US20170035123A1

US20170035123A1 - Convertible garments

Info

Publication number: US20170035123A1
Application number: US14/817,832
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald Rodd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-04
Filing date: 2015-08-04
Publication date: 2017-02-09
Also published as: WO2017023990A1

Abstract

A convertible garment is presented having an opening and a fabric insert. The opening can be releasably closed to cause the leg regions of the garment to tighten around the leg of a user. The garment may be configured for use in sports activities including bicycling and underwater diving.

Description

BACKGROUND

Garments worn for many forms of exercise (e.g., running or bicycling) must fit tightly to the user's body to improve aerodynamics and prevent chafing. Similarly, garments worn as a base layer beneath a wetsuit must fit tightly to the user's body to prevent the garment from riding up as the wetsuit is donned or as the user maneuvers underwater. These purpose-built garments work well for their intended uses but are often inappropriate as general wear in terms of style and comfort when the user is not actively engaged in sport. The customary solution to this problem is for the user to carry and change into a second garment when the activity is concluded, but this solution may not be practical or possible in all cases.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A convertible garment is presented. The convertible garment includes a system of fasteners and fabric inserts (e.g., godets, gores, gussets, or other fabric inserts of suitable size and shape) whereby the garment may transform from loose-fitting to form-fitting. The convertible garment may be adapted for use in sports having an aerodynamic element or as a base layer under a wetsuit. The system of fasteners and fabric inserts may include a variety of fastener types and fabric components.
In one embodiment a convertible garment includes a pelvic region for covering the pelvic area of a wearer. The pelvic region defines a waistband for extending around a waist of the wearer. The convertible garment also includes a first leg region extending outward from the pelvic region for covering at least a portion of a first leg of the wearer where the first leg region has a first terminal end opposite the waistband. A first vertical opening is defined in the first leg region and extends from the first terminal end toward the waistband along at least a partial length of the first leg region. The first leg region includes a first fastener adapted to releasably close the first vertical opening. The convertible garment also includes a first fabric insert attached to the first leg region and positioned within the first vertical opening. The convertible garment further includes a second leg region extending outward from the pelvic region for covering at least a portion of a second leg of the wearer where the second leg region has a second terminal end opposite the waistband. A second vertical opening is defined in the second leg region and extends from the second terminal end towards the waistband along at least a partial length of the second leg region. The second leg region includes a second fastener adapted to releasably close the second vertical opening. The convertible garment also includes a second fabric insert attached to the second leg region and positioned within the second vertical opening.
In another embodiment a convertible garment includes a pelvic region for covering a pelvic area of a wearer, the pelvic region defining a waistband for extending around a waist of the wearer. The garment also includes a first leg region extending outward from the pelvic region for covering at least a portion of a first leg of the wearer and which has a first terminal end opposite the waistband. The garment additionally includes a second leg region extending outward from the pelvic region for covering at least a portion of a second leg of the wearer, the second leg region having a second terminal end opposite the waistband. An opening is defined in the first and second leg regions that extends between the first terminal end of the first leg region and the second terminal end of the second leg region. A fastener is adapted to releasably close the opening. A fabric insert is positioned within the opening and attached to the first leg region and the second leg region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a convertible garment worn by a wearer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a front perspective view of the convertible garment illustrated in FIG. 1A having fasteners in an open position according to various embodiments;

