Patent Publication Number: US-2013251962-A1

Title: Color change compression fabrics and garments

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/630,291, filed Dec. 8, 2011, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to compression fabric and garments made from elastic materials that change color in relation to the amount of stretch applied to the materials. Such color change compression fabric and garments may be useful for allowing a user to easily determine an amount of compressive pressure applied at different locations on a person&#39;s body by the visible color of the fabric at a particular location. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Accurate compression is often required for the treatment or prevention of orthopedic or vascular conditions, as insufficient compression may not provide optimal treatment, or prevention. Excessive compression can retard blood flow, leading to detrimental results. In conventional compression fabrics and garments, the compressive force that a fabric generates when worn is unknown, as there is no means inherent in the fabric to indicate the compressive force being applied. 
     Compressive force can be generated by both the horizontal force and the longitudinal force provided by a compression garment (such as a compression stocking or sleeve). For example, a garment may apply compression in a horizontal direction. By pulling the stocking or sleeve further up the limb on which it is being worn, the longitudinal force can be increased, thereby increasing the overall compressive force on the limb. 
     Some conventional compression bandages have indicia knitted into the fabric to indicate an amount of stretch that may be applied. For example, a compression garment can include a rectangle design, such that when the garment is stretched longitudinally to a desired degree, the rectangle forms a square. Such a design can indicate compressive force in only one axis, that is, along its longitudinal stretch. In addition, such indicia do not easily indicate graduations of compression. 
     The amount of compressive force—either quantitative or qualitative—provided by such conventional fabrics and garments is unknown when applied to a person&#39;s body. That is, the amount of compressive force applied to a wearer of a conventional garment cannot be determined by the wearer or by another person assisting the wearer, such as a family caregiver or healthcare professional. In addition, the actual compressive force applied can also depend on the fit of the garment on an anatomical area. In certain instances, it may be desired that the compressive pressure be graduated along an anatomical area, such as a leg. Thus, it is important to know with some accuracy the amount of compressive pressure being applied at various locations along the anatomical area. As a result, accurate application of a particular compressive force desired in certain therapeutic applications may be difficult to achieve using conventional compression garments. 
     Another disadvantage of conventional compression fabrics and garments is that the initial compressive force of such a garment when applied can often diminish over time as a consequence of yarn fatigue. Yarn fatigue is defined as the weakening of a yarn caused by a loss of some of its ability to recover to its original shape or size after being deformed repeatedly. As a compression garment over time loses elasticity and the ability to provide a particular compressive force, it becomes important to know the amount of compressive pressure the garment can actually provide after repeated and/or prolonged use. 
     The amount of compression that a fabric or garment is capable of generating can be affected by various yarn and construction factors. Such factors can include, for example, yarn type and size (for example, denier); characteristics of elastic yarns utilized (for example, how an elastic yarn is extruded and/or wrapped, including under how much tension a yarn is wrapped); and fabric structure (such as stitch size and/or density). Since such yarn and fabric construction factors can vary during manufacturing, the amount of compressive pressure can vary in a resulting product. 
     Thus, there is a need for a means for easily and accurately determining an amount of compressive pressure applied to an anatomical area by a compressive pressure garment. There is a need for such a means for easily and accurately determining an amount of compressive pressure that is integrated into the garment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Some embodiments of the present invention include a compression fabric, comprising an elastic material having one color in an unstretched condition that changes to a different color in a stretched condition. In such embodiments, the different, stretched color corresponds to a predetermined amount of stretch applied to the material. In certain embodiments, the predetermined amount of stretch applied to the material corresponds to a predetermined amount of compressive pressure. The stretched color can comprise a first stretched color corresponding to a first predetermined amount of stretch and a second stretched color corresponding to a second predetermined amount of stretch. The first amount of stretch and the second amount of stretch can each correspond to a different predetermined amount of compressive pressure. The predetermined amount of stretch can be applied to the material in a longitudinal direction, in a horizontal direction, or in a combination of longitudinal and horizontal directions. 
