Abstract:
This invention relates to a clothing combination comprising a shirt and a pair of pants wherein the shirt and the pair of pants are fastened together by a self-releasing bond. Preferably, the bond is made using hook strips and loop strips that, in combination, form a hook and loop fastener. The self-releasing bond separates in a reformable manner when subjected to severe tensile strength or shear strength but has sufficient flexibility and bond strength to enable the clothing combination to be useful in sporting activities. Multicomponent kits and processes of making the same are disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a clothing combination comprising a shirt and a pair of pants wherein the shirt and the pair of pants are fastened together by a self-releasing bond. More particularly, this invention relates to a clothing combination that comprises a shirt and a pair of pants fastened together by at least one hook and loop fastening mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the art of dress clothing, which includes both business and formal wear, appearance is a principal factor governing consumer selection. Successful products must remain taught over the body to convey professionalism. At the same time, successful products do not exaggerate, and hopefully alleviate, physical imperfections of the wearer, such as an expansive stomach. This is a delicate balance that is difficult to achieve. 
     In example, if one has an expansive stomach, it is desirable to firmly attach a shirt to a pair of pants at or near the region of the belly button. However, securing a pair of pants this high on the wearer is problematic using conventional fasteners such as belts. Gravity and the natural pulling forces of the lower body in motion pull the belt down to the wearer&#39;s waist. Additionally, no matter how tightly the belt is secured, the shirt eventually crepes out of the pants and requires retucking. 
     Appearance is also a major concern in the art of sports clothing. However, in the art of sports clothing comfort is equally important in swaying consumers to choose one set of garments over another. Because comfort plays such a critical role in purchaser selection, fastening devices that attach sport shirts to sport pants are considered undesirable. In example, it is generally accepted that belts constrict an athletes flexibility and, therefore, sport pants are not sold with belts and do not generally contain belt loops. 
     However, despite the deficiency of belts as fasteners in both the dress clothing art and the sports clothing art, acceptable alternatives, to date, have not been apparent. Fastening devices other than belts are considered undesirable for use in attaching a shirt and pair of pants because the devices do not self-release in a reusable manner when subjected to a tensile or shearing force strong enough to tear one of the garments. Instead the fastening devices rip away. Even worse, because the fastening devices are sewn into the garments, the garments can be torn when the fastening devices rip away. In example, hooks, buttons and zippers do not self-release in a manner that leaves them reusable when they are subjected to a tensile or shearing force strong enough to rip the garments. Instead hooks, buttons and zippers rip away, rendering the fastening device useless and often tearing the garments in the process. 
     Snaps can self-release in a reusable manner when subjected to a tensile or shearing force strong enough to rip the garments, but only when said force is at an appropriate angle. Otherwise, as with hooks, buttons and zippers, the snaps and surrounding material tear away. More importantly, snaps have the disadvantage of providing a weak attachment that is easily undone by the small vibrational forces inherent to physical exertion. 
     In addition, the metal materials from which most snaps and many buttons and zippers are made are not water and chemical resistant. As a result the fasteners rust and become unsightly. 
     Finally, all of the previously mentioned fastening devices are made from hard plastic or metal materials that are not readily dyeable in the same dying step and by the same dying means as the garments. Fastening devices must be colored separately, by using paint, colored fillers, or some other means, in a manner that matches the garment to which they are to be attached. Otherwise, the fastening devices are readily apparent to the viewer and detract from the overall appearance of the garment. 
     For all of the above stated reasons, the art teaches away the use of fasteners other than belts to secure a shirt to a pair of pants. However, it would still be desirable to fasten a shirt to a pair of pants if a suitable fastening means could be found. Fastening a shirt and pair of pants together, whether by means of suspenders or belts or some other device, has long been recognized as the ideal way to maintain the ideal aesthetic appearance of the garments. This is especially true when the shirt is tucked taught into the pair of pants. In fact, the NBA now requires its athletes to keep their uniform shirts tucked into their uniform pants at all times. Other professional and amateur sports associations may have or adopt similar rules. Furthermore, in the business community, it goes without saying that dress shirts are always tucked into suit or dress pants. In addition, fastening the shirts and pants together provides a means of controlling the manner in which the garments relax, thereby allowing the manufacturer, or the wearer, to tailor the fall of the garments in a manner deemed most comfortable and most suitable for a given physical activity. 
     What is needed is a better way to fasten a shirt to a pair of pants. 
     What is needed is a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants in a taught manner that does not call attention to the physical imperfections of the wearer. 
     What is needed is a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that does not restrict flexibility. 
