Gauge
Gauge measures the fineness of hosiery knitting—specifically, the number of needles per 1.5 inches on the knitting machine. Higher gauge = finer knit = sheerer, more elegant appearance.
Understanding Gauge Numbers
| Gauge | Needles per 1.5" | Appearance | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 gauge | 45 | Coarse | Casual tights |
| 51 gauge | 51 | Standard | Everyday hosiery |
| 54 gauge | 54 | Fine | Better quality |
| 60 gauge | 60 | Very fine | Premium sheers |
| 66+ gauge | 66+ | Ultra-fine | Luxury hosiery |
Gauge vs. Denier
These are different measurements:
- Denier: Measures yarn thickness (weight)
- Gauge: Measures knitting fineness (needles)
Both affect sheerness. You can have low denier with low gauge (cheaper sheer) or low denier with high gauge (luxury sheer). The combination determines final quality.
Why Gauge Matters
Higher Gauge Benefits
- Smoother appearance
- More even color coverage
- Better durability (despite being finer)
- More elegant drape
- Less visible knit pattern
Lower Gauge Characteristics
- More visible texture
- Less expensive to manufacture
- Can look "mesh-like" in sheers
- Fine for opaques
Gauge in Fully Fashioned Stockings
For fully fashioned vintage-style stockings, gauge is particularly important:
- 45 gauge: Budget vintage reproductions
- 51 gauge: Standard vintage quality
- 54 gauge: High-quality reproductions
- 60 gauge: Premium, closest to original 1950s quality
Reading Labels
Gauge isn't always listed on packaging. Look for:
- "Fine gauge" = typically 54+
- "Ultra-fine" = 60+
- "Micro" = high gauge
- Luxury brands typically use higher gauge
Price Correlation
Higher gauge generally means higher price because:
- More needles = more expensive machinery
- Slower production
- Requires finer yarn
- More precision needed