Shapewear can be used to enhance the appearance of a wearer's buttocks. Typical buttock-enhancing garments include construction that is visible from the exterior and do not provide a natural shape. The garment disclosed herein has an exterior smoothing layer covering an interior construction. The interior construction includes an inner pocket layer and an outer pocket layer attached to an inner garment layer, thus suspending the pockets in the interior of the garment. Pads can be placed in the pockets. The pads and the interior pocket construction provides natural shape to the wearer without compression or bulk.

BACKGROUND

Lower-body shapewear garments can enhance the appearance of a wearer's buttocks. It is desirable for shapewear garments to not be seen when worn under clothing. However, buttock-enhancing garments often do not provide a natural-looking shape to the body due to compression, bulk, or visible construction. Garments used for enhancing the appearance of buttocks often use seaming, pads, or sling constructions. These constructions are often visible on the exterior of the garment, and they are as a result also visible when worn under clothing. Pads may not have a natural shape, or it may be obvious that the wearer's garments include pads. Additionally, features such as sling constructions may add bulk and compress the body.

SUMMARY

A garment is disclosed herein that addresses the aforementioned shortcomings in the field. The garment includes an outer garment layer, an inner garment layer, an outer pocket layer, and a waistband. The outer garment layer covers the inner construction of the garment. The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer are positioned to cover the buttocks area of the wearer. The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer at a pocket perimeter edge, such that the outer pocket layer is suspended between the inner pocket layer and the outer garment layer. The outer pocket layer is attached to the waistband at a top outer pocket edge. The outer pocket layer and a top inner pocket edge of the inner pocket layer define an upper pocket opening. A center seam extends downward from the waistband through the outer pocket layer and inner pocket layer, separating the outer pocket layer and inner pocket layer into a right pocket and a left pocket. The right pocket can hold a right buttock pad, and the left pocket can hold a left buttock pad. The right and left buttock pads can be placed into or removed from the right and left pockets through the upper pocket opening.

In some embodiments, the outer pocket layer is mesh. In some embodiments, the inner pocket layer is mesh. In some embodiments, the waistband is attached to the outer garment layer, the inner garment layer, and the outer pocket layer, and is not visible from an exterior surface of the garment. In some embodiments, the outer garment layer covers the waistband. In some embodiments, the waistband has an upper edge and a lower edge. The outer garment layer is attached to the upper edge of the waistband and extends over an outer surface of the waistband. In some embodiments, the inner garment layer and the outer pocket layer are attached to the lower edge of the waistband. In some embodiments, the inner pocket layer is not attached to the waistband. In some embodiments, the center seam that extends downward from the waistband through the outer pocket layer and inner pocket layer is gathered.

In some embodiments, the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer are formed continuously from the same piece of fabric. In some embodiments, the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer define a right leg opening and a left leg opening. The outer garment layer and the inner garment layer can be connected at a fold along the right and left leg openings. In some embodiments, the outer garment layer further includes an outer garment seam extending downward from the waistband along a back side of the outer garment layer.

In some embodiments, the inner garment layer includes an inner garment edge along the pocket perimeter edge. The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer at the pocket perimeter edge such that the outer pocket layer is directly adjacent the outer garment layer. In some embodiments, the inner pocket layer and the outer pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer by a perimeter seam. The seam can be a U-shaped seam that extends downward from the waistband and curves under the buttocks.

In some embodiments, the garment includes a crotch panel in the crotch area of the garment. In some embodiments, the crotch panel is attached to the outer garment layer, the inner garment layer, the outer pocket layer, and the inner pocket layer by a seam. In some embodiments, the garment includes a crotch area, a right leg portion, and a left leg portion. The right leg portion and left leg portion extend from the crotch area.

In some embodiments, the right and left buttock pads are oval-shaped, having two longer sides and two shorter sides. In some embodiments, the oval-shaped pads are not symmetrical, and one of the longer sides of each pad is a less curved side. The pads are placed in the pockets so that the less curved side is adjacent the center seam. In some embodiments, the buttock pads are thinner at the edges than at the center of the pads. In some embodiments, the garment includes a first configuration, in which the right buttock pad are removed from the garment. In a second configuration, the right buttock pad and the left buttock pad are placed into the right and left pockets such that the central, less curved side of each pad is adjacent the center seam.

