Garments with moisture capture assemblies and associated methods

Garments comprise one or more bonds formed within a joined region of the garment; a garment base comprising at least one interior base layer and at least one exterior base layer; and a moisture capture assembly joined to the garment base within at least the joined region. The moisture capture assembly comprises a moisture retention portion configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer and an anti-leak portion configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to garments with moisture capture assemblies and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

Garments and other wearable accessories that are configured to be worn adjacent to a wearer's crotch often exhibit moisture-absorbing properties, such as to absorb and/or retain menstrual fluids and/or urine produced by the wearer. In particular, it generally is desirable that such garments absorb and retain such fluids in a discreet and leak-proof manner, such as to hide such fluids from view and/or to enhance the wearer's comfort. In the field of undergarments, various solutions exist for configuring undergarments to absorb and retain fluids. However, in the case of garments in the form of swimwear, special considerations must be taken into account to ensure that such fluids remain retained within the garment while swimming, and to ensure that the water in which the wearer is swimming does not penetrate and/or saturate the garment.

SUMMARY

Garments with moisture capture assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer includes a crotch region, a joined region, a garment base, and a moisture capture assembly joined to the garment base within the joined region. Specifically, the moisture capture assembly is positioned at least partially within the crotch region. The moisture capture assembly includes an assembly interior side that faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer and an assembly exterior side that faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer. The moisture capture assembly further includes a moisture retention portion configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer and an anti-leak portion configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion. The moisture capture assembly is joined to the garment base via bonds formed within the joined region. In some examples, the garment is an article of swimwear.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1-14provide examples of garments100including moisture capture assemblies200and/or of methods300of manufacturing garments100, according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each ofFIGS.1-14, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each ofFIGS.1-14. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each ofFIGS.1-14, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more ofFIGS.1-14may be included in and/or utilized with any ofFIGS.1-14without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In general, elements that are likely to be included in a particular embodiment or example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines may not be essential and, in some embodiments or examples, may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.1is a schematic front view illustrating examples of garments100according to the present disclosure, whileFIG.2is a schematic fragmentary top view illustrating examples of crotch regions140of garments100.FIGS.3-4are schematic cross-sectional front and side views, respectively, as viewed along the lines3-3and4-4onFIG.2, respectively.FIGS.5-7illustrate a first example garment1000, which is an example of garment100, whileFIGS.8-10illustrate a second example garment2000, which is another example of garment100.FIGS.11-13are fragmentary cross-sectional views illustrating aspects of examples of garments100, such as aspects of first example garment1000and/or of second example garment2000, as described in more detail herein.

As schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-10, a garment100configured to be worn by a wearer includes a garment base160, a moisture capture assembly200, and a joined region142such that the moisture capture assembly is joined to the garment base within at least the joined region. As schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-4, and as described in more detail herein, moisture capture assembly200is joined to garment base160via one or more bonds150formed within joined region142. That is, as used herein, joined region142generally refers to a region, or collection of regions, in which bonds150are formed. Joined region142thus may include one or more connected and/or spaced-apart elongate regions of garment100. In this manner, bonds150collectively may define joined region142. As a more specific example, and with reference toFIG.2, moisture capture assembly200may be described as including a moisture capture assembly central region202and a moisture capture assembly peripheral region204that circumferentially encloses the moisture capture assembly central region, such that joined region142includes at least a portion of the moisture capture assembly peripheral region. In particular, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.2, joined region142extends at least substantially around a perimeter of moisture capture assembly peripheral region204.

Bonds150may be created utilizing any suitable technique, including stitching, adhesive, thermo-compression, etc. That is, a bond150may be described as a stitching seam in some examples and may be described as an adhesive bond in other examples. As used herein, the term “stitching seam” is intended to refer to any suitable line, row, series, and/or other form of stitching that binds and/or joins two or more elements of garment100to one another. Stitching seams according to the present disclosure generally include and/or consist of a stitching thread that is sewn through the elements of garment100to be joined in any suitable pattern. Any stitching seam according to the present disclosure may utilize and/or embody any suitable sewing technique and/or pattern, examples of which include a lapped seam, a superimposed seam, a bound seam, a flat seam, a lockstitch, a chainstitch, a covering stitch, etc. Throughout the drawings, bonds150generally are schematically represented as stitching seams150; however, the representation thereof in the drawings does not represent a specific type or technique of stitch or seam and does not limit garments100to including stitching seams. That is, each schematically represented stitching seam should be understood to also schematically and optionally represent an adhesive bond.

As schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, moisture capture assembly200includes an assembly interior side212that faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer and an assembly exterior side214that faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer. As additionally schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, moisture capture assembly200further includes a moisture retention portion220configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer, as well as an anti-leak portion240configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion. In the present disclosure, moisture retention portion220also may be referred to as a moisture retention subassembly220, and/or anti-leak portion240may be referred to as an anti-leak subassembly240.

Moisture capture assembly200may be positioned within any suitable region of garment100. In particular, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-10, garment100includes a crotch region140that is configured to be positioned adjacent to the wearer's crotch and/or groin area when garment100is worn by the wearer, and moisture capture assembly200is positioned at least partially within the crotch region. Additionally or alternatively, and as described in more detail herein, garment base160may support moisture capture assembly200, such as within crotch region140. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-10, garment100includes a garment interior surface120that faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer and a garment exterior surface122that faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

Garment100may include and/or be any of a variety of garments and/or worn accessories. In particular, the present disclosure generally relates to examples in which garment100is an article of swimwear, such as a swimsuit, a one-piece swimsuit, a swimsuit bottom, and/or a bikini bottom. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.1, garment100may include a torso region50configured to overlie at least a portion of the wearer's torso when the wearer wears the garment. In some examples, and as additionally schematically illustrated inFIG.1, garment100and/or torso region50includes one or more breast cups52configured to overlie and/or support the wearer's breasts when the wearer wears the garment and/or one or more shoulder straps54configured to be worn over the wearer's shoulders when the wearer wears the garment. However, such examples are not limiting, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that garment100may include, be, and/or be included in any other suitable garment, examples of which include an undergarment, a short (e.g., a pair of shorts), a menstrual pad, an outerwear garment, an activewear garment, etc. In various examples according to the present disclosure, garment100is configured to be washed and re-worn numerous times. In this manner, in such examples, garment100is distinct from a disposable absorbent garment that is configured to be worn only once, or only a small number of times, before being disposed and replaced.

The present disclosure generally relates to examples in which moisture capture assembly200is positioned at least partially within crotch region140. However, such examples are not limiting, and it is to be understood that the various aspects, features, constructions, etc. of garments100according to the present disclosure may be applied to any of a variety of articles, including garments100that are not configured to be worn adjacent to a wearer's groin area and/or garments that do not include crotch region140. As examples, aspects of garments100according to the present disclosure, such as moisture capture assembly200and/or bonds150, may be configured to absorb sweat associated with the user's arm pits, may be configured to restrict moisture from penetrating an outer garment to reach the user's skin, etc.

Garment100may be configured to absorb and retain any of a variety of fluids, such as may be associated with and/or produced by the wearer while the wearer wears the garment. For example, garment100and/or moisture capture assembly200thereof may be configured to absorb and retain blood and/or other menstrual fluids produced by the wearer, and/or to absorb and retain urine produced by the wearer, such as may be associated with an incontinence condition. However, in some examples, such as when garment100is an article of swimwear, it may be desirable to configure moisture capture assembly200specifically to restrict the retained fluids from leaking into an external environment, such as a body of water in which the garment is worn. Similarly, when garment100is an article of swimwear, it may be desirable to configure moisture capture assembly200to restrict water from the external environment from leaking into and/or saturating moisture capture assembly200. Accordingly, garments100according to the present disclosure generally are configured to isolate moisture retention portion220from the external environment, such as with anti-leak portion240, while additionally supporting moisture retention portion220within garment base160in a manner that at least partially conceals the presence of the moisture capture assembly. In this manner, garments100according to the present disclosure may offer the wearer protection against leakage of bodily fluids away from the garment while maintaining the external appearance of a conventional garment.

As described in more detail herein, various components and/or features of garment100may be described with reference to directions defined relative to the garment. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.2-4, garment100and/or a portion thereof may be described as defining a laterally inward direction102and a laterally outward direction104(shown inFIGS.2-3), such that laterally inward direction102generally is directed toward a central region of garment100and/or of crotch region140, and such that laterally outward direction104is opposite the laterally inward direction. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.2-3, garment100may include a pair of garment lateral edges124in a region proximal to moisture capture assembly200, and laterally inward direction102may be directed from each garment lateral edge124toward moisture capture assembly central region202. In such examples, at least a portion of moisture capture assembly200may be described as extending away from each garment lateral edge124along laterally inward direction102.