     What is needed is a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that self-releases in a reusable manner when subjected to a tensile or shearing force strong enough to rip one of the garments. 
     For a variety of reasons, Hook and loop fasteners are an ideal way to attach a pair of pants to a shirt. For example, the material make-up of hook and loop fasteners does not restrict flexibility. Hook and loop fasteners are typically made out of nylon and/or polyester polymers. These polymers are often used to make clothing and bend in the same manner as clothing. Thus hook and loop fasteners are flexible. 
     In addition, hook and loop fasteners can be made small enough to minimize inflexibility due to the size of the fastener. In fact, an effective bond can be made from a hook and loop fastener that has a thickness, width and length, as little as ½″ or even less. The narrow thickness is especially important in lessening the chances that the fastener will hinder movement. 
     Hook and loop fasteners are adjustable by manipulating the size and location of the surface area wherein the hook and loop strips contact. Therefore, if a hindrance to movement occurs, the fastener can be adjusted to minimize the hindrance. 
     Most importantly, the bonds provided by hook and loop fasteners self-release in a reusable manner when subjected to a tensile and/or shearing forces strong enough to tear one of the garments. The hook strips and loop strips pull apart but remain unbroken, allowing later contact to reform the self-releasing bond. This allows the shirt and/or pant maximum movement when subjected to severe forces and, thereby, minirnizes the chances that the shirt and/or pair of pants will tear. As stated, this is not the case with existing shirt-pants fastening means, such as buttons, hooks and zippers. 
     However, the bonds provided by hook and loop fasteners are also capable of withstanding the small vibrational forces inherent to physical exertion. In fact, such vibrational forces actually increase the strength of the bond because it causes the hooks to 
     What is needed is a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that is not easily undone by the small vibrational forces inherent to physical exertion. 
     What is needed is a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that is water and chemical resistant. 
     What is needed is a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that is readily dyeable in the same dying step as the fabric. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In the early 1940&#39;s, Swiss inventor George de Mestral went on a walk with his dog and noticed that both his pants and his dog returned covered with cockle burrs. His curiosity led him to view the burrs under a microscope whereupon he discovered that they contained a natural hook-like shape. The hook-like shape easily clung to the woven loops in his nylon pants and the tangled hairs on his dog. This became the basis for a unique two-sided fastener one side of which contains stiff hooks, like the burrs, and the other side of which contains soft loops, like the fabric of the pants and tangled hairs of the dog. Mestral decided to market this new hook and loop fastening system under the name VELCRO™ taken from the french words “velour,” meaning velvet, and “crochet,” meaning hook. Today there are many companies which produce this type of fastening system, called a hook and loop fastener or a touch fastener. However, VELCRO™ produced by Velcro Industries B. V. remains the most prominent product. 
     Hook and loop fasteners have been used in the clothing industry for a variety of purposes. In example, hook and loop fasteners have been used as an alternative to shoe laces. In further example, hook and loop fasteners have been used as a means for attaching articles to sport clothing, such as attaching hand towels to baseball uniforms so that athletes can remove sweat without coming in from the field. move deeper into the loop entanglements. This makes hook and loop fasteners a vast improvement over snaps. 
     In addition, hook and loop fasteners are made of nylon and/or polyester. Both nylon and polyester are water resistant, chemical resistant and dyeable using conventional clothing dyes. Thus hook and loop fasteners do not rust and are readily dyeable in the same dying step and by the same manner as the pair of pants and/or shirt. 
     Utilizing hook and loop fasteners, a shirt, such as a dress shirt, can be tucked taught inside a pair of pants, such as a pair of suit pants, without creping out and requiring retucking. The hook and loop fasteners, because they are sewn into the clothing can be firmly affixed above the waistline at or near the belly button to enable a wearer to present a neat appearance that, simultaneously, hides physical imperfections such as an expansive stomach. 
     Thus the use of hook and loop fasteners to attach a shirt to a pair of pants gives all of the aesthetic and control benefits of a fastening device without any of the drawbacks typically encountered when the clothes are worn by the modem day businessman, businesswoman and athlete. 
     A clothing combination has been created comprising a pair of pants and a shirt that are bound together in a taught manner using a self-releasing bond such as the bond created using hook and loop fasteners. The clothing combination has the flexibility, vibration strength, and weather resistance needed to serve the needs of the business and sporting communities. 
