Patent Publication Number: US-11641897-B2

Title: Article of clothing including a substrate material and a flocking material

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a national phase of International Application Serial No. PCT/US2017/021754, filed Mar. 10, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/306,319, filed Mar. 10, 2016, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an article of clothing including a substrate material and a flocking material that is sized as a shirt for arrangement about a torso of a wearer, or, alternatively, as a pair of pants for arrangement about a groin of the wearer. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art. 
     Various articles of clothing are known in the art. In some instances, articles of clothing may be worn for stylistic purposes. In other situations, articles of clothing may provide protection from the elements (e.g., protection from ultraviolet rays of light from the sun). It some examples, articles of clothing may enhance an athletic experience (e.g., the article of clothing may conform to wearer&#39;s body thereby reducing wind resistance or drag). 
     In most applications, an article of clothing may include at least one material. The at least one material may yield one or more desired functions (e.g., promoting style, providing protection from the elements, and enhancing an athletic experience). 
     While known articles of clothing have proven acceptable for various applications, such conventional articles of clothing are nevertheless susceptible to improvements that may enhance their overall performance and cost. Therefore, a need exists for improved articles of clothing and methodologies for forming the same. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front view of a first article of clothing, such as, for example, a short-sleeve shirt, and a second article of clothing, such as, for example, a pair of shorts, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a rear view of the first article of clothing and the second article of clothing of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a front view of a first article of clothing, such as, for example, an approximately three-quarter length sleeve shirt, and a second article of clothing, such as, for example, a pair of capris in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a rear view of the first article of clothing and the second article of clothing of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front view of a first article of clothing, such as, for example, a long-sleeve shirt, and a second article of clothing, such as, for example, a pair of trousers in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a rear view of the first article of clothing and the second article of clothing of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a front, enlarged portion of the pair of trousers of  FIG.  3 C ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional view of either of the first article of clothing or the second article of clothing according to line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG.  1 B or  2 B or  3 B ; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of either of the first article of clothing or the second article of clothing according to line  4 B- 4 B of  FIG.  1 B or  2 B or  3 B ; 
         FIG.  5    is a plan view of a pattern of a plurality of line segments of flocking material of either of the first article of clothing or the second article of clothing of  FIGS.  1 A- 3 B ; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a plan view of a first group of line segments of the plurality of line segments of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a plan view of a second group of line segments of the plurality of line segments of  FIG.  5   ; and 
         FIG.  6 C  is a plan view of a third group of line segments of the plurality of line segments of  FIG.  5   . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides an article of clothing sized as a shirt for arrangement about a torso of a wearer. The article of clothing may include a substrate material and a flocking material. The substrate material may include a base layer defined by an inner surface, an outer surface and a plurality of side surfaces that join the inner surface to the outer surface. The plurality of side surfaces may include four side surfaces defined by a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface. The base layer may form a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings in may include four openings defined by a first opening, a second opening, a third opening and a fourth opening. Each opening of the plurality of openings may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface and a side surface of the plurality of side surfaces. The first opening may be defined by an intersection of the inner surface and the first side surface. The second opening may be defined by an intersection of the inner surface and the second side surface. The third opening may be defined by an intersection of the inner surface and the third side surface. The fourth opening may be defined by an intersection of the inner surface and the fourth side surface. The base layer may be configured for defining a body-receiving portion and at least one limb-receiving portion extending from the body-receiving portion. The at least one limb-receiving portion may include a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion. The first opening may be formed by the body-receiving portion and may be sized for circumscribing a neck of the wearer. The second opening may be formed by the body-receiving portion and may be sized for circumscribing an abdominal region of the wearer. The third opening may be formed by the first sleeve portion and may be sized for circumscribing a right arm of the wearer. The fourth opening may be formed by the second sleeve portion and may be sized for circumscribing a left arm of a wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer proximate at least one opening of the plurality of openings. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer at the at least one opening of the plurality of openings. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface at a distance approximately equal to zero from the side surface. 
     In some implementations, the flocking material is arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer near the at least one opening of the plurality of openings. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface at a distance approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface. 
     In some implementations, the flocking material may be attached to the substrate material with an intermediate material. 
     In some examples, the intermediate material is an adhesive material. 
     In some implementations, both of the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion extend away from the body-receiving portion at a distance such that the article of clothing sized as the shirt for arrangement as about a torso of a wearer is a short-sleeve shirt. The first sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the third opening formed by the first sleeve portion circumscribes the right arm of the wearer above a right elbow of the wearer. The second sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the fourth opening formed by the second sleeve portion circumscribes the left arm of the wearer above a left elbow of the wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer away from the at least one opening of the plurality of openings such that the flocking material is sized for arrangement upon the inner surface of the base layer about at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. The at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer includes a left shoulder of the wearer and a right shoulder of the wearer. 
     In some examples, the flocking material may be defined by a pattern of a plurality of line segments that are connected in an intersecting relationship. One or more line segments of the plurality of line segments may define a substantially pentagonal shape that is sized for substantially circumscribing the at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. 
     In some implementations, both of the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion extend away from the body-receiving portion at a distance such that the article of clothing sized as the shirt for arrangement as about a torso of a wearer is an approximately three-quarter length sleeve shirt. The first sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the third opening formed by the first sleeve portion circumscribes the right arm of the wearer slightly beyond a right elbow of the wearer. The second sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the fourth opening formed by the second sleeve portion circumscribes the left arm of the wearer slightly beyond a left elbow of the wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer away from the at least one opening of the plurality of openings such that the flocking material is sized for arrangement upon the inner surface of the base layer about at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. The at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer may include a left shoulder of the wearer, a right shoulder of the wearer, the left elbow of the wearer and the right elbow of the wearer. 
     In some examples, the flocking material is defined by a pattern of a plurality of line segments that are connected in an intersecting relationship. One or more line segments of the plurality of line segments may define a substantially pentagonal shape that is sized for substantially circumscribing the at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. 
