Abstract:
The present application relates to shapewear garments, and particularly shapewear garments including multiple zones having varying layers, varying compressions, varying shapes, and/or varying temperature controls

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/198,768 filed on Jul. 30, 2015, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present application relates to shapewear garments, and particularly shapewear garments including multiple zones having varying layers, varying compressions, varying shapes, and/or varying temperature controls. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many women and men have parts of their bodies that they are unhappy with, making them insecure about wearing certain clothing. Foundation garments have been worn for a very long time to address this problem. Better known today as shapewear, these garments include body briefs, bodysuits, brassieres, control top panty hose, control panties, control briefs, control slips, control camisoles, control tanks, hip slips, waist shapers, corsets, garter belts, and girdles. 
         [0004]    Shapewear garments are designed to change the wearer&#39;s shape, intending to produce a more fashionable, slim figure and to enhance the natural curves of the body. However, many of the previous shapewear garments do not provide an even distribution of the wearer&#39;s body, but rather produce areas where body fat may collect or be deposited. 
         [0005]    In addition, the shapewear garments that may provide the most reshaping, may often further include a discomfort when worn due to the overly strong compression required and/or the heat generated by wearing such a strong or heavy garment. 
         [0006]    Thus, there remains a need for shapewear garments which provide the proper amount of compression to provide the utmost reshaping while allowing the wearer to remain cool and not overheat. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present disclosure provides a variety of shapewear garments made of a unique geometric construction and including a variety of layers and/or compression zones which are designed to reshape the wearer of such garment while maintaining a comfortable clothing experience. The garments include multiple overlapping layers connected to another via a plurality of seams which define the different zones. 
         [0008]    In embodiments, the shapewear garments include a plurality of zones which display different compression strengths allowing for more compression in certain zones, such as the zones nearest the fat or flabby problem areas of a person&#39;s body, and less compression in other zones, such as the zones nearest the more muscular or trim areas of a person&#39;s body. 
         [0009]    In embodiments, the shapewear garments include a plurality of zones which include a different number of layers of stretchable material per zone. In embodiments, the zones which include more layers provide more compression and less breathability to the wearer and the zones which include less layers provide less compression and more breathability to the wearer. 
         [0010]    In embodiments, the shapewear garments include a plurality of zones which display different thicknesses and porosities thereby providing a first zone which may be more porous and cooling to the wearer and a second type of zone which includes more overlapping layers, but more compressive causing fat burning. 
         [0011]    In embodiments, the shapewear garment displays sufficient compression that the garment assists with appetite control by limiting the expansion of the stomach. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For the purposes of illustrating the present disclosure, there is shown in the drawings an illustrative form, it being understood however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise form shown by the drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIGS. 1A-1B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a camisole according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 1C-1E  are schematic drawings of a shapewear garment configured as a camisole according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 2A-2B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a corset according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2C-2D  are schematic drawings of a shapewear garment configured as a corset according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A-3B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a panty according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3C-3D  are schematic drawings of a shapewear garment configured as a panty according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4A-4B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a corset with pant legs according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5A-5B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a body suit with shoulder straps according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5C-5D  are schematic drawings of a shapewear garment configured as a body suit with shoulder straps according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a body suit with arm sleeves according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7A-7B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a body suit with arm sleeves and pant legs according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 7C-7D  are schematic drawings of a shapewear garment configured as a body suit with arm sleeves and pant legs according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 8A-8B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a body suit with shoulder straps and pant legs according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 9A-9B  are front and rear views of a shapewear garment configured as a pair of pants according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a shapewear garment configured as a shirt or silhouette with sleeves according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a top view of multiple rotated layers of the shapewear garment according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure; and 
           [0029]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are schematic drawings of a quarter panel of at least body of the shapewear garment according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The present disclosure provides a variety of shapewear garments made of a unique geometric construction and including a plurality of zones, wherein each individual zone may vary in thickness, such as by the number of layers, and/or may vary in shape, compression strength, appetite control, porosity, and/or temperature control. 
         [0031]    The body of the shapewear garment is made from multiple overlapping layers of at least one elastic or stretchable material and includes a plurality of seams which attach the multiple layers along the seams thereby defining the perimeter of the various zones. 
         [0032]    The body of the shapewear garment is available in a variety of garment formats including, but not limited to: camisoles or tank tops; shirts; pants; shorts; body suits, with or without shoulder straps, arm sleeves, pant legs, and feet covers; panties; corsets; brassieres, and combinations thereof. 
