US20140338101A1

US20140338101A1 - Adjustable clothing articles and methods of use

Info

Publication number: US20140338101A1
Application number: US14/280,008
Authority: US
Inventors: Jack W. Moore
Original assignee: Youth Outdoors Unlimited LLC
Current assignee: Youth Outdoors Unlimited LLC
Priority date: 2013-05-16
Filing date: 2014-05-16
Publication date: 2014-11-20

Abstract

An adjustable pair of pants for a body of a person. The pants include a waistband for encircling a portion of the body, and with the waistband presenting a circumference. The pants additionally include a fastening component for selectively securing the waistband about the portion of the body, and an adjustment component for selectively adjusting the circumference of the waistband. The pair of pants provides for the adjustment component to include an underlying segment and an overlying segment, with the underlying segment extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis and the overlying segment extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis. When the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel, the circumference of the waistband has a first magnitude, and when the first and second longitudinal axes are not parallel, the circumference of the waistband has a second magnitude.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/824,276, filed May 16, 2013, entitled “ADJUSTABLE CLOTHING ARTICLES AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING SAME,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to adjustable clothing articles and methods of use. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to clothing articles, such as pants, that include adjusting components for adjusting a size and/or fit of the clothing articles
2. Description of the Related Art
Clothing articles are an everyday necessity for all persons. Clothing articles come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate the many variations of body sizes and body types. In particular, body sizes will vary based on people's age ranges, with such age ranges broadly including baby, toddler, child, young adult, and adult. Furthermore body types will similarly vary, and may include slender, average, heavyset, short, and/or tall. Clothing article manufacturers must design and produce clothing articles to accommodate each of the various sizes and types. Similarly, consumers must choose from the vast selection of clothing articles offered. The choosing process often includes the tedious step of trying on different sizes and is often a frustrating and time-consuming experience for the consumer.
To compound this problem, many different size marking conventions are used to indicate various size measurements, including small, medium, large, and extra-large (S/M/L/XL) to indicate overall size. Additional conventions include waist by inseam (e.g., 32×30) and numerals (e.g., size 8) to indicate pant sizes. Similarly, manufacturers may often use broad descriptors such as “slim fit”, “loose fit”, “tall”, and “classic” to indicate various fittings. Consumers are often confused by the various markings, and clothing manufacturers rarely conform exactly to the size markings, which result in consumers often purchasing clothing that does not fit properly.
Even clothing that fits properly when purchased may not fit properly at a different point in time. Certain types of clothing articles will shrink after washing, or will stretch-out after many wearing cycles. Furthermore, as person ages, his or her body size and shape will necessarily change. For example, a person grows quickly throughout his or her childhood. Additionally, human bodies of all ages go through periods of weight gain and weight loss, and pregnant women go through multiple waist sizes in a very short amount of time. Similarly, clothing articles that are originally worn by a first person and that are then passed down to a second person (e.g., “hand-me-downs”), may fit the first person, but may not fit the second person. All of these differences and changes require consumers to purchase large numbers of clothing articles, which is time consuming and expensive.
Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable clothing article and a method of use that allows a user to easily select an appropriately fitted clothing article, and to adjust the clothing article to accommodate changes in the user's body size and/or shape. Furthermore, there is a need for an adjustable clothing article that can be worn by multiple people of various body sizes and shapes, such that the clothing articles can be passed down from one person to another.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-mentioned problems by providing an adjustable pair of pants for a body of a person, with the pants comprising: a waistband for encircling a portion of the body, with the waistband presenting a circumference, a fastening component for selectively securing the waistband about the portion of the body, and an adjustment component for selectively adjusting the circumference of the waistband. The pair of pants provides for the adjustment component to include an underlying segment and an overlying segment, with the underlying segment extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis and the overlying segment extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis. Furthermore, when the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel, the circumference of the waistband has a first magnitude, and when the first and second longitudinal axes are not parallel, the circumference of the waistband has a second magnitude.
Embodiments of the present invention additionally provide for an adjustable clothing article wearable on a body, with the clothing article comprising a section of clothing material for encircling a portion of the body, with the section of clothing material presenting a circumference, a fastening component for selectively securing the section of material about the portion of the body, and an adjustment component for selectively adjusting the circumference of the section of clothing material. Embodiments provide for the adjustment component to include an underlying segment and an overlying segment, with the underlying segment extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis and the overlying segment extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis. Furthermore, when the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel, the circumference of the section of clothing material has a first magnitude, and when the first and second longitudinal axes are not parallel, the circumference of the section of clothing material has a second magnitude.
Embodiments of the present invention further include a method for adjusting a waist size of a pair of pants, with the pants including an adjustment component for adjusting the waist size, and with the adjustment component including an underlying segment and an overlying segment. The method comprising the initial step of adjusting the waist size of the pair of pants, with the adjusting step comprising manipulating the adjustment component of the pants such that the overlying and underlying segments are aligned in a first configuration. A next step includes securing a waistband of a pair of pants about a waist of a body, with the securing step comprising securing a fastening component of the pants. A further step includes re-adjusting the waist size of the pair of pants, with the re-adjusting step comprising manipulating the adjustment component of the pants such that the overlying and underlying segments are aligned in a second configuration.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an adjustable clothing article according to embodiments of the present invention, with the clothing article including an adjustment component located at a back of the clothing article, and with the adjustment component in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a back elevational view of the adjustable clothing article from FIG. 1, and with the adjustment component in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the adjustable clothing article from FIGS. 1-2, and with the adjustment component in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the adjustable clothing article from FIGS. 1-3, and with the adjustment component in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a partial rear elevational view of the adjustable clothing article from FIGS. 1-4, and with the adjustment component in a first configuration to decrease a circumference of a portion of clothing material of the clothing article;

