Difference between shawl and scarf

Posted By: Sm Adminon: January 12, 2016In: Miscellaneous

Shawl:
Shawl is the rectangular or square piece of cloth which is usually worn on the shoulders by both men and women. Pashmina shawls are mostly loved by all. It adds a lovely finishing touch to an outfit as well as can be worn for warmth.
Scarf:
Scarf is the small piece of clothing which is wear around the neck and shoulders for the style. Scarves can be cotton, wool as well as silk. It is worn by men as well as women. It can be found in various types of colours.
Differences:

Basis	Shawl	Scarf
Definition (www.oxforddictionaries.com)	A piece of fabric worn by women over the shoulders or head or wrapped round a baby.	A length or square of fabric worn around the neck or head
Synonyms	Muffler, stole, wrapper, handkerchief, headscarf	Neckcloth, collar, garment, costume, choker, wrap
Types	Its types are: Alpaca Cashmere Cotton Jersey Linen Pashmina Satin Silk Wool	Its types are: Bandana scarves Infinity scarves Head scarves Neck scarves Skinny scarves Hip scarves Shemagh scarves
History	Shawls had their beginnings in Persia as part of the traditional wardrobe during the Achaemenid dynasty (about 550 – 330 BCE). These traditional shawls were made of very fine fabric and usually heavily embroidered. As trading flourished, shawls spread to India and then on to other parts of Asia. In China, they began making shawls from fine silk and these were traded across the world, becoming very popular in Europe. The shawl is still popular today, and can be found as a part of traditional costumes around the world.	The first recorded scarf in history belonged to Queen Nefertiti of Egypt who paired it with a conical headdress back in 1350 B.C. In China, evidence of fringed scarves are seen on sculptures dated to 1000 B.C.
Word origin	The word shawl was originated in Early 17th century: from Urdu and Persian šāl, probably from Shāliāt, the name of a town in India.	The word scarf was originated in Mid 16th century (in the sense ‘sash (around the waist or over the shoulder)’): probably based on Old Northern French escarpe, probably identical with Old French escharpe ‘pilgrim’s scrip’.
Usage	Shawls are used in order to keep warm, to complement a costume, and for symbolic reasons.	Scarves are used to keep the neck warm and for fashion.
Pronunciation	Eng (UK): /ʃɔːl/ Eng (US): /SHôl/	Eng (UK): /skɑːf/ Eng (US): /skärf/
Advantages/Benefits	Its advantages are: Affordable Lightweight Extensive warmth	Its advantages are: Keep us warm Fashion Versatility Protection from the sun Easy to clean
Example in Sentence	My mother suggested me putting on my shawl. I brought a beautiful shawl from Kashmir.	I gave her a scarf as a gift. The brown scarf suits you much.