     In some implementations, both of the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion extend away from the body-receiving portion at a distance such that the article of clothing is a long sleeve shirt. The first sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the third opening formed by the first sleeve portion circumscribes the right arm of the wearer beyond a right elbow of the wearer. The second sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the fourth opening formed by the second sleeve portion circumscribes the left arm of the wearer beyond a left elbow of the wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer away from the at least one opening of the plurality of openings such that the flocking material is sized for arrangement upon the inner surface of the base layer about at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. The at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer may include a left shoulder of the wearer, a right shoulder of the wearer, the left elbow of the wearer and the right elbow of the wearer. 
     In some examples, the flocking material is defined by a pattern of a plurality of line segments that are connected in an intersecting relationship. One or more line segments of the plurality of line segments may define a substantially pentagonal shape that is sized for substantially circumscribing the at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides an article of clothing sized as a pair of pants for arrangement about a groin of a wearer. The article of clothing may include a substrate material and a flocking material. The substrate material may include a base layer defined by an inner surface, an outer surface and a plurality of side surfaces that join the inner surface to the outer surface. The plurality of side surfaces may include three side surfaces defined by a first side surface, a second side surface and a third side surface. The base layer may form a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may include four openings defined by a first opening, a second opening and a third opening. Each opening of the plurality of openings may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface and a side surface of the plurality of side surfaces. The first opening may be defined by an intersection of the inner surface and the first side surface. The second opening is defined by an intersection of the inner surface and the second side surface. The third opening may be defined by an intersection of the inner surface and the third side surface. The base layer may be configured for defining a body-receiving portion and at least one limb-receiving portion extending from the body-receiving portion. The at least one limb-receiving portion may include a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion. The first opening may be formed by the body-receiving portion and may be sized for circumscribing a waist of the wearer. The second opening may be formed by the first sleeve portion and may be sized for circumscribing a right leg of the wearer. The third opening may be formed by the second sleeve portion and may be sized for circumscribing a left leg of a wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer proximate at least one opening of the plurality of openings. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer at the at least one opening of the plurality of openings. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface at a distance approximately equal to zero from the side surface. 
     In some implementations, the flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer near the at least one opening of the plurality of openings. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface at a distance approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface. 
     In some implementations, the flocking material may be attached to the substrate material with an intermediate material. 
     In some examples, the intermediate material is an adhesive material. 
     In some implementations, both of the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion extend away from the body-receiving portion at a distance such that the article of clothing sized as the pair of pants for arrangement as about a groin of a wearer is a pair of shorts. The first sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the second opening formed by the first sleeve portion circumscribes the right leg of the wearer above a right knee of the wearer. The second sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the third opening formed by the second sleeve portion circumscribes the left leg of the wearer above a left knee of the wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer away from the at least one opening of the plurality of openings such that the flocking material is sized for arrangement upon the inner surface of the base layer about at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. The at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer may include a left hip of the wearer and a right hip of the wearer. 
     In some examples, the flocking material may be defined by a pattern of a plurality of line segments that are connected in an intersecting relationship. One or more line segments of the plurality of line segments may define a substantially pentagonal shape that is sized for substantially circumscribing the at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. 
     In some implementations, both of the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at a distance such that the article of clothing is a pair of capris. The first sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the second opening formed by the first sleeve portion circumscribes the right leg of the wearer slightly beyond a right knee of the wearer. The second sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the third opening formed by the second sleeve portion circumscribes the left leg of the wearer slightly beyond a left knee of the wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer away from the at least one opening of the plurality of openings such that the flocking material is sized for arrangement upon the inner surface of the base layer about at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. The at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer may include a left hip of the wearer, a right hip of the wearer, the left knee of the wearer and the right knee of the wearer. 
     In some examples, the flocking material may be defined by a pattern of a plurality of line segments that are connected in an intersecting relationship. One or more line segments of the plurality of line segments may define a substantially pentagonal shape that is sized for substantially circumscribing the at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. 
     In some implementations, both of the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion extend away from the body-receiving portion at a distance such that the article of clothing sized as the pair of pants for arrangement as about a groin of a wearer is a pair of trousers. The first sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the second opening formed by the first sleeve portion circumscribes the right leg of the wearer beyond a right knee of the wearer. The second sleeve portion may extend away from the body-receiving portion at the distance such that the third opening formed by the second sleeve portion circumscribes the left leg of the wearer beyond a left knee of the wearer. The flocking material may be arranged upon the inner surface of the base layer away from the at least one opening of the plurality of openings such that the flocking material is sized for arrangement upon the inner surface of the base layer about at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. The at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer may include a left hip of the wearer, a right hip of the wearer, the left knee of the wearer and the right knee of the wearer. 
     In some examples, the flocking material is defined by a pattern of a plurality of line segments that are connected in an intersecting relationship. One or more line segments of the plurality of line segments may define a substantially pentagonal shape that is sized for substantially circumscribing the at least one joint or point of articulation of the wearer. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , an article of clothing is shown generally at  10 . The article of clothing  10  may be worn by a wearer  11  for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing  10  may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing  10  may include a substrate material  12  and a flocking material  14 . 
     The flocking material  14  may include a plurality of small fiber particles  15  (i.e., flock), as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . In a worn state (e.g.,  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ), the article of clothing  10  may be worn by the wearer  11  such that the substrate material  12  and/or the flocking material  14  engages the wearer  11 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  14  may engage a wearer&#39;s skin  17 . In this regard, the flocking material  14  may enhance the substrate material  12  in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material  14  may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material  12 . Such use of flocking material  14  may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material  14  may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by substrate material  12 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  14  may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in a gap  19  defined by and between the wearer&#39;s skin  17  and the substrate material  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , in some instances, the flocking material  14  may be attached to the substrate material  12  with an intervening material  16  such as an adhesive, for example. In other examples, the flocking material  14  may be coupled to the substrate material  12  without the use of the intervening material  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the substrate material  12  may include a base layer  18  having an inner surface  20 , an outer surface  22 , and plurality of side surfaces  24 . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the inner surface  20  may oppose the outer surface  22  such that the plurality of side surfaces  24  join the inner surface  20  to the outer surface  22 . In an example, as seen in  FIG.  1 A , the plurality of side surfaces  24  include a first side surface  24   a , a second side surface  24   b , a third side surface  24   c  and a fourth side surface  24   d.    