FIG. 6 is a partial rear elevational view of the adjustable clothing article from FIGS. 1-5, and with the adjustment component in a second configuration to increases the circumference of the portion of clothing material of the clothing article;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of an adjustable clothing article according to additional embodiments of the present invention, with the clothing article including connective components located at bottoms of each pant leg of the clothing article, and with a right pant leg illustrated being partially rolled; and

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the adjustable clothing article from FIG. 7, and with a right pant leg illustrated being partially rolled and a left pant leg being partially shortened by the connective components.

The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an adjustable clothing article and a method of use. The adjustable clothing article may broadly comprise any clothing article that may benefit from adjustability, such as pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, shirts, jackets, and coats. Nevertheless, for purpose of clarity, the following description of embodiments of the present invention will be directed to an adjustable pair of pants. As such, and with reference to FIGS. 1-4, embodiments of the present invention include an adjustable clothing article 10 that may be worn an a person's body, with the adjustable clothing article 10 comprising: a section of clothing material 12 for encircling a portion of the body, such that the section of clothing material 12 presents a circumference operable to encircle the portion of the body, a fastening component 14 for selectively securing the section of clothing material 12 about the portion of the body, and an adjustment component 16 for selectively adjusting the circumference of the section of clothing material 12. As such, the adjustable clothing article 10 is operable to have a portion of its size selectively altered, such that the adjustable clothing article can be worn on a various body sizes or types.
In more detail, the section of clothing material 12 for encircling the portion of the body may include generally any type of a clothing article section used to encircle a portion of a body. For example, such a section of clothing material 12 may include a pant/shorts/skirt/dress waistband, a pant leg, a shirt collar, a shirt's chest section, a shirt sleeve, a hat, or the like. In embodiments in which the adjustable clothing article 10 is a pair of pants, such as illustrated in the figures, the section of clothing material 12 may be a waistband.
Additionally, the fastening component 14 may comprise any type of component generally use to fasten portions of clothing articles. For example, such fastening components 14 may include buttons, clasps, a zipper, Velcro, or the like. In embodiments in which the adjustable clothing article 10 is a pair of pants, such as illustrated in the figures, the fastening component 14 may generally be a combination of a button and zipper.
As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the adjustment component 16 may comprise an underlying segment 20 and an overlying segment 22, with the underlying segment 20 extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis 24 and the overlying segment 22 extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis 26. As used herein and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the term longitudinal axis refers to an axis passing through a longitudinal length of a component and generally extending through a point bisecting a largest width of the component. In some embodiments, the adjustment component 16 is separately positioned from the fastening component 14. In particular, the fastening component 14 is generally meant to be secured together and released regularly. In contrast, the adjustment component 16 is generally meant to be adjusted only when a user desires to modify the circumference of the section of clothing material 12 (e.g., a fit of the clothing article). To that end, the adjustment component 16 of the present invention is generally located set apart from the fastening component 14. For instance, the adjustment component 16 may be located on a discreet portion of the clothing article 10, such as on the back or the side. For example, as illustrated in the drawings, the adjustment component 16 may be located on the back of the clothing article 10, adjacent to the section of clothing material 12 at a position opposite of the fastening component 14. This allows the adjustment component 16 to be less noticeable and less likely to be inadvertently adjusted.
The underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 may comprise either portions of existing fabric of the clothing article 10, or can be made from additional fabric attached to fabric of the clothing article 10. Embodiments provide for the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 to be attached to the clothing article by various types of attachment, including being sewn or stitched. Furthermore, the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 may be made of any textile material such as synthetic materials including nylon and polyester, or natural materials including wool and cotton.
The underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 each present corresponding first ends 30 and second ends 32, wherein the second ends 32 are opposite the first ends 30. The underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 generally join at a point or a section on the first ends 30 and terminate at the second ends 32. In certain embodiments, the underlying segment 20 extends from the first end 30 and lies under the overlying segment 22. In another embodiment, the overlying segment 22 extends from the first end 30 and lies over the underlying segment 20. The underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 are generally situated to intersect the section of clothing material 12 where adjustability is desired at the second ends 32. In certain embodiments, the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 will preferably intersect the section of clothing material 12 generally perpendicularly. For example, as illustrated in the figures, adjustability of a waistband of a pair of pants may be desired. The second ends 32 of the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 intersect the waistband and provide adjustability therein.
The underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 each include lengths, with such lengths spanning from their respective first end 30 to their respective second end 32. With respect to the embodiments shown in the figures, the lengths generally represent a vertical dimension, but in some embodiments, may have other orientations, including horizontal. In some embodiments, the segments 20, 22 may each be approximately equal and may be between 2 to 10 inches, between 4 to 8 inches, or 7 inches.
Additionally, the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 each include widths. With respect to the embodiments shown in the figures, the widths may generally represent a horizontal dimension, but in some embodiments, may have other orientations, including vertical. In general, the overlying segment 22 may have a constant width along its length. For example, in some embodiments, the overlying segment's 22 width will be between 0.5 to 2 inches, between 0.75 to 1.5 inches, or 1 inch. Contrastingly, the underlying segment 20 may have a width that varies along its length. For example, as illustrated in the drawings, the width of the underlying segment 20 may be smaller at the first end 30 than it is at the second end 32. As such, in some embodiments, the width of the underlying segment 20 may be about the same as the width of the overlying segment 22 at their respective first ends 30, while at their second ends 32, the width of the underlying segment 20 is greater than the width of the overlying segment 22. In certain embodiments, the width of the underlying segment 20 near the first end 30 may be between 0.5 to 2 inches, between 0.75 to 1.5 inch, or 1 inch. Additionally, near its second end 32, the width of the underlying segment 20 may be between 1 to 5 inches, between 2 to 4 inches, or 3 inches. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the width of the underlying segment 20 may vary generally linearly from the first end 30 to its second end 32. Given the dimensions provided above, certain embodiments provide for the overlying segment 22 to be generally rectangular, while the underlying segment 20 may generally comprise a four-sided polygon. In other embodiments, the underlying segment 20 may comprise a triangle, or alternatively, a five or more-sided polygon.
With reference to FIG. 4, the underlying segment 20 presents an outward-facing surface 50, and the overlying segment 22 presents an inward-facing surface 52. Embodiments provide for the outward-facing and inward-facing surfaces 50, 52 to face and abut each other. The surfaces 50, 52 each present an area wherein complementing connective components are positioned. For example, such connective components may preferably be complementary hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) configured to engage each other. Specifically, the outward-facing surface 50 may include a loop fastener, while the inward-facing surface 52 may include a hook fastener, or vice-a-versa. The areas with the connective components thereon may span the entirety of the surfaces 50, 52, or only a portion thereof. Similarly, areas with the connective components thereon may not be equal in width for each of the surfaces 50, 52. Nevertheless, the connective components are operable to provide continuous connectivity over the entirety of the surfaces 50, 52 so that the surfaces 50, 52 do not need to be discretely aligned. In other embodiments, the connective components may comprise other components, such as buttons, clasps, zippers, or the like. The connective components may be sewn, stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to the surfaces 50, 52. The complementing connective components generally provide a connective strength that is low enough to enable the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 to be manually separated or peeled apart, yet high enough that the segments 20, 22 remain connected when subjected to tension along the section of clothing material 12 or in the vicinity of the segments 20, 22 due to normal wearing conditions. In further embodiments, the adjustment component 16 may include an extra portion 54 of a connective component. The extra portion 54 may be used to help consistently secure the circumference of the section of clothing material 12 when the overlying and underlying segments 20, 22 are positioned in different configurations, as will be discussed below.