As schematically illustrated at least inFIG.3, moisture capture assembly200may be described as extending between and terminating at a pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges206. In such examples, moisture capture assembly peripheral region204may be described as including each moisture capture assembly lateral edge206. Additionally, and as further schematically illustrated inFIG.3, moisture retention portion220of moisture capture assembly200may be described as extending between and terminating at a pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges222. In some examples, each moisture retention portion lateral edge222defines and/or is a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206of moisture capture assembly200. Stated differently, in such examples, no portion of moisture capture assembly200extends further along laterally outward direction104than moisture retention portion220. Alternatively, in some other examples, each moisture capture assembly lateral edge206is spaced apart from the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222along laterally outward direction104.

Additionally, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.2and4, garment100and/or a portion thereof may be described as defining a laterally anterior direction106and a laterally posterior direction108that is opposite the laterally anterior direction. In particular, laterally anterior direction106may correspond to a direction that is parallel to a surface of garment100and that is directed toward an anterior and/or forward portion of garment100, while laterally posterior direction108may correspond to a direction that is parallel to a surface of garment100and that is directed toward a posterior and/or rearward portion of garment100. As schematically illustrated inFIGS.2and4, moisture capture assembly200may be described as extending between and terminating at a moisture capture assembly anterior edge208and a moisture capture assembly posterior edge210, with the moisture capture assembly anterior edge being spaced apart from the moisture capture assembly posterior edge along the laterally anterior direction.

Additionally, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4, garment100may be described as defining a transversely inward direction110that is directed toward the wearer when garment100is worn by the wearer and a transversely outward direction112that is opposite the transversely inward direction. In this manner, each of transversely inward direction110and transversely outward direction112is perpendicular to each of laterally inward direction102, laterally outward direction104, laterally anterior direction106, and laterally posterior direction108. As a more specific example, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4, assembly interior side212of moisture capture assembly200may be described as being spaced apart from assembly exterior side214of the moisture capture assembly along transversely inward direction110. As used herein, a first component may be described as being positioned on an interior side of a second component when the first component is at least partially offset from the second component along transversely inward direction110. Similarly, as used herein, a first component may be described as being positioned on an exterior side of a second component when the first component is at least partially offset from the second component along transversely outward direction112.

AlthoughFIGS.2-4schematically illustrate garment100as being generally flat and/or planar, this is not required of garment100in all examples and/or configurations. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that each of laterally inward direction102, laterally outward direction104, laterally anterior direction106, laterally posterior direction108, transversely inward direction110, and/or transversely outward direction112is not oriented in the same absolute direction at all locations on garment100. Stated differently, laterally inward direction102, laterally outward direction104, laterally anterior direction106, laterally posterior direction108, transversely inward direction110, and transversely outward direction112may be described as representing directions that are defined relative to a particular location and/or region of garment100, irrespective of the configuration and/or orientation of the garment in a location and/or region away from such a particular location and/or region.

For purposes of clarity, the schematic cross-sectional illustrations ofFIGS.3-4represent the illustrated components as having an extent that is exaggerated along the direction parallel to transversely inward direction110and transversely outward direction112. Additionally, whileFIGS.3-4illustrate the components of garment100as being slightly spaced apart from one another for clarity, it is to be understood various components of the assembled garment are drawn into direct contact with one another, such as via bonds150. In the schematic illustrations ofFIGS.2-4, bonds150are schematically represented by jagged/zig-zag lines that are intended to represent the general regions in which the bonds are formed and the components through which optional stitches extend. However, such representations are not intended to imply or require that the bonds150are stitching seams or that optional stitching seams have a particular shape, form, or extent.

Although the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.3-4are taken along the lines3-3and4-4ofFIG.2, it is to be understood that such cross-sectional views (including the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.11-13) may correspond to any suitable portion of garment100and/or of joined region142. In this manner, the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.3-4and/or11-13may be understood as being representative of any and/or every such location along a perimeter of moisture capture assembly200. In particular, in some examples, the constructions illustrated in the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.3and11extend fully (or at least substantially fully) across each garment lateral edge124in a region adjacent to moisture capture assembly200. Similarly, in some examples, the constructions illustrated in the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.4and12extend fully (or at least substantially fully) across the portions of joined region142corresponding to moisture capture assembly anterior edge208and/or moisture capture assembly posterior edge210. However, this is not required of all examples of garment100, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that the construction of garment100may vary at distinct locations along a perimeter of moisture capture assembly200.

Garment100may include any of a variety of features for accommodating and/or engaging the wearer's body. In particular, in some examples, at least a portion of garment interior surface120is configured to directly contact the wearer when garment100is worn by the wearer. Stated differently, in some examples, garment100is configured such that, when the garment is worn by the wearer, no portion of the garment is positioned directly between garment interior surface120and the wearer. Similarly, in some examples, garment100is configured such that, when the garment is worn by the wearer, no portion of the garment is positioned distal the wearer relative to garment exterior surface122.

Garment base160may feature any of a variety of constructions for supporting moisture capture assembly200within crotch region140. In various examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-13, garment base160includes one or more base layers162. In particular, in some examples, at least one base layer162is joined to at least a portion of moisture capture assembly200via a corresponding bond150. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-2, garment base160may include a plurality of base panels180that are operatively coupled to one another to collectively form at least a portion of the garment base. In such examples, each base panel180may include and/or be at least one base layer162. In such examples, the plurality of base panels180may be operatively coupled to one another in any of a variety of manners, such as via stitching and/or via adhesive bonding.

In various examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-13, base layer(s)162include an interior base layer166that forms at least a portion of garment interior surface120within crotch region140and/or an exterior base layer168that forms at least a portion of garment exterior surface122within the crotch region. Each base layer162(e.g., interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168) may be formed of any of a variety of materials. As examples, each base layer162may be at least partially formed of a natural fiber, cotton, a synthetic fiber, polyester, nylon, Spandex™ fabric, and/or combinations thereof.

In the present disclosure, each base layer162may be at least partially characterized with reference to one or more lateral edges thereof. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3, each base layer162may be described as extending between and terminating at a pair of base layer lateral outward edges164, such that the base layer extends away from each base layer lateral outward edge along laterally inward direction102.

As used herein, directional terms such as “overlie,” “above,” “underlie,” “below,” and the like generally refer to relative positions as viewed from the side of garment100with garment interior surface120facing upwards, as in the schematic views ofFIGS.3-4. In particular, a first component may be described as overlying a second component, and/or as being positioned above the second component, when the first component is spatially offset from the second component along transversely inward direction110. Similarly, a first component may be described as underlying a second component, and/or as being positioned under the second component, when the first component is spatially offset from the second component along transversely outward direction112.

In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.1and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-10, garment100includes a waistband region126(shown inFIGS.1and5-6) and/or one or more garment apertures130. In some examples, garment base160may at least partially define waistband region126and/or each garment aperture130. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-2and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-10, each garment aperture130defines a leg opening132that is configured to receive a leg of the wearer when garment100is worn by the wearer.

In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-3and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.5-11, garment100additionally includes an edge binding strip134positioned adjacent to each garment aperture130. In some such examples, each edge binding strip134at least partially defines the respective garment aperture130and/or a respective leg opening132associated with the respective garment aperture130. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, each edge binding strip134extends around a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206from garment interior surface120to garment exterior surface122. Stated differently, in some examples, each edge binding strip134wraps around and/or encloses at least a portion of the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206.

In some examples, each edge binding strip134is formed of an elastic material and/or of the same material as at least a portion of garment base160. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, garment100includes a pair of elastic strips136such that each edge binding strip134at least substantially encloses, retains, and/or supports a respective elastic strip136. In particular, each elastic strip136may include and/or be a material, such as an elastic rubber, that is configured to bias each edge binding strip134toward the wearer's leg to conform each leg opening132to the wearer's leg. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, each elastic strip136underlies at least a portion of moisture capture assembly peripheral region204such that exterior base layer168is positioned between the elastic strip and moisture capture assembly200. However, this is not required, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that each elastic strip136may overlie at least a portion of moisture capture assembly peripheral region204such that interior base layer166is positioned between the elastic strip and moisture capture assembly200.

