Patent Publication Number: US-11021819-B2

Title: Athletic performance garment

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/506,389, filed May 15, 2017, and entitled, “Athletic Performance Garment,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Interest, and thus investment, in athletic activities has been increasing at every level, from recreational to professional. Accordingly, interest and investment in specialized apparel, accessories, and equipment for participation in athletic activities has also increased. It can generally be said that those participating in athletic activities are interested in enjoying their experiences and improving at their endeavors. Additionally, many athletes are seeking to maximize their performances, gain an edge over their competition, and stay healthy while training and competing. 
     One way to improve athletic performance and experience is through specialized athletic performance garments. A variety of athletic performance garments have been developed that include particular features designed to enhance and improve athletic performance and experience during a variety of activities. For example, athletic compression garments have been developed that apply a compressive force to the body of the wearer. The compressive force is associated with increased blood flow, increased oxygen delivery, decreased lactic acid build-up, decreased cramping, and shorter recovery time. These effects are associated with improved user experience and athletic performance. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a garment to be worn on a part of the body. The garment includes a fabric panel, a first material, and a second material. The fabric panel includes an inwardly facing side, which faces toward the part of the body when the garment is worn, and an outwardly facing side, which faces away from the part of the body when the garment is worn. The first material is applied to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel to form a first unit of a first pattern, and the second material is applied to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel to form a second unit of a second pattern. At least one portion of the first unit of the first pattern is repeated to cover at least one first region of the fabric panel. At least one portion of the second unit of the second pattern is repeated to cover at least one second region of the fabric panel. 
     In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a garment to be worn on a part of the body. The garment includes a fabric panel, which has a fabric modulus of elasticity. The fabric panel includes an inwardly facing side, which faces toward the part of the body when the garment is worn, and an outwardly facing side, which faces away from the part of the body when the garment is worn. The first material is applied to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel in at least one first region. The at least one first region has a first modulus of elasticity that is greater than the fabric modulus of elasticity. The second material is applied to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel in at least one second region. The at least one second region has a second modulus of elasticity that is greater than the fabric modulus of elasticity. 
     In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of producing a garment to be worn on a part of the body. The method includes selectively modifying a modulus of elasticity of a fabric panel of the garment in at least one first region by applying a first material in a first repeating pattern to an outwardly facing side of the fabric panel in the at least one first region. The method further includes selectively modifying the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel of the garment in at least one second region by applying a second material in a second repeating pattern to an inwardly facing side of the fabric panel in the at least one second region. The outwardly facing side of the fabric panel faces away from the part of the body when the garment is worn, and the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel faces toward the part of the body when the garment is worn. 
     The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a garment and associated method that provides improved user experience and athletic performance, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of a garment including a fabric panel and first and second materials applied to the fabric panel. 
         FIG. 1B  is a back view of the garment of  FIG. 1A  including the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 1C  is a front view of another garment including the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 1D  is a back view of the garment of  FIG. 1C  including the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 1E  is a front view of another garment including the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 1F  is a back view of the garment of  FIG. 1E  including the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 1G  is a front view of another garment including the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 1H  is a back view of the garment of  FIG. 1G  including the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 2  is a depiction of a pattern formed by the first material. 
         FIG. 3  is a depiction of a pattern formed by the second material. 
         FIG. 4A  is a rear perspective view of the garment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in use on a wearer. 
         FIG. 4B  is a front perspective view of the garment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in use on a wearer. 
         FIG. 4C  is a side view of the garment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in use on a wearer. 
         FIG. 5A  is a front view of an outwardly facing surface of alternative embodiment of the garment of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  including an alternative embodiment of the fabric panel and the first and second materials. 
         FIG. 5B  is a left side view of the outwardly facing surface of the garment of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a rear view of the outwardly facing surface of the garment of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5D  is an inseam view, which is a left side view taken from a midline of the garment, of the outwardly facing surface of the garment of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a front view of an inwardly facing surface of the alternative embodiment of the garment of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6B  is a left side view of the inwardly facing surface of the garment of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a rear view of the inwardly facing surface of the garment of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6D  is an inseam view, which is a left side view taken from a midline of the garment, of the inwardly facing surface of the garment of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a depiction of a unit of a pattern formed by the first material of the garment of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 8  is a depiction of a pattern formed by the second material of the garment of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a method of producing a garment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the accompanying description. Alternate embodiments of the present disclosure and their equivalents may be devised without parting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any discussion herein regarding “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplary embodiment”, and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and that such particular feature, structure, or characteristic may not necessarily be included in every embodiment. In addition, references to the foregoing do not necessarily comprise a reference to the same embodiment. Finally, irrespective of whether it is explicitly described, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that each of the particular features, structures, or characteristics of the given embodiments may be utilized in connection or combination with those of any other embodiment discussed herein. 
     Various operations may be described as multiple discrete actions or operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the claimed subject matter. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations may not be performed in the order of presentation. Operations described may be performed in a different order than the described embodiment. Various additional operations may be performed and/or described operations may be omitted in additional embodiments. 
     For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). 
     The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous. 
       FIGS. 1A-1H  show four embodiments of a garment  100 , configured to be worn on a portion of the body. The garment  100  is an athletic performance garment configured to enhance and improve the wearer&#39;s athletic performance and experience. The garment  100  includes a fabric panel  104 , which has an inwardly facing side  108  (shown, in part, in  FIGS. 1A, 1C, 1E , and  1 G) and an opposite, outwardly facing side  112 . The inwardly facing side  108  faces toward the portion of the user&#39;s body when garment  100  is worn, and the outwardly facing side  112  faces away from the portion of the user&#39;s body when the garment  100  is worn. As used herein, the fabric panel  104  can include more than one physical piece of fabric material collectively referred to as the fabric panel. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and described in more detail below, the garment  100  also includes a first material  116 , applied to the outwardly facing side  112  of the fabric panel  104 , and a second material  120 , applied to the inwardly facing side  108  of the fabric panel  104 . As described in detail below, application of the first material  116  and the second material  120  to the fabric panel  104  selectively adjusts material properties, and specifically the modulus of elasticity, of the garment  100 . 
     The Garment 
     In the exemplary embodiments shown, the garment  100  is configured to be worn on the lower body, and particularly on the wearer&#39;s legs and lower torso. In other words, in the examples shown, the garment  100  is a pair of pants, or leggings, or shorts. Accordingly, the garment  100  has: a waistband  118 , formed at the top of the garment  100  and configured to accommodate the user&#39;s waist; leg portions  122 , configured to accommodate each of the user&#39;s legs; and leg openings  126 , formed at the bottom of the garment  100  and configured to pass each of the user&#39;s legs therethrough. The garment  100  is symmetrical over a midline  101 . The garment  100  can be a pair of full-length leggings (as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), ¾ length leggings (as shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D ), shorts having a nine inch inseam (as shown in  FIGS. 1E and 1F ), shorts having a six inch inseam (as shown in  FIGS. 1G and 1H ), or another style of pants, leggings, or shorts. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the garment  100  can be configured to be worn on another portion of the body. For example, in other embodiments, the garment  100  can be configured as a shirt or a sleeve for an appendage. 
