, is effective to fill the voids of the textile (i.e., the air passages present in each the first textile portion  105  and the second textile portion  110 ), reducing or preventing air from passing through at its point of application. 
         [0038]    The adhesive composition  420  may further include insulating, heat-conducting, or heat-reflecting material dispersed in the binder. By way of example, the adhesive composition  420  may contain inorganic materials such as ceramics (technical ceramics and refractory materials), as well as metals. By way of specific example, the adhesive composition may include silica (SiO 2 ), silicon nitride (SiN), zeolite, zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2 ), calcium silicate, calcium carbonate, aluminum nitride (AlN), alumina (Al 2 O 3 ), silicon carbide (SiC), and magnesium oxide (MgO), copper, aluminum, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the coating includes silica capable of absorbing thermal energy such as body heat. 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, the adhesive composition may possess a viscosity of no more than 1000 mPa*s. 
         [0040]    The adhesive composition  420  may be applied in any pattern suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, the adhesive composition  420  is applied in an interrupted or discontinuous pattern. Preferably, the discontinuous layer is configured such that the adhesive composition covers no more than 50% the surface area of the textile front face (the user facing face). In an embodiment, the adhesive composition  420  is applied as a vector pattern. Referring to  FIG. 5A , the adhesive pattern  500  includes a linear member  505 A,  505 B,  505 C,  505   n+ 1 formed of segments  510 A,  510 B,  510 C,  510 D oriented at a predetermined angle A with respect to each other (e.g., an acute angle). The dimensions of the linear member  505 A- 505   n+ 1 (and thus of the segments  510 A- 510 D) may be any suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, the transverse dimension (width) of the linear member  505 A- 505   n+ 1 may correspond to the width/diameter of a spacer element. In other embodiments, the transverse dimension of the linear member  505 A- 505   n+ 1 may be greater or less than the transverse dimension (diameter) of a spacer element  115  and/or greater or less than the transverse dimension (width/height) of the channels  130 ,  135  or pockets  140 . By way of specific example, the transverse dimension of each linear member  505 A- 505   n+ 1 is approximately 1-5 mm (e.g., 2 mm or 3 mm). 
         [0041]    The pattern  500  may further include a plurality of linear members  505 A- 505   n+ 1 ordered to form a superstructure  515  such as a polygon and, in particular, a hexagon. As seen in  FIG. 5A , the superstructure  515  includes a plurality linear members  505 A- 505   n+ 1 disposed in a nested arrangement. Each linear member  505 A- 505   n+ 1 is a partial hexagon with an apex  520  along the upper side of the nested arrangement and a broken border  525  along the lower side of the nested arrangement. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 5B , in an embodiment, the pattern  500  includes a plurality of superstructures  515  positioned adjacent each other in a honeycomb-like manner, with adjacent rows being offset. The array of superstructures  515  interconnected via a link  530 . In an embodiment, the second linear member  505 B of one superstructure  515  is connected to the first linear member  505 A of a second superstructure along the link  530 . 
         [0043]    With these arrangements, the linear members  505 A- 505   n+1  can span portions of the wearer, improving the capture and/or distribution of thermal energy (e.g., body heat) generated by the wearer. That is, the linear elements enable the efficient absorption and dispersion of heat over a wider surface area than, e.g., dots or circles. That is, if the first segment  510 A of a linear member is positioned over an area of the body generating heat, while the third segment  510 B is not, the first segment will initially absorb heat. The absorbed heat will then travel (be conducted) between segments  510 A- 510   n+1 . This is in contrast with individual circles or squares, which, being spaced from each other, do not dispersing it along the surface of the wearer. 
         [0044]    Formation of the textile  10  with selectively compressed spacer elements is explained with reference to  FIG. 6 . First, the textile  10  is obtained (Step  605 ), e.g., formed via the knitting processes explained above. The textile  10  is placed in the rotogravure apparatus  400  (Step  610 ), where the impression roller  405  contacts the exposed (outer) surface of the first textile portion  105 , urging the exposed (inner) surface of the second textile portion  110  (including the spacer elements  115 ) against the gravure cylinder  410 . The cells of the gravure cylinder  410 , having a depth of 100 μm-200 μm (e.g., 150 μm), are configured to align with selected spacer elements  115 . The cylinder cells will contact the selected spacer elements  115 , compressing the spacer element to form a compressed spacer element  715  ( FIG. 7A ). While compressed, the cylinder  410  applies/transfers the adhesive composition  420  to the surface of the textile  10  (Step  615 ). The transferred adhesive composition  420  secures the compressed spacer element  715  in its compressed state ( FIG. 7B ). After transfer, the applied adhesive composition  420  may be dried via a heater (at, e.g., 100° C.). 
         [0045]    Accordingly, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the resulting textile  10  includes a partially or fully compressed spacer elements  715  and uncompressed (expanded) spacer elements  115 . Additionally, the adhesive composition  420  may be selectively transferred to a channel  130 ,  135  or pocket  140 , sealing the channel with adhesive (Step  620 ) and reducing air permeability (breathability) at the point of application. 
