Stole vs Scarf: Difference and Comparison

Several different types of fashionable fabric ornaments can be worn as an accessory to the dress, such as shawls, wraps, and more.

All the several different types of fabric ornaments can majorly differ based on their dimensions, based on the fabric or the basis of the fabric, or based on their design.

Stole and scarf are two such fabrics or ornaments which might seem similar to each other but have several different dissimilarities.

Key Takeaways

  1. A stole is a long, narrow piece of fabric worn around the shoulders or neck as an accessory or for warmth, while a scarf is a broader term for a similar piece of fabric that can be worn in various ways, including around the neck, head, or shoulders.
  2. Stoles are made of luxurious materials like silk, pashmina, or fur and may be used as formal accessories. At the same time, scarves are more casual and versatile, coming in various materials and styles.
  3. Both stoles and scarves are fashionable and functional accessories, providing warmth and style in various settings and occasions.

Stole vs Scarf

A stole is a piece of cloth that can cover the neck and shoulders. Both men and women can wear it. Stoles are available in different designs and patterns. Stoles can be simple or embroidered. A scarf is mostly used to cover the neck. It can also be worn to cover the head. Different types of fabrics can be used in the making of a scarf. 

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A stole is like a long shawl that can be worn either by women or men. It is commonly worn for formal purposes, majorly along with coats and suits.

In most general cases, a stole has a lot of designs, patterns, designer stones, or embroidery over it. Thus, it is commonly worn along with plain dresses with solid colours. 

A scarf is a small piece of fabric that is either rectangular in shape or square. A scarf is commonly worn around the neck, however, it can also be worn around the head.

When worn around the head, it is known as a headscarf. The scarf’s fabric can vary depending on the scarf’s purpose or type of scarf.

Comparison Table

Parameters of comparisonStoleScarf
Style of wearingA stole is commonly worn over the shoulders. A scarf is commonly worn around the neck.
FashionableA stole is more fashionable as compared to a scarf. A scarf is less fashionable as compared to a stole.
LengthThe length of a stole is more as compared to a scarf. The length of the scarf is less as compared to a stole.
WidthThe width of a stole is less as compared to a scarf. The width of the scarf is more than compared of a stole.
Type of fabricA stole is made up of a heavier fabric as compared to the fabric of the scarf. A scarf is made up of lighter fabric as compared to the fabric of the stole.

What is a Stole?

In ancient Roman times, men used to wear such stoles, which were then known as toga. So to determine the same piece of fabric which females wore, they were named as stola. Consequently, the word ‘stole’ came from ‘stola’.

A stole is a longer piece of fabric as compared to the other fabrics. The length of the fabric is about a minimum of 5 feet to a maximum of 7 feet.

On the other hand, the width of the stole ranges from a minimum of 2 feet to a maximum of 4 feet on average. 

Stoles have several different varieties. One of the most popular types of stole is fur stole, which is not worn over the shoulders but around the neck or the hands.

Fur stoles are long but have extremely little width, so they can be easily wrapped around the hands. Many celebrities wear fur stoles, gowns, and suits during events.

Other different types of stoles are cowl, infinity stole, triangle stole, woollen stole, muffler stole, velvet stole, acrylic knit stole, bamboo silk stole, linen stole, blanket stole, and more. 

stole

What is a Scarf?

A scarf can be worn for casual as well as formal purposes. The scarf which is worn for casual purposes, is made up of light fabric with light colors and less to no decorative items on it.

When the scarf is designed for formal purposes, the scarf is made up of a more expensive fabric with more varieties in design. 

Another important purpose of a scarf is during winter. It is worn around the neck to protect the neck from being cold. The scarf, designed to be worn in winter, is commonly made of woollen fabric.

A scarf protects from the cold, adds elegance to the attire, and makes it look more fashionable. 

Some of the different types of scarves are snood, antique scarf, muffler scarf, sarong, jersey scarf, and more.

A scarf is a shorter piece of fabric as compared to the other fabrics. The length of the fabric is about a minimum of 50 inches to a maximum of 80 inches.

On the other hand, the width of the scarf ranges between a minimum of 4 inches to a maximum of 16 inches on average. 

scarf

Main Differences Between Stole and Scarf

  1. A stole is worn loosely around the neck. On the other hand, a scarf sticks around the neck when worn.
  2. A stole is rectangular. On the contrary, a scarf can be either rectangular or square.
  3. A stole is worn for formal purposes. In contrast, a scarf can be worn for both formal and casual purposes.
  4. The most common fabric used to make stole is pashmina. On the contrary, the most common fabric used to make a scarf is popularly known as cashmere.
  5. A stole is commonly worn along with suits. On the other hand, a scarf is commonly worn along with tops and jackets.
Difference Between Stole and Scarf
References
  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/210794/

Last Updated : 24 November, 2023

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