     In addition to the fabric panel  104 , the garment  100  also includes further panels  102 , which are non-removably coupled to the fabric panel  104  along seams  106 . The further panels  102  can be made of the same material as the fabric panel  104  or of a different material. In an alternative embodiment, the further panels  102  can be integrally formed with the fabric panel  104 , and the seams  106  can be included to provide a structural boundary between the further panels  102  and the fabric panel  104 . In another alternative embodiment, the garment  100  may be formed without further panels  102 . In embodiments including the further panels  102 , each of the further panels  102  also has an inwardly facing side  110 , which faces in the same direction as the inwardly facing side  108  of the fabric panel  104 , and an opposite outwardly facing side  114 , which faces in the same direction as the outwardly facing side  112 . In  FIGS. 1A, 1C, 1E, and 1G , the inwardly facing sides  110  of the further panels  102  are indicated with arrows, which indicate the sides opposite the outwardly facing sides  114 , because the inwardly facing sides  110  are not directly visible in these figures. Thus, the further panels  102  and the fabric panel  104  form a continuous inwardly facing side and a continuous outwardly facing side of the garment  100 . 
     The Fabric Panel 
     In at least one embodiment, the fabric of the fabric panel  104  is a textile including a plurality of strands interconnected via weaving, kitting, braiding, or via a nonwoven process. The strands forming the textile may be any natural or synthetic strands suitable for their described purpose. The term “strand” includes one or more filaments organized into a fiber and/or an ordered assemblage of textile fibers having a high ratio of length to diameter and normally used as a unit of some structure (e.g., slivers, roving, single yarns, plies yarns, cords, braids, ropes, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, a strand is a yarn, i.e., textile fibers or filaments intertwined in a form suitable for knitting, weaving, or otherwise intertwining to form a textile fabric. A yarn may include a number of fibers twisted together (spun yarn); a number of filaments laid together without twist (a zero-twist yarn); a number of filaments laid together with a degree of twist; and a single filament with or without twist (a monofilament). 
     The strands, furthermore, may include elastic strands formed of elastomeric material, which possesses the ability to stretch and recover by virtue of its composition. A specific example of an elastomeric material suitable for forming an elastic strand is an elastomeric polyester-polyurethane copolymer such as elastane, which is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% of segmented polyurethane. It should be noted that an inelastic strand may be modified to possess a topology that enables the strand to provide mechanical stretch and recovery within the textile structure. For example, a hard yarn may be texturized (e.g., crimped) to generate stretch within the yarn. 
     Preferably, the textile of the fabric panel  104  is a resilient material possessing stretch and recovery properties. That is, the textile structure possesses the ability to expand from its original shape/dimensions (stretch), as well as to contract, returning to its original shape/dimensions (recover). Accordingly, the textile expands when a tension is placed on the textile (e.g., along the machine direction and/or along the non-machine direction). The stretch of the textile may be directional. For example, the textile may possess four-way or two-way stretch capabilities. A textile with “four way” stretch capabilities stretches in a first direction and a second, directly-opposing direction, as well as in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and a fourth direction that is directly opposite the third direction. In other words, a sheet of four-way stretch material stretches in both crosswise and lengthwise. A material with “two way” stretch capabilities, in contrast, stretches to some substantial degree in the first direction and the second, directly opposing direction, but will not stretch in the third and fourth directions, or will only stretch to some limited degree in the third and fourth directions relative to the first and second directions (i.e., the fabric will stretch substantially less in the third and fourth directions than in the first direction and second directions). In other words, a sheet of two-way stretch material stretches either crosswise or lengthwise. 
     Compression and Modulus of Elasticity 
     The garment  100  is configured as a compression garment. Accordingly, the fabric panel  104  applies a compressive force to the portion of the wearer&#39;s body on which the garment  100  is worn. More specifically, the fabric panel  104  has a modulus of elasticity, which is determined by the particular material(s) and structure(s) that make up the fabric of the fabric panel  104 . The modulus of elasticity of a material determines how easily it is deformed upon the application of force. The greater the modulus of elasticity of a material, the more difficult it is to deform. The amount of compression applied to the user&#39;s body also depends, in part, on the size of the user&#39;s body relative to the garment  100 . In some embodiments, the garment  100  can be a tightly fitting garment that is not necessarily a compression garment. 
     In at least one embodiment, the fabric panel  104  is made up of a woven fabric including elastic strands made of an elastomeric material, such as spandex or elastane. The resulting modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104  is low enough that the fabric panel  104  deforms under the force applied by the presence of the user&#39;s body within the garment  100  in order to accommodate the portion of the user&#39;s body within the garment  100 . The modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104  is also high enough that the fabric panel  104  applies a compressive force to the user&#39;s body within the garment  100 . 
     The further panels  102  can be made of the same fabric material as the fabric panel  104  or a different material. Furthermore, the further panels  102  can have the same modulus of elasticity as the fabric panel  104  or a different modulus of elasticity. The modulus of elasticity of the further panels  102  is low enough that the further panels  102  deform, to the extent necessary, under the force applied by the presence of the user&#39;s body within the garment  100  in order to accommodate the portion of the user&#39;s body within the garment  100 . 
     The First and Second Materials 
     The first material  116  and the second material  120  are applied to the fabric panel  104  to affect the material properties of the fabric panel  104 . In particular, the first and second materials  116 ,  120  are applied to the fabric panel  104  in a targeted manner to selectively adjust the compression of the garment  100 , which further enhances and improves the wearer&#39;s athletic performance and experience. The compression of the garment  100  can be selectively adjusted not only by controlling the material properties of the first and second materials  116 ,  120 , but also by controlling the pattern of application of the first and second materials  116 ,  120 , the thickness of application of the first and second materials  116 ,  120 , the density of application of the first and second materials  116 ,  120 , and/or the amount of surface area covered by the application of the first and second materials  116 ,  120 . By controlling each of these variables, the amounts and locations of compression imparted by the garment  100  are adaptable to maximize the effect on the wearer. 
     With respect to the material properties of the first and second materials  116 ,  120 , the modulus of elasticity of each of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104 . Accordingly, the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104  is increased where either of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  is applied. Thus, the fabric panel  104  is more difficult to deform where either of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  is applied. By selectively applying the first and second materials  116 ,  120  to the fabric panel  104 , the modulus of elasticity can be increased in particular locations on the garment  100  where additional support and structure are advantageous. 