     The clothing combination comprises a pair of pants having front and back side, an inner and outer surface, a pant waistline, a waistband that encompasses the pant waistline, and one or more pant connecting strips affixed to the waistband. The clothing combination also includes a shirt having a front and back side, an inner and outer surface, a shirt waistline, a waist zone that encompasses the shirt waistline and one or more shirt connecting strips affixed to the waist zone. The pant and shirt are connected, or capable of being connected, through self-releasing bonds that are formed whenever said pant connecting strips are brought into contact with said shirt connecting strips. 
     In addition, the instant invention embraces multicomponent kits for making said clothing combination. The first multicomponent kit comprises a pair of pants or a shirt with preattached connecting strips, unaffixed adhesive connecting strips and, optionally one or more templates. The second multicomponent kit comprises several unaffixed adhesive connecting strips and one or more templates. In both kits, the templates guide the wearer in applying the unaffixed adhesive connecting strips to create a clothing combination that can be bound together with a self-releasing bond. 
     Finally, the instant invention is to a process for making said clothing combination. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide an improved means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants in a taught manner that does not call attention to the physical imperfections of the wearer. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that does not hinder flexibility. 
     It is an object of this invention to secure a shirt to a pair of pants by a means that self-releases in a reusable manner when subjected to a tensile or shearing force strong enough to rip one of the garments. 
     It is an object of this invention to produce a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that is not easily undone by the small vibrational forces inherent to physical exertion. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a means for fastening a shirt to a pair of pants that is water and chemical resistant. 
     It is an object of this invention to secure a shirt to a pair of pants by a means that is readily dyeable in the same dying step as the shirt and/or pair of pants. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a diagram of the primary components in one embodiment of the inventive pair of pants. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagram of the primary components in one embodiment of the inventive shirt. 
     FIG. 3 is an illustration of the pair of pants in combination with the shirt. 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram of the primary components in an alternative embodiment of the pair of pants. 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram of the primary components in an alternative embodiment of the inventive shirt. 
     FIG. 6 is an illustration of the pair of pants in combination with the shirt. 
     FIG. 7 shows the primary components in a hook and loop fastener. 
     FIG. 8 shows the self-releasing bond formed by contacting a hook strip to a loop strip. 
     FIG. 9 is a representation of the adjustable bond formed by contacting a hook strip to a loop strip. 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic of the primary components of a first kit comprising a pair of pants or a shirt, three unattached connecting strips and a template. 
     FIG. 11 is a diagram of an adherent hook strip and an adherent loop strip. 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic of the primary components of a second kit comprising three hook strips, three adherent loop strips, and a template. 
     FIG. 13 is a chart outlining the steps for affixing a shirt to a pair of pants by means of a self-releasing bond. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows a sample pair of pants  100  for use in the instant invention. As used in this application the words “pant” and “pants,” and the phrase “pair of pants,” mean any pair of pants, pair of shorts, dress, skirt, or any other garment that would generally cover the lower torso of a wearer. Nonlimiting examples of acceptable pants include dress pants, sport pants, suit pants, casual slacks and jeans. 
     The pair of pants  100  has a front side  110  that covers the front of the wearer. The front side  110  is shown in the figure with a button, a zipper and two front pockets. The front side  110  has an outer surface  120  and an inner surface  125  and is symmetrically positioned around a central vertical axis  140 . The front side  110  contains a pant waistline  105  shown as an imaginary horizontal line. The pant waistline  105  marks the location where the pair of pants  100  is supposed to contact the wearer&#39;s waist, assuming that the wearer&#39;s pant size is identical to the size marked on the pair of pants  100 . The pant waistline  105  and a region that starts approximately 3″ above the pant waistline  105  and ends approximately 1.5″ below the pant waistline  105 , and any material thereon or therein, constitute the waistband  130 . Within the region that constitutes the waistband  130 , two front pant connecting strips  135 ′ are symmetrically positioned and affixed to the inner surface  125  of the front side  110  of the pair of pants  100 . 
     Located behind the front side  110  on the same central vertical axis  140  is a back side  115  that covers the back of the wearer. The back side  115  is attached at the vertical edges to the front side  110 . The back side  115  is shown in the figure with two back pockets. The back side  115  has an outer surface  120  and an inner surface  125 . The back side  115  also contains the aforementioned pant waistline  105  and waistband  130 . Within the region that constitutes the waistband  130 , one back pant connecting strip  135 ″ is centrally positioned and affixed to the inner surface  125  of the back side  115  of the pair of pants  100 . 