Moisture capture assembly200and/or moisture retention portion220may have any of a variety of constructions for absorbing and capturing moisture from the wearer. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4, moisture retention portion220includes one or more moisture retention layers224, such as may include a first moisture retention layer226and a second moisture retention layer228. In some such examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3, each moisture retention layer224extends to (and thus at least partially defines) a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222. When present, first moisture retention layer226and second moisture retention layer228may be formed of the same and/or similar materials, or may be at least partially formed of different materials. In some examples, first moisture retention layer226and second moisture retention layer228are operatively coupled to one another, such as via bond(s)150.

In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4, moisture capture assembly200and/or moisture retention portion220includes a wicking layer230that is configured to wick moisture away from the wearer. In particular, in such examples, wicking layer230may be configured to draw moisture away from the wearer, such as via capillary action, and to direct and/or convey the moisture to moisture retention layer(s)224. In such examples, wicking layer230may be positioned and/or bonded within moisture capture assembly200in any of a variety of manners. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3, wicking layer230may extend within each of moisture capture assembly central region202and moisture capture assembly peripheral region204. In some examples, wicking layer230is operatively coupled to moisture retention portion220, such as to first moisture retention layer226. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3, wicking layer230at least partially defines assembly interior side212of moisture capture assembly200. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3, interior base layer166overlies at least a portion of wicking layer230within moisture capture assembly central region202and/or within moisture capture assembly peripheral region204.

Anti-leak portion240of moisture capture assembly200may include any of a variety of components and/or features for restricting moisture from exiting the moisture capture assembly. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, anti-leak portion240may include and/or be a moisture barrier layer242that is operatively coupled to moisture retention portion220. When present, moisture barrier layer242may include and/or be any of a variety of materials, such as a moisture-impermeable film and/or a polyurethane film. In some examples, moisture barrier layer242is operatively coupled to moisture retention portion220only in moisture capture assembly peripheral region204and/or in joined region142.

In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, at least a portion of moisture barrier layer242underlies moisture retention portion220. Specifically, in some such examples, the entirety of moisture barrier layer242underlies moisture retention portion220. However, this is not required, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that a portion of moisture barrier layer242may overlie moisture retention portion220, such as within moisture capture assembly peripheral region204. Specifically, in some such examples, moisture barrier layer242underlies moisture retention portion220within moisture capture assembly central region202and extends around each moisture retention portion lateral edge222from assembly exterior side214to assembly interior side212. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, moisture barrier layer242at least partially defines assembly exterior side214of moisture capture assembly200.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4, anti-leak portion240may include and/or be a moisture barrier treatment246and/or a moisture barrier film that is applied to moisture retention portion220, such as to moisture retention layer224(e.g., to second moisture retention layer228, when present).

Each portion of moisture capture assembly200may be formed of any of a variety of materials. As examples, each of moisture capture assembly200, moisture retention portion220, first moisture retention layer226, second moisture retention layer228, wicking layer230, and/or moisture barrier layer242may be at least partially formed of a natural fiber, cotton, a synthetic fiber, polyester, nylon, Spandex™ fabric, and/or combinations thereof.

With reference to the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.3-4and11, a configuration of moisture barrier layer242also may be characterized with reference to a moisture barrier layer lateral edge244thereof, which represents a terminal edge of the moisture barrier layer. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, each moisture barrier layer lateral edge244may be aligned with a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222. However, this is not required of all examples of moisture capture assembly200, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that each moisture barrier layer lateral edge244may be spaced apart from the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222along laterally outward direction104or along laterally inward direction102. In some examples, such as when moisture barrier layer lateral edge244is aligned with moisture retention portion lateral edge222or is spaced apart from the moisture retention portion lateral edge along laterally outward direction104, the moisture barrier layer lateral edge may define moisture capture assembly lateral edge206. Alternatively, in some examples, such as when moisture barrier layer lateral edge244is spaced apart from moisture retention portion lateral edge222along laterally inward direction102, the moisture barrier layer lateral edge also may be spaced apart from moisture capture assembly lateral edge206along laterally inward direction102.

As used herein, the term “aligned,” as used to describe a relative position of a first edge relative to a second edge, generally refers to a configuration in which the first edge and the second edge are positioned at respective locations that are not spatially separated from one another along laterally inward direction102or along laterally outward direction104, but which may be spatially separated from one another along transversely inward direction110or along transversely outward direction112. However, it is to be understood that a description herein of two or more components as being “aligned” does not strictly require that the two or more components are exactly and/or precisely aligned with one another. For example, as known in the art, garment construction is not perfect, and the imprecision introduced by human- and/or machine-performed manufacturing can introduce slight misalignments between components that nominally are intended to be aligned with one another. Accordingly, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “aligned” is intended to encompass configurations in which the components are perfectly aligned, as well as configurations in which the components are slightly misaligned as a result of manufacturing tolerances.

When present, interior base layer166may have any suitable position, orientation, and/or extent relative to moisture capture assembly200, moisture retention portion220, anti-leak portion240, and/or joined region142. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, at least a portion of interior base layer166overlies at least a portion of moisture capture assembly200. For example, interior base layer166(or a portion thereof) may overlie at least a portion of moisture capture assembly peripheral region204, at least a portion of moisture capture assembly central region202, and/or a full width of moisture capture assembly200. WhileFIGS.3-4schematically illustrate interior base layer166as overlying moisture capture assembly200as a single flat layer, this is not required of all examples of garment100. As examples, it also is within the scope of the present disclosure that interior base layer166may be folded, doubled over, and/or otherwise characterized by two or more adjacent layers within a portion of moisture capture assembly peripheral region204within which interior base layer166overlies moisture capture assembly200.

In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, each base layer lateral outward edge164of interior base layer166is aligned with a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206and/or with a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222. In other examples, each base layer lateral outward edge164of interior base layer166may be spaced apart from the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206and/or from the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222along laterally inward direction102or along laterally outward direction104.

In some examples, a configuration of interior base layer166additionally or alternatively may be characterized with reference to moisture barrier layer242. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, interior base layer166may overlie at least a portion of moisture barrier layer242within moisture capture assembly peripheral region204and/or within moisture capture assembly central region202. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, base layer lateral outward edge164of interior base layer166may be aligned with moisture barrier layer lateral edge244. In other examples, base layer lateral outward edge164of interior base layer166may be spaced apart from moisture barrier layer lateral edge244along laterally inward direction102or along laterally outward direction104.

When present, exterior base layer168may have any suitable position, orientation, and/or extent relative to moisture capture assembly200, moisture retention portion220, anti-leak portion240, and/or joined region142. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, at least a portion of exterior base layer168underlies at least a portion of moisture capture assembly200. For example, exterior base layer168(or a portion thereof) may underlie at least a portion of moisture capture assembly peripheral region204, at least a portion of moisture capture assembly central region202, and/or a full width of moisture capture assembly200.

WhileFIGS.3-4schematically illustrate exterior base layer168as underlying moisture capture assembly200as a single flat layer, this is not required of all examples of garment100. As examples, it also is within the scope of the present disclosure that exterior base layer168may be folded, doubled over, and/or otherwise characterized by two or more adjacent layers within a portion of moisture capture assembly peripheral region204within which exterior base layer168underlies moisture capture assembly200.

In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, each base layer lateral outward edge164of exterior base layer168is aligned with a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206and/or with a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222. In other examples, base layer lateral outward edge164of exterior base layer168may be spaced apart from the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206and/or from the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge222along laterally inward direction102or along laterally outward direction104.

In some examples, a configuration of exterior base layer168additionally or alternatively may be characterized with reference to moisture barrier layer242. For example, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIGS.11-13, exterior base layer168may underlie at least a portion of moisture barrier layer242within moisture capture assembly peripheral region204and/or within moisture capture assembly central region202. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.3-4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, base layer lateral outward edge164of exterior base layer168may be aligned with moisture barrier layer lateral edge244. In other examples, base layer lateral outward edge164of exterior base layer168may be spaced apart from moisture barrier layer lateral edge244along laterally inward direction102or along laterally outward direction104.

In examples in which the plurality of base layers162includes interior base layer166and exterior base layer168, the interior base layer and the exterior base layer may have any suitable relative orientation. As examples, each base layer lateral outward edge164of interior base layer166may be aligned with a respective base layer lateral outward edge164of exterior base layer168, or may be spaced apart from the respective base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer. More specifically, the base layer lateral outward edge of the interior base layer may be spaced apart from the base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer along laterally inward direction102or along laterally outward direction104. In particular,FIGS.3and11illustrate examples in which base layer lateral outward edge164of interior base layer166is approximately aligned with base layer lateral outward edge164of exterior base layer168.