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the base layer  18  forms a plurality of openings  26  through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer  11  may extend. Referring to  FIG.  1 A , in an example, the plurality of openings  26  include a first opening  26   a , a second opening  26   b , a third opening  26   c  and a fourth opening  26   d . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , each opening  26   a - 26   d  of the plurality of openings  26  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  20  and a side surface  24   a - 24   d  of the plurality of side surfaces  24 . For example, (1) the first opening  26   a  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  20  and the first side surface  24   a ; (2) the second opening  26   b  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  20  and the second side surface  24   b ; (3) the third opening  26   c  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  20  and the third side surface  24   c ; and (4) the fourth opening  26   d  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  20  and the fourth side surface  24   d.    
     Referring to  FIG.  1 A , the base layer  18  may include a body-receiving portion  50  and at least one limb-receiving portion  75  (e.g., a sleeve) extending from the body-receiving portion  50 . In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion  75  includes a first sleeve portion  75   a  and a second sleeve portion  75   b.    
     The body-receiving portion  50  is sized for arrangement about a torso T of the wearer  11 . The first sleeve portion  75   a  is sized for arrangement about a right arm of the wearer  11 . The second sleeve portion  75   b  is sized for arrangement about a left arm of the wearer  11 . Collectively, the body-receiving portion  50 , the first sleeve portion  75   a , and the second sleeve portion  75   b  are sized for use as a shirt (such as, e.g., a short-sleeve shirt). 
     The first opening  26   a  is formed by the body-receiving portion  50  and is sized for circumscribing a neck N of the wearer  11 . The second opening  26   b  is formed by the body-receiving portion  50  and is sized for circumscribing an abdominal region A (e.g., a region generally bounded by the diaphragm and pelvis) of the wearer  11 . The third opening  26   c  is formed by the first sleeve portion  75   a  and is sized for circumscribing a right arm of the wearer  11  above the right elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a bicep region) of the wearer  11 . The fourth opening  26   d  is formed by the second sleeve portion  75   b  and is sized for circumscribing a left arm of the wearer  11  above the left elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a bicep region) of the wearer  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the flocking material  14  may be attached to the inner surface  20  of the base layer  18 . In some examples, as seen in  FIG.  4 B , the flocking material  14  is arranged upon the inner surface  20  of the base layer  18  at the opening  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c ,  26   d  (i.e., the flocking material  14  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c ,  24   d ). In some instances, the flocking material  14  may be arranged upon the inner surface  20  of the base layer  18  near the opening  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c ,  26   d  (i.e., the flocking material  14  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c ,  24   d ). 
     In implementations where the flocking material  14  is arranged at or near the opening  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c ,  26   d , the flocking material  14 , including the fiber particles  15 , may be arranged in the form of a loop  28  or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop  28 . The loop  28  or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop  28  may directly oppose the wearer&#39;s skin  17  to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing  10  about the plurality of openings  26  in order to retain the article of clothing  10  to the wearer  11 . 
     In other examples, as seen in  FIGS.  1 A and  4 A , the flocking material  14  is arranged upon the inner surface  20  of the base layer  18  away from the plurality of openings  26 ; in such instances, the flocking material  14  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left shoulder region S and a right shoulder region S) of the wearer. Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C , when the flocking material  14  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, the flocking material  14  may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments  30  that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material  14  may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments  30 . The plurality of line segments  30  may include a first group of line segments  30   a  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 A ), a second group of line segments  30   b , (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ) and a third group of line segments  30   c  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 C ). 
     The first group of line segments  30   a  may include an array of downwardly U-shaped line segments. In an example, the first group of line segments  30   a  includes a first (inner-most) line segment  30   a   1 , a second line segment  30   a   2 , a third line segment  30   a   3 , a fourth line segment  30   a   4  and a fifth (outer-most) line segment  30   a   5  that may be concentric with one another. Each line segment  30   a  of the first group of line segments  30   a  may be substantially parallel (+/− 5 degrees) to one or more of the other line segments  30   a  along at least a portion of a length of the line segment  30   a , such that the array of line segments  30   a  defines a plurality of gaps  31   a  (e.g., areas in which the flocking material  14  is not disposed) between consecutive line segments  30   a  and a plurality of intersections  33   a  (e.g., locations at which one of the line segments  30   a  intersects another of the line segments  30   a ) of consecutive line segments  30   a.    
     The second group of line segments  30   b , may include an array of downwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting line segments. In an example, the second group of line segments  30   b , includes a first (inner-most) line segment  30   b   1  and a second (outermost) line segment  30   b   2  that may be concentric with one another. The first line segment  30   b   1  may be substantially parallel (+/− 5 degrees) to the second line segment  30   b   2  along at least a portion of a length of the first line segment  30   b   1 , such that the array of line segments  30   b , defines a plurality of gaps  31   b  (e.g., areas in which the flocking material  14  is not disposed) between consecutive line segments  30   b.    
     The third group of line segments  30   c  includes an array of upwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting line segments. In an example, the third group of line segments  30   c  includes a first (inner-most) line segment  30   c   1 , a second line segment  30   c   2 , a third line segment  30   c   3  and a fourth (outer-most) line segment  30   c   4  that may be concentric with one another and with the line segments  30   a   1 ,  30   a   2 ,  30   a   3 ,  30   a   4 ,  30   a   5  of the first group of line segments  30   a  and/or the line segments  30   b   1 ,  30   b   2  of the second group of line segments  30   b . Each line segment  30   c  of the first group of line segments  30   c  may be substantially parallel (+/− 5 degrees) to one or more of the other line segments  30   c  along at least a portion of a length of the line segment  30   c , such that the array of line segments  30   c  defines a plurality of gaps  31   c  (e.g., areas in which the flocking material  14  is not disposed) between consecutive line segments  30   c.    