FIG. 1C illustrates a front perspective view of the convertible garment illustrated in FIG. 1A having fasteners in a closed position according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a convertible garment worn by a wearer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the convertible garment illustrated by FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the convertible garment illustrated by FIG. 1C;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate side views of convertible garments having various fastener systems according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4A illustrates a low angle perspective view of another convertible garment having a fastener in a closed position in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 4B illustrates a low angle perspective view of the convertible garment illustrated by FIG. 4A having the fastener in an open position in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, garments worn for many forms of exercise (e.g., running or bicycling) must fit tightly to the user's body to improve aerodynamics and prevent chafing. Similarly, garments worn as a base layer beneath a wetsuit must fit tightly to the user's body to prevent the garment from riding up as the wetsuit is donned or as the user maneuvers underwater. These purpose-built garments work well for their intended uses but are often inappropriate as general wear in terms of style and comfort when the user is not actively engaged in sport. The customary solution to this problem is for the user to carry and change into a second garment when their activity is concluded, but this solution may not be practical or possible in all cases.
Embodiments of the present invention provide convertible garments and methods for their assembly. The garments are characterized by a system of fasteners and fabric inserts (e.g., godets, gores, gussets, or any other fabric insert of suitable size and shape) that allow the garment to transform between loose-fitting and form-fitting. The convertible nature of the garment allows the garment to be worn in a tight-fitting, special-purpose form during exercise and be adjusted to a different, looser form following completion of the exercise.
Traditionally, wetsuits have been worn by experts and amateurs alike for underwater activities such as diving or for cold-weather watersports such as surfing or kiteboarding. A range of special, purpose-built exercise gear has been available to be worn under the wetsuit including specialized vests, shirts, pants, shorts, and dive skins. The purpose of these garments is to allow the wetsuit to be donned smoothly and easily and to provide comfort to the user during the time that the wetsuit is worn. Although these garments are highly functional, they can be expensive and are typically characterized by being very tight-fitting on the user. As such, these garments are inappropriate for day-to-day use outside of the wetsuit.
In contrast to such tight fitting specialized gear, board shorts are characterized by a loose-fitting style, and they can comfortably be worn by the user both during and outside of water activities. Unfortunately, board shorts make a poor choice as a base layer under the wetsuit because they tend to wrinkle and ride up as the wetsuit is donned. As the user maneuvers while wearing the wetsuit, board shorts tend to bunch even further and cause the user great discomfort. With the board shorts bunched up, the exposed skin of the upper thighs may be subject to wax rash. In rare but serious cases, the bunching can be so severe that blood flow to the leg is restricted leading to medical problems including decompression sickness. The loose fit of board shorts also allows air bubbles to become trapped in the shorts.
In another similar type of purpose-built exercise gear, gear worn while running or riding a bicycle is designed to fit tightly to the user to improve aerodynamics, reduce chafing, and decrease billowing that can occur with loose-fitting clothing. Unfortunately, the tight-fitting style of most exercise gear may not be desirable when the user is not actively engaged in the exercise activity. In addition, the tight fit of most exercise clothing can trap sweat and hot air against the user's body leading to discomfort and the potential for a rash. The typical solution to this problem for a bicyclist is to carry a second pair of clothing to change into when not actively cycling. However, carrying extra clothing on a bike is undesirable due to the weight and aerodynamic drag, and a changing area may not always be available at the cyclist's destination.
As noted above, embodiments of the present invention address these issues by providing convertible garments. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, a convertible garment 100 may include one or more openings 101 and one or more fabric inserts 103. As shown in FIG. 1B, the garment may include a pelvic region 108, waistband 107, and two leg regions 100 a, 100 b that extend from the waistband 107. Leg regions 100 a, 100 b of the garment 100 may have openings 101 that can reveal fabric inserts 103 beneath. The openings 101 may be closeable using fasteners 109. A first end of an opening 101 may be proximal to a terminal end 105 of a leg region 100 a, 100 b of the garment 100. As depicted in FIG. 1B, the fasteners 109 can be placed into an open position whereby the opening 101 is maximized such that a circumference of the terminal end 105 of a leg region 100 a, 100 b is increased. As depicted in FIG. 1C, the fasteners 109 can be placed into a closed position whereby the opening 101 is reduced or eliminated such that a circumference of the terminal end 105 of a leg region 100 a, 100 b is reduced. In exemplary embodiments, the terminal end 105 of a leg region 100 a, 100 b can fit tightly to a leg of a user when the fastener 109 is in the closed position and loosely to a leg of a user when the fastener is in the open position.
A pelvic region 108 of the garment 100 may connect the waistband 107 with the leg regions 100 a, 100 b. The pelvic region 108 and leg regions 100 a, 100 b can provide protection for a pelvis and lower torso of a user. According to various embodiments, the pelvic region 108 may contain one or more pockets. The pelvic region 108 may be made of any fabric including, but not limited to, wool, silk, leather, cotton, denim, elastane, linen, polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, olefin fiber, PLA fiber, or neoprene, any other suitable material, or combinations or blends thereof.