     In some embodiments, the elastic material can further comprise an elastic yarn covered by a covering yarn wrapped about the elastic yarn. In such embodiments, the covering yarn can further comprise the one color in the unstretched condition and the elastic yarn can further comprise the different, stretched color visible in the stretched condition. Each of different predetermined amounts of applied stretch can provide a unique color profile of a different combination of the one color in the unstretched condition and the different, stretched color. In certain embodiments, each unique color profile corresponds to a different amount of compressive pressure. 
     The compression fabric can further comprise a compression garment. In some embodiments, the compression fabric can further comprise a graduated compressive pressure garment, in which the different predetermined amounts of compressive pressure are graduated across selected locations in the garment. 
     Certain embodiments can include a color-compression guide integrated into the fabric and comprising indicia relating the stretched color to the corresponding predetermined amount of stretch and/or a particular compressive pressure. The color-compression guide indicia can remain unchanged when the fabric is stretched. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the compression fabric comprises a covering yarn comprising a covering yarn color and wrapped a number of turns about an elastic yarn comprising an elastic yarn color different than the covering yarn color. When the fabric is stretched a first amount, the turns of the covering yarn move apart from each other to expose a first amount of the elastic yarn color corresponding to a first predetermined amount of compressive pressure. Likewise, when the fabric is stretched a second amount, the turns of the covering yarn move apart from each other to expose a second amount of the elastic yarn color corresponding to a second predetermined amount of compressive pressure. That is, each of different amounts of fabric stretch can provide a unique color profile of a different combination of the covering yarn color and the elastic yarn color. Each unique color profile can correspond to a different amount of compressive pressure. 
     In one embodiment, the compression fabric can comprise an elastic yarn comprising a first color woven in a warp direction and a filling yarn comprising a second color different than the first color. In another embodiment, the compression fabric can comprise an elastic yarn comprising a first color circularly knit in selected courses and a different base yarn comprising a second color different than the first color circularly knit in other courses. In another embodiment, the compression fabric can comprise an elastic yarn comprising a first color warp knit in a warp direction and a different base yarn comprising a second color different than the first color knit in a weft direction. In yet another embodiment, the compression fabric can comprise an inner layer comprising a first color and an outer layer comprising a second color different than the first color. In still another embodiment, the compression fabric can comprise an inner yarn surface comprising a first color and an outer yarn surface dyed a second color different than the first color. In each of such embodiments, a particular amount of fabric stretch can provide a unique color profile of a combination of the first and second colors, and the unique color profile preferably corresponds to a certain amount of compressive pressure. 
     Features of a color change compression fabric, garment, and/or method of the present invention may be accomplished singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the embodiments of the present invention. As will be realized by those of skill in the art, many different embodiments of a fabric, garment, and/or method according to the present invention are possible. Additional uses, advantages, and features of the invention are set forth in the illustrative embodiments discussed in the detailed description herein and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of an elastic yarn having one color and covered by a covering yarn having a different color in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is view of a color change compression fabric/garment in another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of this description, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, conditions, and so forth used in the description are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments described herein. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the invention, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. 
     Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the described embodiments are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, for example, 5.5 to 10. 
     As used in this description, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a yarn” is intended to mean a single yarn or more than one yarn. For the purposes of this specification, terms such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Additionally, any reference referred to as being “incorporated herein” is to be understood as being incorporated in its entirety. 
     The present invention includes embodiments of a compression fabric and/or garments, and methods of making and/or using such a compression fabric and/or garments.  FIGS. 1-2  illustrate such embodiments. Some embodiments include a compression fabric  10  comprising an elastic material  20  having one color in an unstretched condition that changes to a different color in a stretched condition. In such embodiments, the different, stretched color corresponds to a predetermined amount of stretch applied to the material. In certain embodiments, the predetermined amount of stretch applied to the material corresponds to a predetermined amount of compressive pressure. The stretched color can comprise a first stretched color corresponding to a first predetermined amount of stretch and a second stretched color corresponding to a second predetermined amount of stretch. The first amount of stretch and the second amount of stretch can each correspond to a different predetermined amount of compressive pressure. Some embodiments of such a fabric, garment, and/or method may be useful for allowing a user to easily and accurately determine the amount of compressive pressure applied at different locations on a person&#39;s body by the visible color of the fabric at a particular location. 