In operation, the adjustable clothing article 10 may be adjusted while or before the user dons the clothing article 10. The user simply pulls one or both the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 with sufficient force to separate the connective components, and may pull from the second ends 32 of the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 to more easily peel the connective components apart. The user then gages how much to offset the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 to change the circumference of the section of clothing material 12 based on factors such as the current fit, or known changes since the clothing article 10 was last worn. The wearer then presses the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 together, making sure to keep the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 offset the desired amount, until the connective components are securely connected.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5-6, embodiments of the present invention provide for the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 to be offset in a plurality of configurations so as to adjust the circumference of the section of clothing material 12. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the first and second longitudinal axes 24, 26 of the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 are generally parallel, which may, in some embodiments, correspond to an general alignment of the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 and a normal fit of the clothing article 10. In such an aligned configuration, the connective components of the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 will secure the segments together. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the extra portion 54 of connective component may assist in securing a portion of the underlying segment 20.
With reference to FIG. 5, to decrease the circumference of the section of clothing material 12 (e.g., to tighten/restrict the waistband), the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 should be positioned such that the overlying segment 22 at least partially overhangs the underlying segment 20 and the first and second longitudinal axes 24, 26 are not parallel. Furthermore, the second longitudinal axis 26 may extend from the second end 32 of the overlying segment 22 upward and towards a right side of the clothing article 10 (when viewed from the rear as in FIG. 5). As such, the first and second longitudinal axes are presented at an angle that intersect.
Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 6, to increase the circumference of the section of clothing material 12 (e.g., to loosen the waistband), the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 should be positioned such at least a portion of the underlying segment 20 is not overlapped by the overlapping segment 22 and the first and second longitudinal axes 24, 26 are not parallel. Furthermore, the second longitudinal axis 26 may extend from the second end 32 of the overlying segment 22 upward and towards a left side of the clothing article 10 (when viewed from the rear as in FIG. 5). As such, the first and second longitudinal axes are presented at an angle that would intersect.
Given that the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 are flexible, and due to the segments 20, 22 being joined only at the first ends 30, the underlying and overlying segments 20, 22 are operable to be gradually increasingly or decreasingly offset, such that the second ends 32 can be offset a desired amount, thus providing a desired circumference magnitude of the section of clothing material 12 (i.e., a desired fit for the user). As shown above, the offset can be negative as well as positive, which provides a wide range of adjustability.
Given the description provided above, embodiments of the present invention include a method for adjusting a size of a clothing article. In embodiments in which the clothing article is a pair of pants, embodiments provide for a waist size of a pair of pants to be adjusted. In particular, embodiments provide for the pants to include an adjustment component for adjusting the waist size, with the adjustment component 16 including an underlying segment 20 and an overlying segment 22. The method includes the initial step of adjusting the waist size of the pair of pants, with the adjusting step comprising manipulating the adjustment component 16 of the pants such that the overlying and underlying segments 20, 22 are aligned in a first configuration. A next step includes securing a waistband of a pair of pants about a waist of a body, with the securing step comprising securing a fastening component 14 of the pants. A further step includes re-adjusting the waist size of the pair of pants, with the re-adjusting step comprising manipulating the adjustment component 16 of the pants such that the overlying and underlying segments 20, 22 are aligned in a second configuration.