Leg regions 100 a, 100 b of the garment 100 may have any length necessary to satisfy application-specific requirements. For example in various embodiments, the terminal end 105 of the leg regions 100 a, 100 b may be situated above a knee of a user, at a knee of a user, or below a knee of a user. In some embodiments, the leg regions 100 a, 100 b may be extend to an ankle of a user (i.e., they may be pant-length). The leg regions 100 a, 100 b of the garment 100 may include one or more pockets that can be located, for example but not limited to, on the front, rear, or side of the leg regions and may be located proximate to the waistband or away from the waistband. In accordance with various embodiments, pockets may be located on the interior or exterior surfaces of the garment and may be closeable using any of buttons, zippers, snaps, or any other suitable fastener. In accordance with various embodiments, the leg regions 100 a, 100 b may be substantially straight or may become narrower or more tapered at the terminal ends 105 than at the ends proximal to the waistband 107.
An opening 101 of the convertible garment 100 may be located on any portion of a leg region 100 a, 100 b including portions of the anterior, posterior, inseam, outseam, or any portion therebetween. The circumference of a terminal end 105 of the leg region 100 a, 100 b is greater when the opening 101 is in an “open” position than when it is in a “closed” position. In accordance with various embodiments, the edges of the opening 101 may be unfinished or may be finished by hemming, overlocking, serging, or with any other suitable fabric finishing method. In light of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more openings 101 may be located in a single leg region 100 a, 100 b. For example, two openings 101 may be located on a leg region 100 a, 100 b on substantially opposite sides (e.g., one to the front and one to the rear or one on the inseam and one on the outseam), on substantially the same side (e.g., placed symmetrically on opposite sides of the outseam), or in any other configuration suitable to meet the requirements of an application. In accordance with various embodiments, the opening 101 can have any shape including, but not limited to, a vertical slit, a T-shaped slit, or a wider cutout in a range of shapes including triangle, square, or any other suitable shape. Further, the opening 101 may be oriented substantially vertically (i.e., as a vertical opening) or in any direction that meets application-specific requirements.
A fabric insert 103 of the garment 100 may be inserted into an opening 101 of the garment and attached to a leg region 100 a, 100 b. The method of attaching the fabric insert 103 to the leg region 100 a, 100 b may include glue or other adhesives, stitches, heat seals, bonding, any other suitable method of fabric joining, and any combinations thereof. The fabric insert 103 may be made in any shape or made of any material necessary to satisfy application-specific requirements. The fabric insert 103 may be constructed from a number of materials including, but not limited to, wool, silk, leather, cotton, denim, elastane, linen, polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, olefin fiber, PLA fiber, or neoprene, any other suitable material, or combinations or blends thereof. According to various embodiments, the fabric insert 103 may have a variety of shapes including triangle, half-circle, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, a fabric insert 103 may have a different color or be made from a different fabric than the leg regions 100 a, 100 b of the garment 100.
In some embodiments, terminal ends 105 of the leg regions 100 a, 100 b of the garment 100 may include grips 106. Grips 106 can be constructed to have non-slip properties for causing the grips 106 to adhere to or frictionally engage with a user's skin to prevent the terminal ends 105 of leg regions 100 a, 100 b of the garment 100 from riding up when a fastener 109 is in the closed position. For example, grips 106 can include tacky or high coefficient-of-friction “non-slip” materials or a surface texture that is rough or otherwise designed to “grab” a contacting surface. In accordance with various embodiments, the grips 106 may be made of a different material than the garment 100. A grip 106 may be made, for example but not limited to, from rubber, vinyl, silicone, leather, any other suitable plastics or fabrics, or combinations thereof. A grip 106 may have a smooth surface or it may have a textured surface or protrusions such as nubs or ridges to increase frictional contact between the grip and a user.
A waistband 107 of the garment 100 may be made of any material necessary to satisfy application-specific requirements. According to various embodiments, the waistband 107 may be constructed from a number of materials including, but not limited to, wool, silk, leather, cotton, denim, elastane, linen, polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, olefin fiber, PLA fiber, or neoprene, any other suitable material, or combinations or blends thereof. The waistband 107 may be a single, unbroken piece or may have a placket to allow the garment 100 to be put on or taken off by a user more easily. In accordance with various embodiments, the waistband 107 may further include a device for fastening the garment 100 about a waist of a user. Waistband fastening devices can include, but are not limited to, buttons, zippers, drawstrings, elastic bands, belts, buckles, fabric ties, or any other suitable fastening device. In accordance with various embodiments, an area of the garment 100 near the waistband 107 may include a fly to conceal the fastening device. According to various embodiments, the waistband 107 may include belt loops.