     The “color” of a stretched fabric and/or garment refers to the predominantly visible color of the fabric and/or garment when it is stretched. The color of a stretched fabric and/or garment can be only the color of a covered yarn that is uncovered, or the color can be a “shade” or combination of the colors of a covering yarn and a yarn uncovered, or otherwise revealed, by stretching. In some embodiments, a particular color may be produced by stretching the fabric and/or garment by a particular amount. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the elastic material  20  can be an elastic yarn, or stretch yarn, which can comprise a primary elastic yarn  30  such as spandex or rubber, and a covering yarn  40  such as nylon or polyester. The covering yarn (or “covering”)  40  can comprise a single yarn (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) or two yarns in an “S” and “Z” twist formation. The covering yarn(s)  40  can be wrapped about the primary elastic yarn  30  for a number of turns  70  of the covering yarn(s)  40  per inch of the primary elastic yarn  30 . When stretched (as designated by directional arrow  80 ), the turns  70  of the covering yarn(s)  40  can move apart from each other, exposing the primary elastic yarn  30  underneath. Preferably, the primary elastic yarn  30  is wrapped so as to have a “minimal” wrap covering such that the primary elastic yarn  30  is covered with a minimum number of wraps to cover the primary elastic yarn  30  when unstretched. The number of wraps can be varied depending on the denier and yarn filament count of both the primary yarn  30  and covering yarn(s)  40 . As a result, when stretched, the primary elastic yarn  30  can show through the covering yarn(s)  40 . Such revealing of an underlying yarn can be referred to as “grin through.” 
     In some embodiments, the compression fabric, garment  10 , and/or method can include the covering yarn  40  having a first color  50  and the primary elastic yarn  30  having a second, different color  60 . In a relaxed, or unstretched, condition, the color  50  of the covering yarn  40  is visible, or predominant. As the yarn  20  is stretched ( 80 ), the covering yarn  40  moves apart from itself. That is, as the yarn  20  is stretched ( 80 ), adjacent turns  70  of the wrapped covering yarn  40  move away from each other. As a result, the color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30  underneath the covering yarn  40  is exposed, thereby altering the visible, or predominant, color of the yarn  20  (and fabric  10 ). In this way, a particular compressive pressure related to stretching the compression fabric or garment  10  can be associated with a change in color of the yarn  20  and fabric  10 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the covering yarn  40  can have the white color  50  and the primary elastic yarn  30  can have the blue color  60 . In a relaxed, or unstretched, state, or condition, only the white color  50  of the covering yarn  40  is visible. Thus, when unstretched, the compression fabric/garment  10  comprising the covered yarn  40  appears to be white. When the yarn  20  and fabric  10  are stretched ( 80 ) and adjacent turns  70  of the covering yarn  40  move apart from each other, the blue color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30  underneath the covering yarn  40  is exposed. As a result, the predominantly visible color of the yarn  20 /fabric  10  becomes blue. Accordingly, appearance of the blue color  60  indicates a particular compressive pressure related to an amount of stretching the compression fabric/garment  10 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the color of the elastic yarn  60  and the covering yarn  50  vary. In one alternative embodiment (not shown), the covering yarn  40  can have a blue color and the primary elastic yarn  30  can have a white color. In a relaxed, or unstretched, state, only the blue color of the covering yarn  40  is visible. Thus, when unstretched, the compression fabric/garment  10  comprising the covered yarn  40  appears to be blue. When the yarn  20  and fabric  10  are stretched ( 80 ) and adjacent turns  70  of the covering yarn  40  move apart from each other, the white color of the primary elastic yarn  30  underneath the covering yarn  40  is exposed. As a result, the predominantly visible color of the yarn  20 /fabric  10  becomes white. Thus, appearance of the white color indicates a particular compressive pressure related to an amount of stretching the compression fabric/garment  10 . 