     Alternatively, the total number of pant connecting strips  135  can be less than or greater than three. Any number of pant connecting strips  135  will suffice as long as at least one pant connecting strip  135  is employed. Furthermore, the pant connecting strips  135  can be positioned in any manner. For instance, an acceptable alternative embodiment would include the use of two pant connecting strips - one on each side of the pair of pants. 
     The pant connecting strips  135  are preferably made from a noncorrosive material that can be dyed with conventional clothing dyes. Such materials include nylon and/or polyester. Methods of affixing the pant connecting strips  135  to the pair of pants  100  include sewing and the use of adhesives such as pressure and/or heat sensitive adhesives. 
     FIG. 2 shows a sample shirt  200  for use in the instant invention. As used in this application the words “shirt” and “shirts” mean any shirt, blouse, or any other garment that would generally cover the upper torso of a person. Nonlimiting examples of acceptable shirts include dress shirts and t-shirts. 
     The shirt  200  has a front side  210  that covers the front of the wearer. The front side  210  is shown in the figure with an open collar containing a button. The front side  210  has an outer surface  220  and an inner surface  225  and is symmetrically positioned on a central vertical axis  140 . The front side  210  contains a shirt waistline  205  shown as an imaginary horizontal line. The shirt waistline  205  marks where the shirt  200  is supposed to contact the wearer&#39;s waist, assuming the wearer&#39;s shirt size is identical to the size marked on the shirt  200 . The shirt waistline  205  and a region that starts approximately 3″ above the shirt waistline  205  and ends approximately 1.5″ below the shirt waistline  205 , and any material thereon or therein, constitute the waist zone  230 . Within the waist zone  230 , two front shirt connecting strips  235 ′ are symmetrically positioned and affixed to the outer surface  220  of the front side  210  of the shirt  200 . 
     Located behind the front side  210  on the same central vertical axis  140  is a back side  215  that covers the back of the wearer. The back side  215  is attached at the vertical edges to the front side  210 . The back side has an outer surface  220  and an inner surface  225 . The back side  215  also contains the aforementioned shirt waistline  205  and waist zone  230 . 
     Within the region that constitutes the waist zone  230 , one back shirt connecting strip  235 ″ is centrally positioned and affixed to the outer surface  220  of the back side  215  of the shirt  200 . 
     Alternatively, the total number of shirt connecting strips  235  can be less than or greater than three. Any number of shirt connecting strips  235  will suffice as long as at least one shirt connecting strip  235  is employed. For instance, an acceptable alternative embodiment would include the use of two shirt connecting strips - one on each side of the shirt. 
     The shirt connecting strips  235  are preferably made from a noncorrosive material that can be dyed with conventional clothing dyes. Such materials include nylon and/or polyester. Methods of affixing the shirt connecting strips  235  to the shirt  200  include sewing and the use of adhesives such as pressure and/or heat sensitive adhesives. 
     FIG. 3 shows the shirt  200  of FIG. 2 in combination with the pair of pants  100  of FIG.  1 . In FIG. 3, the shirt connecting strips  235  on the shirt  200  have been brought into contact with the pant connecting strips  135  on the pair of pants  100  by tucking the shirt  200  into the pair of pants  100 . As a result of this contact, self-releasing bonds  300  are formed by the connecting strips that bind the shirt  200  to the pair of pants  100 . 
     The term “self-releasing bond,” as used in this application, refers to any bond that meets the following criteria: (1) the bond releases automatically when subjected to a force below the tensile strength of the pair of pants  100  and/or the shirt  200 ; (2) the bond releases automatically when subjected to a force below the shear strength of the pair of pants  100  or the shirt  200 ; and (3) the bond releases in a manner that leaves the pant connecting strips  135  and the shirt connecting strips  235  undamaged and capable of forming new bonds. Preferably, each self-releasing bond  300  has a tensile strength between 4 psi and 34 psi and a longitudinal shear strength between 5 psi and 40.5 psi. The self-releasing bonds  300  are formed when a connecting means of the pant connecting strips  135  contacts a connecting means on the shirt connecting strips  235 . The connecting means may be an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, or hooks and loops to a hook and loop fastening device. 
     The self releasing bond  300  in this process is adjustable by manipulating the size and location of the surface area wherein the pant connecting strips  135  and the shirt connecting strips  235  come into contact. However, it is preferred that the surface area wherein the pant connecting strips  135  and the shirt connecting strips  235  come into contact remains at its maximum. Lowering the surface area naturally lowers the strength of the bond. However, lowering the surface area does not affect the self-releasing nature of the bond. 