     It is noted that even if the modulus of elasticity of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  are the same as that of the fabric panel  104 , application of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  to the fabric panel  104  will still affect the thickness of the garment  100 . Accordingly, it is not necessary that the first and second materials  116 ,  120  have a greater modulus of elasticity than the fabric panel  104  in order for their application to increase the modulus of elasticity of the garment  100  in locations where the first and second materials  116 ,  120  are applied. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first material  116  and the second material  120  are different materials. Accordingly, the first material  116  and the second material  120  affect the material properties of the fabric panel  104  differently. For example, areas of the fabric panel  104  to which the first material  116  is applied can have a different modulus of elasticity than areas of the fabric panel  104  to which the second material  120  is applied. Depending on the materials used, the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104  in areas where the first material  116  is applied can be greater than or less than the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104  in areas where the second material  120  is applied. 
     In at least one alternative embodiment, however, the first material  116  and the second material  120  can be the same material. In such an embodiment, the first material  116  and the second material  120  affect the material properties of the fabric panel  104  in the same way. For example, areas of the fabric panel  104  to which either of the first material  116  and the second material  120  is applied have the same modulus of elasticity. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first and second materials  116 ,  120  are formed of flexible, elastomeric polymers such as thermoplastic polyurethane or rubber (foamed or non-foamed). The first and second materials  116 ,  120  are applied to the textile of the fabric panel  104  such that any movement of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  generates movement in the fabric panel  104 , and vice versa. By way of example, at least one of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  may be directly applied to the textile of the fabric panel  104  in a liquid or gelatinous state such that the polymer of the at least one of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  infiltrates the textile, flowing between the strands such that the polymer is embedded in the material. By way of example, the first and/or second materials  116 ,  120  may be applied via flow molding. By way of further example, the first and/or second materials  116 ,  120  may be applied via screen printing (e.g., three dimensional screen printing) or an additive manufacturing process (3D printing techniques). In other embodiments, the first and/or second materials  116 ,  120  may be applied in non-solid form and cured. In still other embodiments, the first and/or second materials  116 ,  120  are formed separately (e.g., via selective laser sintering/ablation) and subsequently adhered to the fabric panel  104  via, e.g., an adhesive, welding, etc. 
     In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second material  120  can be a silicone film or a silicone ink that is applied to the inwardly facing side  108  of the fabric panel  104 . A greater coefficient of friction is present between a silicone ink and the user&#39;s skin than between the fabric of the fabric panel  104  and the user&#39;s skin. Thus, the silicone ink will move less freely, or will “stick” or “adhere” to the user&#39;s skin to retain the second material  120  in the desired locations on the user&#39;s body. 
     In the embodiment shown, the first and second materials  116 ,  120  are not applied to the further panels  102 . In alternative embodiments, however, the first and second materials  116 ,  120  can additionally or alternatively be applied to the further panels  102  to affect the material properties of the further panels  102  in a targeted manner to selectively adjust the compression of the garment  100 . 
     Application of the First and Second Materials in First and Second Patterns 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , to selectively adjust the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104 , the first material  116  is applied to the outwardly facing side  112  of the fabric panel  104  in a first pattern  124 , and the second material  120  is applied to the inwardly facing side  108  of the fabric panel  104  in a second pattern  128 . The first material  116  is applied in the first pattern  124  to first regions  132  of the fabric panel  104 , and the second material  120  is applied in the second pattern  128  to second regions  136  of the fabric panel  104 . (In  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the second pattern  128  and the second regions  136  are shown in phantom with dashed lines to indicate their arrangement on the inwardly facing side  108  of the fabric panel  104 , which is not entirely visible in  FIGS. 1A and 1B .) 
     As noted above, the pattern, thickness, surface area, and density of the application of the first and second materials  116 ,  120  each affect the modulus of elasticity of the garment  100 .  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate one exemplary embodiment of the first and second patterns  124 ,  128  and the first and second regions  132 ,  136 . However, the first pattern  124  and the second pattern  128  can be applied in first and second regions  132 ,  136  having a variety of different shapes and positions on the fabric panel  104 . Additionally, in the embodiment shown, the first regions  132  are different than the second regions  136  of the garment  100 . However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second regions  132 ,  136  can be the same regions of the garment  100  or can overlap one another. 
     Repeated Units of the First and Second Patterns in First and Second Regions 
       FIG. 2  depicts a close up view of a first pattern  124 . A unit of a pattern is a design or basic structural shape that is repeated or at least partially repeated to form the pattern. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first material  116  is applied to the fabric panel  104  in a basket-weave pattern, the pattern resembling the structure of a basket or a woven fabric, with various units  140  repeated to form the first pattern  124 . Depending on the shape of the first region  132  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), the first material  116  is applied in one or more portions of the unit  140  that are repeated to fill or cover the first region  132 . Accordingly, some unit(s)  140  of the first pattern  124  may be truncated or cut off at the boundaries of the first region  132 . Although the first pattern  124  is shown in  FIG. 2  as being a basket-weave pattern, it will be recognized that the first pattern  124  may be provided in any number of different forms such as a herringbone pattern, an auxetic pattern, a pattern of repeating circles, polygons, or other shapes, a tessellating pattern, or any of various other patterns, including those shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 5A-8 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a close up view of a second pattern  128 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second material  120  is applied to the fabric panel  104  with a lattice pattern of holes  148  formed therein to form a unit  144  of the second pattern  128 . More specifically, the holes  148  are formed in the second material  120  in equally spaced, staggered rows and columns to form a lattice. Depending on the shape of the second region  136  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), the second material  120  is applied in one or more portions of the unit  144  that are repeated to fill or cover the second region  136 . Accordingly, some unit(s)  144  of the second pattern  128  may be truncated or cut off at the boundaries of the second region  136 . In the embodiment shown, the first pattern  124  is different from the second pattern  128 . However, in alternative embodiments, the first pattern  124  can be the same as the second pattern  128 . Additionally, although the second pattern  128  is shown in  FIG. 3  as having a lattice pattern of holes, it will be recognized that the second pattern  128  may be provided in any number of different forms such as a herringbone pattern, an auxetic pattern, a pattern of repeating circles, polygons, or other shapes, a tessellating pattern, or any of various other patterns, including those shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 5A-8 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the garment  100  also includes a further pattern  152 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the further pattern  152  is a pattern of swirled lines resembling the structure of a fingerprint. The further pattern  152  is different from the second pattern  128 , and is superimposed onto the second pattern  128 . Accordingly, the further pattern  152  is also applied to the second regions  136 . The further pattern  152  can be formed of the first material  116 , the second material  120 , or a further material. Like the second pattern  128 , the further pattern  152  is also applied in a unit  156 , one or more portions of which is repeated to fill or cover the second region  136 . Accordingly, the unit(s)  156  of the further pattern  152  may be truncated or cut off at a boundaries of the second region  136 . In alternative embodiments, the further pattern  152  may additionally or alternatively be superimposed onto the first pattern  124  and applied to the first regions  132  of the garment  100 . In further alternative embodiments, the further pattern  152  can be applied in further regions (not shown), which may or may not overlap the first and/or second regions  132 ,  136  of the garment  100 . 
