Scarf vs. Stole — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 5, 2023
A "scarf" is a broad band of cloth worn around the neck or head, while a "stole" is a wider, often more formal, shawl-like wrap typically draped over the shoulders.
Difference Between Scarf and Stole
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Key Differences
A "scarf" is a piece of fabric, often rectangular or square, primarily used to keep the neck warm or as a fashion accessory. On the other hand, a "stole" is more extensive and typically worn draped over the shoulders, akin to a shawl, and can be part of formal attire or ceremonial wear.
While both scarves and stoles serve to provide warmth, a scarf is versatile and can be tied in various styles around the neck or head. A stole, due to its size and design, is typically draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body.
Scarves can be made from various materials, including wool, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers. Stoles, often considered more upscale, are frequently crafted from luxurious fabrics like silk, pashmina, or fine wool and may feature intricate embroideries or embellishments.
Scarves are everyday accessories, suitable for casual to semi-formal occasions, depending on their material and design. Stoles, however, are often associated with more formal events, religious ceremonies, or academic settings, such as being worn by clergy or as part of academic regalia.
In the world of fashion, scarves are versatile accessories that can complement various outfits, from winter coats to summer dresses. Stoles, with their elegant appearance, often accentuate evening gowns, wedding dresses, or formal wear, adding a touch of sophistication.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Neck or head accessory.
Draped over the shoulders.
Size
Generally narrower.
Wider and often longer.
Occasion
Casual to semi-formal.
More formal or ceremonial.
Materials
Variety, from wool to silk.
Often luxurious like silk or pashmina.
Associated Imagery
Tied around neck, versatile accessory.
Elegantly draped, shawl-like appearance.
Compare with Definitions
Scarf
A length of fabric worn around the neck or head.
She wore a bright red scarf to contrast her white blouse.
Stole
A wide shawl-like garment draped over the shoulders.
The bride wore a lace stole over her wedding dress.
Scarf
An accessory for warmth or style.
During winter, a woolen scarf is essential.
Stole
A wider counterpart to a scarf, emphasizing sophistication.
She paired her gown with a silk stole for the gala.
Scarf
A protective or decorative band of material.
She used a scarf to shield her hair from the wind.
Stole
An elegant wrap often made from luxurious materials.
Her pashmina stole was the highlight of her evening attire.
Scarf
A scarf, plural scarves, is a piece of fabric worn around the neck or head for warmth, sun protection, cleanliness, fashion, or religious reasons or used to show the support for a sports club or team. They can be made in a variety of different materials such as wool, linen, silk or cotton.
Stole
A woman's long scarf or shawl, especially of fur or similar material, worn loosely over the shoulders.
Scarf
A length or square of fabric worn around the neck or head
A silk scarf
She tucked her woolly scarf around her neck
Stole
(Ecclesiastical) A long scarf, usually of embroidered silk or linen, worn over the left shoulder by deacons and over both shoulders by priests and bishops while officiating.
Scarf
A joint connecting two pieces of timber or metal in which the ends are bevelled or notched so that they fit over or into each other.
Stole
An ornamental garment worn over both shoulders and tapering to a point in front and in back, worn especially by members of church choirs or as a part of academic dress.
Scarf
An incision made in the blubber of a whale.
Stole
A long scarf of cloth or fur worn about the shoulders.
Scarf
Join the ends of (two pieces of timber or metal) by bevelling or notching them so that they fit over or into each other
He forced me to scarf the keel timbers in watertight sections
The scarfing follows the natural grain of the wood
Stole
A long robe or outer garment worn by matrons in ancient Rome.
Scarf
Make an incision in the blubber of (a whale).
Stole
Past tense of steal.
Scarf
Eat or drink (something) hungrily or enthusiastically
He scarfed down the waffles
Stole
Past participle of steal
Scarf
A long piece of cloth worn about the head, neck, or shoulders.
Stole
A garment consisting of a decorated band worn on the back of the neck, each end hanging over the chest, worn in ecclesiastical settings or sometimes as a part of graduation dress.
Scarf
A decorative cloth for covering the top of a piece of furniture; a runner.
Stole
A scarf-like garment, often made of fur.
Scarf
A sash indicating military rank.
Stole
(botany) A stolon.
Scarf
A joint made by cutting or notching the ends of two pieces correspondingly and strapping or bolting them together. Also called scarf joint.
Stole
A stolon.
Scarf
Either of the correspondingly cut or notched ends that fit together to form such a joint.
Stole
A long, loose garment reaching to the feet.
