BS 7563:1999

This British Standard specifies requirements for non-prescriptive support hosiery which is designed to exert a graduated compression of between 0.8 kPa (6 mmHg) and 1.6 kPa (12 mmHg) on the legs whilst standing or walking. It covers tights and stockings with and without a reciprocated heel and below-knee hosiery and socks with reciprocated heel, for men and women. It does not cover below-knee hosiery without a reciprocated heel, medical compression hosiery (which is covered in BS 6612), anti-embolism hosiery (which is covered in BS 7672), shaped support bandages without a positive location for the heel or foot and individually made garments.

Requirements for compression, compression profile, size designation, sampling and labelling are included in this standard. The test method for determining the compression exerted by hosiery is given in annex A. The method to determine heel position of above-knee hosiery without a reciprocated heel is given in annex B.