     Each of different predetermined amounts of stretch applied to the fabric and/or garment  10  can provide a unique color profile of a different combination of the fabric color in the unstretched condition and the different color in a stretched condition. That is, the more the yarn  20 /fabric  10  is stretched ( 80 ), the greater the amount of the color of the primary elastic yarn  30  becomes visible, resulting in the fabric  10  taking on the appearance of relatively more of the color  60  of the underlying primary elastic yarn  30 . For example, when the primary elastic yarn  30  has the blue color  60 , stretching ( 80 ) the compression fabric/garment  10  comprising the primary elastic yarn  30  a first amount results in the appearance of a first shade (for example, a light shade) of blue  60 . Stretching ( 80 ) the fabric/garment  10  a further, second amount, results in the appearance of a second shade (for example, a medium shade) of blue  60 . Stretching the fabric/garment  10  an even further, third amount, results in the appearance of a third shade (for example, a darker shade) of blue  60 . Accordingly, each unique color profile corresponds to a different amount of compressive pressure. 
     Each of the shades of the primary elastic yarn color  60  appearing upon a particular amount of stretching ( 80 ) can be associated with a certain compressive pressure. For example, in the compressive pressure stocking  10 , the first amount of stretching that results in a light shade of blue  60  may create a compressive pressure at an area on a leg in the range of about 30-40 mm Hg. The second amount of stretching that results in a medium shade of blue  60  may create a compressive pressure at an area on a leg in the range of about 40-50 mm Hg. The third amount of stretching that results in a darker shade of blue  60  may create a compressive pressure at an area on a leg in the range of about 50-60 mm Hg. Thus, stretching the fabric/garment  10  a particular amount can result in a certain, or unique, color profile that represents a pre-determined amount of compressive pressure. 
     The amount of compressive pressure that corresponds to a particular amount of stretch, and thus to a unique color profile, can be predetermined through manufacturing specifications for a particular compressive pressure product. 
     In certain embodiments, the color change fabric and/or garment  10  can further include different color changes upon stretching a certain amount at particular locations in the fabric/garment  10 . For example, a graduated compression garment can provide a first compressive pressure at a first anatomical location, such as in a foot, a second compressive pressure at a second anatomical location, such as at an ankle, and a third compressive pressure at a third anatomical location, such as in the calf of a leg. Upon a certain amount of stretching, the color change fabric and/or garment  10  can provide a first color profile at the first location (foot) when the first compressive pressure is reached, a second color profile at the second location (ankle) when the second compressive pressure is reached, and a third color profile at the third location (calf) when the third compressive pressure is reached. In this way, different compressive pressures along the fabric/garment  10  are represented by the different colors. In such a color change compression fabric and/or garment  10 , different colors, or shades of color, at various locations can indicate a graduation in compressive pressure across those locations. 
     The amount of color change related to an amount of stretching the yarn  20 /fabric  10  can be adjusted by varying the number of turns  70  of the covering yarn(s)  40  per inch of the underlying primary elastic yarn  30 . For example, a smaller number of turns  70  of the covering yarn(s)  40  per inch of the primary elastic yarn  30  can provide a larger degree of exposure of the primary elastic yarn color  60  when the yarn  20  is stretched ( 80 ). Likewise, a larger number of turns  70  of the covering yarn(s)  40  per inch of the primary elastic yarn  30  can provide a smaller degree of exposure of the primary elastic yarn color  60  when the yarn  20  is stretched ( 80 ). 
     In some embodiments of the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10 , the covering yarn  40  can have a first color  50  and the primary elastic yarn  30  can have a second color  60  different than the first color  50 . The different colors  60 ,  50  of the elastic yarn  30  and of the covering yarn  40  can vary to provide a desired color profile when the yarns  20  are stretched ( 80 ) a certain amount, thereby representing a particular level of compression. As an example, the covering yarn  40  may have a blue color and the elastic yarn  30  may have a yellow color, such that when the fabric  10  comprising the covered elastic yarn  20  is stretched ( 80 ) a certain amount for a particular compressive pressure, the predominant visible color of the fabric  10  is green. That is, as adjacent turns  70  of the blue covering yarn(s)  40  move apart from each other when stretched ( 80 ) to reveal some of the yellow of the elastic yarn  30  underneath, the combined color profile can be green. Embodiments of the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  of the present invention can include any combination of colors to provide a desired color profile when stretched a particular amount. 
