Shawls vs Stoles

by Nancy
(Fairbanks, AK, USA)

What is the length/width difference between a shawl and/or a stole?

YOUR ANSWER

... a square, triangular, or oblong piece of wool or other material worn, esp. by women, about the shoulders, or the head and shoulders, in place of a coat or hat outdoors, and indoors as protection against chill or dampness.

Whereas a Stole is:

... a woman's shoulder scarf of fur, marabou, silk, or other material.


So stoles and shawls can be very similar or vastly different!

Either garment can be rectangular or a triangle, while shawls can be square or oblong. Some stoles are basically rectangular with a curved shape to fit around the shoulders.

So the answer to your question will vary depending on which type of stole or shawl you are asking about.

If you are talking about a rectangular shape, a stole will typically be between 180 - 200cm long and around 55cms wide.

A shawl will be anywhere from 50 to 60cm wide and 100cm to 200cm long. Triangular shawls will typically be about about twice as long as they are at the widest point.