Also disclosed herein is a method of making a buttocks-enhancing shapewear garment. Methods of making the garment can include the steps of cutting an outer garment layer and an inner garment layer from a garment fabric, cutting an outer pocket layer and an inner pocket layer from a pocket fabric, and forming a right buttock pad and a left buttock pad. The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer at a pocket perimeter edge, such that the outer pocket layer is suspended between the inner pocket layer and the outer garment layer. The outer garment layer, the inner garment layer, and the outer pocket layer are attached to a waistband. A center seam is sewn from the waistband through the outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer, separating the outer pocket layer and inner pocket layer into a right pocket and a left pocket. In some embodiments, the right buttock pad is placed into the right pocket and the left buttock pad is placed into the left pocket.

In some embodiments, the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer are cut continuously from the garment fabric. In some embodiments, the center seam extending from the waistband through the outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer is gathered. In some embodiments, an outer garment seam is sewn extending downward from the waistband along a back side of the outer garment layer. In some embodiments, the inner garment layer has an inner garment edge. The outer pocket layer and inner pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer at the inner garment edge such that the outer pocket layer is directly adjacent the outer garment layer. In some embodiments, a crotch panel is attached to the outer garment layer, the inner garment layer, the outer pocket layer, and the inner pocket layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Shapewear garments can be used to alter or improve the appearance of a wearer's buttocks. Buttocks-enhancing shapewear garments can use pads, seaming, and sling constructions to provide additional shape to the wearer. These features are often visible on the exterior of the garment and are therefore also visible under clothing. The shapewear garments disclosed herein provide enhanced appearance to the buttocks but do not have construction that is visible under clothing. The garments use pads suspended in pockets to enhance the appearance of the buttocks. By sewing the pocket into the interior layers of the garment, the pockets and pads are concealed, allowing the garment to maintain a natural shape when worn on the body. A hidden waistband construction provides an anchor point for the garment and helps the garment stay in place.

A garment is described herein that includes an outer garment layer and an inner garment layer. An inner pocket layer and an outer pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer. The outer pocket layer and inner pocket layer define pockets having upper pocket openings that are configured to hold buttocks pads. The outer garment layer covers the inner garment layer and the outer and inner pocket layers such that the inner garment layer and the outer and inner pocket layers are not visible from the outside of the garment. When the pads are placed in the pockets, the pads are not visible from the outside of the garment.

As used herein, the words “inferior” and “superior” are anatomical terms used to describe the position relative to the wearer's head. “Inferior” is farther from the head, and “superior” is closer to the head. For example, if a first point is inferiorly located in relation to a second point, the first point is farther from the wearer's head than the second point when the garment is being worn as intended. The term “beneath” indicates an inferior position. The term “above” indicates a superior position.

As used herein, the words “medial” and “lateral” are anatomical terms used to describe the position relative to the wearer's sides. “Lateral” is closer to the sides, and “medial” is farther from the sides (closer to the wearer's vertical center line).

As used herein, “fixedly attached” is defined as attached via sewing, bonding, or any other type of attachment that secures two edges in a permanent fashion. Seamlessly attached is defined as continuously formed as one stretch of fabric. Seamless attachment can be achieved by knitting two or more portions, regions, or panels of the garment together as one piece of fabric, such that there is no seam joining the portions. This can be achieved by using a seamless knitting machine, a hosiery machine, or other knitting machine. Seamless attachment can also be done by continuously forming two or more portions or panels as one stretch of woven or non-woven fabric.

FIG. 1illustrates an exterior view of the front of an embodiment of a buttocks-enhancing garment.FIG. 2illustrates an exterior view of the back of an embodiment of a buttocks-enhancing garment10. The disclosed buttocks-enhancing garment includes an outer garment layer12that is visible from the exterior of the garment. The outer garment layer12is configured to cover at least the wearer's buttocks and lower abdomen area. The outer garment layer12acts as a concealing layer, providing a smooth appearance and hiding the inner construction of the garment.

In certain embodiments, the outer garment layer is made from one or more of elastane, polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, or acrylic. In some embodiments, the outer garment layer can be made from elastane and a second fiber. The second fiber can include one or more of polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, or acrylic. In certain embodiments, the outer garment layer comprises between 5% and 70% elastane and between 30% and 95% of a second fiber.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate one embodiment of the garment10and is not intended to be limiting. In certain embodiments, the garment may include panties, shorties, boyshorts, bodysuits, slips, shapesuits, rompers, leggings, tunics, or a similar garment. In certain embodiments, the garment includes a left leg portion and a right leg portion. In certain embodiments, the left leg portion and right leg portion are midthigh length. In certain embodiments, the left leg portion and right leg portion are longer than midthigh length. In certain embodiments, the garment includes a portion configured to cover at least part of the upper body of the wearer.