     FIG. 4 shows a pair of pants  100  symmetrically positioned around a central vertical axis  140  that, as in FIG. 1, has a front side  110 , a back side  115 , an outer surface  120  and a inner surface  125 . The front side  110  and the back side  115  are horizontally partitioned by a pant waistline  105 . The pant waistline  105  is shown as an imaginary line and indicates the location where the pair of pants  100  should contact the wearer&#39;s waist, assuming that the wearer&#39;s pant size is the same as the size marked on the pair of pants  100 . The pant waistline  105  and a region that starts approximately 3″ above the pant waistline  105  and ends approximately 1.5″ below the pant waistline  105 , and any material thereon or therein, constitute the waistband  130 . In the area that constitutes the waistband  130 , two front pant connecting strips  135 ′ are symmetrically affixed to the front side  110  and one back pant connecting strip  135 ″ is centrally affixed to the back side  115  of the pair of pants  100 . The pair of pants  100  shown in FIG. 4 differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that the three pant connecting strips  135  are affixed to the outer surface  120 , rather than the inner surface  125  of the pair of pants  100 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a shirt  200  symmetrically positioned around a central vertical axis  140  that, as in FIG. 2, has a front side  210 , a back side  215 , an outer surface  220  and an inner surface  225 . The front side  210  and the back side  215  are horizontally partitioned by a shirt waistline  205 . The shirt waistline  205  is shown as an imaginary line and indicates the location where the shirt  200  should contact the wearer&#39;s waist, assuming that the shirt size is the same as the size marked on the shirt  200 . The shirt waistline  205  and a region that starts approximately 3″ above the shirt waistline  205  and ends approximately 1.5″ below the shirt waistline  205 , and any material thereon or therein, constitute the waist zone  230 . In the area that constitutes the waist zone  230 , two front shirt connecting strips  235 ′ are symmetrically affixed to the front side  210  and one back shirt connecting strip  235 ″ is centrally affixed to the back side  215  of the shirt  200 . The shirt  200  shown in FIG. 5 differs from that shown in FIG. 2 in that the three shirt connecting strips  235  are affixed to the inner surface  225 , rather than the outer surface  220  of the shirt  200 . 
     FIG. 6 shows the shirt  200  of FIG. 5 in combination with the pair of pants  100  of FIG.  4 . In FIG. 6, the shirt connecting strips  235  on the shirt  200  have been brought into contact with the pant connecting strips  135  on the pair of a pants  100 . This contact can occur naturally by allowing the shirt  200  to fall over the pair of pants  100  or can be forced by pressing the shirt  200  against the pair of pants  100 . As a result of this contact, self-releasing bonds  300  form that bind the shirt  200  to the pair of pants  100 . 
     As can be seen in both FIG.  3  and FIG. 6, the pant connecting strips  135  can lie on either the outer surface  120  or the inner surface  125  of the pair of a pants  100  and the shirt connecting strips  235  can lie on either the outer surface  220  or the inner surface  225  of the shirt  200 . However, in all of the embodiments of this invention, a pant connecting strip  135  cannot lie on the outer surface  120  of the pair of a pants  100  when its corresponding shirt connecting strip  235  lies on the outer surface  220  of the shirt  200 . Similarly, a pant connecting strip  135  cannot lie on the inner surface  125  of the pair of pants  100  when its corresponding shirt connecting strip  235  lies on the inner surface  235  of the shirt  200 . Because the corresponding pant connecting strips  135  and shirt connecting strips  235  are on opposing surfaces, the connecting strips are able to connect and form the self-releasing bonds  300 . It is preferable that the pant connecting strips  135  lie on the inner surface of the waistband  130  and that the shirt connecting strips  235  lie on the outer surface of the waistzone  230  so that they bind the shirt  200  into the pair of pants  100  in the more aesthetically pleasing tucked position. In this tucked configuration the fasteners are covered by the clothing and not seen by an observer. 
     As stated, the number of pant connecting strips  135  and shirt connecting strips  235  is not particularly limited in any of the embodiments of this invention. All that is required is that at least one pant connecting strip  135  and at least one shirt connecting  235  are present. Furthermore, the position of the pant connecting strips  135  around the waistband  130  and the position of the shirt connecting strips around the waistzone  230  is not particularly limited. The pant connecting strips  135  may be located only on the front side  110 , or only on the back side  115 , or may be aligned on both the front side  110  and the back side  115  in either a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical manner. Similarly, the shirt connecting strips  235  may be located only on the front side  210 , or only on the back side  215 , or may be aligned on both the front side  210  and the back side  215  in either a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical manner. However, certain numbers and arrangements of pant connecting strips  135  and shirt connecting strips  235  are preferred. 
