Empirical validation of proportional construction parameters: Implications for optimising women’s garment construction and production

Abstract

This study examines the importance of systematic anthropometric measurements for optimising construction parameters relevant to women’s garment construction. Accurate definition of construction parameters is a fundamental prerequisite for the digitalisation of garment construction systems, the standardisation of clothing size systems, and improved efficiency in industrial garment production. The study was conducted on a sample of 4,847 adult women from five regions of the Republic of Croatia. The validity of proportional mathematical models for determining two key construction parameters – scye depth and back width – was evaluated by comparing mathematically calculated values with empirically measured values. Descriptive statistics, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression analysis were applied. Statistically significant differences between regions and age groups were identified for both construction parameters ( p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis confirmed that bust girth is a significant predictor of scye depth ( R ² = 10.2%) and back width ( R ² = 37.7%), while revealing discrepancies between empirically measured values and those obtained using proportional construction formulas. The findings indicate that the existing proportional models do not fully reflect the anthropometric characteristics of the contemporary female population in Croatia. The results support the empirical validation and further refinement of proportional construction parameters and provide a basis for more accurate anthropometry-based garment construction.