         [0033]    In addition, the shapewear garments may be available in any size as defined by standardized sizing systems or catalog sizes, and usually denoted on a tag or label affixed to garments that are sold off-the-shelf. In the United States, garment sizes are typically denoted numerically (e.g., 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, etc.) or alphabetically (e.g., extra-small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), extra-large (XL), double extra-large (XXL), triple extra-large (XXXL), etc.). Sizes may also refer to a combination of numerical or alphabetical sizes, such a small-medium (S-M), or large to extra-large (L-XL), or any other combination of consecutive sizes. Also, the shapewear garments described herein may be without a general size and may alternatively be tailored or hand-made on an individual basis specifically tailored to an individual&#39;s body dimensions. 
         [0034]    Any combination of suitable elastic and/or stretchable material(s) may be used to form the multilayer body. By elastic or stretchable, the material is capable of being stretched at least in a longitudinal direction when a force is applied thereto, such as a portion of a wearer&#39;s body weight, while also being able to recover and/or return to the original shape and/or configuration when the force is removed. In embodiments, the materials that form the main body of the shapewear garment may include, but not be limited to, sheets of polyamides, including nylon, and polyester-polyurethanes, such as spandex, and combinations thereof. 
         [0035]    In embodiments, the materials that form the body of the shapewear garment may include, but not be limited to, a blend of a polyamide (PA) and a polyester-polyurethane (PE-PU) material wherein the PA represents from 5-95% of the PA/PE-PU blend, more specifically from 20-80% of the PA/PE-PU blend, more specifically from 50-70% of the PA/PE-PU blend and in particular embodiments, the PA represents 60-69% of the PA/PE-PU blend. The PE-PU material alone or in combination with any variety of additional optional materials may represent the remaining percentages of the PA/PE-PU blends previously described. For example, a PA/PE-PU blend may include 60-69% PA and 31-40% PE-PU, or in another example, a PA/PE-PU blend may include 60-69% PA, 30-35% PE-PU and 1-10% of an additional optional material, such as a reinforcing material, wicking material, dye, etc. 
         [0036]    In embodiments, the materials that form the body of the shapewear garment may include, but not be limited to, a blend of nylon and spandex materials wherein the nylon represents from 5-95% of the nylon/spandex blend, more specifically from 20-80% of the nylon/spandex blend, more specifically from 50-70% of the nylon/spandex blend and in particular embodiments, the nylon represents 60-69% of the nylon/spandex blend. Spandex alone or in combination with any variety of additional optional materials may represent the remaining percentages of the nylon/spandex blends previously described. For example, a nylon/spandex blend may include 60-69% nylon and 31-40% spandex, or in another example, a nylon/spandex blend may include 60-69% nylon, 30-35% spandex and 1-10% of an additional optional material, such as a reinforcing material, wicking material, dye, etc. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the body may include multiple layers of the same material, i.e., polyamide, polyester-polyurethane, nylon, spandex, and/or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the body includes multiple layers of different materials, i.e., a first layer of nylon and a second layer of spandex and/or a first layer of a nylon/spandex blend having a first concentration of nylon, and second layer of a nylon/spandex blend having a different concentration of nylon. 
         [0038]    In embodiments, at least one layer of the multiple layers of the body includes a polyamide, for example nylon. In embodiments, every layer of the multiple layers of the body includes a polyamide, for example nylon. 
         [0039]    In embodiments, at least one layer of the multiple layers of the body includes a polyester-polyurethane, for example spandex. In embodiments, every layer of the multiple layers of the body includes a polyester-polyurethane, for example spandex. 
         [0040]    In embodiments, at least one layer of the multiple layers of the body includes a blend including a polyamide, for example nylon, and a polyester-polyurethane, for example spandex. In embodiments, every layer of the multiple layers of the body includes blend including a polyamide, for example nylon, and a polyester-polyurethane, for example spandex. 
         [0041]    In forming the multilayer body, a plurality of layers of the elastic or stretchable material(s) may be stacked and/or combined. The shapewear garment may include any number of layers. In embodiments, the shapewear may include from 1-20 layers, from 2-15 layers, from 3-10 layers and in particular embodiments, the shapewear may include from 4-8 layers. In embodiments, the number of layers is intended to represent maximum number of layers in the body and thus does not necessarily represent the least number of layers provided in each zone. For example, a body made from 5 layers will include a maximum of 5 layers in any zone, but may include zones wherein not all 5 layers overlap and thus includes less than 5 layers, such as 1-4 layers. 