     As seen in  FIG.  5   , when the plurality of line segments  30  are connected in an intersecting relationship, the first group of line segments  30   a  may join one or more portions of the second group of line segments  30   b , to the third group of line segments  30   c . Furthermore, a portion of a length of the inner-most line segment  30   a   1  of the first group of line segments  30   a  including an array of downwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting and intersecting line segments and a portion of a length of the inner-most line segment  30   c   1  of the third group of line segments  30   c  including an array of upwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting line segments may define a generally pentagonally-shaped gap or opening  32  (see dashed line) that is sized for substantially circumscribing a joint or point of articulation region of the wearer. While the gap  32  is described and shown as having a similar shape as a pentagon, the gap  32  could include a different shape such as, for example, a circular shape. The plurality of line segments  30  defined by the flocking material  14  may directly oppose the wearer&#39;s skin  17  to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing  10  about the joint or point of articulation region of the wearer in order to retain the article of clothing  10  about the joint or point of articulation region of the wearer. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , an article of clothing is shown generally at  100 . The article of clothing  100  may be worn by the wearer  11  for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing  100  may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing  100  may include a substrate material  112  and a flocking material  114 . 
     The flocking material  114  may include the plurality of small fiber particles  15  (i.e., flock), as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . In the worn state (e.g.,  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ), the article of clothing  100  may be worn by the wearer  11  such that the substrate material  112  and/or the flocking material  114  engages the wearer  11 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  14  may engage the wearer&#39;s skin  17 . In this regard, the flocking material  114  may enhance the substrate material  112  in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material  114  may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material  112 . Such use of flocking material  114  may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material  114  may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material  12 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  114  may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow between the wearer&#39;s skin  17  and the substrate material  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , in some instances, the flocking material  114  may be attached to the substrate material  112  with, an intervening material  116 , such as an adhesive. In other examples, the flocking material  114  may be coupled to the substrate material  112  without the use of the intervening material  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the substrate material  112  may include a base layer  118  having an inner surface  120 , an outer surface  122 , and a plurality of side surfaces  124 . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the inner surface  120  may oppose the outer surface  122  such that the plurality of side surfaces  124  join the inner surface  120  to the outer surface  122 . In an example, seen in  FIG.  1 A , the plurality of side surfaces  124  include a first side surface  124   a , a second side surface  12   b  and a third side surface  124   c.    
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the base layer  118  forms a plurality of openings  126  through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer  11  may extend. Referring to  FIG.  1 A , in an example, the plurality of openings  126  include a first opening  126   a , a second opening  126   b  and a third opening  126   c . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , each opening  126   a - 126   c  of the plurality of openings  126  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  120  and a side surface  124   a - 124   c  of the plurality of side surfaces  124 . For example, (1) the first opening  126   a  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  120  and the first side surface  124   a ; (2) the second opening  126   b  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  120  and the second side surface  124   b ; and (3) the third opening  126   c  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  120  and the third side surface  124   c.    
     Referring to  FIG.  1 A , the base layer  118  may include a body-receiving portion  150  and at least one limb-receiving portion  175  (e.g., a leg-receiving portion) extending from the body-receiving portion  150 . The at least one limb-receiving portion  175  may include a first sleeve portion  175   a  and a second sleeve portion  175   b.    
     The body-receiving portion  150  is sized for arrangement about a waist or groin of the wearer  11 . The first sleeve portion  175   a  is sized for arrangement about a right leg of the wearer  11 . The second sleeve portion  175   b  is sized for arrangement about a left leg of the wearer  11 . Collectively, the body-receiving portion  150 , the first sleeve portion  175   a  and the second sleeve portion  175   b  are sized for use as a pair of pants (such as, e.g., a pair of shorts). 
     The first opening  126   a  is formed by the body-receiving portion  150  and is sized for circumscribing a waist region (e.g., a region generally below the ribs and above the hips H) of the wearer  11 . The second opening  126   b  is formed by the first sleeve portion  175   a  and is sized for circumscribing a right leg of the wearer  11  above the right knee K (e.g., at approximately about a thigh region) of the wearer  11 . The third opening  126   c  is formed by the second sleeve portion  175   b  and is sized for circumscribing a left leg of the wearer  11  above the left knee K (e.g., at approximately about a thigh region) of the wearer  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the flocking material  114  may be attached to the inner surface  120  of the base layer  118 . In some examples, as seen in  FIG.  4 B , the flocking material  114  is arranged upon the inner surface  120  of the base layer  118  at the opening  126   a ,  126   b ,  126   c  (i.e., the flocking material  114  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c ). In some instances, the flocking material  114  may be arranged upon the inner surface  120  of the base layer  118  near the opening  126   a ,  126   b ,  126   c  (i.e., the flocking material  114  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c ). 
     In implementations where the flocking material  114  is arranged at or near the opening  126   a ,  126   b ,  126   c , the flocking material  114 , including the fiber particles  15 , may be arranged in the form of a loop  128  or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop  128 . The loop  128  or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop  128  may directly oppose the wearer&#39;s skin  17  to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing  100  about the plurality of openings  126  in order to retain the article of clothing  100  to the wearer  11 . 
     In other examples, as seen in  FIGS.  1 A and  4 A , the flocking material  114  is arranged upon the inner surface  120  of the base layer  118  away from the plurality of openings  126 . In such instances, the flocking material  114  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left hip region H and a right hip region H) of the wearer  11 . Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C , when the flocking material  114  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of the wearer  11 , the flocking material  114  may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments  30  that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material  114  may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments  30 . The plurality of line segments  30  may include the first group of line segments  30   a  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 A ), the second group of line segments  30   b , (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ) and the third group of line segments  30   c  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 C ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , an article of clothing is shown generally at  200 . The article of clothing  200  may be worn by the wearer  11  for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing  200  may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing  200  may include a substrate material  212  and a flocking material  214 . 