But when mild morn, in saffron stole,First issues from her eastern goal.
Scarf
To dress, cover, or decorate with or as if with a scarf.
Stole
A narrow band of silk or stuff, sometimes enriched with embroidery and jewels, worn on the left shoulder of deacons, and across both shoulders of bishops and priests, pendent on each side nearly to the ground. At Mass, it is worn crossed on the breast by priests. It is used in various sacred functions.
Scarf
To wrap (an outer garment) around one like a scarf.
Stole
A wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
Scarf
To join by means of a scarf.
Stole
A formal or ceremonial band of fabric.
The priest's stole was embroidered with gold.
Scarf
To cut a scarf in.
Stole
A mark of distinction in certain religious or academic ceremonies.
Graduates wore stoles indicating their academic achievements.
Scarf
To eat or drink voraciously; devour
"Americans scarf down 50 million hot dogs on an average summer day" (George F. Will).
Scarf
A long, often knitted, garment worn around the neck.
Scarf
A headscarf.
Scarf
(dated) A neckcloth or cravat.
Scarf
A type of joint in woodworking.
Scarf
A groove on one side of a sewing machine needle.
Scarf
A dip or notch or cut made in the trunk of a tree to direct its fall when felling.
Scarf
(Scotland) A cormorant.
Scarf
To throw on loosely; to put on like a scarf.
Scarf
To dress with a scarf, or as with a scarf; to cover with a loose wrapping.
Scarf
To shape by grinding.
Scarf
To form a scarf on the end or edge of, as for a joint in timber, forming a "V" groove for welding adjacent metal plates, metal rods, etc.
Scarf
To unite, as two pieces of timber or metal, by a scarf joint.
Scarf
To eat very quickly.
You sure scarfed that pizza.
Scarf
A cormorant.
Scarf
An article of dress of a light and decorative character, worn loosely over the shoulders or about the neck or the waist; a light shawl or handkerchief for the neck; also, a cravat; a neckcloth.
Put on your hood and scarf.
With care about the banners, scarves, and staves.
Scarf
In a piece which is to be united to another by a scarf joint, the part of the end or edge that is tapered off, rabbeted, or notched so as to be thinner than the rest of the piece.
Scarf
To throw on loosely; to put on like a scarf.
Scarf
To dress with a scarf, or as with a scarf; to cover with a loose wrapping.
Scarf
To form a scarf on the end or edge of, as for a joint in timber, metal rods, etc.
Scarf
A garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration
Scarf
A joint made by notching the ends of two pieces of timber or metal so that they will lock together end-to-end
Scarf
Masturbate while strangling oneself
Scarf
Unite by a scarf joint
Scarf
Wrap in or adorn with a scarf
Scarf
A narrow piece of cloth used as a fashion statement.
The silk scarf added elegance to her outfit.
Scarf
A versatile wrap that can be styled in multiple ways.
He tied his scarf in a French knot.
Common Curiosities
Can men wear stoles?
Yes, while stoles are often associated with women's fashion, they can be worn by anyone.
Are scarves only for winter?
No, scarves can be worn year-round, with lighter materials like silk for warmer months.
Are stoles religious garments?
Stoles can be religious garments, especially for clergy, but they're also worn as fashion accessories.
Which is more formal, a scarf or a stole?
Generally, a stole is considered more formal, but it depends on the material and design.
Is a scarf always rectangular?
While many scarves are rectangular, they can also be square or other shapes.
Can a scarf be used as a stole?
Depending on its size, a large scarf can function as a stole.
How do you clean a silk stole?
It's best to dry clean delicate materials like silk to maintain their quality.
Is a shawl the same as a stole?
They're similar, but stoles are often narrower and more formal than shawls.
Can stoles be worn with casual outfits?
Absolutely, while often seen in formal settings, stoles can accentuate casual outfits too.
Which is warmer, a scarf or a stole?
It depends on the material, but typically, woolen scarves are designed for warmth.
Can a stole be used as a scarf?
Yes, a stole can be wrapped around the neck and styled similarly to a scarf.
Are infinity scarves different from regular scarves?
Yes, infinity scarves are circular and have no ends, while regular scarves are straight.
Are stoles a part of academic attire?
Yes, in some ceremonies, graduates wear stoles to indicate achievements or affiliations.
How do you tie a scarf fashionably?
There are numerous ways, like the loop, French knot, or the classic drape.
Do scarves have cultural significance?
In many cultures, scarves have religious, cultural, or traditional significance.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