         [0042]    At least two of the layers will be of a different shape, configuration, and/or display a different amount of surface area when combined with the other layers to produce different zones within the body, each including a different number of layers. It is envisioned that as the number of layers increases in a zone, the compression strength and/or the ability of the zone to suppress a wearer&#39;s appetite is enhanced. It is further envisioned that as the number of layers decreases in a zone, the level of open porosity will increase in the zone due to less occlusion of the pores by the additional layers, and thereby provide a cooling effect in the zone. Thus, zones which include a higher number of layers can be positioned in the areas of the garment body where more compression may be needed such as along the waistline, around the thighs, near the stomach, and/or by the hips. While zones which include less layers may be positioned in other areas of the garment body to provide a lighter overall garment which is more comfortable and allows for the cooling effect of these zones to prevent or minimize over-heating and/or sweating, such as the shoulders and armpit areas. 
         [0043]    Each layer will display a certain longitudinal elasticity and/or stretchability which represents the ability of each individual layer to be stretched along a longitudinal length of the material when a force is applied thereto, while maintaining some ability to return to its original shape/size/configuration when the force is removed. In some embodiments, the individual layers may be stacked one on top of another, each layer laid in the same orientation relative to the longitudinal elasticity of each layer. In other embodiments, the individual layers may be stacked one on top of another such that at least some layers lay in an orientation different from other layers in the stack relative to the longitudinal elasticity of each layer. 
         [0044]    In certain embodiments, the individual layers may be stacked one on top of another, such that each neighboring layer of the stack is oriented differently relative to the longitudinal elasticity of each layer. For example, a second layer may be placed next to a first layer, wherein the second layer is rotated any amount relative to the first layer such that the longitudinal elasticity of the second layer lies in a different direction from the longitudinal elasticity of the first layer. The zones having more layers stacked in a different orientation display more compression strength and/or appetite control than zones having less layers stacked in a different orientation in a particular zone. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , a first, second, and third layers  1210 ,  1220 ,  1230  are stacked representing a zone, wherein the three layers are flat and lie in parallel planes. As further shown in  FIG. 11 , the longitudinal elasticity L 1  of the first layer  1210  lies in a different orientation or direction than the longitudinal elasticity L 2  of the second layer  1220  and the longitudinal elasticity L 3  of the third layer  1230 . 
         [0046]    The rotation between layers can range from 0.1 degree to 360 degrees and in embodiments from 1 to 180 degrees. In embodiments, the rotation of the longitudinal elasticity of the layers may represent from 5-135 degrees. In particular embodiments, the different layers can be rotated from 45-90 degrees relative to one another and specifically to neighboring layers, based on the longitudinal elasticity of each of the layers. It is envisioned that any combination of layers of the same or different orientation may be used. It is further envisioned that the compression force which can be applied by the multilayer body increases as the number of layers which are oriented differently increases in a certain zone. 
         [0047]    In embodiments, the individual layers may stretch longitudinally from 10 to 90%, in embodiments from 20 to 80%, and in embodiments from 30 to 70% before break. 
         [0048]    In embodiments, the individual layers may be formed by any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to knitting, weaving, braiding, molding, extruding, casting, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the layer(s) is knit. In embodiments, the layer(s) is molded. 
         [0049]    In embodiments, the layer(s) includes a plurality of pores. The pores may be evenly distributed across the individual layer(s). It is envisioned that the pores allow the stretchable material to provide compression in combination with an openness or breathability which allows for better temperature control. It is further envisioned that as the number of layers that are stacked on top of each other increases, the porosity in the multiple overlapping layers, collectively, decreases thereby decreasing the garments ability to release body temperature away from the wearer. It is further envisioned that as the number of layers that are stacked on top of each other decreases, the porosity in the multiple overlapping layers, collectively, increases thereby increasing the garments ability to release body temperature away from the wearer. 
         [0050]    Once the layers are stacked and/or combined and possibly oriented differently, a plurality of seams is provided to the body of the shapewear garment. In embodiments, the seams are formed by stitching. In embodiments, the seam may include from 5-50 stitches per inch. In embodiments, the seam may include from 10-30 stitches per inch. In embodiments, the seam may include from 15-25 stitches per inch. In embodiments, the seam may include 19 or 20 stitches per inch. It is envisioned that the number of stitches for the seam may vary along the plurality of seams used to form the zones of the body. 