As discussed, moisture capture assembly200is joined to garment base160via one or more bonds150formed within joined region142. Specifically, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.2-3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, bonds150include a pair of lateral region bonds152, each of which joins a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge206to garment base160. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.2and4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.12, bonds150include an anterior region bond154that joins moisture capture assembly anterior edge208to garment base160. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.2and4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.13, bonds150include a posterior region bond156that joins moisture capture assembly posterior edge210to garment base160.

Each lateral region bond may have any suitable form for joining components of garment100as described herein. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3, each lateral region bond152joins moisture capture assembly200to each of interior base layer166and exterior base layer168. However, this is not required of all examples of garment100, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that each lateral region bond152may join moisture capture assembly200to only one of interior base layer166or exterior base layer168. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3, interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168extend within crotch region140and terminate at, or proximal to, each lateral region bond152. In this manner, in such examples, the pair of lateral region bonds152may be described as representing, or as being located proximal to, the terminal lateral edges of garment base160within crotch region140.

In an example in which garment100includes the pair of edge binding strips134, and as schematically illustrated inFIGS.2-3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, bonds150further may include a pair of edge binding strip bonds158. In particular, in such examples, each edge binding strip bond158may include stitching that passes through each of interior base layer166, moisture capture assembly200, exterior base layer168, and a respective edge binding strip134to join the respective edge binding strip to the garment base. In some such examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, each edge binding strip bond158is aligned with, and/or at least partially overlaps, a respective lateral region bond152. In other examples, each edge binding strip bond158may be laterally offset relative to the respective lateral region bond152, such as along laterally inward direction102or laterally outward direction104. In examples in which garment100further includes elastic strip136, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.3and less schematically illustrated inFIG.11, each edge binding strip bond158may include stitching that passes through a respective elastic strip136to join the respective elastic strip to garment base160.

Anterior region bond154may have any suitable form for joining components of garment100as described herein. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.12, anterior region bond154joins moisture capture assembly200to only one of interior base layer166or exterior base layer168. In particular, in the example ofFIGS.4and12, anterior region bond154joins moisture capture assembly200to interior base layer166but does not join the moisture capture assembly to exterior base layer168, such that the exterior base layer is uncoupled from the moisture capture assembly proximal to the anterior region bond. However, this is not required, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that anterior region bond154may join moisture capture assembly200to each of interior base layer166and exterior base layer168.

In some examples, anterior region bond154may be described as representing an anterior edge and/or boundary of crotch region140. In some such examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.12, interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168extends within crotch region140and further extends away from the crotch region along laterally anterior direction106. Stated differently, in such examples, interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168does not terminate at (or proximal to) anterior region bond154, but instead extends continuously across the anterior region bond (and/or across a region of garment100proximal to the anterior region bond). However, this is not required of all examples of garment100, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168may extend within crotch region140and terminate at, or proximal to, anterior region bond154.

Posterior region bond156may have any suitable form for joining components of garment100as described herein. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.13, posterior region bond156joins moisture capture assembly200to each of interior base layer166and exterior base layer168. However, this is not required of all examples of garment100, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that posterior region bond156may join moisture capture assembly200to only one of interior base layer166or exterior base layer168.

In some examples, posterior region bond156may be described as representing a posterior edge and/or boundary of crotch region140. In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.13, interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168extends within crotch region140and terminates at, or proximal to, posterior region bond156. However, this is not required of all examples of garment100, and it additionally is within the scope of the present disclosure that interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168may extend within crotch region140and further may extend away from the crotch region along laterally posterior direction108. Stated differently, in such examples, interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168do not terminate at (or proximal to) posterior region bond156, but instead extend continuously across the posterior region bond (and/or across a region of garment100proximal to the posterior region bond).

In some examples, such as in an example in which interior base layer166and/or exterior base layer168terminates at, or proximal to, posterior region bond156, base layers162additionally include one or more connected base layers170. In particular, in such examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.13, each connected base layer170is joined to moisture capture assembly200by anterior region bond154and/or by posterior region bond156and does not extend within crotch region140. More specifically, in the examples ofFIGS.4and13, each connected base layer170is joined to moisture capture assembly200and to each of interior base layer166and exterior base layer168by posterior region bond156.

In some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.13, connected base layer(s)170include an interior connected base layer172that extends immediately adjacent to interior base layer166at anterior region bond154and/or at posterior region bond156. More specifically, in some such examples, interior connected base layer172directly engages interior base layer166. Similarly, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4and less schematically illustrated inFIG.13, connected base layer(s)170include an exterior connected base layer174that extends immediately adjacent to exterior base layer168at anterior region bond154and/or at posterior region bond156. More specifically, in some such examples, exterior connected base layer174directly engages exterior base layer168. In some examples, each connected base layer170(e.g., each of interior connected base layer172and exterior connected base layer174) operates to at least partially conceal anterior region bond154and/or posterior region bond156. Specifically, in the example ofFIGS.4and13, each of interior connected base layer172and exterior connected base layer174is folded over an otherwise exposed portion of posterior region bond156, thereby concealing the posterior region bond from view.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as schematically illustrated inFIG.4, posterior region bond156may be described as joining moisture capture assembly200, interior base layer166, and exterior base layer168to a pair of base panels180. In such examples, the pair of base panels180joined by posterior region bond156may extend away from crotch region140, and/or may operate to at least partially conceal the posterior region bond. In some examples, the pair of base panels180joined by posterior region bond156may include and/or be interior connected base layer172and/or exterior connected base layer174.

Turning more specifically to first example garment1000illustrated inFIGS.5-7and11-13, first example garment1000represents an example of garment100in the form of an article of swimwear, and specifically a swimwear bottom. In particular,FIGS.5-7illustrate various aspects of the outer surfaces of first example garment1000.FIGS.11-13are cross-sectional views illustrating the configurations of base layers162of first example garment1000and of the components of moisture capture assembly200within joined region142and/or within moisture capture assembly peripheral region204of first example garment1000. As discussed, it is to be understood that the configurations illustrated inFIGS.11-13may be exhibited at any of a variety of locations along moisture capture assembly peripheral region204. For example, the configuration illustrated inFIG.11may be representative of every location along moisture capture assembly lateral edge206, or may be representative of only a portion of the moisture capture assembly lateral edge. Similarly, the configurations illustrated inFIGS.12-13may be representative of every location along moisture capture assembly anterior edge208and moisture capture assembly posterior edge210, respectively, or may be representative of only a portion of the moisture capture assembly anterior edge or the moisture capture assembly posterior edge.

As illustrated inFIGS.5-7and11, first example garment1000includes edge binding strip134positioned adjacent to each garment aperture130, such that each edge binding strip at least partially defines the corresponding garment aperture and the corresponding leg opening132. Turning more specifically to the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.11-13, moisture retention portion220of first example garment1000includes a single moisture retention layer, and anti-leak portion240includes moisture barrier layer242in the form of a moisture-impermeable film that is joined to moisture retention portion220by bonds150. As illustrated inFIGS.5-7and11-13, garment base160of first example garment1000includes interior base layer166, exterior base layer168, and a pair of connected base layers170(shown inFIG.13).

Turning to second example garment2000illustrated inFIGS.8-13, second example garment2000represents an example of garment100in the form of an another article of swimwear, and specifically a one-piece swimsuit. In particular,FIGS.8-10illustrate various aspects of the outer surfaces of second example garment2000. As shown inFIGS.8-10, second example garment2000includes torso region50that includes a pair of breast cups52and a pair of shoulder straps54.

As with first example garment1000,FIGS.11-13are cross-sectional views illustrating the configurations of base layers162of second example garment2000and of the components of moisture capture assembly200within joined region142and/or within moisture capture assembly peripheral region204of second example garment2000. Stated differently, each of first example garment1000and second example garment2000features the constructions illustrated inFIGS.11-13. Accordingly it is to be understood that the foregoing description ofFIGS.11-13with reference to first example garment1000also applies to the configuration of second example garment2000.