In addition to adjusting the magnitude (i.e., the size) of the circumference of the section of clothing material 12, embodiments of the present invention provide for an overall length of the clothing article 10 to be adjusted. For example, with reference to the figures, and specifically to FIGS. 7-8, which are directed to a pair of pants, the clothing article 10 may include first and second pant legs 60, 62. Each of the first and second pant legs 60, 62 may include one or more length-type adjustment components, each comprising a plurality of corresponding connective components that are operable to adjust a length of the pant leg 60 or the pant leg 62. In some embodiments, the connective components may preferably be complementary loops of hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) configured to engage each other. In other embodiments, the connective components may comprise other components, such as buttons, clasps, zippers, or the like. Nevertheless, the connective components may be sewn, stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to an interior surface of the pant legs 60, 62. As such, the connective components are operable to adjust a length of the pant leg 60 or the pant leg 62.
In more detail, and with reference to FIG. 7, the pant legs 60, 62 may include a first connective component 64 positioned near a bottom of the pant legs 60, 62 when the pant legs 60, 62 are in a normal extended position. Additionally, the pant legs 60, 62 may include a plurality of corresponding connective components, such as a second, third, and fourth connective component 66, 68, and 70, each increasingly spaced apart from the first connective component 64 when the pant legs 60, 62 are in a normal extended position. In some embodiments, the first connective component 64 will be a looped section of hook fastener, while the second, third, and fourth connective components 66, 68, 70 will each be a looped section of loop fastener.
Remaining with FIG. 7, to decrease a length of the pant legs 60, 62, the pant legs should be folded up, as shown on pant leg 60. Next, the first connective component 64 should be secured to one of the second, third, or fourth connective components 66, 68, 70. As shown on pant leg 60 in FIG. 8, for example, the first connective component 64 is secured to the third connective component 68. Finally, the pant leg 60 should be unfolded, such as shown on pant leg 62 of FIG. 8. As such, the pant legs 60, 62 are configured to be reduced in length, as may be required to fit a user's particular leg length.
Embodiments of the present invention provide for the pant legs 60, 62 to have their lengths adjusted to various magnitudes based on positions of the connective components. For example, in some embodiments, the first connective component 64 will be positioned adjacent to the end of each of the pant legs 60, 62. In some embodiments, the second connective component 66 will be spaced apart from the first connective component 64 between ⅛ to 1 inch, between ¼ to ½ inch, or ¼ inch. Additionally, the third connective component 68 will be spaced apart from the second connective component 66 between ½ to 3 inches, between 1 to 2 inches, or 1.5 inches. Similarly, the third connective component 70 will be spaced apart from the third connective component 68 between ½ to 3 inches, between 1 to 2 inches, or 1.5 inches. However, it is understood that such dimensions are provided for exemplary purposes, and such dimensions may vary as required to adjust the pant legs 60, 62 to a specific length of a user's body size or style.
Finally, widths of the connective components 64, 66, 68, and 70 may vary. As illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, some embodiments provide for the width of the first connective component 64 to be larger than the widths of the second, third, and fourth connective components 66, 68, 70. The larger width provides for the first connective component 64 to completely overlap the second, third, and fourth connective components 66, 68, 70 when coupled together.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment(s), it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the above-provided description was directed to the clothing article being pants, it is understood that the clothing articles could be any type of clothing article normally worn by a person, such as pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, shirts, jackets, and coats. For example, the adjustment component illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 could be used to adjust a circumference presented by a waistband of a pair of shorts, a skirt, a dress, or the like. Similarly, the adjustment component illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 could be used to adjust a circumference of a sleeve of a shirt/jacket, a collar of a shirt/jacket, or a chest-section of a shirt/jacket. Furthermore, the length-type adjustment component illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 could be used to adjust a length of shorts, skirts, dresses, shirts, jackets, coats, or the like. Thus, the invention described herein is entitled to those equivalents and substitutions that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way.

