What is the Difference Between Stole and Scarf

The main difference between stole and scarf is that a scarf is bigger in length but smaller in width than a stole.

Stoles and scarfs are pieces of fabric that are worn around the neck or head, or over the shoulders. They may be made from natural fibers like silk, cotton, linen, cashmere, and wool, or artificial fibers like acrylic and polyester, or a mixture of both. Although most of us use these words interchangeably, there are some differences between stole and scarf.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Stole 
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is a Scarf
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Stole and Scarf
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Stole and Scarf
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Scarf, Stole

Difference Between Stole and Scarf - Comparison Summary

What is a Stole

A stole is a woman’s long shawl worn loosely over the shoulders. The word stole comes from the ancient Roman stola, which is actually the women’s versions of men’s toga. We can consider a stole as a lighter and more formal version of a shawl. However, a stole may not be as wide as a shawl, but it is long enough to drape around the body. It can range around 2-4 feet wide and 5-6 feet long. A stole can also bring a layered texture to a plain (non-formal) look.

Main Difference - Stole vs Scarf

In contemporary fashion, stole mainly refers to a formal or evening shawl, which is made of elegant and light fabrics like silk, satin, or chiffon. Sometimes fur or similar material may also be used for stoles. You may have female celebrities wearing stoles with their magnificent gowns on the red carpet. They often wear stoles draped over the shoulder or arm to heighten their look.

It’s also important to note that we use the word stole to describe the wide decorative sash we drape over the shoulder; for example, graduation stole or liturgical stole.

What is a Scarf

A scarf is simply a length of fabric we wear around the neck or head. When you wear a scarf over the head, we call it a headscarf.  A scarf can be a rectangular or square piece of fabric. We can easily team up a scarf with both casual and formal outfits. There are many varieties of scarfs, depending on styles, colors, and materials. The look created by your scarf, i.e., casual or elegant, actually depend on factors like color and materials. Winter fashion is incomplete without scarfs. They are a great match for winter jackets and coats. They provide warmth while accentuating your fashionable outfit.

Difference Between Stole and Scarf

Scarfs have a bigger length and a smaller width than stoles or shawls. A basic scarf can have a length of 50 to 80 inches and a width of 4 to 16 inches, while a long scarf can be as long as 2m.

Similarities Between Stole and Scarf

  • Stoles and scarfs are pieces of fabric that are worn around the neck or head, or over the shoulders.
  • They may be made from natural fibers like silk, cotton, linen, cashmere, and wool, or artificial fibers like acrylic and polyester, or a mixture of both.

Difference Between Stole and Scarf

Definition

A stole is a woman’s long shawl worn loosely over the shoulders while a scarf is simply a length of fabric we wear around the neck or head.

Size

A scarf is bigger in length but smaller in width than a stole.

Use

Women wear stoles for formal occasions, but scarfs can go with both casual and formal outfits.

Conclusion

The key difference between stole and scarf is their size; a scarf is bigger in length but smaller in width than a stole. Furthermore, stoles are usually worn for formal occasions while scarfs are worn for both casual and formal looks.

Image Courtesy:

1. “4342900” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “1504179” (CC0) via Pxhere

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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