Chest binder

Abstract

A chest binder that includes limited stretch regions that allow for binding of breast tissue and flexible regions that enhance wearer comfort. A torso of the binder is formed from a flexible first layer of fabric to define an inner space for the body of a wearer. A limited stretch second layer of fabric is adhered to at least a portion of the torso proximate to any breast tissue of the wearer. A pair of straps are connected at one end to the torso and extend laterally about the torso so that the opposing ends of the straps may be releasably attached to the torso to selectively narrow or widen the inner space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A chest binder, comprising:
 a torso formed from a first layer of a first fabric that defines an inner space for the body of a wearer, wherein the first fabric can stretch at least fifty percent;   a second layer of a second fabric adhered to at least a portion of the torso proximate to any breast tissue of the wearer, wherein the second fabric will not stretch more than thirty percent; and   at least one strap connected at one end to a side of the torso and extending laterally about the torso, wherein an opposing end of the strap is releasably attachable to the torso to selectively narrow or widen the inner space.   
     
     
         2 . The chest binder of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer is dimensioned to encompass a central abdomen area of the wearer. 
     
     
         3 . The chest binder of  claim 2 , wherein the first layer is dimensioned to encompass a pair of hips of the wearer. 
     
     
         4 . The chest binder of  claim 1 , wherein the second layer extends to be proximate to a lower abdomen area of the wearer. 
     
     
         5 . The chest binder of  claim 4 , wherein the second layer extends to be proximate to a pair of hips of the wearer. 
     
     
         6 . The chest binder of  claim 1 , further comprising a second strap connected to an opposing side of the torso and extending laterally about the torso to be releasably attachable to the torso to selectively narrow or widen the inner space. 
     
     
         7 . The chest binder of  claim 6 , further comprising a pair of shoulder straps positioned to from a V-neck. 
     
     
         8 . The chest binder of  claim 7 , wherein the pair of shoulder straps are formed from the first fabric. 
     
     
         9 . The chest binder of  claim 1 , wherein the first fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton jersey, wool, bamboo, linen, elastane and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The chest binder of  claim 1 , wherein the second fabric comprises canvas. 
     
     
         11 . The chest binder of  claim 1 , further comprising a first fastening pad positioned on the torso and a corresponding second fastening pad positioned on the strap. 
     
     
         12 . The chest binder of  claim 11 , wherein the first fastening pad and the second fastening pad are formed from hook-and-loop fasteners.