Key Difference: A scarf, also known as a muffler or a wrap, is a rectangle or square piece of fabric that is worn around the neck, head or waist for various purposes. A stole is considered as a type of shawl but smaller in size and is made of expensive fabric such as fur, chiffon, pure silk, pashmina, etc. to accent a dress.

The terms stole and scarf are used to refer to wraps or pieces of cloth that is used to cover the shoulders. In today’s world, these terms have become synonymous with each other and are used interchangeably as a result of fashionable terms used to sell their products. However, originally the stoles and scarves served a different purpose.

A scarf, also known as a muffler or a wrap, is a rectangle or square piece of fabric that is worn around the neck, head or waist for various purposes such as warmth, fashion or religious purposes. Scarves are made from a variety of different fabrics that are available in a variety of different colors. Scarves were originally worn around the neck or waist for cleanliness purpose, where it was used as a sweat cloth to wipe away sweat and grime from the face and the neck. Scarves that are available are more for a fashionable purpose to accent clothing or for warmth purpose to keep away the cold.

Scarves that are used for warmth purpose are usually in a rectangular form and have a greater length compared to width. They are made of heavy, warm materials such as wool to keep warm. They may also have fringes towards the end of the two long sides. These scarves are wrapped around the neck and chest under the jacket or nose and mouth to keep out the cold. Scarves that are for fashionable purposes are small rectangular pieces of thin clothing that is used to tie around the neck, shoulders or head. They are usually made from chiffon, silk or other such materials so that they are light and do not weigh on the person carrying them. Scarves can be worn my men as well as women.

A stole is considered as a type of shawl but smaller in size and is made of expensive fabric such as fur, chiffon, pure silk, pashmina, etc. to accent a dress. Stoles are fabrics that are have a greater length than width and are carried or draped around the shoulders or arms of a woman to accent the dress that she is wearing. A stole is commonly narrower than a shawl and serves only a fashionable purpose.

Stoles became popular in today’s society by film stars being pictured wearing such fabrics to parties. Recently, there are more cheaper variants of stoles that are being marketed by stole companies that are made of cotton, silk or a mixed blend. A stole is also referred to a sash that is used by graduating classes or ministers that are worn around the neck and dangles on both sides of the shoulder.

The major difference between a stole and a scarf likes in usage and size. Stoles are smaller and lighter and are used for only fashionable purposes. On the other hand, scarves are used for a variety of purposes such as keeping warm, accenting a dress or even religious ones.

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