         [0046]    Once transferred, the adhesive composition  420  may completely cover a spacer element  715  (securing the entire spacer element in its compressed configuration) or may partially cover a spacer element  115  (securing a portion of the spacer element in the compressed configuration). Accordingly, the resulting textile  10  includes a plurality of expanded spacer elements  115  extending distally from the first textile portion  105  at a first height and a plurality of compressed spacer elements  715  extending from the first textile portion  105  at a second height, with the second height being less than the first height. Depending on the pressure applied, the distal end of each compressed spacer element  715  may be substantially or completely flush with the textile surface (i.e., with the surface of the first textile portion  105 ), or may be slightly recessed into the textile surface. In compressed areas not including a spacer element  115 , the surface including the compressed fibers, filaments, or yarns may be recessed or substantially flush with the surrounding non-compressed areas, depending on the pressure applied. 
         [0047]    The resulting textile  10  (and the article of apparel made therefrom) possesses improved thermoregulatory control compared to a textile lacking the adhesive composition. That is, the textile  10  possesses improved heat retention and distribution capabilities without increasing the overall weight of the textile/article of apparel (or increasing the weight by only a nominal amount). In the sealed areas, transmission of fluid (liquid/air) through the textile  10  is delayed or prevented. Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed that the binder (e.g., polyurethane) of the adhesive composition  420  seals the textile  10  by covering the pores or openings existing within the fabric, decreasing airflow and liquid flow therethrough. Decreasing the air permeability of the textile (and thus of the article of apparel) increases its insulating properties of the textile. The heat of the wearer, moreover, is retained in the air pockets naturally existing between the wearer and the textile  10  (or between the textile and another fabric layer). 
         [0048]    Wearer comfort, however, is maintained. The adhesive composition  420 , being applied as a discontinuous layer, maintains the breathability of the textile. In addition, any liquid contacting a sealed area may simply roll of the sealed area to an unsealed area, being moved away from the user. 
         [0049]    In addition, the adhesive composition  420  may further include insulation or other heat retaining material, further increasing the insulation properties of the composition, and thus the textile  10  (compared with the textile printed with the adhesive composition lacking insulation material). That is, if the adhesive composition  420  further includes an insulating material, the composition is effective to decrease thermal conductivity through the textile, increasing its absorption of heat. For example, when silica is present in the adhesive composition  420 , the silica, having a specific heat capacity value that is greater than that of, e.g., the textile  10  and/or the binder, is capable of absorbing heat from the wearer. Even when the heat energy is removed, the heat retaining material may then release the stored energy, warming the microclimate around the wearer. 
         [0050]    In still further embodiments, the heat retaining material may be selected to emit or radiate selected wavelengths back to wearer (e.g., IR waves), when the heat source is removed. 
         [0051]    Examples of heat retaining materials include ceramics such as AlO 2 , ZnO, SnO 2 , TiO 2 , SiO 2 , SiC and ZrC. The heat retaining material may be present in an amount of less than 50 wt % and, in particular, less than 25 wt % (e.g., 2-10 wt %). 
         [0052]    If the adhesive composition  420  includes a heat conductive material, the heat of the wearer will be absorbed and will be evenly dispersed along the composition, increasing the overall feeling of warmth, with the heat being transferred from a warmer part of the body to a cooler part. 
         [0053]    Finally, if the adhesive composition  420  further includes a heat-reflective material, the composition is effective to reflect the heat of the wearer back towards the wearer, increasing the feeling of warmth. 
         [0054]    Regardless of the type of adhesive composition used, the overall fluid control characteristics remain intact since a substantial portion of the channels  130 ,  135 , pockets  140 , and/or spacer elements  115  remain exposed (unsealed/unprinted). That is, while overall air permeability (breathability) is reduced, the article of apparel still retains a substantial level of breathability, increasing user comfort. Thus, the invention increases user warmth, adds minimum weight to the textile  10 , and retains the base properties of the textile such as breathability. 
         [0055]    In this manner, a garment can be provided that, while capable of moving sweat away from the wearer to provide the wearer with a feeling of dryness, also provides a warming effect while worn. 
         [0056]    In addition, since the adhesive composition or sealing agent  420  is applied in a discontinuous pattern along the inner fabric surface, the resulting garment includes areas possessing different air permeability and/or heat retention values. Specifically, the area of fabric including the sealing agent possesses a first air permeability value, while the area of fabric not including the sealing agent possesses a second air permeability value. The second air permeability value is higher than the first air permeability value. Additionally, area of fabric including the sealing agent with a heat retaining or insulating material possesses a first heat retention value, while the area of fabric not including the sealing agent with the heat retention material possesses a second heat retention value, with the second heat retention value being lower than the first heat retention value. 
         [0057]    When the discontinuous pattern of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  is utilized, the article of apparel according includes not only alternating bands of first and second air permeability values, but also alternating bands of first and second heat retention values. Accordingly, it is possible to control the level of insulation in the garment by selectively applying a predetermined amount of adhesive composition or sealing agent  420  to the textile (the greater the coverage of the sealing agent  420 , the lower the fluid movement and the greater the heat retention property of the garment). 
         [0058]    The textile  10  formed according to the principles of the present invention may be used in a number of different products. For example, the textile  10  may be incorporated into a shirt  800  ( FIG. 8 ) where the second textile portion  105  is positioned along the inside of the shirt, facing the wearer. 
         [0059]    While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. In at least one embodiment, the ceramic print covers about 25% to about 80% of the interior surface area of the article of apparel (e.g., about 35%-45%). 
         [0060]    Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “medial,” “lateral,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.