     The flocking material  214  may include a plurality of the small fiber particles  15  (i.e., flock), as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . In the worn state (e.g.,  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ), the article of clothing  200  may be worn by the wearer  11  such that the substrate material  212  and/or the flocking material  214  engages the wearer  11 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  214  may engage the wearer&#39;s skin  17 . In this regard, the flocking material  214  may enhance the substrate material  212  in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material  214  may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material  212 . Such use of flocking material  214  may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material  214  may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material  212 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  214  may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in the gap  19  defined by between a wearer&#39;s skin  17  and the substrate material  212 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , in some instances, the flocking material  214  may be attached to the substrate material  212  with an intervening material  16  such as an adhesive, for example. In other examples, the flocking material  214  may be coupled to the substrate material  212  without the use of the intervening material  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the substrate material  212  may include a base layer  218  having an inner surface  220 , an outer surface  222 , and a plurality of side surface  224 . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the inner surface  220  may oppose the outer surface  222  such that the plurality of side surfaces  224  join the inner surface  220  to the outer surface  222 . In an example, seen in  FIG.  2 A , the plurality of side surfaces  224  include a first side surface  224   a , a second side surface  224   b , a third side surface  224   c  and a fourth side surface  224   d.    
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the base layer  218  forms a plurality of openings  226  through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer  11  may extend. Referring to  FIG.  2 A , in an example, the plurality of openings  226  include a first opening  226   a , a second opening  226   b , a third opening  226   c  and a fourth opening  226   d . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , each opening  226   a - 226   d  of the plurality of openings  226  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  220  and a side surface  224   a - 224   d  of the plurality of side surfaces  224 . For example, (1) the first opening  226   a  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  220  and the first side surface  224   a ; (2) the second opening  226   b  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  220  and the second side surface  224   b ; (3) the third opening  226   c  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  220  and the third side surface  224   c ; and (4) the fourth opening  226   d  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  220  and the fourth side surface  224   d.    
     Referring to  FIG.  2 A , the base layer  218  may include a body-receiving portion  250  and at least one limb-receiving portion  275  extending from the body-receiving portion  250 . In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion  275  includes a first sleeve portion  275   a  and a second sleeve portion  275   b.    
     The body-receiving portion  250  is sized for arrangement about a torso of the wearer  11 . The first sleeve portion  275   a  is sized for arrangement about a right arm of the wearer  11 . The second sleeve portion  275   b  is sized for arrangement about a left arm of the wearer  11 . Collectively, the body-receiving portion  250 , the first sleeve portion  275   a  and the second sleeve portion  275   b  are sized for use as a shirt (such as, e.g., an approximately three-quarter length sleeve shirt). 
     The first opening  226   a  is formed by the body-receiving portion  250  and is sized for circumscribing a neck N of the wearer  11 . The second opening  226   b  is formed by the body-receiving portion  250  and is sized for circumscribing an abdominal region A (e.g., a region generally bounded by the diaphragm and pelvis) of the wearer  11 . The third opening  226   c  is formed by the first sleeve portion  275   a  and is sized for circumscribing a right arm of the wearer  11  slightly beyond the right elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a forearm region) of the wearer. The fourth opening  226   d  is formed by the second sleeve portion  275   b  and is sized for circumscribing a left arm of the wearer  11  slightly beyond the left elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a forearm region) of the wearer  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the flocking material  214  may be attached to the inner surface  220  of the base layer  218 . In some examples, as seen in  FIG.  4 B , the flocking material  214  is arranged upon the inner surface  220  of the base layer  218  at the opening  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c ,  226   d  (i.e., the flocking material  214  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface  224   a ,  224   b ,  224   c ,  224   d ). In some instances, the flocking material  214  may be arranged upon the inner surface  220  of the base layer  218  near the opening  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c ,  226   d  (i.e., the flocking material  214  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface  224   a ,  224   b ,  224   c ,  224   d ). 
     In implementations where the flocking material  214  is arranged at or near the opening  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c ,  226   d , the flocking material  214 , including the fiber particles  15 , may be arranged in the form of a loop  228  or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop  228 . The loop  228  or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop  228  may directly oppose the wearer&#39;s skin  17  to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing  200  about the plurality of openings  226  in order to retain the article of clothing  200  to the wearer  11 . 
     In other examples, as seen in  FIGS.  2 A and  4 A , the flocking material  214  is arranged upon the inner surface  220  of the base layer  218  away from the plurality of openings  226 ; in such instances, the flocking material  214  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left shoulder region S, a right shoulder region S, a left elbow region E and a right elbow region E) of the wearer. Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C , when the flocking material  214  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, the flocking material  214  may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments  30  that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material  214  may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments  30 . The plurality of line segments  30  may include a first group of line segments  30   a  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 A ), a second group of line segments  30   b , (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ) and a third group of line segments  30   c  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 C ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , an article of clothing is shown generally at  300 . The article of clothing  300  may be worn by a wearer for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing  300  may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing  300  is formed by at least two materials including a substrate material  312  and a flocking material  314 . 
     The flocking material  314  may include a plurality of the small fiber particles  15  (i.e., flock), as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . In the worn state (e.g.,  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ), the article of clothing  300  may be worn by the wearer  11  such that the substrate material  312  and/or the flocking material  314  engages the wearer  11 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  314  may engage the wearer&#39;s skin  17 . In this regard, the flocking material  314  may enhance the substrate material  312  in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material  314  may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material  312 . Such use of flocking material  314  may be well-suited for use in wet conditions such as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by substrate material  12 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  314  may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in the gap  19 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , in some instances, the flocking material  314  may be attached to the substrate material  312  with an intervening material  316  such as an adhesive material  316 , for example. In other examples, the flocking material  314  may be coupled to the substrate material  312  without the intervening material  316 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the substrate material  312  may include a base layer  318  having an inner surface  320 , an outer surface  322 , and a plurality of side surface  324 . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the inner surface  320  may oppose the outer surface  322  such that the plurality of side surfaces  324  join the inner surface  320  to the outer surface  322 . In an example, seen in  FIG.  2 A , the plurality of side surfaces  324  include a first side surface  324   a , a second side surface  324   b  and a third side surface  324   c.    
