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Nowadays, the popularity of the internet has continuously increased. Predicting human body dimensions intelligently would be beneficial to improve the precision and efficiency of pattern making for enterprises in the apparel industry. In this study, a new predictive model for estimating body dimensions related to garment pattern making is put forward based on radial basis function (RBF) artificial neural networks (ANNs). The model presented in this study was trained and tested using the anthropometric data of 200 adult males between the ages 20 and 48. The detailed body dimensions related to pattern making could be obtained by inputting four easy-to-measure key dimensions into the RBF ANN model. From the simulation results, when spreading parameter σ and momentum factor α were set to 0.012 and 1, the three-layer model with 4, 72, and 8 neurons in the input, hidden, and output layers, respectively, showed maximum accuracy, after being trained by a dataset with 180 samples. Moreover, compared with a classic linear regression model and the back propagation (BP) ANN model according to mean squared error, the predictive performance of the RBF ANN model put forward in this study was better than the other two models. Therefore, it is feasible for the presented predictive model to design garment patterns, especially for tight-fitting garment patterns like activewear. The estimating accuracy of the proposed model would be further improved if trained by more appropriate datasets in the future.

ABSTRACT This teaching case presents the company Bia Brazil, one of the leading Brazilian exporters of activewear, founded in 1994 by a former gymnast, Beatriz, with websites in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. In 1996, the first exports to Costa Rica took place. Over the years, the company has expanded its sales to over 40 countries. The company seeks the constant offer of new products that meet the requirements and demands of each country. Despite its international growth, the company’s presence in the Brazilian market remains small. There have been two failed attempts at physical stores, and although it continues with only online sales in the domestic market, the entrepreneur seeks a model to grow inside Brazil. We recommend the use of the case in courses related to internationalization, more specifically to International New Ventures and Born Globals. Some connections with other classes can be made and are recommended with the case analysis. RESUMO Este caso de ensino apresenta a empresa Bia Brazil, uma das empresas brasileiras líderes em exportação do mercado de roupas esportivas, fundada em 1994 por uma ex-ginasta, Beatriz, com sites em português, inglês e espanhol. Em 1996, ocorreu sua primeira exportação para a Costa Rica. Ao longo dos anos, a empresa expandiu sua operação para mais de 40 países. A empresa busca a oferta constante de novos produtos adequados aos requisitos e demanda de cada país. Apesar do crescimento internacional, a presença da empresa no mercado brasileiro permanece pequena. Houve duas tentativas fracassadas de abertura de lojas físicas e, apesar de continuar vendendo no mercado doméstico apenas pela internet, a empreendedora continua a busca por um modelo para crescimento no Brasil. Recomendamos o uso do caso em cursos relacionados com teorias de internacionalização, mais especificamente International New Ventures (Empreendedorismo Internacional) e Born Globals. Algumas conexões com outros cursos podem ser feitas e são recomendadas na análise do caso.

Purpose The activewear industry would benefit from an evidence-based understanding of how activewear is incorporated into women’s lives and their changing participation in physical activity. Activewear brands may be missing the trend of women moving from organised sport to non-organised and individualised sport and recreation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the degree to which academic and industry research understood patterns and influences on female’s activewear consumption and identified what significant gaps are evident in understanding the drivers and industry trends that pertain to female consumers of activewear. Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review sought academic and industry research papers. Articles were selected if they included female participants; and/or addressed consumer related information; and focussed on active wear. Article findings were thematically analysed. Findings Most literature exploring activewear consumption fails to take gender into consideration or explore unique female consumer profiles. Females are bringing activewear into other parts of their wardrobe and place more value on fashion, even for sports attire. Research identified the need for activewear brands to consider lifestyle, emotional and personality elements of consumer behaviour. However a specific focus on women’s branding was absent. Women’s age and generation influenced their activewear consumption. Although some industry reports discussed the shift in use of activewear, no studies explored the impact of the critical shift in women’s physical activity patterns on the activewear industry. Originality/value This review identifies the gap in knowledge regarding women’s activewear consumption patterns and needs, and the importance of reflecting the changes in female physical activity participation. It also links marketing and design of women’s activewear to the needs of female consumers based on their actual patterns and trends in physical activity. The findings are relevant to activewear researchers, brands, marketers and producers.

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