The present invention relates to a garment, in particular an undergarment or a leotard.

Garments of various types and in particular garments suitable for performing various functions are known. For example, compression garments are known, such as leotards or the like, suitable for wearing for specific and limited periods, such as the period following a birth, and which at the end of the period of use are discarded as their function is no longer necessary.

This situation is disadvantageous in several respects as it is necessary to buy a special garment that will only be used for a certain period of time and that, at the end of the period of use, must be disposed of as it is no longer useful.

Versatile garments that change function according to need are known but this versatility is generally achieved by structural measures such as for example in the case of bags that can be transformed into towels, or reversible garments.

Yarns are also known that are intended to dissolve in water and used to simplify and speed up the production process. For example, these yarns are used to obtain a continuous production of individual elements such as socks or the like as they are used as a connection intended to dissolve to isolate each individual element at the end of production. Alternatively these yarns are used in the making of complex knitted stitches as a temporary structure intended to disappear in the final product.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a garment that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of the known art mentioned above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a versatile garment that can be used initially with a compression function and subsequently with the function of a normal clothing item. The technical task mentioned and the objects stated are substantially achieved by a garment comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims, included here for reference, correspond to possible different embodiments of the invention.

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention relates to a garment, preferably an undergarment or a leotard, comprising at least one functional portion made of a knitted fabric formed of a first yarn and at least one second yarn worked together and/or bonded. The first yarn is configured to make a stiff knitted structure so as to give a compression function to the garment and to dissolve in water at a dissolution temperature so that the garment loses its compression function. The second yarn is configured to maintain the general conformation of the garment and its integrity once the first yarn has dissolved.

The phrase 'stiff structure' preferably means a structure having limited elasticity in at least one direction which, for example in the case of a leotard, is preferably the vertical or longitudinal direction to the body so as to provide support especially in the lumbar region. In the other directions, particularly in the direction horizontal or transverse to the body in the case of the leotard, the structure is configured to balance stiffness and elasticity in order to provide compression and comfort. Stiffness is conferred by the first yarn. The desired degree of elasticity is achieved by selecting the knit type and/or introducing elastic yarns. When the first yarn dissolves, its stiffening function is lost and the functional portion is elastic in all directions.

Preferably the first yarn is a synthetic yarn made of a material belonging to the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) family.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a first yarn as described in the first aspect, for making a garment with a function that can vary from compression to normal clothing by defining, in a first condition of the garment, a stiff knitted structure suitable for conferring a compression function to the garment and allowing, in a second condition of the garment, the loss of this compression function by dissolving at the dissolution temperature.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a garment suitable for carrying out the dual functionality of a compression element and clothing item, preferably an undergarment or a leotard. According to this method it is envisaged to knit at least one functional portion of the garment by working together and/or coupling a first yarn as described in the first aspect and at least a second yarn as described in the first aspect.

In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention relates to a kit comprising a garment according to the first aspect and an instruction manual comprising at least one instruction relating to a dissolution wash in which the garment is submerged in water at the dissolution temperature so that the first yarn is dissolved and the garment, losing its compression function, becomes soft and flexible.

In one or more of the above aspects, the present invention can comprise one or more of the following features.

Preferably the first yarn is a yarn subject to shrinkage or reduction when placed in water at a shrinkage temperature and is also water-soluble at a dissolution temperature higher than the shrinkage temperature.

In order to define, in a first condition of the garment, a stiff knitted structure suitable for conferring a compression function, at least the functional portion of the garment is preferably subject to a shrinkage wash in which it is submerged in water at the shrinkage temperature for a first time interval preferably equal to a maximum of about 30 minutes. The shrinkage wash tightens the functional portion of the garment and compacts it by creating the above-mentioned stiff knitted structure.

In order to obtain, in a second condition of the garment, a soft and flexible structure without any compression function, the garment is preferably subject to a dissolution wash in which the garment is submerged in water at the dissolution temperature so that the first yarn dissolves. Preferably the shrinkage temperature is less than or equal to 55°C - 65°C while the dissolution temperature is about 90°C or higher, or is between 70°C and 90°C.