A fastener 109 can be used to releasably close an opening 101 of the garment 100 (i.e., to transform an opening 101 of the garment 100 from an open to a closed position). In accordance with various embodiments, the opening 101 of the garment 100 can have fasteners 109 including portions of a zipper extending on opposing sides of the opening as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C, the zipper closure may be at the end of the opening 101 proximal to the waistband 107 when the garment 100 is in the open position and proximal to the terminal end 105 of the leg portion 100 a, 100 b in the closed position. In an alternate embodiment, the zipper closure may be at the end of the opening 101 proximal to the terminal end 105 of the leg portion 100 a, 100 b in the open position and proximal to the waistband 107 in the closed position (i.e., the zipper closure may mimic the closure of a jacket). In light of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the fastener 109 may be located on the interior or exterior of the garment 100.
With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, fasteners 109 suitable for releasably closing the opening 101 of the garment 100 between open and closed positions can be any of a number of systems. In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A, the fastener 109 may include hook-and-loop fastener elements 301 such as those produced by Velcro Industries (Manchester, N.H.) that line the outer edges of the opening 101. In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the fastener 109 may include snap closures 303 that line the outer edges of the opening 101. In accordance with an embodiment depicted in FIG. 3C, the fastener 109 may include belt-and-buckle closures 305 wherein belts line one outer edge of the opening and buckles line the opposite outer edge of the opening to receive and secure the belts. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3D, the fastener 109 may include a plurality of eyelets 307 that extend down both outer sides of the opening 101 and one or more laces 309 that pass through at least some of the plurality of eyelets 307. The laces 309 can be tied to secure the opening 101 in a closed position. In accordance with various embodiments, the plurality of eyelets 307 may include holes through the fabric or may define raised fabric loops through which the laces 309 can pass. For clarity, all of the fasteners 109 shown herein are on the exterior surface of the garment 100, but it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of this disclosure, the fasteners 109 may be located on either the interior or exterior surface of the garment 100. It will be further apparent in view of this disclosure that the fastener configurations illustrated herein are not exhaustive and that other suitable fastening devices or systems are within the scope of the present invention.
In alternate embodiments, the openings in the convertible garment of the present invention may be in locations other than those depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a convertible garment 400 may include one or more openings 401 and one or more fabric inserts 403 that are not located on the outseams of the leg regions. As shown in FIG. 4A, the garment 400 may include a waistband 407 and one or more leg regions 400 a, 400 b that extend from the waistband 407. The leg openings can have terminal ends 405 a, 405 b opposite to the waistband. In accordance with various embodiments, an opening 401 in the garment 400 may pass between a first terminal end 405 a on a first leg region 400 a and a second terminal end 405 b on a second leg region 400 b of the garment. The opening may be closeable using a fastener 409. As depicted in FIG. 4A, the fastener 409 can be placed into a closed position whereby the exposure of the opening is reduced or eliminated such that a circumference of the terminal ends 405 a, 405 b of the leg regions 400 a, 400 b is reduced. In exemplary embodiments, the terminal ends 405 a, 405 b of the leg regions 400 a, 400 b can fit tightly to a leg of a user when the fastener 409 is in the closed position.
A pelvic region 408 of the garment 400 may connect the waistband 407 with the leg regions 400 a, 400 b. The pelvic region 408 can provide protection for a pelvis and lower torso of a user. According to various embodiments, the pelvic region 408 may contain one or more pockets. The pelvic region 408 and leg regions 400 a, 400 b may be made of any fabric including, but not limited to, wool, silk, leather, cotton, denim, elastane, linen, polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, olefin fiber, PLA fiber, or neoprene, any other suitable material, or combinations or blends thereof.
The leg regions 400 a, 400 b of the garment 400 may have any length necessary to satisfy application-specific requirements. For example and according to various embodiments, a terminal end 405 a, 405 b of a leg region 400 a, 400 b may be situated above a knee of a user, at a knee of a user, or below a knee of a user. In some embodiments, the leg regions 400 a, 400 b may be extend to an ankle of a user (i.e., they may be pant-length). The leg regions 400 a, 400 b of the garment 400 may include one or more pockets that can be located, for example but not limited to, on the front, rear, or side of the leg regions and may be located proximate to the waistband or away from the waistband. In accordance with various embodiments, pockets may be located on the interior or exterior surfaces of the garment and may be closeable using any of buttons, zippers, snaps, or any other suitable fastener. In accordance with various embodiments, the leg regions 400 a, 400 b may be substantially straight or may become narrower or more tapered at the terminal ends 405 a, 405 b than at the ends proximal to the waistband 407.