     It is preferred that the total number of pant connecting strips  135  be equal to the total number of shirt connecting strips  235  to avoid waste since one of each type of strip is necessary to form a self-releasing bond  300 . 
     It is also preferred that the pair of pants  100  is made to fit a wearer of a given pant size and that the shirt  200  is made to fit a wearer of a given shirt size and that both garments are marked identifying their respective sizes. The pant connecting strips  135  and shirt connecting strips  235  are then positioned in a corresponding fashion to naturally align and contact to form the self-releasing bonds  300  when the pair of pants  100  and the shirt  200  are worn by a wearer whose pant size and shirt size matches the pant size and the shirt size indicated on the respective garments. 
     To balance fastening strength and flexibility, the preferred embodiment has the following characteristics: 
     i) the number of pant connecting strips  135  and the number of shirt connecting strips  235  are three apiece; 
     ii) the three pant connecting strips  135  include two front pant connecting strips  135 ′ that are located on the front side  110  of the pair of pants  100  and one back pant connecting stip  135 ″ that is located on the back side  115  of the pair of a pants  100 , and the three shirt connecting strips  235  include two front shirt connecting strips  235 ′ that are located on the front side  210  of the shirt  200  and one back shirt connecting strip  235 ″ that is located on back side  215  of the shirt  200 . 
     To optimally balance fastening strength and flexibility, the invention preferably meets the following criteria: 
     i) the number of pant connecting strips  135  and the number of shirt connecting strips  235  are three apiece; 
     ii) the three pant connecting strips  135  include two front pant connecting strips  135 ′ that are symmetrically located with respect to a central vertical axis  140  on the front side  110  of the pair of pants  100 , are about 1″ wide apiece, are one twelfth to one half, preferably one sixth to one twelfth, and most preferably one ninth as long as the waistband  130 , and are separated from one another by a distance that is one half to one twelfth, preferably one third to one ninth, most preferably one sixth as long as the waistband  130 ; 
     iii) the three pant connecting strips  135  include one back pant connecting strip  135 ″ that is centrally located with respect to a central vertical axis on the rear side  115  of the pair of pants  100 , is about 1″ wide, and is at least {fraction (1/12)}th, preferably at least {fraction (1/9)}th and most preferably at least ⅙th as long as the waistband  130 ; 
     iv) the three shirt connecting strips  235  include two front shirt connecting strips  235 ′ that are symmetrically located with respect to a central vertical axis  140  on the front side  210  of the shirt  100  and are of corresponding width, length, and separation to the first and second pant connecting strips  135 ; and 
     v) the three shirt connecting strips  235  include one back shirt connecting strip  235 ″ is centrally located with respect to a central vertical axis  140  on the rear side  215  of the shirt  200  and is of corresponding width and length to the third pant connecting strip  135 . 
     If the wearer is engaged in any activity that requires frequent bending, such as playing golf, then a preferred embodiment utilizes pant connecting strips  135  located solely on the sides of the pair of pants  100  and shirt connecting strips  235  located solely on the sides of the shirt  200 . In this manner the amount of shear and torque exerted against the self-releasing bonds as a result of bending, and bending and twisting, respectfully, is minimized. 
     FIG. 7 shows a hook strip  400  comprising hooks  410  located on one side of the hook strip  400 , and a loop strip  405  comprising loops  415  located on one side of the loop strip  405 . The hook strip  400  and the loop strip  405 , in combination, form what is known in the art as a“hook and loop fastener” or a “touch fastener.” Hook and loop fasteners are the preferred connecting means for forming the self-releasing bonds  300  in the instant invention. When the hooks  410  on the hook strip  400  and the loops  415  on the loop strip  405  are contacted, as demonstrated in FIG. 8, a self-releasing bond  300  is formed. Various hook and loop fasteners are commercially available under numerous trademarks, the most commonly known being VELCRO™. 
     Hook and loop are made from the clothing materials such as nylon and/or polyester and create strong bonds using very small amounts of material. 
     As demonstrated by FIG. 9 hook and loop fasteners are adjustable. In FIG. 9, a hook strip  400  is overlapped by a loop strip  405 . The overlapping surface area  300  can be varied in size and location simply by moving one strip relative to the other. Therefore, if any hindrance occurs to the movement of the wearer, the fastener can be adjusted to minimize the hindrance. 