     The First and Second Regions 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  show the garment  100  as it is worn on the portion of the user&#39;s body. As described in more detail below, the first pattern  124  and the second pattern  128  (the second pattern  128  shown in phantom with dashed lines to indicate its arrangement on the inwardly facing side  108  of the fabric panel  104 , which is not visible in  FIGS. 4A-4C ) are applied to the fabric panel  104  in an arrangement of first and second regions  132 ,  136  that corresponds to skeletal muscles and connective tissues in the portion of the user&#39;s body. In the embodiment shown, the first regions  132  do not overlap the second regions  136 . However, in alternative embodiments, the first regions  132  can overlap the second regions  136  partially or entirely. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, some or all of the first regions  132  can partially or entirely overlap some or all of the second regions  136 . 
     The application of the first pattern  124  in the first regions  132  increases the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104  in these particular areas. Accordingly, the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  applies more force to the user&#39;s body in these areas, thereby aligning and supporting the wearer&#39;s musculature and connective tissues. Additionally, the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  acts as a muscle dampener, to reduce muscle vibrations in these areas. Reducing muscle vibrations is associated with improving muscle efficiency and reducing muscle fatigue. Thus, the first pattern  124  in the first regions  132  enhances and improves the wearer&#39;s athletic performance and experience. 
     Similarly, the application of the second pattern  128  in the second regions  136  increases the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104  in these particular areas. Accordingly, the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  applies more force to the user&#39;s body in these areas, thereby aligning and supporting the wearer&#39;s musculature and connective tissues. Additionally, the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, by slightly lifting the user&#39;s skin in these areas. Slightly lifting the user&#39;s skin is associated with improving the neuromuscular feedback that inhibits or facilitates firing of muscle fibers, facilitating lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. Thus, the second pattern  128  in the second regions  136  enhances and improves the wearer&#39;s athletic performance and experience. 
     The First Regions 
     In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the first pattern  124  of the first material  116  is applied to the outwardly facing side  112  of the fabric panel  104  in: an upper first region  132 A, which corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s lower back and upper hips; middle first regions  132 B 1  and  132 B 2 , which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s thighs; and lower first regions  134 C 1  and  134 C 2 , which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s lower leg. 
     The Upper First Region 
     As shown more clearly in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the upper first region  132 A extends from a lateral seam  106 A, which is formed along the lateral boundary of one of the further panels  102 , around the fabric panel  104 , to the lateral seam  106 A that is formed along the lateral boundary of the other of the further panels  102 . The upper first region  132 A does not, however, extend into either of the further panels  102 . The upper first region  132 A also extends along both of the lateral seams  106 A for a distance D 1  that is between approximately 4 inches and approximately 8 inches. The upper first region  132 A forms a “v” shape, between the lateral seams  106 A. In particular, the upper first region  132 A extends along a portion of the waistband  118  near the lateral seams  106 A, angles downwardly and away from each of the lateral seams  106 A and the waistband  118 , and forms a point  134  at the midline  101  of the garment  100  that is approximately equidistant from both of the lateral seams  106 A. At the point  134 , the upper first region  132 A extends along the midline  101  for a distance of D 2  that is shorter than the distance D 1 . The distance D 2  can be, for example, between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. 
     As noted above, the upper first region  132 A corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s lower back and upper hips. Thus, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the upper first region  132 A aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s lower back and upper hips. Additionally, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the upper first region  132 A acts as a muscle dampener, to reduce muscle vibrations in the lower back and upper hips to improve muscle efficiency and reduce muscle fatigue. 
     The Middle First Regions 
     Each of the leg portions  122  of the garment  100  includes middle first regions  132 B 1  and  132 B 2 , which are configured to extend around each of the upper legs of the user. The middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  on each of the leg portions  122  are substantially identical and are mirrored over the midline  101  of the garment  100 . The middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  are positioned nearer to the leg openings  126  than is the upper first region  132 A. The middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  include a lateral middle first region  132 B 1 , which extends from a lateral seam  106 A to a lateral edge  160 A of a gap  164  (shown in  FIG. 1B ), and a medial middle first region  132 B 2 , which extends from a medial edge  160 B of the gap  164  to a medial seam  106 B. The gap  164  has a width W 1  that is, for example, between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 1.5 inches. 
     The lateral middle first region  132 B 1  is arranged on the lateral portion of the user&#39;s upper leg, which is the portion farthest from and/or facing away from the midline of the user&#39;s body and from the midline  101  of the garment  100 . Conversely, the medial middle first region  132 B 2  is arranged on the medial portion of the user&#39;s upper leg, which is the portion nearest to and/or or facing toward the midline of the user&#39;s body and the midline  101  of the garment  100 . 
     The lateral middle first region  132 B 1  extends a distance D 3  along the lateral seam  106 B and a distance D 4  along the lateral edge  160 A of the gap  164 . The distance D 3  is larger than the distance D 4 . For example, the distance D 3  can be between approximately 5 inches and approximately 7 inches, and the distance D 4  can be between approximately 4 inches and approximately 5 inches. Similarly, the medial middle first region  132 B 2  extends a distance D 5  along the medial seam  106 B and a distance D 6  along the medial edge  160 B of the gap  164 . The distance D 5  is larger than the distance D 6 . For example, the distance D 5  can be between approximately 5 inches and approximately 7 inches, and the distance D 6  can be between approximately 4 inches and approximately 5 inches. 
     Each of the lateral and medial middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  extends upwardly and away from the respective seam  106 A,  106 B and toward the waistband  118 . Thus, the lateral and medial middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  are nearer to the waistband  118  at the edges  160 A,  160 B of the gap  164  and are farther from the waistband  118  at the seams  106 A,  106 B. 
     The medial middle first region  132 B 2  corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s groin, medial hamstring, and medial thigh. Thus, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the medial middle first region  132 B 2  aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s groin, hamstring, and thigh. Additionally, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the medial middle first region  132 B 2  acts as a muscle dampener, to reduce muscle vibrations in the groin, hamstring, and thigh to improve muscle efficiency and reduce muscle fatigue. 
     Similarly, the lateral middle first region  132 B 1  corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s lateral hamstring and thigh. Thus, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the lateral middle first region  132 B 1  aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s hamstring and thigh. Additionally, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the lateral middle first region  132 B 1  acts as a muscle dampener, to reduce muscle vibrations in the hamstring and thigh to improve muscle efficiency and reduce muscle fatigue. 