FIG.14is a flowchart depicting a method300, according to the present disclosure, of manufacturing a garment, such as garment100, first example garment1000, and/or second example garment2000disclosed herein. As shown inFIG.14, method300includes joining, at320, a moisture capture assembly to a garment base within at least a joined region of the garment. Examples of moisture capture assemblies, of garment bases, and/or of joined regions that may be utilized in conjunction with methods300are disclosed herein with reference to moisture capture assembly200, garment base160, and/or joined region142, respectively. In particular, in examples of method300according to the present disclosure, the moisture capture assembly generally includes a moisture retention portion configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer and an anti-leak portion configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion. Examples of moisture retention portions and/or of anti-leak portions that may be utilized in conjunction with methods300are disclosed herein with reference to moisture retention portion220and/or anti-leak portion240, respectively.

The joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320may be performed in any suitable manner according to the present disclosure. In particular, in some examples, and as shown inFIG.14, the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320includes forming, at322, one or more bonds (such as any suitable bonds150disclosed herein) within the joined region. More specifically, in some examples, and as shown inFIG.14, the forming the one or more bonds at322includes forming, at324, a pair of lateral region bonds, forming, at326, an anterior region bond, and/or forming, at328, a posterior region bond. Examples of lateral region bonds, of anterior region bonds, and/or of posterior region bonds that may be utilized in conjunction with methods300are disclosed herein with reference to lateral region bond152, anterior region bond154, and/or posterior region bond156, respectively.

In some examples, the moisture capture assembly includes a moisture capture assembly peripheral region (such as moisture capture assembly peripheral region204disclosed herein), which in turn includes a pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges (such as moisture capture assembly lateral edges206disclosed herein). In some such examples, the forming the pair of lateral region bonds at324includes forming each lateral region bond at a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge. Similarly, in some examples, the moisture capture assembly peripheral region includes a moisture capture assembly anterior edge (such as moisture capture assembly anterior edge208disclosed herein) and/or a moisture capture assembly posterior edge (such as moisture capture assembly posterior edge210disclosed herein). In some such examples, the forming the anterior region bond at326includes forming the anterior region bond at the moisture capture assembly anterior edge, and/or the forming the posterior region bond at328includes forming the posterior region bond at the moisture capture assembly posterior edge.

In some examples, the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320includes joining two or more layers of the moisture capture assembly to one another. More specifically, in some examples, the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320includes joining two or more of a moisture retention portion, an anti-leak portion, one or more moisture retention layers, a first moisture retention layer, a second moisture retention layer, a wicking layer, and/or a moisture barrier layer to one another. In such examples, joining two or more layers of the moisture capture assembly to one another may include, or may be a result of, one or more other steps of the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320, such as the forming the bonds within the joined region at322. Stated differently, in some examples, a step that operates to join the moisture capture assembly to the garment base also may operate to join two or more layers of the moisture capture assembly to one another. Accordingly, in some examples, the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320includes, prior to the forming the bond(s) at322, positioning the layers of the moisture capture assembly between the interior base layer and the exterior base layer. Examples of moisture retention portions, anti-leak portions, moisture retention layers, first moisture retention layers, second moisture retention layers, wicking layers, moisture barrier layers, interior base layers, and/or exterior base layers that may be utilized in conjunction with methods300are disclosed herein with reference to moisture retention portion220, anti-leak portion240, moisture retention layer(s)224, first moisture retention layer226, second moisture retention layer228, wicking layer230, moisture barrier layer242, interior base layer166, and/or exterior base layer168, respectively.

In some examples, the garment includes a pair of edge binding strips (such as edge binding strips134disclosed herein) positioned adjacent to garment lateral edges of the garment (such as garment lateral edges124disclosed herein). In some such examples, and as shown inFIG.14, method300further includes joining, at330, each edge binding strip to a respective garment lateral edge. The joining each edge binding strip to the respective garment lateral edge at330may be performed in any suitable manner. For example, the joining each edge binding strip to the respective garment lateral edge at330may be performed subsequent to the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, and as shown inFIG.14, the joining each edge binding strip to the respective garment lateral edge at330includes forming, at332, a pair of edge binding strip bonds, such as edge binding strip bonds158disclosed herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the joining each edge binding strip to the respective garment lateral edge at330includes joining a pair of elastic strips (such as elastic strips136disclosed herein) to the pair of garment lateral edges, such as with the pair of edge binding strip bonds. That is, in some such examples, the forming the pair of edge binding strip bonds at332includes joining the pair of elastic strips to the pair of garment lateral edges.

In some examples, the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320includes joining a moisture capture assembly that is at least partially pre-formed to the garment base. More specifically, in some examples, and as shown inFIG.14, method300further includes, prior to the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base at320, preparing, at310, the moisture capture assembly.

The preparing the moisture capture assembly at310may be performed in any suitable manner. In some examples, and as shown inFIG.14, the preparing the moisture capture assembly at310includes shaping, at312, the moisture capture assembly, such as to adapt the moisture capture assembly for incorporation with the garment base. The shaping the moisture capture assembly at312may be performed in any of a variety of manners. As an example, the shaping the moisture capture assembly at312may include cutting the moisture capture assembly to a desired shape, such as a shape corresponding to a crotch region of the garment. More specifically, in some such examples, the shaping the moisture capture assembly at312includes utilizing a die cutting process.

A1. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer, the garment comprising:

a joined region;

a garment base; and

a moisture capture assembly joined to the garment base within at least the joined region;

wherein the moisture capture assembly includes:an assembly interior side that faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer;an assembly exterior side that faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer;a moisture retention portion configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer; andan anti-leak portion configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion; and

wherein the moisture capture assembly is joined to the garment base via one or more bonds, optionally stitching seams, formed within the joined region.

A2. The garment of paragraph A1, further comprising a crotch region; wherein the moisture capture assembly is positioned at least partially within the crotch region.

A3. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein the garment base supports the moisture capture assembly, optionally within a/the crotch region.

A4. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A3 further comprising:

a garment interior surface that faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; and

a garment exterior surface that faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

A4.1. The garment of paragraph A4, wherein at least a portion of the garment interior surface is configured to directly contact the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

A4.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A4-A4.1, wherein the garment is configured such that, when the garment is worn by the wearer, no portion of the garment is positioned directly between the garment interior surface and the wearer.

A4.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A4-A4.2, wherein the garment is configured such that, when the garment is worn by the wearer, no portion of the garment is positioned distal the wearer relative to the garment exterior surface.

A5. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A4.3, further comprising a waistband region; and optionally wherein the garment base at least partially defines the waistband region.

A6. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the garment defines one or more garment apertures; and optionally wherein the garment base at least partially defines the one or more garment apertures.

A6.1. The garment of paragraph A6, wherein at least one garment aperture of the one or more garment apertures defines a leg opening that is configured to receive a leg of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

A7. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A6.1, wherein the moisture capture assembly includes a moisture capture assembly central region and a moisture capture assembly peripheral region that circumferentially encloses the moisture capture assembly central region; and wherein the joined region includes at least a portion of the moisture capture assembly peripheral region.

A8. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the moisture capture assembly extends between and terminates at a pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges; and optionally wherein a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region includes each moisture capture assembly lateral edge.

A8.1. The garment of paragraph A8, wherein the one or more bonds includes a pair of lateral region bonds; and wherein each lateral region bond of the pair of lateral region bonds joins a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge of the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges to the garment base.

A9. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A8.1, wherein the moisture capture assembly extends between and terminates at each of a moisture capture assembly anterior edge and a moisture capture assembly posterior edge.

A9.1. The garment of paragraph A9, wherein the one or more bonds includes:

an anterior region bond that joins the moisture capture assembly anterior edge to the garment base; and

a posterior region bond that joins the moisture capture assembly posterior edge to the garment base.

A10. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A9.1, wherein the joined region extends at least substantially around a perimeter of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region.

A11. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein the garment includes a pair of garment lateral edges in a region proximal to the moisture capture assembly; and wherein at least a portion of the moisture capture assembly extends away from each garment lateral edge along a laterally inward direction that is directed from the garment lateral edge toward a/the moisture capture assembly central region.

A12. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the moisture retention portion extends between and terminates at a pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges; and wherein one of:

(i) each moisture capture assembly lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges is spaced apart from a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge of the pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges along a laterally outward direction that is directed from a/the moisture capture assembly central region toward a respective garment lateral edge of a/the pair of garment lateral edges; or

(ii) each moisture retention portion lateral edge of the pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges defines a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge of the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges.

A13. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the garment base includes one or more base layers.

A13.1. The garment of paragraph A13, wherein each base layer of the one or more base layers extends between and terminates at a pair of base layer lateral outward edges, such that the base layer extends away from each base layer lateral outward edge along a/the laterally inward direction.