     Most importantly, the bonds provided by hook and loop fasteners self-release in a reusable manner when subjected to a force that below the tensile and/or shearing force required to tear the pair of pants  100  or the shirt  200 . Typical hook and loop fasteners have a tensile strength between 4 psi and 34 psi and a longitudinal shear strength between 5 psi and 40.5 psi. 
     However, small vibrational forces do not break the bond of a hook and loop fastener. In fact, such light shaking causes the hooks to move deeper into the loops and actually improves the bond of hook and loop fastener. 
     In addition, hook and loop fasteners are generally made of water resistant and chemical resistant materials such as nylon and/or polyester that are dyeable using conventional clothing dyes. 
     Utilizing hook and loop fasteners, a shirt can be tucked taught inside a pair of pants without creping out and requiring retucking. The hook and loop fasteners, because they are sewn into the clothing can be firmly affixed above the waistline at or near the belly button to enable a wearer to present a neat appearance that, simultaneously, hides physical imperfections such as an expansive stomach. 
     It is envisioned, and certainly embraced by this invention, that a entire clothing line of pants  100  containing pant connecting strips  135  and shirts  200  containing shirt connecting strips  235  can be created. The wearer can mix and match from a variety of styles and sizes of both pants  100  and shirts  200  to create an entire wardrobe wherein each pair of pants  100  is capable of forming self-releasing bonds with each shirt  200 . 
     FIG. 10 shows a multicomponent kit for making a clothing combination embraced by this invention. The kit comprises: (i) a pair of pants  100  or, alternatively, a shirt  200 , (ii) one or more unaffixed connecting strips  500 ; and, optionally, (iii) one or more templates  520 . 
     The pair of pants  100 , if present, is chosen from any of the pair of pants  100  previously described in this application. The pair of pants  100  has a front side  110 , a back side  115 , an outer surface  120 , an inner surface  125 , a waistline  105  and a waistband  130 . One or more pant connecting strips  135  are located within the area that defines the waistband  130 . 
     The shirt  200 , if present, is chosen from any of the shirts  200  previously described in this application. The shirt  200  has a front side  210 , a back side  215 , an outer surface  220 , an inner surface  225 , a waistline  205  and a waist zone  230 . One or more shirt connecting strips  235  are located within the area that defines the waist zone  230 . 
     The unaffixed connecting strips  500  contain a connecting layer  505  and an adherent backing  510  that is capable of binding the unaffixed connecting strips  500  to the pair of pants  100  or the shirt  200 . Although the number of unaffixed connecting strips  500  in FIG. 10 is three, the number is not limited as long as it is equal to or greater than the number of affixed pant connecting strips  135  or affixed shirt connecting strips  235 . Preferably, to avoid waste, the number of unaffixed connecting strips  500  is equal to the number of affixed pant connecting strips  135  or affixed shirt connecting strips  235 . 
     The optional template  515  comprises one or more markings or openings  520 . The markings or openings  520  on the template  515  illustrate the positions for bonding one or more of the affixed connecting strips  500  to the pair of pants  100  when the template  515  is properly aligned. In addition, or alternatively, the markings or openings  520  on the template  515  illustrate positions for binding one or more of the unaffixed connecting strips  500  to the shirt  200  when the template  515  is properly aligned. Proper alignment of the template  515  on a pair of pants  100  requires that the template  515  be placed horizontally across the pair of pants  100  parallel to the pant waistline  105  within the waistband  230 . Generally, placing the template  515  parallel with the upper rim of the pair of pants immediately above any pockets and zippers will meet this limitation. Proper alignment of the template  515  on a shirt  200  requires that the template  515  be placed horizontally across the shirt  200  parallel to the shirt waistline  205  within the waist zone  230 . Generally, placing the template  515  parallel and a few inches above the lower edge of the shirt, at point where the shirt would first begin to overlap most pairs of pants worn by the wearer, will meet this limitation. 
     Spare unaffixed connecting strips  500  may be provided in the kit in case of errors in affixing the strips. 
     The unaffixed connecting strips  500  are bonded to the pair of pants  100  or shirt  200  through the adherent backing  510 . This backing may be sewn onto the pair of pants  100  or the shirt  200 . Preferably, however, as the name implies, the backing is adhered onto the pair of pants  100  or the shirt  200  by means of an adhesive contained thereon. Acceptable adhesives include pressure sensitive adhesives, heat sensitive adhesives, light activated adhesives, two component adhesives and moisture sensitive adhesives. 
     When the pant connecting strips or the shirt connecting strips are placed into contact with the unaffixed connecting strip they form a self-releasing bond. Preferably, each selfreleasing bond  300  has a tensile strength between 4 psi and 34 psi and a longitudinal shear strength between 5 psi and 40.5 psi. 