Alternatively, the shrinkage temperature may be below 50°C - 55°C and the dissolution temperature may be above 60°C.

Preferably the first yarn is a PVA 250T/100F yarn having a dry tenacity of between 3.8 and 5.0 cN/dTex, a dry elongation of between 10% and 18%, water solubility at a dissolution temperature of between 81 and 89°C, maximum shrinkage in water of 55% to 65% at a maximum shrinkage temperature of 60°C, shrinkage at a shrinkage temperature of 25°C to 40% to 50%, and a shrinkage stress value in water of 0.2 cN/dtex to 0.4 cN/dtex.

Alternatively, the first yarn is an 84T/24F PVA yarn having a dry tenacity of 4.1 to 5.3 cN/dTex, a dry elongation of 10% to 18%, water solubility at a dissolution temperature of 81 to 89°C, maximum shrinkage in water of 55% to 65% at a maximum shrinkage temperature of 60°C, shrinkage at a shrinkage temperature of 25°C of 40% to 50%, and a shrinkage stress value in water of 0.2 cN/dtex to 0.4 cN/dtex.

Further alternatively, the first yarn may be a PVA yarn with a dissolution temperature Td starting at 60°C, complete dissolution at 85°C in about 1 -2 hours and a yarn count equal to 40s or 60s, or a PVA yarn with a dissolution temperature Td starting at 80°C, complete dissolution at 95- 100°C in about 1 -2 hours and a yarn count equal to 20s, 40s or 45s, or a PVA yarn with a dissolution temperature Td starting at 90°C, complete dissolution at 100°C - 115°C in about 1 -2 hours and a yarn count equal to 20s or 30s or 40s or 45s or 60s or 80s or 100s (yarn count indicated according to the English system). Preferably the first yarn has a breaking strength of about 24 cN/Tex - 26 cN/Tex (maximum breaking tensile strength expressed in cN with respect to the dimensions), a breaking elongation of about 19% and a moisture content (rate) of about 3.9%. The first yarn is worked together and/or coupled with the second yarn so that, once the first yarn is dissolved, the second yarn maintains the overall conformation and integrity of the garment.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the second yarn is a synthetic yarn made of materials that are not affected by the action of hot water and remain unchanged in size and feel, for example polyester and rayon. Furthermore, the garment can comprise a third yarn preferably of the elastic type, for example made of synthetic polyurethane fibre, to maintain elasticity and make the item more comfortable.

According to a different embodiment, the second yarn is an elastic type yarn, preferably made of synthetic polyurethane fibre, to maintain elasticity and make the item more comfortable. Furthermore, the garment may comprise a third yarn, preferably synthetic and still more preferably made of materials that are not affected by the action of hot water and remain unchanged in size and feel, for example polyester and rayon.

In both cases, the yarn made of polyester and rayon is preferably a yarn having the yarn count N.m. 34000 and comprising 80% - 90% viscose rayon, more preferably 83% viscose rayon, and 10% - 20% polyester fibre, more preferably 17% polyester fibre.

In both cases, the elastic yarn is preferably made of synthetic polyurethane fibre and even more preferably has an elastomer core and a nylon cover.

In embodiments comprising the third yarn, the third yarn may be worked together and/or coupled to the first yarn and/or the second yarn so as to help maintain the integrity of the item once the first yarn is dissolved. Alternatively, the third yarn can be separated or at least partially separated from the first yarn and/or from the second yarn, while still helping to maintain the integrity of the item once the first yarn has dissolved.

In other words, the third yarn, as well as the second yarn, does not dissolve in water at the dissolution temperature Td. Eventually, the function of the third yarn can be performed by the second yarn, for example by selecting elastic materials for the second yarn, which are not affected by the action of hot water and which remain unchanged in size and feel.

Preferably the functional portion of the garment comprises sectors that differ from each other in the type of knitting so as to confer different characteristics, for example with regard to stiffness. In particular, the selection of a certain knitting stitch involves the selection of a certain degree of elasticity provided by the stitch itself that will influence the degree of stiffness by helping to provide a stiff structure according to the definition provided above.