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the base layer  318  forms a plurality of openings  326  through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer  11  may extend. Referring to  FIG.  2 A , in an example, the plurality of openings  326  include a first opening  326   a , a second opening  326   b  and a third opening  326   c . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , each opening  326   a - 326   c  of the plurality of openings  326  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  320  and a side surface  324   a - 324   c  of the plurality of side surfaces  324 . For example, (1) the first opening  326   a  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  320  and the first side surface  324   a ; (2) the second opening  326   b  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  320  and the second side surface  324   b ; and (3) the third opening  326   c  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  320  and the third side surface  324   c.    
     Referring to  FIG.  2 A , the base layer  318  may include a body-receiving portion  350  and at least one limb-receiving portion  375  extending from the body-receiving portion  350 . In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion  375  includes a first sleeve portion  375   a  and a second sleeve portion  375   b.    
     The body-receiving portion  350  is sized for arrangement about a groin of the wearer  11 . The first sleeve portion  375   a  is sized for arrangement about a right leg of the wearer  11 . The second sleeve portion  375   b  is sized for arrangement about a left leg of the wearer  11 . Collectively, the body-receiving portion  350 , the first sleeve portion  375   a  and the second sleeve portion  375   b  are sized for use as a pair of pants (such as, e.g., a pair of capris). 
     The first opening  326   a  is formed by the body-receiving portion  350  and is sized for circumscribing a waist region (e.g., a region generally below the ribs and above the hips H) of the wearer  11 . The second opening  326   b  is formed by the first sleeve portion  375   a  and is sized for circumscribing a right leg of the wearer  11  slightly beyond the right knee K (e.g., at approximately about an upper calf region) of the wearer  11 . The third opening  326   c  is formed by the second sleeve portion  375   b  and is sized for circumscribing a left leg of the wearer  11  slightly beyond the left knee K (e.g., at approximately about an upper calf region) of the wearer  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the flocking material  314  may be attached to the inner surface  320  of the base layer  318 . In some examples, as seen in  FIG.  4 B , the flocking material  314  is arranged upon the inner surface  320  of the base layer  318  at the opening  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c  (i.e., the flocking material  314  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface  324   a ,  324   b ,  324   c ). In some instances, the flocking material  314  may be arranged upon the inner surface  320  of the base layer  318  near the opening  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c  (i.e., the flocking material  314  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface  324   a ,  324   b ,  324   c ). 
     In implementations where the flocking material  314  is arranged at or near the opening  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c , the flocking material  314 , including the fiber particles  15 , may be arranged in the form of a loop  328  or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop  328 . The loop  328  or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop  328  may directly oppose the wearer&#39;s skin  17  to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing  300  about the plurality of openings  326  in order to retain the article of clothing  300  to the wearer  11 . 
     In other examples, as seen in  FIGS.  2 A and  4 A , the flocking material  314  is arranged upon the inner surface  320  of the base layer  318  away from the plurality of openings  326 ; in such instances, the flocking material  314  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left hip region H, a right hip region H, a left knee region K and a right knee region K) of the wearer. Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C , when the flocking material  314  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, the flocking material  314  may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments  30  that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material  314  may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments  30 . The plurality of line segments  30  may include a first group of line segments  30   a  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 A ), a second group of line segments  30   b , (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ) and a third group of line segments  30   c  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 C ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , an article of clothing is shown generally at  400 . The article of clothing  400  may be worn by a wearer for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing  400  may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing  400  may include a substrate material  412  and a flocking material  414 . 
     The flocking material  414  may include a plurality of the small fiber particles  15  (i.e., flock), as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . In the worn state (e.g.,  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ), the article of clothing  200  may be worn by the wearer  11  such that the substrate material  212  and/or the flocking material  214  engages the wearer  11 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  214  may engage the wearer&#39;s skin  17 . In this regard, the flocking material  414  may enhance the substrate material  412  in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material  414  may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material  412 . Such use of flocking material  414  may be well-suited for use in wet conditions such as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material  412 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  414  may permit a fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in the gap  19  between the wearer&#39;s skin  17  and the substrate material  412 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , in some instances, the flocking material  414  may be attached to the substrate material  412  with, an intervening material  416 , such as an adhesive, for example. In other examples, the flocking material  414  may be coupled to the substrate material  412  without the use of the intervening material  416 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the substrate material  412  may include a base layer  418  having an inner surface  420 , an outer surface  422 , and a plurality of side surfaces  424 . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the inner surface  420  may oppose the outer surface  422  such that the plurality of side surfaces  424  join the inner surface  420  to the outer surface  422 . In an example, seen in  FIG.  3 A , the plurality of side surfaces  424  include a first side surface  424   a , a second side surface  424   b , a third side surface  424   c  and a fourth side surface  424   d.    
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the base layer  418  forms a plurality of openings  426  through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer  11  may extend. Referring to  FIG.  3 A , in an example, the plurality of openings  426  include a first opening  426   a , a second opening  426   b , a third opening  426   c  and a fourth opening  426   d . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , each opening  426   a - 426   d  of the plurality of openings  426  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  420  and a side surface  424   a - 424   d  of the plurality of side surfaces  424 ; for example, (1) the first opening  426   a  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  420  and the first side surface  424   a ; (2) the second opening  426   b  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  420  and the second side surface  424   b ; (3) the third opening  426   c  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  420  and the third side surface  424   c ; and (4) the fourth opening  426   d  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  420  and the fourth side surface  424   d.    
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A , the base layer  418  may include a body-receiving portion  450  and at least one limb-receiving portion  475  extending from the body-receiving portion  450 . In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion  475  includes a first sleeve portion  475   a  and a second sleeve portion  475   b.    
     The body-receiving portion  450  is sized for arrangement about a torso of a wearer. The first sleeve portion  475   a  is sized for arrangement about a right arm of the wearer  11 . The second sleeve portion  475   b  is sized for arrangement about a left arm of the wearer  11 . Collectively, the body-receiving portion  450 , the first sleeve portion  475   a  and the second sleeve portion  475   b  are sized for use as a shirt (such as, e.g., a long-sleeve shirt). 
