Garment with quick-release fastener

A brassiere comprised of first and second portions constructed for being secured to one another in an adjacent relationship, and including elastic means for applying tension to said first and second portions when so secured;

• and at least one fastener for effecting such securement of said first and second portions, said at least one fastener including a hooking component and a linking component operatively attached, respectively, to said first and second portions of said brassiere, said hooking component being comprised of a substantially rigid body having proximal and distal end portions and a hook element effectively disposed therebetween, said proximal end portion of said body providing a fulcrum element about which said body can pivot, and said distal end portion providing a handle element by which such pivoting of said body can be effected, said hook element defining a recess that opens in the direction of said fulcrum element to receive a link element for engagement by said hook element to secure said first and second brassiere portions to one another, said linking component including a link element dimensioned and configured for insertion into said recess of said hook element for engagement thereby;
• whereby, with said brassiere portions so secured, pivoting of said body of said at least one fastener, about said fulcrum element and away from said linking component, will promote disengagement of said hook and link elements and, thereby, release of said brassiere portions from one another.