     The middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  do not extend into the further panel  102  or into the gap  164 . Because the gap  164  and the further panel  102  are free from the application of the first material  116 , the gap  164  and the further panel  102  have a lower modulus of elasticity than the adjacent middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2 . Thus, these areas, arranged generally along the user&#39;s hamstring and quadriceps muscles, are more flexible and are more easily stretched to accommodate the user&#39;s body during movement. In other words, these areas prevent the middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  from having a greater modulus of elasticity extending entirely around the user&#39;s upper legs, and into areas which would undesirably restrict and inhibit movement. 
     The Lower First Regions 
     Each of the leg portions  122  of the garment  100  also includes lower first regions  132 C 1  and  132 C 2 , which are configured to extend around each of the lower legs of the user. The lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  on each of the leg portions  122  are substantially identical and are mirrored over the midline  101  of the garment  100 . The lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  are positioned nearer to the leg openings  126  than are the middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2 . The lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  include a lateral lower first region  132 C 1 , which extends from a lateral seam  106 A to a lateral edge  168 A of a lower gap  172  (shown in  FIG. 1B ), and a medial lower first region  132 C 2 , which extends from a medial edge  168 B of the lower gap  172  to a medial seam  106 B. The lower gap  172  has a width W 2  that is, for example, between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 1.5 inches. 
     The medial lower first region  132 C 2  is arranged on the medial portion of the user&#39;s lower leg, which is the portion nearest to and/or facing toward the midline of the user&#39;s body and the midline  101  of the garment  100 . Conversely, the lateral lower first region  132 C 1  is arranged on the lateral portion of the user&#39;s lower leg, which is the portion farthest from and/or facing away from the midline of the user&#39;s body and from the midline  101  of the garment  100 . The lateral lower first region  132 C 1  extends a distance D 7  along the lateral seam  106 B and a distance D 8  along the lateral edge  168 A of the lower gap  172 . The distance D 7  is larger than the distance D 8 . For example, the distance D 7  can be between approximately 5 inches and approximately 7 inches, and the distance D 8  can be between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. Similarly, the medial lower first region  132 C 2  extends a distance D 9  along the medial seam  106 B and a distance D 10  along the medial edge  168 B of the lower gap  172 . The distance D 9  is larger than the distance D 10 . For example, the distance D 9  can be between approximately 5 inches and approximately 7 inches, and the distance D 10  can be between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. 
     Each of the lateral and medial lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  extends upwardly and away from the respective seam  106 A,  106 B and toward the waistband  118 . Thus, the lateral and medial lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  are nearer to the waistband  118  at the lower gap  172  and are farther from the waistband  118  at the seams  106 A,  106 B. 
     The medial lower first region  132 C 2  corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s medial shin and medial calf. Thus, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the medial lower first region  132 C 2  aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s shin and calf. Additionally, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the medial lower first region  132 C 2  acts as a muscle dampener, to reduce muscle vibrations in the shin and calf to improve muscle efficiency and reduce muscle fatigue. 
     Similarly, the lateral lower first region  132 C 1  corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s lateral shin and calf. Thus, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the lateral lower first region  132 C 1  aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s shin and calf. Additionally, the application of the first material  116  in the first pattern  124  in the lateral lower first region  132 C 1  acts as a muscle dampener, to reduce muscle vibrations in the shin and calf to improve muscle efficiency and reduce muscle fatigue. 
     The lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  do not extend into the further panel  102  or into the lower gap  172 . Because the lower gap  172  and the further panel  102  are free from the application of the first material  116 , the lower gap  172  and the further panel  102  have a lower modulus of elasticity than the adjacent lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2 . Thus, these areas, arranged generally along the user&#39;s shin and calf, are more flexible and are more easily stretched to accommodate the user&#39;s body during movement. In other words, these areas prevent the lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  from having a greater modulus of elasticity extending entirely around the user&#39;s lower legs, which would undesirably restrict and inhibit movement. 
     The Second Regions 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the second pattern  128  of the second material  120  is applied to the inwardly facing side  108  of the fabric panel  104  in: an upper second region  136 A, which corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s gluteal muscles and upper iliotibial band; middle second regions  136 B 1  and  136 B 2 , which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s groin and lower iliotibial band; and lower second regions  136 C 1  and  136 C 2 , which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s lower legs and ankles. Each of the leg portions  122  of the garment  100  includes an upper second region  136 A, a lateral middle second region  136 B 1 , a medial middle second region  136 B 2 , a lateral lower second region  136 C 1 , and a medial lower second region  136 C 2 . These regions on each of the leg portions  122  are substantially identical and are mirrored over the midline  101  of the garment  100 . 
     The Upper Second Region 
     As shown more clearly in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the upper second region  136 A extends upwardly and away from a position near a lateral seam  106 A, around the fabric panel  104 , in a direction toward the upper first region  132 A and the midline  101  of the garment  100 . The upper second region  136 A does not extend into the further panel  102  or into a first region  132 . The upper second region  136 A is generally shaped as a quadrilateral having a width W 3  that is, for example, between approximately 1 inch and approximately 3 inches, and having a length L 1  that is, for example, between approximately 5 inches and approximately 8 inches. Because the length L 1  wraps around the lateral side of the garment  100 , the entirety of the length L 1  is not visible in either of  FIG. 1A or 1B , but is partially visible in each of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     As noted above, the upper second region  136 A corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s gluteal muscles and upper iliotibial band. Thus, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the upper second region  136 A aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s gluteal muscles and upper iliotibial band. Additionally, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the upper second region  136 A acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the gluteal muscles and upper iliotibial band to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
     The Middle Second Regions 
     Each of the leg portions  122  of the garment  100  includes middle second regions  136 B 1  and  136 B 2 , which are configured to extend around each of the upper legs of the user. The lateral middle second region  136 B 1  is arranged on the lateral portion of the user&#39;s upper leg. Conversely, the medial middle second region  136 B 2  is arranged on the medial portion of the user&#39;s upper leg. The middle second regions  136 B 1 ,  136 B 2  are positioned nearer to the leg openings  126  than is the upper second region  136 A. 
     The lateral middle second region  136 B 1  extends upwardly and away from a position near a lateral seam  106 A in a direction toward the lateral middle first region  132 B 1 . The lateral middle second region  136 B 1  does not, however, extend into the further panel  102  or into the lateral middle first region  132 B 1 . The lateral middle second region  136 B 1  is generally shaped as a triangle that tapers outwardly as it extends upwardly and away from the position near the lateral seam  106 A. In other words, the width of the lateral middle second region  136 B 1  varies along a length L 2  of the lateral middle second region  136 B 1 . The length L 2  of the lateral middle second region  136 B 1  can be, for example, between approximately 4 inches and approximately 7 inches. 