     The first opening  426   a  is formed by the body-receiving portion  450  and is sized for circumscribing a neck N of the wearer  11 . The second opening  426   b  is formed by the body-receiving portion  450  and is sized for circumscribing an abdominal region A (e.g., a region generally bounded by the diaphragm and pelvis) of the wearer  11 . The third opening  426   c  is formed by the first sleeve portion  475   a  and is sized for circumscribing a right arm of the wearer  11  beyond the right elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a wrist region) of the wearer  11 . The fourth opening  426   d  is formed by the second sleeve portion  475   b  and is sized for circumscribing a left arm of the wearer  11  beyond the left elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a wrist region) of the wearer  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the flocking material  414  may be attached to the inner surface  420  of the base layer  418 . In some examples, as seen in  FIG.  4 B , the flocking material  414  is arranged upon the inner surface  420  of the base layer  418  at the opening  426   a ,  426   b ,  426   c ,  426   d  (i.e., the flocking material  414  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface  424   a ,  424   b ,  424   c ,  424   d ). In some instances, the flocking material  414  may be arranged upon the inner surface  420  of the base layer  418  near the opening  426   a ,  426   b ,  426   c ,  426   d  (i.e., the flocking material  414  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface  424   a ,  424   b ,  424   c ,  424   d ). 
     In implementations where the flocking material  414  is arranged at or near the opening  426   a ,  426   b ,  426   c ,  426   d , the flocking material  414 , including the fiber particles  15 , may be arranged in the form of a loop  428  or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop  428 . The loop  428  or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop  428  may directly oppose the wearer&#39;s skin  17  to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing  400  about the plurality of openings  426  in order to retain the article of clothing  400  to the wearer  11 . 
     In other examples, as seen in  FIGS.  3 A and  4 A , the flocking material  414  is arranged upon the inner surface  420  of the base layer  418  away from the plurality of openings  426 ; in such instances, the flocking material  414  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left shoulder region S, a right shoulder region S, a left elbow region E and a right elbow region E) of the wearer. Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C , when the flocking material  414  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, the flocking material  414  may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments  30  that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material  14  may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments  30 . The plurality of line segments  30  may include a first group of line segments  30   a  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 A ), a second group of line segments  30   b , (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ) and a third group of line segments  30   c  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 C ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , an article of clothing is shown generally at  500 . The article of clothing  500  may be worn by a wearer for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing  500  may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing  500  may include a substrate material  512  and a flocking material  514 . 
     The flocking material  514  may include a plurality of the small fiber particles  15  (i.e., flock), as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . In the worn state (e.g.,  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ), the article of clothing  200  may be worn by the wearer  11  such that the substrate material  212  and/or the flocking material  214  engages the wearer  11 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  214  may engage the wearer&#39;s skin  17 . In this regard, the flocking material  514  may enhance the substrate material  512  in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material  514  may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material  512 . Such use of flocking material  514  may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material  514  may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material  512 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the flocking material  514  may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow between the wearer&#39;s skin  17  and the substrate material  512 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , in some instances, the flocking material  514  may be attached to the substrate material  512  with an intervening material  516 , such as an adhesive, for example. In other examples, the flocking material  514  may be coupled to the substrate material  512  without the use of the intervening material  516 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the substrate material  512  may include a base layer  518  having an inner surface  520 , an outer surface  522 , and a plurality of side surfaces  524 . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the inner surface  520  may oppose the outer surface  522  such that the plurality of side surfaces  524  join the inner surface  520  to the outer surface  522 . In an example, seen in  FIG.  3 A , the plurality of side surfaces  524  include a first side surface  524   a , a second side surface  524   b  and a third side surface  524   c.    
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , the base layer  518  forms a plurality of openings  526  through which a portion (e.g., arm, let waist, neck) of the wearer  11  may extend. Referring to  FIG.  3 A , in an example, the plurality of openings  526  include a first opening  526   a , a second opening  526   b  and a third opening  526   c . Referring to  FIG.  4 B , each opening  526   a - 526   c  of the plurality of openings  526  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  520  and a side surface  524   a - 524   c  of the plurality of side surfaces  524 ; for example, (1) the first opening  526   a  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  520  and the first side surface  524   a ; (2) the second opening  526   b  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  520  and the second side surface  524   b ; and (3) the third opening  526   c  may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface  520  and the third side surface  524   c.    
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A , the base layer  518  may include a body-receiving portion  550  and at least one limb-receiving portion  575  extending from the body-receiving portion  550 . In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion  575  includes a first sleeve portion  575   a  and a second sleeve portion  575   b.    
     The body-receiving portion  550  is sized for arrangement about a groin of the wearer  11 . The first sleeve portion  575   a  is sized for arrangement about a right leg of the wearer  11 . The second sleeve portion  575   b  is sized for arrangement about a left leg of the wearer  11 . Collectively, the body-receiving portion  550 , the first sleeve portion  575   a  and the second sleeve portion  575   b  are sized for use as a pair of pants (such as, e.g., a pair of trousers). 
     The first opening  526   a  is formed by the body-receiving portion  550  and is sized for circumscribing a waist region (e.g., a region generally below the ribs and above the hips H) of the wearer  11 . The second opening  526   b  is formed by the first sleeve portion  575   a  and is sized for circumscribing a right leg of the wearer  11  beyond the right knee K (e.g., at approximately about an ankle region) of the wearer  11 . The third opening  526   c  is formed by the second sleeve portion  575   b  and is sized for circumscribing a left leg of the wearer  11  beyond the left knee K (e.g., at approximately about an ankle region) of the wearer  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the flocking material  514  may be attached to the inner surface  520  of the base layer  518 . In some examples, as seen in  FIG.  4 B , the flocking material  514  is arranged upon the inner surface  520  of the base layer  518  at the opening  526   a ,  526   b ,  526   c  (i.e., the flocking material  514  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface  524   a ,  524   b ,  524   c ). In some instances, the flocking material  514  may be arranged upon the inner surface  520  of the base layer  518  near the opening  526   a ,  526   b ,  526   c  (i.e., the flocking material  514  is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface  524   a ,  524   b ,  524   c ). 