         [0051]    By combined, the multiple individual layers may be connected to each other, not only along the seam, but also across the zone defined within the seam. 
         [0052]    By stacked, the multiple individual layers may be connected to each other by the seam, but remain free of each other across the zone defined within the seam. 
         [0053]    In other embodiments, the seams may be formed with adhesives and/or heat pressing. The seams are provided along the perimeter of the areas or zones of body which include a different number of layers. The seams may pass through all the layers in the garment body or alternatively pass through only some of the layers of the garment body. In embodiments, the seams completely surround each area or zone. In other embodiments, the seams surround only a portion of the perimeter of each area or zone and the seam is attached to an outer edge of the garment, which may be positioned near an opening of the garment, for example, for passage of a wearer&#39;s neck, arm, and/or leg. 
         [0054]    The body of the shapewear garments described herein includes a plurality of zones, and the zones may vary in shape, thickness, and/or compression strength. In embodiments, the body includes a plurality of different compression zones, wherein the compression strength may be different in some of the compression zones. The compression zones are created and/or defined by the seams which surround, at least partially, the areas of the body which include a different number of stacked and/or combined layers. 
         [0055]    The body of the shapewear garment will include any number of compression zones. In embodiments, the shapewear garment may include from about 1 to about 250 compression zones, from about 2-200 compression zones, from 3-150 compression zones, from about 4-100 compression zones, or from about 5-90 compression zones. In particularly embodiments, the shapewear garment may include from 10-100 different compression zones, from about 20-95 compression zones, from about 40-90 compression zones, or from about 15-30 different compression zones. The compression zones being of various shapes, configurations, and/or sizes. 
         [0056]    In embodiments, the compression zones may be symmetrically distributed across the body of the shapewear garment. In other embodiments, the compression zones may be asymmetrically distributed across the body of the shapewear. 
         [0057]    The compression zones of higher compression may be placed to target specific problem areas of a person&#39;s body, such as the inner thigh, the torso, the underarms, the chest, the lower back, etc., where excess body tissue or fat may amass. 
         [0058]    Each of the zones will display a certain level of compressive force. The compressive force per zone may range from 0.1 to 1000 pounds per square inch. In embodiments, compressive force per zone may range from 0.5 to 100 pounds per square inch. In embodiments, compressive force per zone may range from 0.75 to 25 pounds per square inch. 
         [0059]    In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-9E , the shapewear garments generally comprise a body made of at least one elastic and/or stretchable fabric and may also include various optional components, such as lace, elastic bands, belts, fasteners, buckles, decorative materials, and the like. The fabrics that form the body of the garment may be made from stretchable materials such as nylon, spandex, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the shapewear garments may be made from a blend of 60-69% nylon and 31-40% spandex materials weighing in the range from about 1-5 oz/yd 2 , and particularly 2-3 oz/yd 2  and more particularly 2.8 oz/yd 2 . 
         [0060]    As further provided in  FIGS. 1A-9E , the shapewear garments described herein may further include a variety of additional items. For example, the outer edge of the garment may include a material bonded in some manner to the outer perimeter of the body selected from a felt material, a silicone material, and combinations thereof. It is envisioned that the material and/or combination of materials may provide support and/or comfort to the wearer while preventing the garment from slipping on the wearer&#39;s body. The material(s) may also prevent the edge of the fabric from unraveling or fraying while providing a seamless look when worn under a wearer&#39;s form-fitting attire. For example, the material of the outer edge may include two separate materials which can be positioned around the leg openings, the shoulder straps, the arm sleeve openings, the neckline, and/or around the midriff of the wearer. 
         [0061]    In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the shapewear garment  40  of the present disclosure is configured as a camisole. The shapewear garment  40  has a main body  50  made from multiple layers of stretchable material(s) described above. Although described as including multiple layers, some zones of the body garment may also include only a single layer of stretchable material along with the plurality of zones which include multiple layers. The shapewear garment  40  further includes a plurality of seams  60  (darker lines—reference no.  60  is not connected to all the seams but rather is intended to indicate an example of the seams) which connect the overlapping layers of material and create zones  1 - 30  and  101 - 130  therebetween. The various zones differ by: the number of layers of material provided within each zone; the level of compression provided in each zone; the level of appetite control each zone may apply; and/or the level of temperature control, such as a cooling effect, each zone provides. For example, as depicted in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , each zone  21 - 30  and  101 - 119  includes a different number of layers of material (indicated by the number in parentheses in each zone). As noted herein, the higher the number of layers in a zone, typically the higher the compressive force in that zone. In embodiments, some zones include only a single layer of porous material and such zones are considered vented zones which allow for the most release of wearer&#39;s body temperature and moisture. For example, zones  22  and  115  are shown to include only 1 layer of material and thus are considered vented zones. In embodiments, the body of the shapewear garment includes at least one vented zone. In embodiments, the body of the shapewear garment includes a plurality of vented zones. The vented zones may be symmetrically positioned on the body. 