     In some embodiments, all of the yarns in the fabric  10  can be colored to achieve a particular color change upon a certain amount of stretching. In other embodiments, only a selected portion of the yarns in the fabric  10  are colored to achieve a particular color change upon a certain amount of stretching. 
     Certain embodiments of the color change fabric/garment  10  can further include a color-compression guide  90 , or key, as shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, at a desired location on the color change garment  10 , the garment  10  can indicate the color to which at least a portion of the garment  10  will change when the garment  10  is stretched to provide a particular compressive pressure. In this way, a user can readily determine when the fabric/garment  10  has been stretched sufficiently to provide the desired compressive pressure. In some embodiments, the color-compression guide  90  can further include indicia  100  of the amount (for example, 30-40 mm Hg) of compressive pressure associated with a particular color. In some embodiments, the color-compression guide  90  can further include indicia  100  of colors representing desired graduated compressive pressures at particular locations to which the fabric/garment  10  is applied. For example, the guide  90  may include a light blue color desired in a foot area, a medium blue color in an ankle area, and a darker blue color in a calf area, to indicate desired graduated pressures in those respective areas. 
     In some embodiments, the color-compression guide  90  can be printed onto the fabric/garment  10 . Alternatively, the yarns comprised in the color-compression guide  90  can be non-elastic yarns so that any stretching of the garment will not affect the color(s) in the color-compression guide  10 . That is, when the guide  90  is stretched, the color representing a particular compressive force will remain constant, or unchanged. For example, in an embodiment in which the color for 30-40 mm Hg of compressive pressure is a medium green, when the guide  90  is stretched, the yarns in the color-compression guide  90  representing the color for 30-40 mm Hg of compressive pressure will remain medium green. 
     In addition, or alternatively, the color-compression guide  90  may be provided on packaging or on a product insert for reference by a user. 
     The construction of the fabric  10  can also affect the amount of color change and in what axis the color would appear. For example, the compression hosiery product  10  generally has two-way stretch; that is, stretching occurs along both a horizontal, or latitudinal, axis  110 , and along a vertical, or longitudinal axis  120 . Thus, stretching a compressive pressure garment, such as the compressive pressure hosiery product  10 , can cause color to change in both horizontal  110  and longitudinal  120  directions. 
     Embodiments of the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  according to the present invention can be fabricated using various methods. For example, the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can be woven utilizing narrow needle looms. In such an embodiment, the primary elastic yarn  30 , such as spandex, can be used in the warp, or longitudinal, direction. The filling, or latitudinal, yarn can comprise any fiber base, such as nylon, polyester, cotton, etc. The primary elastic yarn  30  can comprise a first color  60 , and the filling yarn can comprise a second, different color  50 . 
     The more the woven fabric or garment  10  is stretched, the greater the amount of the color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30  becomes visible, resulting in the fabric  10  taking on the appearance of relatively more of the color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30 . For example, when the compression fabric/garment  10  comprises the primary elastic yarn  30  having the blue color  60 , stretching the fabric/garment  10  a first amount results in the appearance of a first shade (for example, a light shade) of blue  60 . Stretching the fabric/garment  10  a further, second amount, results in the appearance of a second shade (for example, a medium shade) of blue  60 . Stretching the fabric/garment  10  an even further, third amount, results in the appearance of a third shade (for example, a darker shade) of blue  60 . Each of the shades of the woven primary elastic yarn color  60  appearing upon a particular amount of stretching can be associated with a certain amount of compressive pressure. 
     In another embodiment, the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can be knit utilizing a circular knitting machine. In such an embodiment, the primary elastic yarn  30  can be introduced into the fabric  10  by a knitted-in method or a laid-in method. For the knitted-in method, the color change primary elastic yarn  30  can be fed in alternating courses with yarns of any other base yarn such as nylon, polyester, cotton, etc. For the laid-in method, the color change primary elastic yarn  30  can be “laid in” any suitable knitted fabric. The primary elastic yarn  30  can comprise the first color  60 , and the base yarn can comprise a second, different color. 
