Garment having integrally-formed surface protrusions

A method for mechanically forming at least one surface protrusion integrally from a garment material, the surface protrusions extending outwardly from a surface of the garment material and having a configuration and an orientation in relation to the surface of the garment material, the method comprising the steps of:

• i) providing a portion of the garment including the garment surface onto which the surface protrusions will be formed;
• ii) providing a forming die having a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface, the first surface having a plurality of openings which have a configuration and orientation corresponding with the configuration and orientation of the surface protrusions of the garment material, the openings providing communication between the first surface and the second surface of the forming die;
• iii) placing at least one selected area of the garment surface against the first surface of the forming die;
• iv) softening the garment surface by application of a source of energy;
• v) applying a vacuum to the second surface of the forming die to draw at least some of the softened garment surface into the openings from the first surface of the forming die;
• and
• vi) separating the forming die from the garment surface to form the surface protrusions.