Fig. 49 Charts showing Denier and Gauge - part 2
FIG. 49.

15

PROPORTIONATE LENGTHS

FULLY-FASHIONED
As Nature follows no known system of measurements in the fashioning of the species, manufacturers of hose have had to devise some means of fitting a stocking to the leg. This—in the absence of uniformity—was no mean task. Because a woman has a long leg, for instance, this does not necessarily mean that she has a big foot, or vice-versa, and proportionate-length stockings are, therefore, manufactured in six sizes of leg length to each size of foot length, and by this means, the fashionings or narrowings of fully-fashioned hosiery are knitted in proportion at four points—thigh, knee, calf and ankle, and so correct fit and comfort are assured.

Proportionate hosiery accommodates the following leg-types, from which it will be seen that the range is representative, and as comprehensive as ingenuity can devise:-

 Short/slender.Short/average. 
 Medium/slender.Medium/average. 
 Long/average.Long/ample. 

It will be seen that in the production of hose, foot-size is not the only consideration—the proportions of ankle, calf and thigh remain to be created around the above six basic leg-types.

It has been shown that correct fit is as important in stockings as in shoes, so advice to the sales personnel is:-

 

After you know the foot size, question your customer about the stockings she has been wearing. Have they been too long, too tight, too loose at the knee, calf, or ankle? Next, “type” your customer according to her leg length and bulk, and produce for her those stockings which in your considered view are the nearest conformity to her requirements.

This specialised method of selling has as its recommendation not only a more satisfied customer—it also induces of necessity that interest and individual attention which is appreciated by every woman.