Clothing article including a built-in bra

Abstract

A clothing article such as a leotard has a built-in bra that is connected with the article only along an upper edge. The bra is thus free-floating and provides improved fit, comfort, support and appearance to the wearer, particularly during dance movements. The bra includes front and side wall portions which are connected with the leotard. The back wall portions of the bra contain an adjustable fastener and are free of the leotard so that the wearer can adjust the bra for proper fit of the bra and the leotard.

1 . A clothing article for females, comprising
 (a) an article of bodywear, at least a portion of which is to be worn over the torso area of a female; and   (b) a support connected along an upper edge with said bodywear article for supporting the wearer's breasts in a free-floating fashion.   
     
     
         2 . A clothing article as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said support is connected by stitching into neckline and underarm seams of said bodywear article. 
     
     
         3 . A clothing article as defined in  claim 2 , wherein a lower edge of said support is free of said bodywear article. 
     
     
         4 . A clothing article as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said support comprises a bra having integral front, back, and side wall portions. 
     
     
         5 . A clothing article as defined in  claim 4 , wherein said connection of said bra upper edge with said bodywear article extends continuously from one side wall portion, across said front wall portion, to another side wall portion and terminates short of a center of said back wall portion. 
     
     
         6 . A clothing article as defined in  claim 5 , wherein said bra back wall includes two portions including a fastener for connecting and disconnecting said back wall portions. 
     
     
         7 . A clothing article as defined in  claim 5 , wherein said bra includes support cups in said front wall portion for receiving and supporting the wearer's breasts. 
     
     
         8 . A clothing article as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said bodywear article comprises a leotard.