stoles

A stole is a long, narrow strip of fabric worn around the shoulders and hanging down the front. Unlike a shawl or cape, it is designed to drape along the chest and back and is commonly used in religious, ceremonial, academic, and fashion contexts.

Etymology and origins: The word derives from the Latin stola, a garment worn by women in ancient Rome. The modern use of the stole as a symbol of office or service developed in Christian liturgy and spread to other formal settings over time.

Religious use: In many Christian traditions, the stole signifies ordained ministry. Clergy in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and several other churches wear a stole during liturgical functions, with the style differing by office: priests typically wear it around the neck with ends hanging in front, while deacons wear it diagonally from the left shoulder to the right hip. The color of the stole generally follows the liturgical calendar—white for festive seasons, green for ordinary time, purple for Advent and Lent, red for martyrdom or Pentecost, and occasionally rose or gold for special dates.

Academic and secular use: In academia, an academic stole is part of ceremonial regalia worn at graduations or by members of honor societies, often bearing stripes or embroidery that indicate field of study or membership. In fashion, stoles are decorative wraps made from silk, satin, wool, fur, or faux fur, worn with formal attire and sometimes embellished with embroidery or beading.

Materials and care: Stoles vary from luxurious fur and silk to lightweight wool, cotton blends, or synthetics. Care depends on the material: fur and embellished stoles may require professional cleaning, while plain fabric stoles can often be dry-cleaned or hand-washed.

Variations: Designs range from plain and unadorned to richly embroidered or bejeweled, and lengths and widths vary to suit different styles and occasions.