     The lateral middle second region  136 B 1  corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s lower iliotibial band. Thus, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the lateral middle second region  136 B 1  aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s lower iliotibial band. Additionally, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the lateral middle second region  136 B 1  acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the lower iliotibial band to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
     The medial middle second region  136 B 2  extends upwardly and away from a medial seam  106 B, around a medial side of the upper leg, and toward the midline  101  of the garment  100 . The medial middle second region  136 B 2  extends along the medial seam  106 B for a length L 3  that is, for example, between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 2 inches. As the medial middle second region  136 B 2  extends upwardly and away from the medial seam  106 B, the medial middle second region  136 B 2  extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the length L 2  of the lateral middle second region  136 B 1  for a length L 4  that is, for example, between approximately 2 inches and approximately 5 inches. The width of the medial middle second region  136 B 2  varies along the length L 4 . Nearer to the medial seam  106 B, the medial middle second region  136 B 2  can have a first width W 4  of, for example, between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 2 inches. Farther from the medial seam  106 B, the medial middle second region  136 B 2  can have a second width W 5  of, for example, between approximately 4 and approximately 8 inches. The variation between the first width W 4  and the second width W 5  of the medial middle second region  136 B 2  can be seen most clearly in  FIG. 4C . 
     The medial middle second region  136 B 2  corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s groin and medial hamstring. Thus, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the medial middle second region  136 B 2  aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s groin and hamstring. Additionally, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the medial middle second region  136 B 2  acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the groin and hamstring to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
     The middle second regions  136 B 1 ,  136 B 2  do not extend into the further panel  102 . Because the further panel  102  is free from the application of the second material  120 , the further panel  102  has a lower modulus of elasticity than the adjacent middle second regions  136 B 1 ,  136 B 2 . Thus, these areas, arranged generally along the user&#39;s iliotibial band, groin, and hamstring, are more flexible and are more easily stretched to accommodate the user&#39;s body during movement. In other words, these areas prevent the middle second regions  136 B 1 ,  136 B 2  from having a greater modulus of elasticity in areas which would undesirably restrict and inhibit movement. 
     The Lower Second Regions 
     Each of the leg portions  122  of the garment  100  includes lower second regions  136 C 1  and  136 C 2 , which are configured to extend around each of the lower legs of the user. The lateral lower second region  136 C 1  is arranged on the lateral portion of the user&#39;s lower leg. Conversely, the medial lower second region  136 C 2  is arranged on the medial portion of the user&#39;s lower leg. The lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  are positioned nearer to the leg openings  126  than are the middle second regions  136 B 1 ,  136 B 2 . 
     The lateral lower second region  136 C 1  is only partially visible in  FIGS. 1B and 1   s  shown more clearly in  FIG. 4C . The lateral lower second region  136 C 1  extends upwardly and away from a position near the leg opening  126  and the lateral seam  106 A, around a lateral side of the lower leg, and in a direction toward the lateral lower first region  132 C 1 . The lateral lower second region  136 C 1  does not, however, extend into the further panel  102  or into the lateral lower first region  132 C 1 . 
     The lateral lower second region  136 C 1  extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the midline  101  of the garment for a length L 5  that is, for example, between approximately 4 inches and approximately 7 inches. The width of the lateral lower second region  136 C 1  varies along the length L 5 . Nearer to the leg opening  126 , the lateral lower second region  136 C 1  can have a first width W 6  of, for example, between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 2 inches. Farther from the leg opening  126 , the lateral lower second region  136 C 1  can have a second width W 7  of, for example, between approximately 3 and approximately 6 inches. Because the lateral lower second region  136 C 1  wraps around the lateral lower leg of the garment  100 , only a portion of the second width W 7  is visible in  FIG. 1B . The variation between the first width W 6  and the second width W 7  of the lateral lower second region  136 C 1  can be seen most clearly in  FIG. 4C . 
     Similarly, the medial lower second region  136 C 2  is only partially visible in  FIGS. 1B and 1   s  shown more clearly in  FIG. 4C . The medial lower second region  136 C 2  extends upwardly and away from a position near the leg opening  126  and the medial seam  106 B, around a medial side of the lower leg, and in a direction toward the medial lower first region  132 C 2 . The medial lower second region  136 C 2  does not, however, extend into the further panel  102  or into the medial lower first region  132 C 2 . 
     Like the lateral lower second region  132 C 1 , the medial lower second region  136 C 2  extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the midline  101  of the garment for a length L 6  that is, for example, between approximately 4 inches and approximately 7 inches. The width of the medial lower second region  136 C 2  varies along the length L 6 . Nearer to the leg opening  126 , the medial lower second region  136 C 2  can have a first width W 8  of, for example, between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 2 inches. Farther from the leg opening  126 , the medial lower second region  136 C 2  can have a second width W 9  of, for example, between approximately 3 and approximately 6 inches. Because the medial lower second region  136 C 2  wraps around the medial lower leg of the garment  100 , only a portion of the second width W 9  is visible in  FIG. 1B . The variation between the first width W 8  and the second width W 9  of the medial lower second region  136 C 2  can be seen most clearly in  FIG. 4C . 
     The lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s ankle and calf. Thus, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s ankle and calf. Additionally, the application of the second material  120  in the second pattern  128  in the lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the ankle and calf to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
     The lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  do not extend into the further panel  102  or into a further gap  176  formed between the second width W 7  of the lateral lower second region  136 C 1  and the second width W 9  of the medial lower second region  136 C 2 . The further gap  176  is generally aligned with the gap  164  between the middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  and the lower gap  172  between the lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2 . Because the further panel  102  and the further gap  176  are free from the application of the second material  120 , the further panel  102  and the further gap  176  have a lower modulus of elasticity than the adjacent lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2 . Thus, these areas, arranged generally along the user&#39;s ankle and calf, are more flexible and are more easily stretched to accommodate the user&#39;s body during movement. In other words, these areas prevent the lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  from having a greater modulus of elasticity in areas which would undesirably restrict and inhibit movement. 
     An Alternative Embodiment 
       FIGS. 5A-5D and 6A-6D  show an alternative exemplary embodiment of the garment  100 ′. The garment  100 ′ is substantially similar in structure and function to the garment  100 . The garment  100 ′ differs from the garment  100 , however, in the particular application of the first material  116 ′ (shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D ) and second material  120 ′ (shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D ) to the fabric panel  104 ′. More specifically, the first pattern  124 ′ (shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D ) is different from the first pattern  124 , and the first pattern  124 ′ is applied to different first regions  132 ′ than the first regions  132 . Similarly, the second pattern  128 ′ (shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D ) is different from the second pattern  128 , and the second pattern  128 ′ is applied to different second regions  136 ′ than the second regions  136 . Accordingly, the amounts and locations of compression applied by the garment  100 ′ are different than the amounts and locations of compression applied by the garment  100 . 