A13.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A13-A13.1, wherein the one or more base layers includes an interior base layer that forms at least a portion of a/the garment interior surface within a/the crotch region.

A13.2.1. The garment of paragraph A13.2, wherein at least a portion of the interior base layer overlies at least a portion of the moisture capture assembly; optionally wherein at least a portion of the interior base layer overlies at least a portion of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region; and optionally wherein at least a portion of the interior base layer overlies at least a portion of a/the moisture capture assembly central region.

A13.2.2. The garment of paragraph A13.2.1, wherein the interior base layer overlies a full width of the moisture capture assembly.

A13.2.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A13.2-A13.2.2, wherein each base layer lateral outward edge of a/the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of the interior base layer is one of:

(i) aligned with one or both of a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges and a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges;

(ii) spaced apart from one or both of the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge and the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge along a/the laterally outward direction; or spaced apart from one or both of the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge and the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge along a/the laterally inward direction.

A13.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A13-A13.2.3, wherein the one or more base layers includes an exterior base layer that forms at least a portion of a/the garment exterior surface within a/the crotch region.

A13.3.1. The garment of paragraph A13.3, wherein at least a portion of the exterior base layer underlies at least a portion of the moisture capture assembly; optionally wherein at least a portion of the exterior base layer underlies at least a portion of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region; and optionally wherein at least a portion of the exterior base layer underlies at least a portion of a/the moisture capture assembly central region.

A13.3.2. The garment of paragraph A13.3.1, wherein the exterior base layer underlies a/the full width of the moisture capture assembly.

A14. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A13.3.2, wherein the garment base includes a plurality of base panels that are operatively coupled to one another.

A14.1. The garment of paragraph A14, wherein each base panel of the plurality of base panels includes at least one base layer of a/the one or more base layers.

A14.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A14-A14.1, wherein two or more base panels of the plurality of base panels are operatively coupled to one another at least partially via stitching.

A15. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A14.2, wherein each base layer lateral outward edge of a/the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of an/the exterior base layer is one of:

(i) aligned with one or both of a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges and a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges;

(ii) spaced apart from one or both of the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge and the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge along a/the laterally outward direction; or

(iii) spaced apart from one or both of the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge and the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge along a/the laterally inward direction.

A16. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein each base layer lateral outward edge of a/the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of an/the interior base layer is aligned with a respective base layer lateral outward edge of the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of an/the exterior base layer.

A17. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein each base layer lateral outward edge of a/the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of an/the interior base layer is spaced apart from a respective base layer lateral outward edge of the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of the exterior base layer along a/the laterally inward direction.

A18. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein each base layer lateral outward edge of a/the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of an/the interior base layer is spaced apart from a respective base layer lateral outward edge of the pair of base layer lateral outward edges of the exterior base layer along a/the laterally outward direction.

A19. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A18, further comprising a pair of edge binding strips; wherein each edge binding strip is positioned adjacent to a respective garment aperture of a/the one or more garment apertures.

A19.1. The garment of paragraph A19, wherein each edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips at least partially defines the respective garment aperture; and optionally wherein the edge binding strip at least partially defines a/the leg opening.

A19.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A19-A19.1, wherein each edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips extends around a respective moisture capture assembly portion lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges from a/the garment interior surface to a/the garment exterior surface.

A19.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A19-A19.2, wherein each edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips encloses at least a portion of a/the respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges.

A19.4. The garment of any of paragraphs A19-A19.3, wherein each edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips is formed of an elastic material.

A19.5. The garment of any of paragraphs A19-A19.4, wherein each edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips is formed of the same material as at least a portion of the garment base.

A19.6. The garment of any of paragraphs A19-A19.5, further comprising a pair of elastic strips; wherein each edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips at least substantially encloses a respective elastic strip of the pair of elastic strips.

A19.6.1. The garment of paragraph A19.6, wherein each elastic strip of the pair of elastic strips underlies at least a portion of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region such that a/the exterior base layer is positioned between the elastic strip and the moisture capture assembly.

A19.6.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A19.6-A19.6.1, wherein each elastic strip of the pair of elastic strips overlies at least a portion of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region such that a/the interior base layer is positioned between the elastic strip and the moisture capture assembly.

A20. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A19.6.2, wherein the moisture retention portion includes one or more moisture retention layers.

A20.1. The garment of paragraph A20, wherein each moisture retention layer of the one or more moisture retention layers extends to a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges.

A20.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A20-A20.1, wherein the one or more moisture retention layers includes a first moisture retention layer and a second moisture retention layer.

A20.2.1. The garment of paragraph A20.2, wherein the first moisture retention layer and the second moisture retention layer are operatively coupled to one another.

A20.2.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A20.2-A20.2.1, wherein the first moisture retention layer and the second moisture retention layer are at least partially formed of different materials.

A21. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A20.2.2, wherein the moisture capture assembly includes a wicking layer configured to wick moisture away from the wearer.

A21.1. The garment of paragraph A21, wherein the wicking layer extends within each of a/the moisture capture assembly central region and a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region.

A21.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A21-A21.1, wherein the wicking layer is operatively coupled to the moisture retention portion, and optionally to a/the first moisture retention layer.

A21.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A21-A21.2, wherein an/the interior base layer overlies at least a portion of the wicking layer within one or both of a/the moisture capture assembly central region and a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region.

A22. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A21.3, wherein the anti-leak portion includes, and optionally is, a moisture barrier layer that is operatively coupled to the moisture retention portion.

A22.1. The garment of paragraph A22, wherein the moisture barrier layer is operatively coupled to the moisture retention portion only in one or both of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region and a/the joined region.

A22.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A22-A22.1, wherein at least a portion of the moisture barrier layer underlies the moisture retention portion.

A22.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A22-A22.2, wherein a portion of the moisture barrier layer overlies the moisture retention portion, optionally within a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region.

A22.3.1. The garment of paragraph A22.3, wherein the moisture barrier layer extends around each moisture retention portion lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges from the assembly exterior side to the assembly interior side.

A22.4. The garment of any of paragraphs A22-A22.3.1, wherein the moisture barrier layer includes, and optionally is, a film, optionally a polyurethane film.

A22.5. The garment of any of paragraphs A22-A22.4, wherein the moisture barrier layer extends between and terminates at a pair of moisture barrier layer lateral edges.

A22.5.1. The garment of paragraph A22.5, wherein each moisture barrier layer lateral edge is one of:

(i) aligned with a respective moisture retention portion lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture retention portion lateral edges;

(ii) spaced apart from the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge along a/the laterally inward direction; or

(iii) spaced apart from the respective moisture retention portion lateral edge along a/the laterally outward direction.

A22.5.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A22.5-A22.5.1, wherein each moisture barrier layer lateral edge is spaced apart from a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge of a/the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges along a/the laterally inward direction.

A23. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A22.5.3, wherein the anti-leak portion includes, and optionally is, one or both of a moisture barrier treatment and a moisture barrier film that is applied to the moisture retention portion.

A24. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the interior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein the interior base layer overlies at least a portion of the moisture barrier layer within one or both of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region and a/the moisture capture assembly central region.

A25. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the interior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the interior base layer is aligned with a/the moisture barrier layer lateral edge.

A26. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the interior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the interior base layer is spaced apart from a/the moisture barrier layer lateral edge along a/the laterally inward direction.

A27. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the interior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the interior base layer is spaced apart from a/the moisture barrier layer lateral edge along a/the laterally outward direction.

A28. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the exterior base layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer is aligned with a/the moisture capture assembly lateral edge.

A29. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the exterior base layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer is spaced apart from a/the moisture capture assembly lateral edge along a/the laterally inward direction.

A30. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the exterior base layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer is spaced apart from a/the moisture capture assembly lateral edge along a/the laterally outward direction.

A31. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the exterior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein the exterior base layer underlies at least a portion of the moisture barrier layer within one or both of a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region and a/the moisture capture assembly central region.

A32. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the exterior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer is aligned with a/the moisture barrier layer lateral edge.

A33. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the exterior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer is spaced apart from a/the moisture barrier layer lateral edge along a/the laterally inward direction.

A34. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein a/the one or more base layers includes an/the exterior base layer; wherein the anti-leak portion includes a/the moisture barrier layer; and wherein a/the base layer lateral outward edge of the exterior base layer is spaced apart from a/the moisture barrier layer lateral edge along a/the laterally outward direction.

