We knit socks in two shoe-size ranges, UK 4–7 and UK 8–11, and you can mix them in any ratio within the 300-piece minimum for a style. Most first orders split the quantity by who the brand sells to, then adjust the ratio on the reorder once real sales show which range moves faster.
Socks are simpler to size than clothing. Knitted socks stretch, so each size covers a range of shoe sizes rather than one. This post covers how to present a sock size chart (shoe size ranges, not single sizes) to your buyers, and how to set the size ratio for your first order.
Our two size ranges
| Size range | Who it usually fits | Approximate EU shoe sizes |
|---|---|---|
| UK 4–7 | Most women, teenagers and smaller feet | About EU 37–41 |
| UK 8–11 | Most men and larger feet | About EU 42–46 |
The EU figures are approximate. Shoe size systems do not convert exactly, and charts differ between countries and brands. If you sell in a market that uses EU, US or another system, decide which conversion you want to show, and send us the exact wording for the packaging. We print what you give us.
Both ranges are available in every style: crew, ankle, sports and custom pattern, in cotton blend or polyester blend.
Showing sizes to your buyers
Buyers choose socks by shoe size, so your size chart should start from the shoe.
- Lead with the shoe size range. “Fits UK 4–7” is clearer than a letter size alone.
- Add the conversion your market uses. For example, an EU range alongside the UK range.
- Use the same wording everywhere. The pack, the listing and your size chart should match exactly.
- Name the ranges simply if you like. Some brands use “Small” and “Large” or “S/M” and “L/XL” as labels, with the shoe range underneath.
- Put the size on the pack. A size sticker or printed size on the header card, band or box helps shoppers, shop staff and your own packers.
If you sell on a marketplace, confirm its current size and listing requirements yourself and send us the specification for the packs. Labelling requirements vary by country and are confirmed at quotation.
Setting a first-order ratio
There is no fixed ratio. Base it on your buyers, and treat the first order as a test.
Starting points by audience
- Mostly women’s or a younger audience: weight the order clearly towards UK 4–7.
- Mostly men’s: weight it clearly towards UK 8–11.
- Unisex basics or gifting: a near-even split, perhaps leaning slightly to the range your other products sell more of.
- Sports clubs and academies: ask for shoe sizes from members or players before ordering, and order to that list.
- Corporate gifts: ask for a headcount by shoe size; it prevents leftover pairs.
Working an example
Say you are a unisex brand ordering 300 crew socks in one colour. Your T-shirt sales lean slightly to smaller sizes. A reasonable first split might lean a little towards UK 4–7, with the rest in UK 8–11. After the first sales, check how fast each range sold and adjust the ratio on the reorder.
If you split a style across colours, set the size ratio for each colour. A colour that sells mainly to one audience may need a different ratio from the others. The colour split is confirmed at quotation.
Checking fit on the sample
The sample is the place to check that each range fits as you expect.
- Try the sample on feet at both ends of its range, such as a UK 4 and a UK 7 for the smaller range.
- Check the heel position. It should sit on the heel, not above or below it.
- Check the toe. The sock should not be stretched tight across the toes or leave loose fabric at the end.
- Check the length. A crew sock should reach the lower calf; an ankle sock should sit where you expect it.
- Wash and re-check. Wash the sample as your buyers would and try it again.
Our guide to what to check on a sock sample covers the full sample check, from the knitted logo to the packing.
Sizes and reorders
Size data is one of the most useful things a first order gives you. Track sales by range and colour, and on the reorder:
- move quantity towards the range that sold out first;
- keep both ranges in stock, even if one sells slower, so you do not lose buyers who need it;
- keep the same size wording on the packs, so your listings stay accurate.
To plan your order, choose a style on our white label socks page and send us the quantity for each size range, your colours, yarn blend, artwork and the size wording you want on the packs.