Bathing Suit Apparel and Accessory

Abstract

Bathing suit apparel includes a bathing suit top having straps that extend about the neck or shoulders of the wearer for purposes of reliably securing the bathing suit top to the wearer and preventing the bathing suit top from falling down off the wearer. The apparel includes in combination with the bathing suit top, a length of fabric provided as a bathing suit accessory of a size adapted to extend about the chest area of the torso of the wearer over the bathing suit top a spaced distance below the neck and shoulders of the wearer. This accessory prevents the bathing suit top from falling down when the neck or shoulder straps of the bathing suit top are undone. Thus, the wearer can undo the straps for purposes of obtaining an even tan on the neck, shoulder, upper chest, and upper back regions of the body without tan lines which would otherwise be caused by the presence of the straps.

1 . Bathing suit apparel comprising:
 a bathing suit top having straps that extend about the neck or shoulders of the wearer for securing the bathing suit top to the wearer and for preventing the bathing suit top from falling down; and   a length of fabric of a size adapted to extend about the chest area of the torso of the wearer over the bathing suit top a spaced distance below the neck and shoulders of the wearer for preventing the bathing suit top from falling down off the wearer when the neck or shoulder straps of the bathing suit top are undone thereby enabling the wearer to obtain an even tan on the neck, shoulder, upper chest, upper back and upper arm regions of the body of the wearer without tan lines due to the presence of the straps.   
   
   
       2 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 1 , wherein said length of fabric is separate from said bathing suit top and is removably securable to the bathing suit top. 
   
   
       3 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 1 , wherein said length of fabric is separate from said bathing suit top and is provided as an accessory for use with the bathing suit top. 
   
   
       4 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 3 , wherein said length of fabric is elongate and has opposite ends adapted to be secured together. 
   
   
       5 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 4 , wherein said fabric has an elastic property. 
   
   
       6 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 5 , wherein said fabric is made from fibers including synthetic elastic fibers. 
   
   
       7 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 6 , wherein said fabric is breathable, stretchable, lightweight, dries quickly and is not damaged by water. 
   
   
       8 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 7 , wherein said length of fabric is a doubled layer length of fabric and is seamless. 
   
   
       9 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 8 , wherein said ends of said length of fabric are tapered so that said ends can be tied together in a knot. 
   
   
       10 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 9 , wherein said fabric is made of about 90% polyester and 10% LYCRA elastane fibers. 
   
   
       11 . Bathing suit apparel according to  claim 10 , wherein said length of fabric is approximately 49.5 inches in length with a maximum width of 8.75 inches. 
   
   
       12 . A method comprising attaching a bathing suit accessory over a bathing suit top worn by a sun bather such that said accessory is secured to and extends about the chest area of the torso of the wearer over the bathing suit top a spaced distance below the neck and shoulders of the wearer. 
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12 , including the step of disconnecting shoulder or neck straps of the bathing suit top after said attaching step, whereby the bathing suit accessory prevents the bathing suit top from falling despite the disconnection of the straps and whereby the bathing suit accessory enables the wearer to obtain an even tan on the neck, shoulder, upper chest, upper back and upper arm regions of the body of the wearer without tan lines.