     The more the knitted fabric or garment  10  is stretched, the greater the amount of the color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30  becomes visible, resulting in the fabric  10  taking on the appearance of relatively more of the color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30 . For example, when the compression fabric/garment  10  comprises the primary elastic yarn  30  having the blue color  60 , stretching the fabric/garment  10  a first amount results in the appearance of a first shade (for example, a light shade) of blue  60 . Stretching the fabric/garment  10  a further, second amount, results in the appearance of a second shade (for example, a medium shade) of blue  60 . Stretching the fabric/garment  10  an even further, third amount, results in the appearance of a third shade (for example, a darker shade) of blue  60 . Each of the shades of the primary elastic yarn color  60  in the knitted fabric/garment  10  appearing upon a particular amount of stretching can be associated with a certain amount of compressive pressure. 
     In another embodiment, the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can be made utilizing a warp knitting machine. In such an embodiment, the primary elastic yarn  30  can be knit in the warp or longitudinal direction of the fabric  10 . Yarns used for the weft, or latitudinal, direction can comprise any desired yarn. The primary elastic yarn  30  can comprise the first color  60 , and the weft yarn can comprise a second, different color. 
     The more the warp knitted fabric or garment  10  is stretched, the greater the amount of the color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30  becomes visible, resulting in the fabric  10  taking on the appearance of relatively more of the color  60  of the primary elastic yarn  30 . For example, when the compression fabric/garment  10  comprises the primary elastic yarn  30  having the blue color  60 , stretching the fabric/garment  10  a first amount results in the appearance of a first shade (for example, a light shade) of blue  60 . Stretching the fabric/garment  10  a further, second amount, results in the appearance of a second shade (for example, a medium shade) of blue  60 . Stretching the fabric/garment  10  an even further, third amount, results in the appearance of a third shade (for example, a darker shade) of blue  60 . Each of the shades of the primary elastic yarn color  60  in the warp knitted fabric/garment  10  appearing upon a particular amount of stretching can be associated with a certain amount of compressive pressure. 
     In another embodiment, the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can comprise multiple layers of fabric (not shown). The at least two fabric layers may or may not be intertwined. An inner layer can comprise a first color and an outer layer can comprise a second, different color. When the multi-layer fabric/garment  10  is stretched, the color of the inner layer becomes visible through the outer layer. The more tension, or stretch, that is applied to the fabric/garment  10 , the more the color of the fabric  10  would appear to be that of the inner layer. In embodiments comprising two or more layers of fabric, the primary elastic yarn  30  may or may not be used, depending on the desired effect. Each shade of the inner layer color appearing upon a particular amount of stretching can be associated with a certain amount of compressive pressure. 
     In another embodiment, the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can be made utilizing surface dyeing. The surface of the fabric  10  can be dyed using a padding process, in which a light layer of dye of a different color is applied to the surface of a full width fabric. Surface dyeing can also be achieved in a batch dyeing process by limiting the dye cycle time to keep the dye from fully penetrating the fabric surface. In both instances, the interior of the fabric  10  remains a different color than the surface of the fabric. When the surface-dyed fabric  10  is stretched, more of the interior color shows through the fabric to create a color change representative of a different compressive pressure than the original pressure. Each shade of the interior color appearing upon a particular amount of stretching can be associated with a certain amount of compressive pressure. 
     Various embodiments of the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can be utilized effectively in combination with other therapeutic and/or cosmetic garments. For example, an embodiment of the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can be utilized with an underlying compression garment. Such an underlying, first layer compression garment may provide “mild” compression. Such a first layer compression garment may include padding such as an inner terry surface. An embodiment of the color change compression fabric and/or garment  10  can be utilized with consumer garments, including, for example, compression running socks and/or arm sleeves. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a color change compression fabric, garment, and/or methods of the present invention may be constructed and implemented in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.