Patent attributes
A reinforced undergarment at least including underpants and, in certain embodiments, a pair of hose or stockings permanently or removably secured to the underpants so as to define a pair of pantyhose, wherein the undergarment, and particularly the underpants are formed from a flexible material including a plurality of interconnected portions disposed and configured to overly predetermined areas of the wearer's body so as to exert a supporting and/or retaining force thereon and thereby shape the wearer's body, or at least certain portions thereof, into a desired configuration. The interconnected portions of the undergarment are at least partially formed from an elastic material of varying densities such that different support and/or retaining force are exerted on predetermined portions of the wearer's body. The underpants include at least a first support portion and a second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed beneath the buttocks of the wearer and has a sufficient density to exert an uplifting force thereon. The second support portion includes a reinforced panel of predetermined density disposed in overlying, retaining relation to the wearer's abdomen so as to exert an inwardly directed, retaining force thereon. The various embodiments of the undergarment may include additional support portions disposed in overlying, retaining relation to other predetermined portions of the wearer's body.
