Fine knit and coarse knit, what you can see in the fabric

Short answer: Knit size is how large the small loops in knitted fabric are. Fine loops give a smooth, dense and soft surface, while coarse loops look more textured and more open. You can see the difference with your eyes and feel it with your fingers.

What a stitch is

Knitted fabric is made of small loops of yarn that hang through each other. Each loop is called a stitch. If the yarn is thin and the loops are small, the fabric becomes fine and even, and if the yarn is thicker and the loops larger, it becomes coarser. That is the whole difference, and you can check it in seconds.

Look at the surface

Hold the fabric close to your eyes and see whether you can tell the individual stitches apart. In a fine knit the columns are narrow and sit close together, so the surface looks almost smooth. In a coarse knit you can count them and see clear rows. Let light fall from the side, since it brings out the texture.

Feel with your fingers

Stroke slowly across the fabric and notice whether it feels even or grainy. A fine knit often feels softer and cooler against the skin, while a coarse knit feels more distinct and can feel warmer. This is a subjective judgement, so take your time and compare several pieces side by side.

Hold the fabric to the light

A fine, dense knit lets less light through than a coarse, open one. It is a quick test you can do in the shop or at home with a lamp. If you are unsure whether a piece is see-through, hold it to the light before deciding, especially in pale colours.

Knit size and fit

A fine knit often falls more neatly and closer to the body, while a coarse knit gives more volume and can sit more loosely. That does not mean one is better than the other, only that they suit different purposes. Consider whether you want a smooth look or a more relaxed texture.

Wear in everyday life

A fine knit can look good for a long time, but loose threads and snags can be more visible because the surface is smooth. A coarse knit can hide small irregularities better. Treat both gently, and avoid clothes with hooks and straps that can catch the yarn.

Washing and care

Wash according to the care label, usually at a low temperature and without fabric softener, and turn the garment inside out to protect the surface. Hang it up or lay it flat so the stitches are not pulled crooked. Be careful with a hot tumble dryer if the label does not allow it, since it can change how the fabric looks.

Using it in practice

Once you know what to look for, you can quickly compare two pieces. Start with the most popular in the bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo and feel the surface yourself. For a wider view of everything for women, look at the range for women, and for sweat see the bamboo sweat for women.

Frequently asked questions

Is a fine knit softer than a coarse knit?

A fine knit often feels softer and more even against the skin, but it also depends on the yarn. Feel the fabric yourself and compare several pieces side by side.

Can I see the knit size in pictures?

Partly. Zoom in and see whether the surface looks smooth or textured, but pictures do not show everything. Close-ups work best, and the fabric in your hand decides.

Is a coarse knit more durable?

It can be, because small damage is less visible, but durability depends on more than knit size. Treat the clothes gently either way, and avoid hooks and sharp edges.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.