         [0062]    In addition, the shapewear garment  40  includes an outer edge  70  positioned along the openings for the arms, neck and torso of the wearer. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , the shapes of zones  1 - 19  on the left front side of body  40  are symmetrical to the shapes of zones  101 - 119  on the right front side of the body  40 . For example, the shape of zone  1  is symmetrical to the shape of zone  101 . As further shown in  FIG. 1B , the shapes of zones  20 - 30  on the left back side of body  40  are symmetrical to the shapes of zones  120 - 130  on the right back side of the body  40 . For example, the shape of zone  26  is symmetrical to the shape of zone  126 . 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, at least two of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include a different number of layers of stretchable material. For example, in embodiments, zone  26  may include 5 layers of stretchable material while symmetrical zone  126  includes 6 layers of stretchable material. In other embodiments, all of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include a different number of layers of stretchable materials relative to each other. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, at least two of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include the same number of layers of stretchable material. For example, in embodiments, zones  26  and  126  may each include 5 layers of stretchable material. In other embodiments, all of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include the same number of layers of stretchable materials relative to each other. 
         [0066]    Although not shown, the shapewear garments described herein may further include an inner lining, separate from the layers of the body, which provides a more comfortable feel to the wearer and is positioned between the inside of the garment and the wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0067]      FIG. 1E  further illustrates that in some embodiments, the body may include an outer edge may include both a silicone material  31  and a felt material  32  bonded along the perimeter of any openings in the body of the shapewear garment. 
         [0068]    In  FIGS. 2A-2C , the shapewear garment  240  is configured as a corset (with possible panty combination). The shapewear garment  240  has a main body  250  made from the multilayer material(s) described above. The shapewear garment  240  further includes a plurality of seams  260  (reference no.  260  is not connected to all the seams but rather is intended to indicate an example of the seams) which connect the overlapping layers of stretchable material and create zones  201 - 233  and  301 - 333  therebetween. The various zones differ by: the number of layers of material provided within each zone; the level of compression provided in each zone; the level of appetite control each zone may apply; and/or the level of temperature control, such as a cooling effect, each zone provides. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 2C , each zone  301 - 319  includes a different number of layers of material (indicated by the number in parentheses in each zone). In addition, the shapewear garment  240  includes an outer edge  270  positioned along the openings for the legs and around the midriff area of the wearer. The outer edge  270  may include both a silicone material  238  and a felt material  237  bonded along the perimeter of the shapewear garment  240 . 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 2A , the shapes of zones  201 - 219  on the left front side of body  250  are symmetrical to the shapes of zones  301 - 319  on the right front side of the body  250 . For example, the shape of zone  201  is symmetrical to the shape of zone  301 . As further shown in  FIG. 2B , the shapes of zones  220 - 233  on the left back side of body  250  are symmetrical to the shapes of zones  320 - 333  on the right back side of the body  250 . For example, the shape of zone  233  is symmetrical to the shape of zone  333 . 
         [0070]    In some embodiments, at least two of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include a different number of layers of stretchable material. For example, in embodiments, zone  226  may include 3 layers of stretchable material while symmetrical zone  326  includes 6 layers of stretchable material. In other embodiments, all of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include a different number of layers of stretchable materials relative to each other. 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, at least two of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include the same number of layers of stretchable material. For example, in embodiments, zones  226  and  326  may each include 4 layers of stretchable material. In other embodiments, all of the zones which are symmetrical shapes of each other include the same number of layers of stretchable materials relative to each other 
         [0072]    Shapewear garment  240  further includes a zipper  272  which extends from the center of the front of the body  250  to the center of the back of body  250  to waist level. Such a design provides for the shapewear garment to be easily slipped on and/or off via the zipper and allows for easy toilet usage without the need to remove the entire garment. Buckles  273  are also illustrated and are positioned near the top of the shapewear garment  240 . The buckles are so situated to allow a wearer to connect another garment, such as a brassiere, to the shapewear garment  240 . 
