How to Choose the Right Stockinette Size

Stockinette size range visualization from 2 cm through 40 cm with clinical application bands

Quick method

Measure limb circumference → divide by 2 → select the nearest standard size up. Example: forearm circumference 16 cm → 16 ÷ 2 = 8 cm → select 8 cm stockinette.

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Send your size mix, material preference, and order volume for a 48-hour response.

Request a Sample

Validate fit and finish before you move a size list into bulk production.

Compare Materials

Choose cotton, nylon, perlon, or fiberglass-compatible stockinette by use case.

Understanding Lay-Flat Width

Tubular stockinette is measured and sold by its lay-flat width — not diameter, not circumference. When you flatten a tube of stockinette, the lay-flat width is measured across the flat width.

Lay-Flat Width	Approx. Max Circumference (stretched)	Typical Application
3 cm	~8 cm	Adult fingers, toes
5 cm	~12 cm	Child wrist, small forearm
8 cm	~18–20 cm	Adult forearm, below-knee (small)
10 cm	~22–24 cm	Below-knee, knee
12 cm	~27 cm	Lower leg, full arm
15 cm	~33 cm	Full leg
20 cm	~43 cm	Full leg (large), hip
25–40 cm	~55–85 cm	Trunk, abdomen, bariatric

Size by Body Part — Quick Reference

Body Part	Patient	Standard Width
Finger / Digit	Any	2–3 cm
Wrist	Pediatric	4–5 cm
Forearm	Pediatric	5–6 cm
Forearm	Adult	7–8 cm
Upper Arm	Adult	8–10 cm
Below Knee	Pediatric	8–10 cm
Below Knee	Adult	10–12 cm
Full Leg	Adult	12–20 cm
Trunk / Abdomen	Adult	25–35 cm
Full Chest / Bariatric	Bariatric	35–40 cm

→ View the master size chart with material availability →

→ Large stockinette (20–40 cm) guide →

Stockinette Size Selection FAQ

How do you measure for the correct stockinette size? +

Measure the circumference of the limb at its widest point. Divide by 2 to get the required lay-flat width. Then select the next standard size up to allow easy application. For example: a 16 cm circumference forearm needs an 8 cm lay-flat stockinette. A 20 cm circumference below-knee needs a 10 cm stockinette.

What does lay-flat width mean? +

Lay-flat width is the width of the stockinette tube when flattened and not stretched. The circumference of the limb that the stockinette will cover equals approximately 2 × the lay-flat width. A 10 cm lay-flat stockinette will comfortably fit a 16–20 cm circumference limb when slightly stretched.

Should I size up or down when choosing stockinette? +

Always size to fit snugly but not tightly. For casting applications, the stockinette should fit without bunching. For compression applications, slight tension is acceptable — the stockinette should not constrict. When between sizes, go up one size for casting, and stay true to size for compression.