Differences between a Scarf, Shawl and Stole 

Often, the terms ‘scarf’, ‘shawl’, and ‘stole’ are used synonymously in the fashion world. Even the most fashion-savvy people get confused about the difference between these three accessories. Each of Lisette pants for ladies represents a piece of fabric that is created either with a single material or a blend of materials like silk, cotton, wool, etc. Let us understand what the differences in these items are.

Scarf

Traditionally known as a muffler, Scarves and shawls are a long and thin piece of clothing that is typically worn for warmth or as a fashion accessory. Usually, it is bigger in length and smaller in width than a stole or shawl. Scarves are made to be wrapped around the head or neck and can provide a casual or sophisticated look depending upon their design and fabric. Originally, people used to wear it as a sweat cloth to clean away their sweat but with time, it was used to keep oneself warm and turned into a fashionable clothing accessory. While a basic scarf can be 50 to 80 inches in length and 4 to 16 inches in width, a long scarf can be as long as 2 meters. 

Shawl

Shawls are a winter wardrobe staple for most Indian women. This fine piece of fabric is larger than a stole or scarf and can be found in a variety of shapes (oval, triangle, square, or rectangle). Usually woven with heavy materials, they can go up to 3 feet wide and 7 feet in length. A typical shawl should be big enough to be wrapped around the shoulders several times. Formal Shawls are woven with luxurious fabrics like silk, Pashmina, or Cashmere and are perfect to be adorned with a formal dress or outfit. The difference in fabrication determines the texture of the shawl and its weather appropriateness. Shawls made from linen and cotton are suitable to be worn in summers while woollen shawls are adequate for winters.

Stole

The word ‘stole’ is derived from the Roman word ‘stola’ which means a woman’s version of men’s toga. Stoles and shawls are very closely related to each other. A stole can be considered a lighter and a more formal version of a shawl. It is generally narrower and made from fancier materials so that it can be worn with formal attires. While it is not as wide as a shawl, it is long enough to be wrapped around the body. Its size ranges between 2-4 feet wide and 5-6 feet long. The materials used to create a stole are usually lighter like chiffon, satin, or silk. Many female movie stars have adorned this accessory on the red carpets of award shows along with their magnificent gowns and dresses. They can be casually draped over the shoulder or arm to accentuate your look.

All three terms represent finished pieces of fabric that are worn as a fashion accessory, either as a decorative element or as a wardrobe essential, or both at once. They can be made from natural fibres such as silk, cashmere, wool, cotton, and linen, or man-made fibres such as acrylic and polyester. They can be square, triangle, or oblong-shaped.