In certain embodiments, the garment10includes a right and left leg opening14. In certain embodiments, the outer garment layer12includes right and left leg seams16extending from a crotch area of the garment to the right and left leg openings14.FIG. 1illustrates a garment10having right and left leg portions18and right and left leg seams16extending from a crotch area of the garment along the right and left leg portions18to the right and left leg openings14. The right and left leg seams16can be completely enfolded within the garment layer such that they do not contact the wearer. In certain embodiments, the garment10includes an upper edge20. The upper edge20of the garment can define an opening for encircling the wearer's body. In certain embodiments, the outer garment layer12includes an outer garment seam22that extends down the center of the buttocks area from an upper edge20of the garment to a crotch area of the garment, as shown inFIG. 2.

In certain embodiments, the garment includes a crotch panel24in the crotch area of the garment.FIGS. 1 and 2show a crotch panel24attached to the outer garment layer12. In certain embodiments, crotch panel24is attached to outer garment layer12by a seam, bonding, or other attachment methods. In certain embodiments, crotch panel24is attached to outer garment layer12by a crotch seam26.

FIG. 3illustrates an inner view of the front an embodiment of a buttocks-enhancing shapewear garment10.FIG. 4illustrates an inner view of the back of an embodiment of a buttocks-enhancing shapewear garment10. The garment10includes an inner garment layer30. The inner garment layer30is configured to cover at least the wearer's lower abdomen area. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30defines a right and left leg opening14. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30has an upper edge32. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30includes right and left leg seams16extending from a crotch area of the garment to the lower leg openings14, as shown inFIG. 3.

In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30is made from the same material as outer garment layer12. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer is made from one or more of elastane, polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, or acrylic. The inner garment layer can be made from elastane and a second fiber. The second fiber can include one or more of polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, or acrylic. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer comprises between 5% and 70% elastane and between 30% and 95% of a second fiber.

In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30and the outer garment layer12are formed from different pieces of fabric and attached by sewing, bonding, or other methods. In other embodiments, the inner garment layer30and the outer garment layer12are formed continuously from the same piece of fabric. The piece of fabric is folded, creating a fold line along the leg opening14of the garment and separating the piece of fabric into the inner garment layer30and the outer garment layer12. The inner garment layer30and the outer garment layer12are connected at the fold along the right and left leg openings14. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30and the outer garment layer12have a seamless construction.

In certain embodiments, the garment includes a waistband34.FIGS. 3 and 4show a garment10having a waistband34visible from the interior view of the garment. The waistband34has an upper waistband edge36and a lower waistband edge38. In certain embodiments, the waistband34is a “hidden” waistband, which means that it is not visible from the outside of the garment. This provides the garment with a smooth appearance when worn on the body. In certain embodiments, the outer garment layer12covers the waistband34, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view of the rear of the garment, as shown inFIG. 4, including the waistband34, outer garment layer12, outer pocket layer44, buttock pad50, inner pocket layer40, and inner garment layer30. In certain embodiments, the outer garment layer12is attached to the upper waistband edge36and extends over an outer surface of the waistband34. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30is attached to the lower waistband edge38at the upper edge32of the inner garment layer.

The garment10includes an inner pocket layer40and an outer pocket layer44. The outer pocket layer44is positioned between the inner pocket layer40and the outer garment layer12. The inner garment layer does not extend under the outer pocket layer, but instead ends at an inner garment edge56. In certain embodiments, the outer pocket layer44is attached to the waistband34at a top outer pocket edge46. In certain embodiments, the outer pocket layer44is attached to the lower waistband edge38. In certain embodiments, the inner pocket layer40is not attached to the waistband34. In certain embodiments, a portion of the inner pocket layer40is attached to the waistband34.FIG. 5illustrates a cross-sectional view of the garment, including the outer garment layer12, the outer pocket layer44, and the inner pocket layer40. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the outer garment layer12is attached to the upper waistband edge36and extends over an outer surface of the waistband34, and the outer pocket layer44is attached to a lower waistband edge38. The outer pocket layer44and a top inner pocket edge42of the inner pocket layer40define a pocket48. The pocket48is configured to hold a buttock pad50. The buttock pad50is received in the pocket48through an upper pocket opening defined by the outer pocket layer44and the top inner pocket edge42.

In certain embodiments, the inner pocket layer40includes one or more of elastane, polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, cotton, and acrylic. The inner pocket layer can be made, for example, from elastane and a second fiber. The second fiber can include one or more of polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, or acrylic. In certain embodiments, the inner pocket layer comprises between 5% and 70% elastane and between 30% and 95% of a second fiber. In certain embodiments, the outer pocket layer44is made from the same material as inner pocket layer40.

