What size is a stole? Length and width in inches

Stole, dupatta, scarf and shawl compared

The names overlap and sellers use them loosely, but the usual proportions are below. A stole is roughly half to two thirds the width of a dupatta and a foot or two shorter. That is what makes it easier to manage: there is less to slip, trail or catch. Our guide to dupatta sizes and styles covers the full-size version.

• Scarf: the smallest. Long scarves are often 10 to 16 inches (25 to 40 cm) wide and around 60 to 70 inches (150 to 180 cm) long.
• Stole: 20 to 28 inches (50 to 70 cm) wide, 70 to 80 inches (180 to 200 cm) long.
• Dupatta: 36 to 44 inches (90 to 112 cm) wide, about 2.25 to 2.5 metres (89 to 98 inches) long.
• Shawl: around 40 by 80 inches (100 by 200 cm), in a warmer, heavier cloth.

Choosing a size for how you wear it

Width decides coverage and length decides where the ends hang, so start from the way you plan to drape it.

• Round the neck with the ends in front: a slim stole, about 20 to 22 inches wide, sits flat under a coat or blazer.
• Over one shoulder with a kurta: 22 to 28 inches wide looks like a neat, narrow dupatta. See kurta and trouser sets for outfits that work without a full dupatta.
• Across the chest or over the head: choose the fuller 28 inch width and the full 80 inch length, or a dupatta, because coverage needs depth.
• Height: worn round the neck with both ends in front, a 72 inch stole reaches about the knee on a petite frame and the lower thigh on an average one. An 80 inch stole hangs about 4 inches (10 cm) lower on each side.

How much fabric to make a stole

A stole is a hemmed rectangle, so the sums are short. Buy the finished length plus about 2 inches (5 cm) for the two end hems: 2 metres (2.25 yards) of cloth gives a stole of about 77 inches (195 cm). The width you get depends on the cloth.

• From 44 to 45 inch (112 to 114 cm) fabric: one length split down the middle makes two stoles about 21 inches (53 cm) wide after hemming, or one wide stole with a strip left over.
• From 58 to 60 inch (147 to 152 cm) fabric: one length splits into two stoles about 28 inches (71 cm) wide.
• From a dupatta you no longer wear: cutting it narrower along its length gives a stole, though the cut side needs a new hem and any border on that side is lost.
• Edges: each cut side needs a narrow hem of about half an inch (1 to 1.5 cm); selvedges can be left as they are.

A stole as part of an outfit

If you would like a stole instead of a full dupatta with an outfit we are making, say so when you ask for a quote and give the finished length and width you want, in inches or centimetres. We confirm what is possible on your fabric and design, and the agreed size is written into the quote before cutting. You can send your own design, or read how custom stitching works first.

Soft, light fabrics make the easiest stoles. If you are choosing cloth, fabric widths explained shows what each width gives you.