A column of loops along the length of a knitted fabric.
In woven fabric, one series of ribs, cords, or raised portions. In corduroy fabric, wales per inch are counted to distinguish broad- from fine-textured cloth. The higher the wale number, the finer the texture of the fabric.
In knit fabrics, a column of loops lying lengthwise in the fabric. The number of wales per inch is a measure of the fabric's fineness. In woven fabrics, one of a series of ribs or cords, running either warp wise or filling wise.
In a woven fabric, like corduroy or Bedford cord, the wale is the rib or raised cord that runs lengthwise with the warp.