In certain embodiments, the outer pocket layer40includes one or more of elastane, polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, cotton, and acrylic. The outer pocket layer can be made, for example, from elastane and a second fiber. The second fiber can include one or more of polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, or acrylic. In certain embodiments, the outer pocket layer comprises between 5% and 70% elastane and between 30% and 95% of a second fiber.

In certain embodiments, the inner pocket layer40and the outer pocket layer44comprise a different material than either of the outer garment layer12and inner garment layer30. In certain embodiments, either or both of the inner pocket layer40and the outer pocket layer44include a mesh material. This allows the portion of the garment covering the buttocks area to be lightweight and breathable. The mesh material can have a lower amount of stretch or compression than the material used for the inner garment layer. This provides a natural shape to the buttocks without unnecessary compression.

In certain embodiments, a center seam52extends inferiorly from the waistband34through the outer pocket layer44and inner pocket layer40, separating the outer pocket layer44and inner pocket layer40into a right pocket48aand left pocket48b, as shown inFIG. 4. In certain embodiments, the right pocket48ais configured to hold a right buttock pad50aand the left pocket48bis configured to hold a left buttock pad50b. In certain embodiments, the center seam52is gathered. This allows the garment to contour to the wearer's body. In certain embodiments, the center seam52contacts the wearer's body.

In certain embodiments, the outer pocket layer44and inner pocket layer40are attached to the inner garment layer30at a pocket perimeter edge54. In certain embodiments, the outer pocket layer44and inner pocket layer40are configured to cover the buttocks. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer30does not cover the wearer's buttocks. In these embodiments, the inner garment layer30has an inner garment edge56. The inner garment layer30is attached to the pocket perimeter edge54along the inner garment edge56. The outer pocket layer44is directly adjacent the outer garment layer12and the inner garment layer30. This allows the pocket construction and the buttock pads to shape and enhance the appearance of the wearer's buttocks without adding additional layers to the construction over the wearer's buttocks. Additionally, the material used for the outer pocket layer44and inner pocket layer40can have less compression than the material used for the inner garment layer30and outer garment layer12, providing shaping and lift to the buttocks without additional compression or flattening of the body.

FIG. 4shows a garment having a pocket perimeter edge54, an inner garment edge56, and a U-shaped perimeter seam58connecting the inner garment layer30to the outer pocket layer44and inner pocket layer40. In certain embodiments, either or both of the outer pocket layer44and inner pocket layer40are attached to the inner garment layer30by a perimeter seam58. In certain embodiments, the perimeter seam58is a U-shaped seam that extends inferiorly from the waistband and curves under the buttocks. The U-shaped seam allows the garment to contour to the wearer's shape.

In certain embodiments, the garment includes a crotch panel24in the crotch area of the garment attached to one or more of the inner garment layer30, the outer pocket layer44, and the inner pocket layer40, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. In certain embodiments, crotch panel24is attached to one or more of the inner garment layer30, outer pocket layer44, and inner pocket layer40by a seam, bonding, or other attachment methods. In certain embodiments, crotch panel24is attached to one or more of the inner garment layer30, outer pocket layer44, and inner pocket layer40by a crotch seam26. In certain embodiments, the crotch panel24is one layer of fabric. In certain embodiments, the crotch panel24includes more than one layer of fabric. In certain embodiments, the crotch panel24comprises cotton. In certain embodiments, the crotch panel24includes the same material as either or both of outer garment layer12and inner garment layer30.

The pockets48of the garment10are configured to hold buttock pads50. In certain embodiments, a right pocket48ais configured to hold a right buttock pad50aand a left pocket48bis configured to hold a left buttock pad50b. The buttock pads50provide shaping and lift to the wearer's buttocks, and can be any shape that will provide a desirable appearance to the wearer's buttocks. In certain embodiments, the right and left buttock pads50aand50bare mirror images of each other. In certain embodiments, each buttock pad50is oval-shaped, having two longer sides and two shorter sides. Each oval-shaped buttock pad50can be symmetrical on both the x- and y-axes, or it can be symmetrical on one axis, or it can exhibit no symmetry. The x- and y-axes are shown inFIG. 6. In certain embodiments, one of the longer sides of each oval-shaped buttock pad is a less curved side60, and the other longer side is a more curved side62, as shown inFIG. 6. In certain embodiments, the buttock pads50are positioned within the pockets48such that the central, less curved side60of each buttock pad50is adjacent the center seam52.FIG. 4illustrates a garment10having a right pocket48aand left pocket48b, in which right buttock pad50aand left buttock pad50bhave been positioned. InFIG. 4, the right and left buttock pads50aand50beach have a less-curved side60, and the buttock pads50aand50bare positioned within the pockets48aand48bsuch that each less-curved side60is adjacent the center seam52. In certain embodiments, in a first configuration, the right buttock pad50aand the left buttock pad50bare removed from the garment, and in a second configuration, the right buttock pad50aand the left buttock pad50bare positioned within the right pocket48aand left pocket48bsuch that a central, less curved side60is adjacent the center seam52.