         [0073]    Shapewear garment  240  also includes a fastener  271  positioned in the outer edge  271  of the garment  240  such as a rivet, button or snap for tightening of the outer edge  271  around the midriff of the wearer. Additional fasteners may be positioned on the outer edge  271  of the garment  240  along the openings along the legs (not shown). 
         [0074]    In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the shapewear garment  440  is configured as a panty which extends near or above the navel. The shapewear garment  440  has a main body  450  made from the multilayer stretchable material(s) described above. The shapewear garment  440  further includes a plurality of seams  460  (reference no.  460  is not connected to all the seams but rather is intended to indicate an example of the seams) which connect the overlapping layers of material and create zones  401 - 424  and  501 - 524  therebetween. The various zones differ by: the number of layers of material provided within each zone; the level of compression provided in each zone; the level of appetite control each zone may apply; and/or the level of temperature, such as a cooling effect, each zone provides. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 3C , each zone  416 - 424  includes a different number of layers of material (indicated by the number in parentheses in each zone). In addition, the shapewear garment  440  includes an outer edge  470  positioned along the openings for the legs around the waistline near or above/around the navel area of the wearer. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 2D and 3D  further illustrate a removable panty shield  260 ,  360  which can be removably attached to a crotch portion  261 ,  361  of the shapewear garment  240 ,  340 . The shield  260 ,  360  may be made of any biocompatible material. In embodiments the shield  260 ,  360  may be made of cotton and/or any material suitable for absorbing moisture and/or fluids. The shield is intended to be removable for cleaning and sanitizing purposes and may further be useful in protecting a wearer&#39;s crotch area during the zipping and/or unzipping of the zipper. The shield may be removably connected to the shapewear garment using a connector, such as rivet, button, snap, Velcro®, buckle, zipper, and the like. It is envisioned that the panty shield may be included in any of the garments described herein that include a crotch portion to attach thereto. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 4A-4B  depict a shapewear garment  540  which is configured as a corset including pant legs  555  which extend down the leg of the wearer to an area near the thighs or knee. Garment  540  includes a multilayer body  550  including a variety of zones, similar in fashion to those zones described herein and/or depicted in the previous figures. Garment  540  further includes an outer edge  570 , a zipper  572 , at least one fastener  574  and at least one buckle  578 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 5A-8A  depict some additional embodiments wherein the shapewear garment  640 ,  740 ,  840 , and  940  is configured as a body suit, with or without shoulder straps, arm sleeves, and/or pant legs. 
         [0078]    In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the shapewear garment  640  of the present disclosure is configured as a body suit with shoulder straps  645  and free of arm sleeves or pant legs. The shapewear garment  640  has a main body  650  made from the multilayer stretchable material(s) described above. The shapewear garment  640  further includes a plurality of seams  660  (reference no.  660  is not connected to all the seams but rather is intended to indicate an example of the seams) which connect the overlapping layers of material and create zones  601 - 630  therebetween. The various zones differ by: the number of layers of material provided within each zone; the level of compression provided in each zone; the level of appetite control each zone may apply; and/or the level of temperature, such as a cooling effect, each zone provides. For example, as depicted in  FIGS. 5C and 5D , zones  601 - 630  include a different number of layers of material (indicated by the number in parentheses in each zone). In addition, the shapewear garment  640  includes an outer edge  670  positioned along the openings for the arms, shoulders, neck, and legs of the wearer to pass therethrough. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 6A-6B  depict a front and rear view of another embodiment wherein the shapewear garment  740  further includes sleeves  745  for receipt of a wearer&#39;s arms. Sleeves  745  extend from body  750  which also includes seams  760 , outer edge  770 , and zipper  772 . Seams  760  define a plurality of zones, similar in fashion to the zones described herein and/or depicted in the previous figures. 
         [0080]    As shown, the arms  745  do not appear to include any seams  760  and therefore represent either a single zone and/or are made of a material separate from the body  740 . It is envisioned however, that in some embodiments, the seams  760  may be further added to the sleeve to further provide multiple zones to the sleeves and that such embodiments may be conducive to reshaping the fatty tissue commonly found in the lower part of the upper arm. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 7A-7B  depict a front and rear view of another embodiment wherein the shapewear garment  840  including sleeves  845  for receipt of a wearer&#39;s arms and further including pant legs  855  for receipt of a wearer&#39;s legs. Pant legs  855  further include a plurality of circumferential seams  860   c  wrapping around each individual pant leg  855  in a manner which creates additional circumferential compression on the wearer&#39;s legs, and particularly the thighs. As shown, the pant legs  855  would appear to extend along the length of a wearer&#39;s thighs, however, the pant legs  855 , like the arm sleeves  845 , can extend any length from the body. For example, the pant legs  855  may be the length of shorts, capri pants, full length pants, and anywhere therebetween. Similarly, the length of the arm sleeves  845  may be short sleeve, baseball sleeve (¾ length), long sleeve, and anywhere therebetween. 