Preferably at least one sector of the functional portion of the garment is made so that the first yarn is absent at an inner surface of the garment. In one or more of the above aspects, the present invention can comprise one or more of the features set forth in the dependent claims, herein incorporated by reference, each corresponding to a possible embodiment. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of an exemplary, but not exclusive, and therefore non-limiting preferred embodiment, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a leotard in accordance with the present description;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the leotard in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the leotard in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of the leotard in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a front view of a leotard in accordance with the present description in an initial configuration;

Figure 6 shows the leotard of Figure 5 in a second configuration.

With reference to the attached Figures, 1 indicates a garment, preferably an undergarment or a leotard, that is, a garment that covers both the lower part of the torso and the upper part. According to alternatives not shown, the garment that is the object of the present invention may be a vest or briefs or shorts or another garment suitable to perform the dual function of a compression element and clothing, as will be described in the following. Below, reference will be made to the attached Figures and therefore to a leotard indicated overall with reference numeral 1 , without thereby losing generality with respect to the other possible garments.

From the bottom up, the leotard 1 includes a lower portion 2, a central band 3, a chest band 4, and an upper portion 5.

The lower portion 2 is closed under the crotch or is adapted to be closed under the crotch for example by means of buttons, hooks or snap elements so as to form briefs.

The central band 3 is adapted for enveloping the torso and extends from the lower portion 2. Preferably, the central band 3 comprises a side closure 6, for example effected by means of hooks, hook-and-loop tape, zips or other reversible systems.

Preferably in the central band 3, several sectors are identifiable, for example a front sector 3a corresponding to the abdomen, two side sectors 3b corresponding to the sides and a rear sector 3c corresponding to the back. Preferably the sectors are different from each other in the type of processing of the yarns that form the central band 3 as will be described in the following.

The chest band 4 is adapted to abut at the bust by enveloping the torso above the central band 3.

The upper portion 5 is adapted for abutting on the user's shoulders and may comprise two shoulder straps 7 or straps or short or long sleeves and/or collars or neckbands. For example, the straps/shoulder straps may be adjustable and detachable.

At least one functional portion of the garment is made by means of a knitted fabric formed by a first yarn and at least a second yarn worked together and/or coupled so as to form a particular knitted stitch. The first yarn allows a stiff knitted structure to be realised, such as to confer a compression function to the garment. Furthermore, the first yarn is of a kind that will dissolve in water at a dissolution temperature Td so that the garment loses its compression function and becomes soft and flexible. Once the first yarn is dissolved, as will be described later, the second yarn allows the overall conformation and integrity of the garment to be maintained.

With reference to the leotard 1 , the functional portion is represented at least by the central portion 3, possibly also by the chest band 4 or by the entire leotard 1 .

Preferably, the first yarn is a yarn subject to shrinkage or contraction when placed in water at a shrinkage temperature Ts and is further soluble in water at a dissolution temperature Td, wherein the dissolution temperature Td is higher than the shrinkage temperature Ts.

In other words, following the shrinkage of the first yarn in the functional portion(s), the leotard 1 is characterized by the above-mentioned compression and support structure, beneficial for example in the postpartum period, which corresponds to the first condition of the garment illustrated for example in Figure 5.

Subsequently, by dissolving the first yarn, the leotard 1 loses its compression function and converts into a soft and flexible garment achieving the second condition of the garment illustrated for example in Figure 6.

Preferably, the first yarn is a synthetic yarn made of a material belonging to the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) family.

According to some examples, the shrinkage temperature Ts may be less than or equal to 55°C - 65°C while the dissolution temperature Td may be about 90°C or higher or may be between 70°C and 90°C.

With reference to these examples of shrinkage temperature and dissolution temperature, the first yarn can be a PVA 250T/100F or 84T/24F yarn with "T: dTex", i.e. the yarn count corresponding to the linear density expressed as 1 gram over 10 Km and with "F: filaments", i.e. the number of filaments that make the yarn.

