Scarf vs. Shawl — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
A scarf is a piece of fabric worn around the neck for warmth, while a shawl is larger, draped over the shoulders for warmth or fashion.
Difference Between Scarf and Shawl
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Scarves and shawls serve both practical and fashion purposes. A scarf is typically narrower and designed to wrap around the neck, offering warmth and adding a touch of style to an outfit. On the other hand, a shawl is larger and more versatile in terms of styling.
While scarves often have a functional role in providing warmth to the neck and are popular accessories in both men's and women's fashion, shawls tend to offer broader coverage and can be a statement piece in a woman's wardrobe. Both can be found in an array of colors, patterns, and materials, catering to a wide range of styles and preferences.
In terms of usage, scarves can be a more everyday accessory, easily incorporated into various outfits for both indoor and outdoor settings. Shawls, with their larger size and often more delicate materials, might be chosen for special events or as part of an elegant ensemble, though they also can be used for casual occasions depending on the material and design.
Comparison Chart
Size
Narrower, designed to wrap around the neck
Larger, designed to drape over the shoulders
Material
Wool, cotton, synthetic fibers, silk
Wool, silk, pashmina, with possible embellishments
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Usage
Primarily for warmth and fashion around the neck
For warmth or fashion, covering shoulders and upper body
Styling
Looped, tied, draped
Wrapped, draped, open
Occasions
Everyday wear, both casual and formal
More formal events, but can be casual depending on design
Compare with Definitions
Scarf
A circular scarf without ends, looped around the neck.
She chose an infinity scarf for its easy styling and warmth.
Shawl
A versatile, large piece of fabric that can be wrapped in various ways.
She used a wrap shawl to stay warm and fashionable.
Scarf
A thin piece of fabric worn around the neck for style rather than warmth.
She wore a light scarf to add a pop of color to her outfit.
Shawl
A fine type of wool shawl, known for its softness and warmth.
She draped a pashmina shawl over her shoulders on the chilly evening.
Scarf
A soft, luxurious scarf made from silk, often used as a fashion accessory.
The silk scarf added an elegant touch to her evening dress.
Shawl
A shawl made from wool, offering substantial warmth.
Her wool shawl was both practical and chic for winter wear.
Scarf
A scarf made by knitting, providing warmth and texture.
Her knitted scarf was both cozy and stylish, perfect for winter.
Shawl
A decorative shawl, often made of silk or lace, worn with formal attire.
Her evening shawl was a delicate complement to her gown.
Scarf
A thick, warm fabric worn for insulation during cold weather.
He wrapped a winter scarf tightly around his neck to keep out the chill.
Shawl
A handcrafted shawl made through the process of crocheting.
The intricate patterns of her crochet shawl were stunning.
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.
Shawl
A shawl (from Persian: شال shāl, which may be from Hindi: दुशाला duśālā, ultimately from Sanskrit: शाटी śāṭī) is a simple item of clothing, loosely worn over the shoulders, upper body and arms, and sometimes also over the head. It is usually a rectangular or square piece of cloth, which is often folded to make a triangle, but can also be triangular in shape.
Scarf
A length or square of fabric worn around the neck or head
A silk scarf
She tucked her woolly scarf around her neck
Shawl
A piece of fabric worn by women over the shoulders or head or wrapped round a baby.
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.
Shawl
A usually square, rectangular, or triangular piece of cloth worn as a covering for the head, neck, or shoulders.
Scarf
An incision made in the blubber of a whale.
Shawl
To cover with or as if with such a piece of cloth.
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
Shawl
A square or rectangular piece of cloth worn as a covering for the head, neck, and shoulders, typically by women.
She wears her shawl when it's cold outside.
Scarf
Make an incision in the blubber of (a whale).
Shawl
(transitive) To wrap in a shawl.
Scarf
Eat or drink (something) hungrily or enthusiastically
He scarfed down the waffles
Shawl
A square or oblong cloth of wool, cotton, silk, or other textile or netted fabric, used, especially by women, as a loose covering for the neck and shoulders.
Scarf
A long piece of cloth worn about the head, neck, or shoulders.
Shawl
To wrap in a shawl.
Scarf
A decorative cloth for covering the top of a piece of furniture; a runner.
Shawl
Cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders
Scarf
A sash indicating military rank.
Scarf
A joint made by cutting or notching the ends of two pieces correspondingly and strapping or bolting them together. Also called scarf joint.
Scarf
Either of the correspondingly cut or notched ends that fit together to form such a joint.
Scarf
To dress, cover, or decorate with or as if with a scarf.
Scarf
To wrap (an outer garment) around one like a scarf.
Scarf
To join by means of a scarf.
Scarf
To cut a scarf in.
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
Common Curiosities
Can scarves be worn all year round?
Yes, scarves can be worn all year, depending on the material and weather.
Are shawls only for women?
Traditionally, shawls are more popular among women, but they can be worn by anyone.
Are all shawls large and bulky?
No, shawls vary in thickness and size, with some being quite light and delicate.
How do you style a scarf for formal occasions?
For formal wear, choose a silk or fine knit scarf and drape or loop it elegantly.
Can a shawl be worn with casual attire?
Yes, a shawl can complement casual outfits, especially when chosen in a relaxed fabric.
Is there a difference in the materials used for scarves and shawls?
Both can be made from a variety of materials, but shawls often feature more luxurious fabrics.
How do I choose the right scarf for winter?
Look for thick, insulating materials like wool or fleece for maximum warmth.
Can a scarf double as a shawl?
Some larger scarves can be draped like shawls, offering versatility in styling.
What is the best way to store scarves and shawls?
Store them flat or neatly folded to prevent wrinkles and damage.
Can a scarf be used for purposes other than wearing around the neck?
Yes, scarves can also be tied around the head, waist, or used as accessories for bags.
What makes a shawl different from a blanket scarf?
Shawls are often more refined and can be made from finer materials, while blanket scarves are larger and cozier.
How do you clean silk scarves and shawls?
Silk items should be hand washed or dry cleaned to maintain their quality.
Is there a specific season for wearing shawls?
Shawls can be worn in any season, but they are especially popular in cooler months or for evening wear.
Are shawls practical for everyday use?
Depending on the material and weather, shawls can be both practical and stylish for daily wear.
What's the best way to wear a shawl to a wedding?
Drape it elegantly over your shoulders to complement your formal attire.
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Written 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.
Co-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.
