It is really easy to get confused by some of the names companies have used over the years.
But - In general - The difference has more to do with the top cuff treatment than anything else.
The "Wool-Rich" hose by Gaelic Themes are perhaps the most widely sold hose.
The cuff has a diamond pattern. Some fold this cuff over once and some like myself fold down and then up to give just a slightly thicker look.
The "Pipers" hose, also from Gaelic Themes are quite a bit longer and have a basket-weave treatment to the cuff.
This long cuff is actually knit inside out and is designed to be folded multiple times to give a thick look.
The name "Lewis" and "Rannoch" are used by House of Cheviot. Both have a cabled cuff which is knit separably. The "Rannoch" have a wider calf portion. The cuff on these hose fold down one time.
Then there is the confusion when some call any hand-knit hose "Piper's". Hand-knit hose with complex cabeling and the "Popcorn" bobbles we almost always knit in an Aran color like the sweaters.
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These are also a basket-weave top that shows the design a little better.
And these have a plain ribbing pattern that is different from the ribbing used in the leg.
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