The 84T/24F yarn has a dry tenacity of between 4.1 and 5.3 cN/dTex (maximum tensile strength at break expressed in cN with respect to size), dry elongation of 10% to 18%, solubility in water with dissolution temperature Td of 81 to 89°C, maximum shrinkage in water of 55% to 65% with shrinkage temperature Ts of 60°C, shrinkage at a shrinkage temperature Ts of 25°C of 40% to 50% and a shrinkage stress value in water of 0.2 cN/dtex to 0.4 cN/dtex.

The 250T/100F yarn has a dry tenacity of 3.8 to 5.0 cN/dTex (maximum tensile strength at break expressed in cN with respect to size), a dry elongation of 10% to 18%, a solubility in water with a dissolution temperature Td of 81 to 89°C, a maximum shrinkage in water of 55% to 65% with a shrinkage temperature Ts of 60°C, a shrinkage temperature Ts of 25°C of 40% to 50% and a shrinkage stress value in water of 0.2 cN/dtex to 0.4 cN/dtex.

Preferably a yarn known as Solvron( ^R ) SHC 250T/100F or Solvron( ^R ) SHC 84T/24F produced by Nitivy Co. Ltd. is used for the first yarn.

According to a further example, the shrinkage temperature Ts may be less than 50°C - 55°C and the dissolution temperature Td may be greater than 60°C. With reference to these examples of shrinkage temperature and dissolution temperature, the first yarn can be a PVA yarn with dissolution temperature Td starting at 60°C, complete dissolution at 85°C in about 1 -2 hours and yarn count equal to 40s or 60s, or a PVA yarn with dissolution temperature Td starting at 80°C, complete dissolution at 95-100°C in about 1 -2 hours and yarn count equal to 20s, 40s or 45s, or a PVA yarn with dissolution temperature Td starting at 90°C, complete dissolution at 100°C - 1 15°C in about 1 -2 hours and yarn count equal to 20s or 30s or 40s or 45s or 60s or 80s or 100s (yarn count indicated according to the English system). These yarns have a breaking strength of about 24 cN/Tex - 26 cN/Tex (maximum tensile strength at break expressed in cN with respect to size), a breaking elongation of about 19% and a moisture content (rate) of about 3.9%.

The second yarn is configured to maintain the general conformation of the garment and its integrity once the first yarn has dissolved.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the second yarn is a synthetic yarn made of materials that are not affected by the action of hot water and remain unchanged in size and feel, for example polyester and rayon.

When the second yarn is a synthetic yarn as described above, a third yarn is preferably provided, for example of an elastic type to maintain elasticity and make the item more comfortable.

In a different embodiment, the second yarn is an elastic type yarn, to maintain elasticity and make the item more comfortable. Furthermore, the garment may comprise a third yarn, preferably synthetic, made of materials that are not affected by the action of hot water and remain unchanged in size and feel, for example polyester and rayon.

The yarn made of polyester and rayon is preferably a yarn having the yarn count N.m. 34000 and comprising 80% - 90% viscose rayon, still more preferably 83% viscose rayon, and 10% - 20% polyester fibre, still more preferably 17% polyester fibre.

The yarn made of polyester and rayon is preferably a yarn known as Angie N.m. (number metric) 34000, 83% viscose rayon, 17% polyester fibre produced by Lineapiu Italia SpA. Alternatively the yarn made of polyester and rayon is a yarn known as Kira N.m. (number metric) 2/68000, 62% viscose, 38% polyester fibre produced by Lineapiu Italia SpA or a yarn known as Menta N.m. (number metric) 2/80000, 82% viscose, 18% polyester fibre produced by Lineapiu Italia SpA.

Preferably the elastic yarn is made of a synthetic polyurethane fibre known commercially as elastane, even more preferably it has an elastomer core and a nylon cover. Preferably, a yarn known as Pagastic 84/13 (EL 156) 006329 torsion/twist S produced by Payen Group N is used for the elastic yarn. In embodiments comprising the third yarn, the third yarn may be worked together and/or coupled to the first yarn and/or the second yarn so as to help maintain the integrity of the item once the first yarn is dissolved. Alternatively the third yarn may be separate or at least partially separate from the first yarn and the second yarn.