A35. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A34, wherein each lateral region bond of a/the pair of lateral region bonds joins the moisture capture assembly to each of an/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer.

A36. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A34, wherein each lateral region bond of a/the pair of lateral region bonds joins the moisture capture assembly to only one of an/the interior base layer or an/the exterior base layer.

A37. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A36, wherein one or both of an/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer extends within a/the crotch region and terminates at, or proximal to, each lateral region bond of a/the pair of lateral region bonds.

A38. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A37, wherein an/the anterior region bond joins the moisture capture assembly to each of an/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer.

A39. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A37, wherein an/the anterior region bond joins the moisture capture assembly to only one of an/the interior base layer or an/the exterior base layer.

A40. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A39, wherein an/the anterior region bond joins the moisture capture assembly to an/the interior base layer; and wherein an/the exterior base layer is uncoupled from the moisture capture assembly proximal to the anterior region bond.

A40.1. The garment of paragraph A40, wherein the anterior region bond does not join the moisture capture assembly to the exterior base layer.

A41. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A40.1, wherein one or both of an/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer extends within a/the crotch region and away from the crotch region along a laterally anterior direction.

A42. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A41, wherein one or both of a/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer extends within a/the crotch region and terminates at, or proximal to, an/the anterior region bond.

A43. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A42, wherein a/the posterior region bond joins the moisture capture assembly to each of an/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer.

A44. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A42, wherein a/the posterior region bond joins the moisture capture assembly to only one of an/the interior base layer or an/the exterior base layer.

A45. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A44, wherein one or both of an/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer extends within a/the crotch region and away from the crotch region along a laterally posterior direction.

A46. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A45, wherein one or both of a/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer extends within a/the crotch region and terminates at, or proximal to, a/the posterior region bond.

A47. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A46, wherein the garment base includes one or more connected base layers; wherein each connected base layer of the one or more connected base layers:

(i) does not extend within a/the crotch region; and

(ii) is joined to the moisture capture assembly by one or both of an/the anterior region bond and a/the posterior region bond.

A47.1. The garment of paragraph A47, wherein the one or more connected base layers includes an interior connected base layer that extends immediately adjacent to the interior base layer at one or both of the anterior region bond and the posterior region bond.

A47.1.1. The garment of paragraph A47.1, wherein the interior connected base layer directly engages the interior base layer.

A47.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A47-A47.1.1, wherein the one or more connected base layers includes an exterior connected base layer that extends immediately adjacent to the exterior base layer at one or both of the anterior region bond and the posterior region bond.

A47.2.1. The garment of paragraph A47.2, wherein the exterior connected base layer directly engages the exterior base layer.

A47.3. The garment of any of paragraphs A47-A47.2.1, wherein each connected base layer of the one or more connected base layers at least partially conceals one or both of an/the anterior region bond and a/the posterior region bond.

A48. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A47.3, wherein a/the posterior region bond further joins the moisture capture assembly, the interior base layer, and the exterior base layer to a pair of base panels of a/the plurality of base panels.

A48.1. The garment of paragraph A48, wherein the pair of base panels extends away from the crotch region.

A48.2. The garment of any of paragraphs A48-A48.1, wherein the pair of base panels at least partially conceal the posterior region bond.

A49. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A48.2, wherein the one or more bonds includes a pair of edge binding strip bonds; and wherein each edge binding strip bond of the pair of edge binding strip bonds includes stitching that passes through each of a/the interior base layer, the moisture capture assembly, a/the exterior base layer, and a respective edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips to join the respective edge binding strip to the garment base.

A49.1. The garment of paragraph A49, wherein each edge binding strip bond of the pair of edge binding strip bonds is aligned with and/or at least partially overlaps a respective lateral region bond of a/the pair of lateral region bonds.

A49.2. The garment of paragraph A49, wherein each edge binding strip bond of the pair of edge binding strip bonds is laterally offset relative to a/the respective lateral region bond of a/the pair of lateral region bonds along a/the laterally inward direction.

A49.3. The garment of paragraph A49, wherein each edge binding strip bond of the pair of edge binding strip bonds is laterally offset relative to a/the respective lateral region bond of a/the pair of lateral region bonds along a/the laterally outward direction.

A49.4. The garment of any of paragraphs A49-A49.3, wherein each edge binding strip bond of the pair of edge binding strip bonds includes stitching that passes through a respective elastic strip of a/the pair of edge binding strips.

A50. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A49.4, wherein one or more of the garment base, a/the one or more base layers, an/the interior base layer, and an/the exterior base layer is at least partially formed of one or more of a natural fiber, cotton, a synthetic fiber, polyester, nylon, Spandex™ fabric, and combinations thereof.

A51. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A50, wherein one or more of the moisture capture assembly, a/the moisture retention portion, a/the first moisture retention layer, a/the second moisture retention layer, a/the wicking layer, and a/the moisture barrier layer is at least partially formed of one or more of a natural fiber, cotton, a synthetic fiber, polyester, nylon, Spandex™ fabric, and combinations thereof.

A52. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A51, wherein the garment is an article of swimwear.

A52.1. The garment of paragraph A52, wherein the garment is one or more of a swimsuit, a one-piece swimsuit, a swimsuit bottom, and a bikini bottom.

A53. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A52.1, wherein the garment includes a torso region configured to overlie at least a portion of the wearer's torso when the wearer wears the garment.

A54. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A53, wherein the garment includes one or more shoulder straps configured to be worn over the wearer's shoulders when the wearer wears the garment; and optionally wherein a/the torso region includes the one or more shoulder straps.

A55. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A54, wherein the garment includes one or more breast cups configured to overlie and/or support the wearer's breasts when the wearer wears the garment; and optionally wherein a/the torso region includes the one or more breast cups.

A56. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A55, wherein the garment is an undergarment.

A57. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A56, wherein the garment is an outerwear garment.

A58. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A57, wherein the garment is a short.

A59. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A58, wherein the garment is an activewear garment.

A60. The garment of any of paragraphs A1-A59, wherein the garment is configured to be washed and re-worn numerous times.

B1. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer and to be washed and re-worn numerous times, the garment comprising:

one or more bonds formed within a joined region of the garment;

a garment base comprising at least one interior base layer and at least one exterior base layer; and

a moisture capture assembly joined to the garment base within at least the joined region, wherein the moisture capture assembly has an assembly interior side that faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, an assembly exterior side that faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, a moisture capture assembly anterior edge, a moisture capture assembly posterior edge opposite the moisture capture assembly anterior edge, and moisture capture assembly lateral edges that extend between the moisture capture assembly posterior edge and the moisture capture assembly anterior edge, wherein the moisture capture assembly is positioned with a crotch region of the garment, and wherein the moisture capture assembly comprises:a moisture retention portion configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer; andan anti-leak portion configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion;

wherein the one or more bonds comprises an anterior region bond that joins the moisture capture assembly to the at least one interior base layer along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge; and

wherein the moisture capture assembly is not joined to the at least one exterior base layer along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge.

B2. The garment of paragraph B1, wherein the anterior region bond comprises a stitching seam.

B3. The garment of any of paragraphs B1-B2, wherein the one or more bonds comprises a posterior region bond that joins the moisture capture assembly to the at least one interior base layer and to the at least one exterior base layer along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge.

B3.1. The garment of paragraph B3, wherein the posterior region bond comprises a stitching seam.

B3.2. The garment of any of paragraphs B3-B3.1, wherein the one or more bonds comprises lateral region bonds that join the moisture capture assembly lateral edges to the at least one interior base layer and to the at least one exterior base layer.

B3.2.1. The garment of paragraph B3.2, wherein the lateral region bonds each comprise a stitching seam.

B3.2.2. The garment of any of paragraphs B3.2-B3.2.1;

wherein the garment defines a pair of leg openings and further comprises a pair of edge binding strips that extend around the leg openings;

wherein each edge binding strip extends around a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge from the assembly interior side to the assembly exterior side;

wherein the one or more bonds comprises a pair of edge binding strip bonds that join the pair of edge binding strips to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly lateral edges.

B3.2.2.1. The garment of paragraph B3.2.2, wherein the edge binding strip bonds each comprise a stitching seam.

B3.2.2.2. The garment of any of paragraphs B3.2.2-B3.2.2.1, further comprising a pair of elastic strips extending around the leg openings, wherein each edge binding strip at least substantially encloses a respective elastic strip of the pair of elastic strips.

