Buyer Guide · 03
Sock Size Chart: EU / US / UK Conversions & Machine Gauge Explained
The sizing reference buyers copy into their tech packs — plus what machine gauge (N) means for your logo detail and price.
Adult size conversion chart
Sock sizing follows shoe sizing. We produce four standard adult sizes; a 2-size program (S/M and L/XL) covers most retail ranges at the lowest cost.
| Size code | EU | US Men | US Women | UK | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36 – 38 | 4 – 5.5 | 5 – 6.5 | 3.5 – 5.5 | 22.8 – 24.1 |
| M | 39 – 42 | 6 – 8.5 | 7 – 9.5 | 6 – 8 | 24.8 – 26.7 |
| L | 43 – 46 | 9 – 11.5 | 10 – 12.5 | 8.5 – 11 | 27.3 – 29.2 |
| XL | 47 – 50 | 12 – 14 | — | 11.5 – 14 | 29.9 – 31.7 |
Kids' size chart
| Size code | Age (approx.) | EU | US | UK | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | 1 – 2 y | 20 – 23 | 4 – 7 | 3.5 – 6.5 | 11.4 – 13.7 |
| Toddler | 2 – 4 y | 24 – 26 | 7.5 – 9 | 7 – 8.5 | 14.4 – 15.9 |
| Kids S | 4 – 6 y | 27 – 29 | 9.5 – 11.5 | 9 – 11 | 16.6 – 18.4 |
| Kids M | 6 – 8 y | 30 – 33 | 12 – 2 | 11.5 – 1 | 19.1 – 20.9 |
| Kids L | 8 – 10 y | 34 – 36 | 2.5 – 4 | 2 – 3.5 | 21.6 – 22.8 |
Mixed size runs count toward the same MOQ — e.g. a kids' program of S/M/L in one 1,000-pair design is standard. Dimensional stability is controlled to ±3% after 5 washes (ISO 5077 / AATCC 135).
What "gauge (N)" actually means
Gauge is the needle count per inch of the knitting cylinder — written as N. It decides two things buyers care about: how fine the sock looks and how much logo detail it can carry.
| Gauge | Knit character | Logo detail | Typical products |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84N – 96N | Chunky, cushioned | Bold, simple marks | Terry athletic, thermal, hiking |
| 108N – 120N | Medium | Good for most logos | Sports crew, casual, kids |
| 144N – 168N | Fine | Sharp knitted logos & text | Brand merchandise, fashion crew |
| 176N – 200N | Very fine, dress grade | Finest detail, subtle tone-on-tone | Dress socks, luxury lines |
We run 180+ computerized machines across 84N–200N, so the same artwork can be produced in a chunky gym sock or a 200N dress sock — gauge is a spec decision, not a factory limitation.
Practical rules for tech packs
- Text in logos: below 120N, keep lettering above ~8 pts equivalent; finer gauges hold smaller text.
- Color count: knitted logos are limited by machine stations (typically 3–5 colors per design); sublimation carries unlimited color for photographic art.
- Grading: one design graded across S–XL changes the cylinder, not just the program — quote it as a multi-size program from day one.
- Tolerance: specify ±3% after 5 washes (ISO 5077) in your tech pack so dimensional stability is a contractual check, not a hope.