In accordance with a possible further example the function of the third yarn can be performed by the second yarn for example by selecting elastic materials, which are not affected by the action of hot water and which remain unchanged in size and feel.

The functional portion of the garment, i.e. that made of a knitted fabric formed by the first yarn and at least by the second yarn, can comprise sectors that differ from each other for the type of knitting (type of stitches and/or threads) in order to confer different characteristics, for example with regard to stiffness. In the case of the leotard 1 , the front sector 3a, the two side sectors 3b and the rear sector 3c have a different knitting process so that the stiffness of the structure is lower at the abdomen, slightly greater at the sides and even greater at the back.

At least one sector of the functional portion of the garment is made so that the first yarn is absent at an inner surface of the garment so as not to be in contact with the skin in the case of an undergarment. In the case of the leotard 1 , at least the front sector 3a and the two side sectors 3b have a type of processing such that the first yarn is absent at the inner surface of the body.

In accordance with one aspect, in addition to the garment, the present invention relates to the use of a first yarn as previously described to obtain a garment, preferably a leotard, suitable for carrying out the dual functionality of a compression element and a clothing item, as will be described below. In other words, the aforementioned first yarn is used to create, in a first condition of the garment, a stiff knitted structure suitable for conferring a compression function to the garment itself and to allow, in a second condition of the garment, the garment to lose this compression function when the first yarn has dissolved at the dissolution temperature Td.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a garment suitable for carrying out the double function of a compression element and a clothing item, as will be described in the following.

According to this method, at least one functional portion of the garment is knitted by working together and/or coupling the first yarn and at least the second yarn. If necessary, the third yarn can also be provided as previously described. In the case of the leotard 1 , the functional portion consists of at least the central portion 3, possibly also the chest band 4 or the entire leotard 1 .

The garment, in particular the leotard 1 , is made in such a way as to obtain in the first condition a stiff knitted structure suitable for carrying out a compression function. Preferably, said compression function is obtained by knitting at least one functional portion of the garment and subjecting at least said functional portion to a shrinkage wash in which it is submerged in water at the shrinkage temperature Ts for a first time interval generally equal to a maximum of about 30 minutes.

If the garment provides for the construction, preferably knitted, of multiple portions, these are assembled to obtain the complete garment after the functional portion(s) have been subjected to shrinkage.

In the case of the leotard 1 , if the functional portion consists of the central band 3, only the latter is subject to shrinkage before being assembled with the others. Similarly, if the functional portion also extends to the chest band 4, the shrinkage phase does not affect the lower portion 2 and the upper portion 5.

Preferably, the shrinkage wash is carried out industrially so that the garment released on the market is already able to perform its compression function. The method envisages that, once the compression function is no longer needed, in order to pass from the first condition to the second condition, the garment undergoes a dissolution wash in which the garment is submerged in water at the dissolution temperature Td so that the first yarn dissolves and the garment loses its compression function and becomes soft and flexible. Preferably in the dissolution wash the garment is submerged for a second time interval greater than the first time interval.

The garment thus made is preferably sold in kits with washing instructions to maintain its compression function and subsequently to lose it, converting it into a soft and comfortable garment. In other words, the instructions comprise the modes of transition from the first condition to the second condition whereby, when the compression function of the garment is no longer required, the garment can be subjected to a dissolution wash in which the garment is submerged in water at the dissolution temperature Td so that the first yarn dissolves and the garment loses its compression function and becomes soft and flexible. Preferably in the dissolution wash the garment is submerged for a second time interval greater than the first time interval.

By requiring two different types of washing with increased temperature for the second wash, the first yarn allows the garment to initially acquire and maintain a certain shape and fit (which give support and stiffness typical of a postpartum shaping girdle), and then change once its compression function has finished at the end of the postpartum period and/or because it is no longer required.

The second wash involves a modification not only in the stiffness and fit of the leotard, but also in its function since the first yarn melts completely, leaving the leotard soft and comfortable.