     The First Pattern 
       FIG. 7  depicts a unit  140 ′ of the first pattern  124 ′ of the first material  116 ′. In the unit  140 ′, the first material  116 ′ is applied as a repeating geometric pattern. More specifically, the first material  116 ′ is applied to the fabric panel  104 ′ in first areas  180 ′ generally forming a tessellation of equilateral triangles. The first material  116 ′ is also applied in second areas  184 ′ superimposed on the first areas  180 ′. Some of the first areas  180 ′ are coincident with some of the second areas  184 ′. A thickness T 1  of the first material  116 ′ applied in the first areas  180 ′ is consistent. A thickness T 2  of the first material  116 ′ applied in the second areas  184 ′ is thicker than the thickness T 1 , but varies over the unit  140 ′. The second areas  184 ′ form portions of hexagons such that when the unit  140 ′ is repeated, the second areas  184 ′ of adjacent units  140 ′ form tessellating hexagons. 
     The Second Pattern 
       FIG. 8  depicts various units  144 ′ of the second pattern  128 ′ of the second material  120 ′. In the unit  144 ′, the second material  120 ′ is applied as a repeating geometric pattern. More specifically, the second material  120 ′ is applied in a plurality of polygonal bodies  188 ′, which are arranged to overlap one another. Each polygonal body  188 ′ includes a vertex  192 ′, a short arm  196 ′ extending in a first direction from the vertex  192 ′, and a long arm  200 ′ extending in a second direction from the vertex  192 ′. Each of the short arm  196 ′ and the long arm  200 ′ of each of the polygonal bodies  188 ′ tapers as it extends away from the vertex  192 ′. Thus, each of the short arm  196 ′ and the long arm  200 ′ extends from the vertex  192 ′ to a respective point  204 ′,  208 ′. 
     The polygonal bodies  188 ′ are arranged in columns within the pattern  128 ′ such that the vertex  192 ′ of each of the polygonal bodies  188 ′ is adjacent to a vertex  192 ′ of two adjacent polygonal bodies  188 ′ in the same column. Additionally, the polygonal bodies  188 ′ are arranged in rows within the pattern  128 ′ and alternate in opposite directions within the row such that the short arms  196 ′ of adjacent polygonal bodies  188 ′ overlap one another near the points  204 ′ and the long arms  200 ′ of adjacent polygonal bodies  188 ′ overlap one another  200 ′ near the points  208 ′. Each of the short arms  196 ′ only overlaps the adjacent short arm  196 ′ of one adjacent polygonal body  188 ′ in the same row, and each of the long arms  200 ′ only overlaps the adjacent long arm  200 ′ of one adjacent polygonal body  188 ′ in the same row. 
     The First Regions 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the first pattern  124 ′ is applied in: lateral upper first regions  132 A 1 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s outer upper legs; medial upper first regions  132 A 2 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s inner upper legs; lateral lower first regions  132 B 1 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s lateral lower legs; and medial lower first regions  132 B 2 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s medial lower legs. 
     The lateral and medial upper first regions  132 A 1 ′,  132 A 2 ′ are substantially similar to the lateral and medial middle first regions  132 B 1 ,  132 B 2  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The lateral and medial lower first regions  132 B 1 ′,  132 B 2 ′ are substantially similar to the lateral and medial lower first regions  132 C 1 ,  132 C 2  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     The application of the first pattern  124 ′ in these first regions  132 ′ increases the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel  104 ′ in these particular areas. Accordingly, the first pattern  124 ′ applies more force to the user&#39;s body in these areas, thereby aligning and supporting the wearer&#39;s musculature and connective tissues, and dampening muscle vibrations, to enhance and improve the wearer&#39;s athletic performance and experience. 
     The Second Regions 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D , the second pattern  128 ′ is applied in: upper second regions  136 A′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s gluteal muscles; lateral middle second regions  136 B 1 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s iliotibial bands and knees; medial middle second regions  136 B 2 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s groin, inner thighs and knees; lateral lower second regions  136 C 1 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s outer lower legs and ankles; and medial lower second regions  136 C 2 ′, which correspond to the musculature and connective tissues associated with each of the wearer&#39;s inner lower legs and ankles. 
     The Upper Second Region 
     The upper second region  136 A′ is substantially similar to the upper second region  136 A described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     The Middle Second Regions 
     The lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ is somewhat similar to the lateral middle second region  136 B 1  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4C . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ differs from the lateral middle second region  136 B 1  because the lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ includes a first portion  212 ′ and a second portion  216 ′. The first portion  212 ′ extends along the lateral seam  106 A′ for a length L 1 ′ that is between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. As the first portion  212 ′ extends upwardly along the lateral seam  106 A′, away from the leg opening  126 ′, the first portion  212 ′ also extends upwardly and away from the lateral seam  106 A′. Thus, the first portion  212 ′ widens as it extends upwardly along the length L 1 ′. 
     The second portion  216 ′ of the lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ extends from the uppermost end of the first portion  212 ′ and does not extend along the lateral seam  106 A′, but is separated from the lateral seam  106 A′ by an intervening portion of the fabric panel  104 . The second portion  216 ′ extends further upwardly away from the leg opening  126 ′ and the lateral seam  106 A′ than does the first portion  212 ′, but does not taper. The second portion  216 ′ is generally trapezoidal in shape and has a length L 2 ′ extending from the length L 1 ′ of the first portion  212 ′. The length L 2 ′ is, for example, between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. The total length L 3 ′ of the lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ is the summation of the first length L 1 ′ and the second length L 2 ′. Thus, the length L 3 ′ is, for example, between approximately 6 inches and approximately 10 inches. 
     The lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ extends upwardly and around the outer upper leg of the user and corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s iliotibial band and knee. Thus, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s iliotibial band and knee. Additionally, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the lateral middle second region  136 B 1 ′ acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the iliotibial band and knee to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
     The medial middle second region  136 B 2 ′ is somewhat similar to the medial middle second region  136 B 2  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4C . As shown in  FIG. 6D , the medial middle second region  136 B 2 ′ differs from the medial middle second region  136 B 2  because the medial middle second region  136 B 2 ′ extends along a greater length of the medial seam  106 W. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the medial middle second region  136 B 2  extends along the medial seam  106 B for length L 3 , which is, for example, between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 2 inches. As shown in  FIG. 6D , however, the medial middle second region  136 B 2 ′ extends along the medial seam  106 B for length L 4 ′, which is, for example, between approximately 2 inches and approximately 5 inches. 