B6.3.2.2.2.1. The garment of paragraph B3.2.2.2, wherein an exterior base layer of the at least one exterior base layer extends between each elastic strip and the moisture capture assembly.

B4. The garment of any of paragraphs B1-B3.2.2.2.1, wherein the anti-leak portion comprises a moisture barrier layer that is operatively coupled to the moisture retention portion.

B5. The garment of any of paragraphs B1-B4,

wherein the at least one interior base layer comprises an interior connected base layer and the at least one exterior base layer comprises an exterior connected base layer;

wherein the interior connected base layer and the exterior connected base layer are joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly posterior edge on opposing sides of the moisture capture assembly and extend away from the moisture capture assembly.

B5.1. The garment of paragraph B5,

wherein the at least one interior base layer further comprises a second interior base layer that is joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly posterior edge between the moisture capture assembly and the interior connected base layer; and

wherein the at least one exterior base layer further comprises a second exterior base layer that is joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly posterior edge opposite the second interior base layer and between the moisture capture assembly and the exterior connected base layer.

B5.1.1. The garment of paragraph B5.1, wherein the second interior base layer is the interior base layer that is joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge, and wherein the second exterior base layer is the exterior base layer that is not joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge.

B6. The garment of any of paragraphs B1-B5.1.1, wherein the one or more bonds each comprises one or more stitching seams.

B7. The garment of any of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein the garment is an article of swimwear.

B8. The garment of any of paragraphs B1-B7, further comprising the subject matter of any of paragraphs A1-A60.

B9. A method of manufacturing the garment of any of paragraphs B1-B8, the method comprising:

joining, with the one or more bonds, the moisture capture assembly to the garment base.

C1. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer and to be washed and re-worn numerous times, the garment comprising:

stitching seams formed within a joined region of the garment;

a garment base comprising at least one interior base layer and at least one exterior base layer, wherein the garment base defines leg openings; anda moisture capture assembly joined to the garment base within at least the joined region, wherein the moisture capture assembly has an assembly interior side that faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, an assembly exterior side that faces away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, a moisture capture assembly anterior edge, a moisture capture assembly posterior edge opposite the moisture capture assembly anterior edge, and moisture capture assembly lateral edges that extend between the moisture capture assembly posterior edge and the moisture capture assembly anterior edge, wherein the moisture capture assembly is positioned with a crotch region of the garment, and wherein the moisture capture assembly comprises:a moisture retention portion configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer; andan anti-leak portion configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion;

a pair of edge binding strips that extend around the leg openings;

a pair of elastic strips extending around the leg openings, wherein each edge binding strip at least substantially encloses a respective elastic strip of the pair of elastic strips;

wherein the stitching seams comprise:an anterior region stitching seam that joins the moisture capture assembly to the at least one interior base layer along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge;a posterior region stitching seam that joins the moisture capture assembly to the at least one interior base layer and to the at least one exterior base layer along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge;lateral region stitching seams that join the moisture capture assembly lateral edges to the at least one interior base layer and to the at least one exterior base layer;a pair of edge binding strip stitching seams that join the pair of edge binding strips to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly lateral edges;

wherein the moisture capture assembly is not joined to the at least one exterior base layer along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge;

wherein each edge binding strip extends around a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge from the assembly interior side to the assembly exterior side;

wherein an exterior base layer of the at least one exterior base layer extends between each elastic strip and the moisture capture assembly;

wherein the at least one interior base layer comprises an interior connected base layer and the at least one exterior base layer comprises an exterior connected base layer;

wherein the interior connected base layer and the exterior connected base layer are joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly posterior edge on opposing sides of the moisture capture assembly and extend away from the moisture capture assembly;

wherein the at least one interior base layer further comprises a second interior base layer that is joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly posterior edge between the moisture capture assembly and the interior connected base layer;

wherein the at least one exterior base layer further comprises a second exterior base layer that is joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly posterior edge opposite the second interior base layer and between the moisture capture assembly and the exterior connected base layer;

wherein the second interior base layer is the interior base layer that is joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge; and wherein the second exterior base layer is the exterior base layer that is not joined to the moisture capture assembly along the moisture capture assembly anterior edge.

C2. The garment of paragraph C1, further comprising the subject matter of any of paragraphs A1-B7.

C3. A method of manufacturing the garment of any of paragraphs C1-C2, the method comprising, joining, with the stitching seams, the moisture capture assembly to the garment base.

D1. A method of manufacturing a garment configured to be worn by a wearer, the method comprising:

joining a moisture capture assembly to a garment base of the garment within at least a joined region of the garment;

wherein the moisture capture assembly includes a moisture retention portion configured to absorb and retain moisture from the wearer and an anti-leak portion configured to restrict moisture from exiting the moisture retention portion; and wherein the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base includes forming one or more bonds, optionally one or more stitching seams, within the joined region.

D2. The method of paragraph D1, wherein the garment is the garment of any of paragraphs A1-C2.

D3. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D2, wherein the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base includes joining two or more layers of the moisture capture assembly to one another; optionally wherein the two or more layers of the moisture capture assembly include two or more of the moisture retention portion, the anti-leak portion, a/the one or more moisture retention layers, a/the first moisture retention layer, a/the second moisture retention layer, a/the wicking layer, and a/the moisture barrier layer.

D4. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D3, wherein the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base includes, prior to the forming the one or more bonds, positioning a/the two or more layers of the moisture capture assembly between an/the interior base layer and an/the exterior base layer.

D5. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D4, wherein the forming the one or more bonds includes forming a/the pair of lateral region bonds.

D5.1. The method of paragraph D5, wherein the moisture capture assembly includes a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region that includes a/the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges; and wherein the forming the pair of lateral region bonds includes forming each lateral region bond of the pair of lateral region bonds at a respective moisture capture assembly lateral edge of the pair of moisture capture assembly lateral edges.

D6. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D5.1, wherein the forming the one or more bonds includes forming a/the anterior region bond.

D6.1. The method of paragraph D6, wherein the moisture capture assembly includes a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region that includes a/the moisture capture assembly anterior edge; and wherein the forming the anterior region bond includes forming the anterior region bond at the moisture capture assembly anterior edge.

D7. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D6.1, wherein the forming the one or more bonds includes forming a/the posterior region bond.

D7.1. The method of paragraph D7, wherein the moisture capture assembly includes a/the moisture capture assembly peripheral region that includes a/the moisture capture assembly posterior edge; and wherein the forming the posterior region bond includes forming the posterior region bond at the moisture capture assembly posterior edge.

D8. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D7.1, further comprising, prior to the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base, preparing the moisture capture assembly.

D8.1. The method of paragraph D8, wherein the preparing the moisture capture assembly includes shaping the moisture capture assembly.

D8.1.1. The method of paragraph D8.1, wherein the shaping the moisture capture assembly includes cutting the moisture capture assembly to a desired shape.

D8.1.2. The method of any of paragraphs D8.1-D8.1.1, wherein the shaping the moisture capture assembly includes die cutting.

D9. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D8.1.2, wherein the garment defines a/the pair of garment lateral edges; wherein the garment comprises a/the pair of edge binding strips, and wherein the method further comprises joining each edge binding strip of the pair of edge binding strips to a respective garment lateral edge of the pair of garment lateral edges.

D9.1. The method of paragraph D9, wherein the joining each edge binding strip to the respective garment lateral edge is performed subsequent to the joining the moisture capture assembly to the garment base.

D9.2. The method of any of paragraphs D9-D9.1, wherein the joining each edge binding strip to the respective garment lateral edge includes forming a/the pair of edge binding strip bonds.

D9.3. The method of any of paragraphs D9-D9.2, wherein the joining each edge binding strip to the respective garment lateral edge includes joining a/the pair of elastic strips to the pair of garment lateral edges, optionally with a/the pair of edge binding strip bonds.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entries listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities optionally may be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising,” may refer, in one example, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another example, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another example, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least substantially,” when modifying a degree or relationship, includes not only the recited “substantial” degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, a first component that extends at least substantially around a second component includes a first component that extends around at least 75% of a circumference of the second component and also includes a first component that extends fully circumferentially around the second component.

The various disclosed elements of apparatuses disclosed herein are not required to all apparatuses according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more of the various elements disclosed herein may define independent inventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of a disclosed apparatus. Accordingly, such inventive subject matter is not required to be associated with the specific apparatuses that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter may find utility in apparatuses and/or methods that are not expressly disclosed herein.