I'm a fan of the Lochcarron hose and recently picked up a pair of oatmeal from one of our "partner merchants" online and a pair lovat blue at an actual store (shock!). They are both size 9.
Take a look at the difference in the top cuff of the two pairs of hose:



The cuff is noticeably larger and looser in the oatmeal hose. I've only tried the oatmeal on so far and they fit fine, but I'm wondering what could be the reason for the difference in the two pairs.