Claims

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

1. An adjustable pair of pants for a body of a person, the pants comprising:

a waistband for encircling a portion of the body, wherein the waistband presents a circumference;

a fastening component for selectively securing the waistband about the portion of the body; and

an adjustment component for selectively adjusting the circumference of the waistband, wherein the adjustment component includes—

an underlying segment and an overlying segment, with the underlying segment extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis and with the overlying segment extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis,

wherein when the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel, the circumference of the waistband has a first magnitude, and when the first and second longitudinal axes are not parallel, the circumference of the waistband has a second magnitude.

2. The pants of claim 1, wherein each of the underlying and overlying segments include first and second ends, and wherein the underlying and overlying segments are secured together at their first ends.

3. The pants of claim 2, wherein the first ends of the underlying and overlying segments are spaced apart from the waistband, and wherein the second ends of the underlying and overlying segments intersect the waistband.

4. The pants of claim 1, wherein the adjustment component is spaced apart from the fastening component.

5. The pants of claim 4, wherein the adjustment component is positioned adjacent to an opposite side of the waistband than the fastening component.

6. The pants of claim 1, wherein each of the underlying and overlying segments has a lateral width, and wherein at least a portion of the underlying segment has a lateral width that is greater than a lateral width of the overlying segment.

7. The pants of claim 1, wherein each of the underlying and overlying segments have interior-facing and exterior-facing surfaces, and wherein the underlying and overlying segments are configured such that the interior-facing surface of the overlying segment can be releasably secured to the exterior-facing surface of the underlying segment.

8. The pants of claim 7, wherein each of the interior-facing surface of the overlying component and the exterior-facing surface of the underlying surface includes corresponding layers of Velcro for releasably securing the surfaces together.

9. The pants of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one pant leg extending down below the waistband;

wherein the adjustment component is a first adjustment component, wherein the pants include a second adjustment component for selectively adjusting a length of the pant leg.

10. The pants of claim 9, wherein the second adjustment component comprises at least two loops of corresponding Velcro attached to an interior surface of the pant leg.

11. An adjustable clothing article wearable on a body, the clothing article comprising:

a section of clothing material for encircling a portion of the body, wherein the section of clothing material presents a circumference;

a fastening component for selectively securing the section of material about the portion of the body; and

an adjustment component for selectively adjusting the circumference of the section of clothing material, wherein the adjustment component includes—

wherein when the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel, the circumference of the section of clothing material has a first magnitude, and when the first and second longitudinal axes are not parallel, the circumference of the section of clothing material has a second magnitude.

12. The adjustable clothing article of claim 11, wherein each of the underlying and overlying segments include first and second ends, and wherein the underlying and overlying segments are secured together at their first ends.

13. The adjustable clothing article of claim 12, wherein the first ends of the underlying and overlying segments are spaced apart from the section of clothing material, and wherein the second ends of the underlying and overlying segments intersect the section of clothing material.

14. The adjustable clothing article of claim 11, wherein the adjustment component is spaced apart from the fastening component.

15. The adjustable clothing article of claim 14, wherein the adjustment component is positioned adjacent to an opposite side of the section of clothing material than the fastening component.

16. The adjustable clothing article of claim 11, wherein each of the underlying and overlying segments has a lateral width, and wherein at least a portion of the underlying segment has a lateral width that is greater than a lateral width of the overlying segment.

17. The adjustable clothing article of claim 11, wherein the adjustable clothing article is selected from one of the following: a pair of pants, a pair of shorts, a skirt, a blouse, and a jacket.

18. The adjustable clothing article of claim 11, wherein the adjustment component includes Velcro.

19. A method for adjusting a waist size of a pair of pants, wherein the pants include an adjustment component for adjusting the waist size, with the adjustment component including an underlying segment and an overlying segment, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) adjusting the waist size of the pair of pants, wherein the adjusting of step (a) comprises manipulating the adjustment component of the pants such that the overlying and underlying segments are angularly aligned in a first configuration;

(b) securing a waistband of the pair of pants about a waist of a body, wherein the securing of step (b) comprises securing a fastening component of the pants;

(c) re-adjusting the waist size of the pair of pants, wherein the re-adjusting of step (c) comprises manipulating the adjustment component of the pants such that the overlying and underlying segments are angularly aligned in a second configuration.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein in the first configuration, the overlying and underlying segments are aligned generally parallel, and wherein in the second configuration, the overlying and underlying segments are offset from parallel.