     In implementations where the flocking material  514  is arranged at or near the opening  526   a ,  526   b ,  526   c , the flocking material  514 , including the fiber particles  15 , may be arranged in the form of a loop  528  or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop  528 . The loop  528  or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop  528  may directly oppose the wearer&#39;s skin  17  to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing  500  about the plurality of openings  526  in order to retain the article of clothing  500  to the wearer  11 . 
     In other examples, as seen in  FIGS.  3 A and  4 A , the flocking material  514  is arranged upon the inner surface  520  of the base layer  518  away from the plurality of openings  526 ; in such instances, the flocking material  514  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left hip region H, a right hip region H, a left knee region K and a right knee region K) of the wearer. Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C , when the flocking material  514  is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, the flocking material  514  may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments  30  that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material  14  may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments  30 . The plurality of line segments  30  may include a first group of line segments  30   a  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 A ), a second group of line segments  30   b , (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ) and a third group of line segments  30   c  (see also, e.g.,  FIG.  6 C ). 
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of clothing described above. 
     Clause 1: An article of clothing comprising a substrate material including an inner surface and an outer surface disposed on an opposite side of the substrate material than the inner surface, the substrate material forming a body-receiving portion and a limb-receiving portion extending from the body-receiving portion, the body-receiving portion including a first opening sized for circumscribing a neck of a wearer, the limb-receiving portion including a second opening sized for circumscribing a limb of the wearer and a flocking material arranged adjacent the inner surface of the substrate material proximate at least one of the first opening and the second opening. 
     Clause 2: The article of clothing of Clause 1, wherein the flocking material surrounds the first opening. 
     Clause 3: The article of clothing of Clause 2, wherein the flocking material surrounds the second opening. 
     Clause 4: The article of clothing of Clause 1, wherein the flocking material surrounds the second opening. 
     Clause 5: The article of clothing of Clause 1, wherein the limb-receiving portion includes a joint portion operable to oppose a joint of the wearer during use. 
     Clause 6: The article of clothing of Clause 5, wherein the joint portion includes the flocking material. 
     Clause 7: The article of clothing of Clause 6, wherein the flocking material of the joint portion is disposed adjacent to the inner surface in a substantially circular pattern operable to at least partially surround the joint of the wearer during use. 
     Clause 8: The article of clothing of Clause 6, wherein the joint is an elbow joint. 
     Clause 9: The article of clothing of Clause 6, wherein the joint is a shoulder joint. 
     Clause 10: An article of clothing comprising a substrate material including an inner surface and an outer surface disposed on an opposite side of the substrate material than the inner surface, the substrate material forming a body-receiving portion and a limb-receiving portion extending from the body-receiving portion, the body-receiving portion including a first opening sized for circumscribing a waist of a wearer, the limb-receiving portion including a second opening sized for circumscribing a limb of the wearer and a flocking material arranged adjacent the inner surface of the substrate material proximate at least one of the first opening and the second opening. 
     Clause 11: The article of clothing of Clause 10, wherein the flocking material surrounds the first opening. 
     Clause 12: The article of clothing of Clause 11, wherein the flocking material surrounds the second opening. 
     Clause 13: The article of clothing of Clause 10, wherein the flocking material surrounds the second opening. 
     Clause 14: The article of clothing of Clause 10, wherein the limb-receiving portion includes a joint portion operable to oppose a joint of the wearer during use. 
     Clause 15: The article of clothing of Clause 14, wherein the joint portion includes the flocking material. 
     Clause 16: The article of clothing of Clause 15, wherein the flocking material of the joint portion is disposed adjacent to the inner surface in a substantially circular pattern operable to at least partially surround the joint of the wearer during use. 
     Clause 17: The article of clothing of Clause 15, wherein the joint is a knee joint. 
     Clause 18: The article of clothing of Clause 15, wherein the joint is a hip joint. 
     Clause 19: An article of clothing comprising a substrate material including an inner surface and an outer surface disposed on an opposite side of the substrate material than the inner surface, the substrate material forming a body-receiving portion and a limb-receiving portion extending from the body-receiving portion, the limb-receiving portion including a joint portion operable to oppose a joint of a wearer and a flocking material arranged adjacent the inner surface of the substrate material proximate the joint portion and defining an opening operable to receive the joint of the wearer during use, the flocking material operable to surround the joint at the opening. 
     Clause 20: The article of clothing of Clause 19, wherein the flocking material includes a first group of line segments and a second group of line segments. 
     Clause 21: The article of clothing of Clause 20, wherein the first group of line segments includes a plurality of individual first line segments and the second group of line segments includes a plurality of individual second line segments. 
     Clause 22: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein the plurality of individual first line segments include a substantially U-shape and the plurality of individual second line segments include a substantially U-shape. 
     Clause 23: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein the plurality of individual first line segments oppose the plurality of individual second line segments to define the opening. 
     Clause 24: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein an innermost one of the plurality of individual first line segments contacts an innermost one of the plurality of individual second line segments to define and surround the opening. 
     Clause 25: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein at least two of the plurality of individual first line segments are parallel to one another and at least two of the plurality of individual second line segments are parallel to one another. 
     Clause 26: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein the plurality of individual first line segments are spaced apart from one another along a length of the individual first line segments and the plurality of individual second line segments are spaced apart from one another along a length of the individual second line segments. 
     Clause 27: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein the plurality of individual first line segments are concentric with one another and the plurality of individual second line segments are concentric with one another. 
     Clause 28: The article of clothing of Clause 21, wherein the plurality of individual first line segments are concentric with the plurality of individual second line segments. 
     Clause 29: The article of clothing of Clause 19, wherein the opening includes one of a substantially circular shape and a shape defining a pentagon. 
     The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.