The difference between a scarf and a long scarf lies in the shape: the scarf is square, while the long scarf (or stole) is rectangular, long and light. From there, each piece takes its own name based on size, fabric and use.

On marketplaces, the same piece is often listed as a scarf, long scarf, pashmina, shawl and muffler all at once, which only adds to the confusion. This guide sets each one apart, with the actual sizes from the Scarf Me catalog.

What is each piece?

Scarf

A square piece of fabric worn around the neck, on the head, in the hair, on a bag or at the waist. At Scarf Me, scarves range from 40x40cm to 110x110cm, in silk satin, polyester, cotton and wool. The 90x90cm is the size with the most styles and the most versatile.

Max scarf

A large-format square scarf. At Scarf Me, it measures 130x130cm and is made of silk mousseline, a light, sheer fabric. Its size allows it to be worn as a shawl, a top or a light beach cover-up.

Long scarf

A rectangular, long and light piece, wrapped around the neck or worn loosely over the shoulders. Scarf Me offers long scarves of 45x210cm in polyester mousseline and of 60x210cm in silk mousseline.

Pashmina

A rectangular piece that is wider and more substantial than the long scarf. The name comes from "pashm," the Persian word for wool, and originally referred to the cashmere shawls of Kashmir. Today, in retail, pashmina describes the shape, and the composition varies. At Scarf Me, there are 70x180cm pashminas in viscose and in wool-touch, and cashmere pieces from 70x200cm to 100x210cm.

Shawl

A large piece worn to cover the shoulders and back. It can be square, folded into a triangle, or rectangular. A shawl is more a way of wearing than a product: at Scarf Me, the pieces that work as a shawl are the 130x130cm max scarf, the 60x210cm long scarf and the 100x200cm and 100x210cm cashmere pashminas.

Muffler

A narrow, thick band, usually knit or wool, made to keep the neck warm in cold weather. It does not have the lightness or the drape of a long scarf. For those looking for warmth with a more refined finish, the 110x110cm wool scarf and the Herringbone Cashmere do the job.

Bandana

A square cotton scarf, traditionally with a paisley print, which in Brazil is also called the cashmere print. Scarf Me bandanas come in 65x65cm and 110x110cm.

Twilly

A narrow, long band worn as a ribbon on a bag handle, on the wrist, in the hair or around the neck. At Scarf Me, it measures 8x130cm, in silk satin and in polyester.

Pareo

A large rectangle of fabric worn as a beach cover-up, tied as a dress, skirt or top. It is also called a panneau. At Scarf Me, they all measure 130x200cm, in silk satin, viscose and polyester georgette. The difference between a pareo and a canga, the Brazilian beach wrap, is explained in the post pareo and canga.

Comparison table

How to choose between them

Think about the use first and the name second. To tie and change function throughout the day, the square scarf is the most versatile. To cover your shoulders at a party or in an air-conditioned space, a silk long scarf or a pashmina. For real cold, cashmere or wool. For the bag and the wrist, a twilly. For the beach, a pareo.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a long scarf and a pashmina?

The long scarf is narrower and lighter, made to wrap around the neck or drape over the shoulders. The pashmina is wider and more substantial, with more coverage and more warmth. At Scarf Me, long scarves are 45cm or 60cm wide; pashminas, from 65cm to 100cm.

Is a pashmina the same as cashmere?

Not necessarily. Cashmere is the fiber, taken from the goat's undercoat. Pashmina is the shape of the piece, which can be made of cashmere, viscose, silk or synthetic yarns. The composition is on the label and on the product page.

What is the difference between a muffler and a long scarf?

The muffler is narrower, thicker and made for warmth, usually knit or wool. The long scarf is lighter and more fluid, worn in cold weather, at parties and on mild days.

Is a bandana a type of scarf?

Yes. A bandana is a square scarf, traditionally cotton and with a paisley print. At Scarf Me, the cotton bandanas come in 65x65cm and 110x110cm.

Are a shawl and a pashmina the same thing?

Not always. A shawl is a way of wearing, covering the shoulders and back. A wide pashmina works as a shawl, as does a 130x130cm max scarf folded into a triangle.