     The medial middle second region  136 B 2 ′ extends upwardly and around the inner upper leg of the user and corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s inner knee and groin. Thus, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the medial middle second region  136 B 2 ′ aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s inner knee and groin. Additionally, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the medial middle second region  136 B 2 ′ acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the inner knee and groin to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
     The Lower Second Regions 
     The lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ′,  136 C 2 ′ are somewhat similar to the lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  described above and shown in FIGS.  1 A,  1 B, and  4 C. As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D , the lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ′,  136 C 2 ′ differ from the lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ,  136 C 2  because each of the lateral and medial lower second regions  136 C 1 ′,  136 C 2 ′ includes a first portion  230 ′ and a second portion  234 ′. The first portions  230 ′ of the medial and lateral lower second regions  136 C 1 ′,  136 C 2 ′ extend around the inner and outer lower leg of user in a direction generally perpendicular to the midline  101 ′ of the garment  100 ′ (shown in  FIG. 6C ). The first portions  230 ′ of the medial and lateral lower second regions  136 C 1 ′,  136 C 2 ′ are separated from one another by a gap  238 ′ and each of the first portions  230 ′ extends from the gap  238 ′ to the second portion  234 ′. The second portion  234 ′ of the lateral lower second region  136 C 1 ′ extends in a direction generally parallel to the lateral seam  106 A′, but is separated from the lateral seam  106 A′ by a portion of the fabric panel  104 ′. Similarly, the second portion  234 ′ of the medial lower second region  136 C 2 ′ extends in a direction generally parallel to the medial seam  106 B′, but is separated from the medial seam  106 B′ by a portion of the fabric panel  104 ′. Each of the second portions  234 ′ extends from the respective first portion  230 ′, in a direction away from the leg opening  126 ′, for a length L 5 ′ that is, for example, between approximately 3 inches and approximately 5 inches. 
     The lateral lower second region  136 C 1 ′ extends upwardly and around the outer ankle and lower leg of the user and corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s outer ankle and calf. Thus, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the lateral lower second region  136 C 1 ′ aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s outer ankle and calf. Additionally, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the lateral lower second region  136 C 1 ′ acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the outer ankle and calf to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
     Similarly, the medial lower second region  136 C 2 ′ extends upwardly and around the inner ankle and lower leg of the user and corresponds to the musculature and connective tissues associated with the wearer&#39;s inner ankle and calf. Thus, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the medial lower second region  136 C 2 ′ aligns and supports the musculature and connective tissues of the wearer&#39;s inner ankle and calf. Additionally, the application of the second material  120 ′ in the second pattern  128 ′ in the medial lower second region  136 C 2 ′ acts as an elastic therapeutic tape, to slightly lift the user&#39;s skin around the inner ankle and calf to facilitate firing of muscle fibers, facilitate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a flow chart of a method  900  for producing a garment to be worn on a part of the body, such as the garments  100 ,  100 ′ discussed above. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the method  900  includes providing a fabric panel having an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side ( 904 ), applying a first material to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 908 ), and applying a second material to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 912 ). The outwardly facing side of the fabric panel faces away from the part of the body when the garment is worn, and the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel faces toward the part of the body when the garment is worn. 
     With the above-described configuration, a garment is provided having bimodal functionality. The material on the exterior side of the garment is patterned and position over large muscle groups, providing muscle damping on impact (e.g., foot strike). That is the exterior material increases compression of the apparel that, in turn, is capable of damping soft tissue vibrations, lowering muscle activity. Soft tissue vibrations are important for the energetics of running since muscle activity is required to damp these vibrations. The material on the interior of the apparel is patterned and positioned differently than that of the exterior layer, being configured to stabilize the joints and tendons. In addition, by contacting the skin, the material gently lifts the layer of skin and attached tissue covering a muscle to improve blood and fluid flow around that muscle. That is, as the athlete moves, material causes the skin and connective tissue (or fascia) over the muscle or tendon to move, pulling slightly away from the muscle and creating space for lymphatic fluid to flow. 
     The first material is applied to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 908 ) in a first repeating pattern in at least one first region of the fabric panel. Applying the first material to the fabric panel in this way selectively modifies a fabric modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel in the at least one first region. In particular, applying the first material to the fabric panel in the at least one first region increases the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel in the at least one first region. In other words, the at least one first region has a first modulus of elasticity that is greater than the fabric modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel. 
     The second material is applied to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 912 ) in a second repeating pattern in at least one second region of the fabric panel. Applying the second material to the fabric panel in this way selectively modifies the fabric modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel in the at least one second region. In particular, applying the second material to the fabric panel in the at least one second region increases the modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel in the at least one second region. In other words, the at least one second region has a second modulus of elasticity that is greater than the fabric modulus of elasticity of the fabric panel. 
     In at least one embodiment of the method  900 , applying the first material to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 908 ) in at least one first region of the fabric panel includes applying the first material in a plurality of first regions of the fabric panel. Similarly, in at least one embodiment of the method  900 , applying the second material to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 912 ) in at least one second region of the fabric panel includes applying the second material in a plurality of second regions of the fabric panel. 
     In at least one embodiment of the method  900 , applying the first material to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 908 ) includes printing the first material on the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel. The first material can be printed on the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel by, for example, screen printing, ink jet printing, laser printing, 3D printing, etc. Similarly, in at least one embodiment of the method  900 , applying the second material to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 912 ) includes printing the second material on the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel. The second material can be printed on the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel by, for example, screen printing, ink jet printing, laser printing, 3D printing, etc. 
     In the embodiment of the method  900  shown in  FIG. 9 , the first material is applied to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 908 ) before the second material is applied to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel ( 912 ). However, it will be recognized that, alternatively, the second material can be applied to the inwardly facing side of the fabric panel before the first material is applied to the outwardly facing side of the fabric panel. 
     In various embodiments of the method  900 , the second material can be the same as or different from the first material. In at least one embodiment, the first material is different from the second material such that the first modulus of elasticity is greater than the second modulus of elasticity. However, it will be recognized that, alternatively, the first material can be different from the second material such that the first modulus of elasticity is less than the second modulus of elasticity. Additionally, in various embodiments of the method  900 , the second repeating pattern can be the same as or different from the first repeating pattern. 
     Additionally, in various embodiments of the method  900 , the at least one second region of the fabric panel can be the same as or different from the at least one first region of the fabric panel. In other words, the at least one first region of the fabric panel can entirely overlap the at least one second region of the fabric panel, the at least one first region of the fabric panel can partially overlap the at least one second region of the fabric panel, or the at least one first region of the fabric panel can have no overlap with the at least one second region of the fabric panel. 
     The foregoing detailed description of one or more exemplary embodiments of the garment has been presented herein by way of example only and not limitation. It will be recognized that there are advantages to certain individual features and functions described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other features and functions described herein. Moreover, it will be recognized that various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements of the above-disclosed exemplary embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different embodiments, systems or applications. Presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of any appended claims should not be limited to the description of the exemplary embodiments contained herein.