         [0082]    Seams  860  and  860   c  define a plurality of zones, similar in fashion to the zones described herein and/or depicted in the previous figures.  FIGS. 7C-7D , similar to  FIGS. 1C-1D , depict the respective layers of material included in each zone formed by the seams  860  and/or  860   c.    
         [0083]      FIGS. 8A-8B  depict a front and rear view of another embodiment wherein the shapewear garment  940  is a body suit which includes pant legs  955  for receipt of a wearer&#39;s legs and shoulder straps  947  for the passage of a wearer&#39;s arm and receipt of the wearer&#39;s shoulders. As depicted, the shapewear garment  940  is sleeveless. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 9A-9B  depict a front and rear view of another embodiment wherein the shapewear garment  1040  is configured solely as a pair of shorts or pants and including pant legs  1055  with seams  1060  and circumferential seams  1060   c . Waistband  1070  is also included and may be made from any elastic material and in embodiments may include a belt. 
         [0085]      FIG. 10  depicts a front view of another embodiment wherein the shapewear garment  1140  is configured as a shirt or silhouette including sleeves  1155  with seams  1160 . As depicted, sleeves  1155  are free of seams  1160  and may include only one zone throughout. However, it is envisioned that seams  1160  may further be positioned on sleeves  1155  thereby providing sleeves  1155  with a plurality of zones, as described herein. Outer edge  1170  is also included about the openings of the sleeves, neck or torso. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate a quarter panel  1300  of at least one of the bodies described herein of the shapewear garment. Quarter panel  1300  includes seven separate pieces  1301 - 1307  of at least one layer of the stretchable material described herein. Each of the seven layers  1301 - 1307  display a different shape. 
         [0087]      FIG. 12B  illustrates the steps used to combine the seven layers  1301 - 1307  to create a quarter panel of the body including multiple overlapping layers of stretchable material and seams which divide the layers of material into different zones, wherein the zones have at least one of different shapes, different numbers of layers of material, different compression strength, different appetite control, different porosity, different temperature control, and combinations thereof. 
         [0088]    As further shown in  FIG. 12B , as each piece  1301 - 1307  is added to the quarter panel, at least some, if not all, of the pieces are slightly rotated and/or lie in a different orientation to one another relative to the longitudinal elasticity of each piece. 
         [0089]    Each of the garment types described herein may be made using similar steps as depicted in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . The number of pieces, layers, shapes, orientations, and quarter panel designs may vary depending upon the specific garment type. 
         [0090]    In embodiments, a shapewear garment is described including a body including multiple layers of at least one stretchable material, and a plurality of seams which define a plurality of different compression zones on the body. In embodiments, the different compression zones may be symmetrically positioned on the body from front to back, top to bottom, or from left side to right side. 
         [0091]    In embodiments, the stretchable material includes at least one of nylon, spandex, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the stretchable material includes a blend of nylon and spandex, wherein the nylon represents about 60-70% of the stretchable material and the spandex represents about 30-40% of the stretchable material. In embodiments, the blend further comprises an optional material representing about 1-10% and selected from the group consisting of a reinforcing material, a wicking material, a dye, and combinations thereof. 
         [0092]    In embodiments, the multiple layers of the body include individual layers stacked one on top of another and made from the same stretchable material. In embodiments, at least some of the individual layers are laid in an orientation different from a neighboring layer relative to a longitudinal elasticity of the individual layers. In embodiments, at least some of the individual layers are rotated from about 45 to about 90 degrees relative to the neighboring layer relative to the longitudinal elasticity of each of the layers. 
         [0093]    In embodiments, the plurality of seams of the body pass through and join the multiple layers of stretchable material to define the perimeter of each different compression zone. 
         [0094]    In embodiments, the multiple layers of stretchable material are stacked independent of each other across the compression zone. 
         [0095]    In embodiments, the compressive force per compression zone may range from 0.1 to 10 pounds per square inch. 