In certain embodiments, the buttock pads50comprise foam. The buttock pads can include one or more of polyurethane foam, fiber fill, silicone foam or silicone gel, polyurethane gel, styrene block copolymer (such as, for example, Kraton), or a bladder filled with oil, air, powder, or fiber fill. The fiber fill can include one or more of polyester, nylon, regenerative fibers, polypropylene, or acrylic fibers. In certain embodiments, the buttock pads are laminated with a fabric. The fabric can include one or more of polyester, nylon, regenerative fiber, polypropylene, acrylic, or cotton.

It is desirable for the buttock pads50to not be visible from the exterior of the garment or when the garment is worn under clothing. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the buttock pads50are thinner at the edges and thicker towards the center. In certain embodiments, the buttock pads50have a greatest thickness at a center point of the buttock pads. In certain embodiments, the buttock pads50have a greatest thickness at a point that is not in the center point of the buttock pad. For example, the buttock pads50can have a greatest thickness at a point that is above the center point of the pad when the pad is positioned in the pocket48. This provides the appearance of lift to the buttocks of the wearer when the garment is worn.

Also disclosed herein are methods of making a buttocks-enhancing shapewear garment. An outer garment layer and an inner garment layer are cut from a garment fabric. The outer garment layer and the inner garment layer can be cut from the same fabric, or the outer garment layer can be cut from a different fabric than the inner garment layer. In certain embodiments, the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer are cut continuously from the same piece of garment fabric. In certain embodiments, the garment fabric is folded to form a leg opening edge connecting the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer. This folded edge provides a smooth appearance when worn, as there is no seam or additional layers of fabric at the edge of the garment. In certain embodiments, the garment is assembled by sewing an outer garment seam extending inferiorly from the waistband along the back side of the outer garment layer.

An outer pocket layer and an inner pocket layer are cut from a pocket fabric. The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer can be cut from the same fabric, or the outer pocket layer can be cut from a different fabric than the inner pocket layer. In certain embodiments, the pocket fabric includes a mesh fabric. In certain embodiments, the pocket fabric has a lower amount of compression than the garment fabric.

A right buttock pad and a left buttock pad are formed. The right and left buttock pads can be formed using one or more of foam, fiber fill, silicone foam or silicone gel, polyurethane gel, styrene block copolymer, or a bladder filled with oil, air, powder, or fiber fill. In some embodiments, forming the right and left buttock pads includes forming an inside layer and then laminating the inside layer. The inside layer can be laminated with fabric. The fabric can include one or more of polyester, nylon, regenerative fiber, polypropylene, acrylic, or cotton.

The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer at a pocket perimeter edge such that the outer pocket layer is between the inner pocket layer and the outer garment layer. The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer can be attached to the inner garment layer by a seam, bonding, or other methods of attachment. In certain embodiments, the inner garment layer comprises an inner garment edge. The outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer are attached to the inner garment layer along the inner garment edge, such that the outer pocket layer is directly adjacent the outer garment layer.

A waistband is provided, having an upper edge and a lower edge. The outer garment layer, inner garment layer, and outer pocket layer are attached to the waistband. A center seam is sewn, extending inferiorly from the waistband through the outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer. The center seam separates the outer pocket layer and the inner pocket layer into a right pocket and a left pocket. In certain embodiments, the center seam is gathered. The right buttock pad can be placed into the right pocket, and the left buttock pad can be placed into the left pocket.

In certain embodiments, a crotch panel is provided. The crotch panel can comprise one or more layers of fabric. In certain embodiments, the crotch panel is attached to the outer garment layer, the inner garment layer, the outer pocket layer, and the inner pocket layer. In certain embodiments, the crotch panel comprises more than one layer, and each layer is attached to one or more of the outer garment layer, the inner garment layer, the outer pocket layer, and the inner pocket layer.