     The pant connecting strips  135 , the shirt connecting strips  235 , and the unaffixed connecting strips  500 , are preferably hook and loop strips to a hook and loop fastener. As already stated, hook and loop fasteners provide flexibility due to their composition, size and adjustability, provide self-release, vibrational strength, water and chemical resistance, and can be dyed using conventional clothing dyes. To make a functional hook and loop fastener, whenever the pant connecting strips  135  or shirt connecting strips  235  are hook strips, the corresponding unaffixed connecting strips are loop strips and visa versa. 
     FIG. 11 shows a preferred unaffixed connecting strip  500 . The unaffixed connecting strip  500  has an adherent backing  505  capable of binding the unaffixed connecting strip to a pair of pants  100  or a shirt  200 . The adherent backing  505  contains an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, a heat activated adhesive, a light activated adhesive, a moisture sensitive adhesive and a two component adhesive. Located immediately on top of the adherent backing  505  is a hook strip  400  that comprises hooks  410  or a loop strip  405  that comprises loops  415 . 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a second multicomponent kit for making a clothing combination embraced by this invention. The kit comprises: (i) at least one first unaffixed connecting strip  500 ′ that comprises (a) a hook strip  400  that comprising hooks  410  for a hook and loop fastener and (b) an adherent backing  505  capable of binding to a pair of pants  100  or a shirt  200 ; (ii) at least one second unaffixed connecting strip  500 ″ that comprises: (a) a loop strip  405  comprising loops  415  for a hook and loop fastener, and (b) an adherent backing  505  capable of binding to a pair of pants  100  or a shirt  200 ; and (iii) a template  515  containing markings  520  thereon or therein that, illustrate positions for bonding one or more of the first and second unaffixed connecting strips  500  to the pair of pants  100  when placed parallel to the pant waistline  105  within the waistband  130  and/or illustrate positions for binding one or more of the first and second unaffixed connecting strips  500  to the shirt  200  when placed parallel to the shirt waistline  205  within the waist zone  230 . This kit may be boxed or wrapped in a variety of ways and sold in stores. 
     FIG. 13 diagrams a process for making the clothing combinations of the instant invention. The process comprises a first step  600  wherein pant connecting strips are affixed to the waistband area of a pair of pants. In a second step, shirt connecting strips are affixed to the waistzone of a shirt. The first and second steps may be  605  reversed or carried out concurrently. In a third step  610 , the pant connecting strips are contacted with the shirt connecting strips to form a self-releasing bond. 
     Preferably, to ensure proper positioning of the pant connecting strips onto the pair of pants and the shirt connecting strips onto the shirt, one or more templates is used. A template comprises one or more openings therein or markings thereon. The markings or openings on the template illustrate the positions for bonding one or more of the pant connecting strips when the template is placed parallel to the pant waistline within the waistband. In addition, or alternatively, the markings or openings on the template illustrate positions for binding one or more of the shirt connecting strips to the shirt when the template is placed parallel to the shirt waistline within the waist zone. 
     The pant connecting strips and shirt connecting strips in this process are made from a noncorrosive material that can be dyed with conventional clothing dyes. Such materials include nylon and/or polyester. 
     The self releasing bond in this process is adjustable by manipulating the size and location of the surface area wherein the pant connecting strips and the shirt connecting strips come into contact. However, it is preferred that the surface area wherein the pant connecting strips and the shirt connecting strips come into contact remains at its maximum. Lowering the surface area naturally lowers the strength of the bond. However, lowering the surface area does not affect the self-releasing nature of the bond. 
     When the pair of pants is made to fit a wearer with a given pant size and the shirt is made to fit a wearer of a given shirt size and each garment is marked accordingly, the pant connecting strips and shirt connecting strips naturally align and come into contact to form the self-releasing bonds whenever the pair of pants and the shirt are worn by a wearer whose pant size and shirt size matches the pant size and shirt size indicated on the markers. 
     Preferably, the number, size, ratio and positioning of the pant connecting strips and shirt connecting strips used in this process are identical to the preferences discussed previously in this application with regard to the clothing combination embodiments. 
     Ideally, the pant connecting strips are hook strips and shirt connecting strips are loop strips, or visa versa, so that the pant connecting strips and shirt connecting strips combine to form one or more hook and loop fasteners. As already stated, hook and loop fasteners provide flexibility due to their composition, size and adjustability, and also provide self-release, vibrational strength, water and chemical resistance, and can be dyed using conventional clothing dyes.