         [0096]    In embodiments, the different compression zones are symmetrically distributed across the body by the compressive force per zone. 
         [0097]    In embodiments, the different compression zones represent different shapes. 
         [0098]    In embodiments, the different compression zones are symmetrically distributed across the body by the shapes of each zone. 
         [0099]    In embodiments, the multiple layers of stretchable material vary by number of individual layers in the different compression zones. 
         [0100]    In embodiments, the different compression zones are symmetrically distributed across the body by the number of individual layers in each zone. 
         [0101]    In embodiments, the body comprises a garment format selected from the group consisting of camisoles, shirts, shorts, pants, body suits, corsets, brassieres, panties, and combinations thereof. 
         [0102]    In embodiments, the shapewear garment further comprising an outer edge of the body comprising a material selected from the group consisting of felt, silicone and combinations thereof. 
         [0103]    In embodiments, a shapewear garment is described including a body including multiple layers of at least one stretchable material, and a plurality of seams which define a plurality of zones on the body, at least some of the zones having a different shape. In embodiments, the body may include at least 15 zones having a different shape. In embodiments, the differently shaped zones may be symmetrically positioned on the body from front to back, top to bottom, or from left side to right side. 
         [0104]    In embodiments, a shapewear garment is described including a body including multiple layers of at least one stretchable material, and a plurality of seams which define a plurality of zones on the body, at least some of the zones having a different number of layers of the at least one stretchable material. In embodiments, the body may include at least 5 zones having a different number of layers. In embodiments, the differently layered zones may be symmetrically positioned on the body from front to back, top to bottom, or from left side to right side. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
       [0105]    A first sample layer including a nylon/spandex blend (69%/31% by weight, respectively) was knitted including an end and pick count (ASTM 3775) of 47 Warps (Wales), 43 Filling (Courses) and a thickness (ASTM D 1777) of 0.0116″. The knit fabric was stretch tested (ASTM D 2594) and provided the following characteristics: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 RECOVERY 
                   
               
               
                   
                 AFTER 1  
                 STRETCH (5 LB LOAD) 
               
               
                   
                 MINUTE 
                 AFTER 60 MINUTES 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Length 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Width 
                 Length 
                 Width 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Specimen #1 
                 85.7% 
                 83.3% 
                 85.7% 
                 83.3% 
                 50.0% 
                 31.3% 
               
               
                 #2 
                 85.7% 
                 83.3% 
                 85.7% 
                 80.0% 
                 50.0% 
                 31.3% 
               
               
                 #3 
                 85.7% 
                 83.3% 
                 85.7% 
                 80.0% 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Average 
                 85.7% 
                 83.3% 
                 85.7% 
                 81.1% 
                   50% 
                 31.3% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Example 2 
       [0106]    A second layer including a polyamide/spandex blend (69%/31% by weight, respectively) was formed. The bursting strength, thickness, stretch and recovery of the second layer were tested and the following results collected: 
         [0107]    Bursting Strength:
       Test Method: ASTM D3787:2007 (2011)   Average Bursting Strength=30.6 (lbf)       
 
         [0110]    Thickness:
       Test Method: ASTM D1777: 2011 e1   Average Thickness=0.23 mm       
 
         [0113]    Stretch and Recovery:
       Test Method: ASTM D2594:2004 (2012)
           Stretch and Growth % at 5 lb Load
               Average Wale %=57.4   Average Course %=66.6   
               Fabric Growth after Stretched to Specified Extension
               After 1 min.
                   Average Wale %=0.8   Average Course %=4.0   
                   After 1 hour
                   Average Wale %=0.4   Average Course %=1.8   
                   
               Fabric Recovery after Stretched to Specified Extension
               After 1 min.
                   Average Wale %=97.3   Average Course %=86.7   
                   After 1 hour
                   Average Wale %=98.7   Average Course %=93.9   
                   
               
               
 
         [0132]    Bench mark=125 mm+/−3 mm 
         [0133]    Although many of the embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES depicts a pair of sleeves, pants, straps, etc., the shapewear garments described herein may also include only one sleeve, pant, strap, etc. It is further envisioned that the shapewear garment may be configured to include a brassiere or bralette and/or configured to include some form of a halter top across the chest area of the wearer. It is still further envisioned that any structure depicted and/or described herein in any embodiment, may be included in any additional embodiments wherein it might not have been specifically described and/or depicted. 
         [0134]    While the foregoing description and drawings represent an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments specifically described herein. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.