Weighted apparel and related manufacturing methods

A weighted apparel item, comprising:

• a first fabric sheet;
• a second fabric sheet coupled to the first fabric sheet;
• and
• a weighted region comprising a plurality of weighted elements positioned in between the first fabric sheet and the second fabric sheet, wherein each of the plurality of weighted elements is configured to contact at least one adjacent weighted element to maintain at least limited flexibility of the weighted apparel item in the weighted region.

A method for manufacturing weighted apparel, the method comprising the steps of:

• coupling a first fabric sheet to a second fabric sheet;
• forming a plurality of elongated chambers in between the first fabric sheet and the second fabric sheet;
• forming a weighted region by inserting a plurality of weighted elements within each elongated chamber of the plurality of elongated chambers such that each of the plurality of weighted elements is configured to contact one or more adjacent weighted elements and to maintain flexibility of the weighted region;
• and
• forming an item of apparel with the weighted region.