An opening 401 of the convertible garment 400 may be located on any portion of a leg region 400 a, 400 b including portions of the anterior, posterior, inseam, outseam, or any portion therebetween. The circumference of a terminal end 405 a, 405 b of the leg region 400 a, 400 b can be greater when the opening 401 is in an “open” position than when it is in a “closed” position. In accordance with various embodiments, a terminal end 405 a, 405 b of a leg region 400 a, 400 b fits tightly around a leg of a user when the opening 401 is in a “closed” position. In accordance with various embodiments, a terminal end 405 a, 405 b of a leg region 400 a, 400 b can fit loosely around a leg of a user when the opening 401 is in an “open” position. In light of this disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an opening 401 does not need to be located along the midline between the anterior and posterior sides of the garment 400 but may be positioned along any path that ultimately connects a first terminal opening 405 a and a second terminal opening 405 b. In accordance with various embodiments, the edges of the opening 401 may be unfinished or may be finished by hemming, overlocking, serging, or with any other suitable fabric finishing method. In light of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more openings 401 may be located in a leg region 400 a, 400 b. For example, two openings 401 may be located on a garment 400 on substantially opposite sides (e.g., one to the front and one to the rear), on substantially the same side (e.g., placed symmetrically on opposite sides of the inseam), or in any other configuration suitable to meet the requirements of an application. In accordance with various embodiments, the opening 401 can have any shape including, but not limited to, a vertical slit or a wider cutout in a range of shapes including triangle, square, or any other suitable shape.
A fabric insert 403 of the garment 400 may be inserted into an opening 401 of the garment and attached to a leg region 400 a, 400 b. The method of attaching the fabric insert 403 to the leg region 400 a, 400 b may include glue or other adhesives, stitches, heat seals, bonding, any other suitable method of fabric joining, and any combinations thereof. The fabric insert 403 may be made in any shape or made of any material necessary to satisfy application-specific requirements. As discussed previously herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the fabric insert 403 may be constructed of a number of different types of material. According to various embodiments, the fabric insert 403 may have a variety of shapes including triangle, half-circle, rectangle, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, a fabric insert 403 may have a different color or be made from a different fabric than the leg regions 400 a, 400 b of the garment 400.
In some embodiments, terminal ends 405 a, 405 b of the leg regions 400 a, 400 b of the garment 400 may include grips 406. Grips 406 can be constructed to have non-slip properties for causing the grips 406 to adhere to or frictionally engage with a user's skin to prevent the terminal ends 405 a, 405 b of leg regions 400 a, 400 b of the garment 400 from riding up when a fastener 409 is in the closed position. For example, grips 406 can include tacky or high coefficient-of-friction “non-slip” materials or a surface texture that is rough or otherwise designed to “grab” a contacting surface. In accordance with various embodiments, the grip 406 may be made of a different material than the garment 400. A grip 406 may be made, for example but not limited to, from rubber, vinyl, silicone, leather, or any other suitable plastics or fabrics. A grip 406 may have a smooth surface or it may have a textured surface or protrusions such as nubs or ridges to increase frictional contact between the grip and a user.
A waistband 407 of the garment 400 may be made of any material necessary to satisfy application-specific requirements. According to various embodiments, the waistband 407 may be constructed from a number of materials including, but not limited to, elastic, nylon, cotton, spandex, elastane, linen, polyester, any other suitable material, or combinations or blends thereof. The waistband 407 may be a single, unbroken piece or may have a placket to allow the garment 400 to be put on or taken off by a user more easily. In accordance with various embodiments, the waistband 407 may further include a device for fastening the garment 400 about a waist of a user. Waistband fastening devices can include, but are not limited to, buttons, zippers, drawstrings, elastic bands, belts, buckles, fabric ties, or any other suitable fastening device. In embodiments that feature waistband fastening devices, an area of the garment 400 near the waistband 407 may include a fly to conceal the fastening device. According to various embodiments, the waistband 407 may include belt loops.
A fastener 409 can be used to releasably close an opening 401 of the garment 400 (i.e., to transform an opening 401 of the garment 400 from an open to a closed position). In accordance with various embodiments, the opening 401 of the garment 400 can have a fastener 409 that includes portions of a zipper extending on opposing sides of the opening as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the zipper closure may be at the end of the opening 401 proximal to a second terminal end 405 b of leg portion 400 b when the garment 400 is in the open position and proximal to a first terminal end 405 a of the leg portion 400 a when the garment 400 is in the closed position. In light of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the fastener 409 may be located on the interior or exterior of the garment 400. In certain embodiments, the garment 400 may employ two zipper closures as fasteners 409 along the same opening 401. It will be apparent in view of this disclosure that, although described as a zipper, the fastener 409 can be any suitable fastening device or system suitable for releasably closing opening 401. For example, the fastener 409 may be as shown and described above in the embodiments of FIG. 3A-D.
In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term is intended to at least include all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where a particular exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of system elements, device components or method steps, those elements, components or steps may be replaced with a single element, component or step. Likewise, a single element, component or step may be replaced with a plurality of elements, components or steps that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages are also within the scope of the invention.
Exemplary flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the exemplary flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary flowcharts may be performed in a different order than the order shown in the illustrative flowcharts.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A convertible garment comprising:

a pelvic region for covering a pelvic area of a wearer, the pelvic region defining a waistband for extending around a waist of the wearer;

a first leg region extending outward from the pelvic region for covering at least a portion of a first leg of the wearer, the first leg region having a first terminal end opposite the waistband;

a first vertical opening defined in the first leg region and extending from the first terminal end toward the waistband along at least a partial length of the first leg region, the first leg region including a first fastener adapted to releasably close the first vertical opening;

a first fabric insert attached to the first leg region and positioned within the first vertical opening;

a second leg region extending outward from the pelvic region for covering at least a portion of a second leg of the wearer, the second leg region having a second terminal end opposite the waistband;

a second vertical opening defined in the second leg region and extending from the second terminal end toward the waistband along at least a partial length of the second leg region, the second leg region including a second fastener adapted to releasably close the second vertical opening; and

a second fabric insert attached to the second leg region and positioned within the second vertical opening.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein a circumference of the first terminal end is greater when the first fastener of the first vertical opening is in an open position than when it is in a closed position and a circumference of the second terminal end is greater when the second fastener of the second vertical opening is in an open position than when it is in a closed position.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein, upon a release of the first fastener, a circumference of the first terminal end is expanded by the first fabric insert and, upon a release of the second fastener, a circumference of the second terminal end is expanded by the second fabric insert.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second fabric inserts are made of a second fabric that is different than a first fabric of the first and second leg regions.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners include at least one of a zipper, a button, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, or lacing.

6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a non-slip material disposed along an interior surface of the first and second terminal ends.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners are located on the exterior of the garment.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the waistband comprises at least one of an elastic band, a button, a zipper, a belt, a buckle, a fabric tie, or a drawstring.

9. The garment of claim 4, wherein the second fabric of the first and second inserts comprises at least one of wool, silk, leather, cotton, denim, elastane, linen, polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, olefin fiber, PLA fiber, or neoprene.

10. A convertible garment comprising:

an opening defined in the first and second leg regions and extending between the first terminal end of the first leg region and the second terminal end of the second leg region;

a fastener adapted to releasably close the opening; and

a fabric insert attached to the first leg region and the second leg region and positioned within the opening.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein a circumference of the first terminal end and a circumference of a second terminal end are both greater when the fastener is in an open position than when it is in a closed position.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein, upon release of the fastener, a circumference of the first terminal end and a circumference of the second terminal end are expanded by the fabric insert.

13. The garment of claim 10, wherein the first and second fabric inserts are made of a second fabric that is different than a first fabric of the first and second leg regions.