The shawl is a beautiful, timeless garment integral to wardrobes across various cultures and eras. Standing the test of time for centuries, from wide and warm pashmina shawls to chic French shawls, bohemian bright shawls, and intricate Indian shawls, there are many different ways to wrap and wear these wardrobe staples. Choosing the right shawl for the occasion and body type is all part of finding a shawl you love, and another factor that plays into style and design is the length. We take a closer look at how length can change the look of your shawl.
Understanding Shawl Dimensions
With so many shawls and scarves, wraps and stoles, what makes this garment different? A standard shawl is a piece of cloth that is 30 to 45 inches wide and 70 to 85 inches long—although this varies depending on the shawl style.
A shawl shape is often rectangular or square and designed to be worn over the shoulders or draped around the upper body. Wraps can be considered similar to shawls but tend to be slightly smaller in size. Scarves are smaller in size and often longer and narrower pieces of fabric worn around the neck, although in the modern lexicon, shawls are sometimes referred to as blanket scarves. A stole is also narrower and smaller than a shawl.
Shawls come in a variety of fabrics—woolen, cashmere, silk, cotton, and more. You can find bright, bold shawls or a classic color in neutral tones. Shawls can be worn as a fashion statement or for extra warmth. You can wear beautiful shawls over evening wear, bridal shawls for your big day, or bohemian shawls simply because they look amazing.
Factors Influencing Shawl Length
Purpose and Occasion: The purpose and occasion of a shawl's wear play a role in determining its length. For example, if you are wondering how to wear a shawl for a religious or ceremonial event may require a longer length. Wearing a shawl as a decorative element of your outfit can be a more casual choice, and you may want to pick a shorter shawl to allow for ease of movement. A bigger shawl can be better if you are looking for a shawl to go around your upper body and neck for warmth.
Body Type and Height: As with any fashion choice, choosing the right shawl will also depend on your personal body type and height. Those who have a petite frame may want to choose a shorter shawl that doesn't drown out their frame. Taller people may want longer shawls that make a statement. Wide shoulders may call for a shawl with wider square proportions to bring balance to your look, and narrow shoulders can opt for a narrower style. The shawl game aims to pick something that enhances your silhouette rather than overwhelming it.
Fashion Trends: Current fashion trends can also influence shawl sizes and lengths. For example, blanket scarves are popular in the fall when paired with leggings, skinny jeans, and boots. Spring fashions can call for a classic silk scarf or smaller shawl tied in a French knot.
Shawl Lengths for Various Styles
Classic Shawls: Classic shawls tend to be 70 to 85 inches long and 30 to 45 inches wide. This allows the shawl to be draped comfortably around the body, keeps you warm, and offers ample coverage—which can be important in more traditional and modest settings.
Decorative Shawls: Decorative shawls will vary in size, but you may find dimensions ranging from 55 to 70 inches long and 20 to 35 inches wide suitable for a pretty shawl you want to drape and style easily. The shorter length means you can experiment and play with styles such as knotting or looping for added aesthetic interest.
Evening Shawls: Formal shawls and shawls you want to wear with evening attire or classy events could range from 65 to 80 inches long and 25 to 40 inches wide, allowing for graceful draping. Alternatively, you can choose shorter shawls that don't overwhelm an outfit and can be used to keep the shoulders warm without taking away from the ensemble. This can be a popular choice with bridal shawls, where you don't want to steal any style from the dress.
DIY Shawl Making: Custom Lengths
Shawls are essentially large pieces of fabric, but they are easy to make at home with just a few simple techniques. First, you will need to find the fabric you like. You will want to consider color (bold colors or calm colors), patterns, material type, and heaviness. Lightweight fabrics like cotton and silk can be a good choice for decorative shawls, whereas wool cashmere and heavier yarns can work for wanting a warmer shawl.
You will also need to measure your fabric and yourself and determine the length of shawl you want. Use a measuring tape to measure the length from your shoulders to where you want the shawl to fall and the width from one arm across the chest to the other. Add a few inches for seam allowance and drape.
Lay your chosen fabric flat on a large, clean surface. Using fabric scissors, cut the fabric to the desired length and width, following the measurements you took earlier. Be sure to cut straight and even lines for a neat finish. If you're sewing the shawl, fold the edges of the fabric over and sew a narrow hem along all sides to prevent fraying. You can use a straight stitch on a sewing machine or hand-sew using a running stitch or blanket stitch.
Care and Maintenance
Keep your shawl beautiful by giving it the right care and maintenance. Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to keep your shawl looking good. Always store your shawl away from moisture, direct light, and heat, as these conditions may cause your shawl's color to fade and can negatively impact the durability of the fabric. You may want to fold your shawl for storage rather than hanging it, as hanging can stretch the fabric over time. If you need to wash your shawl, consider the fabric first, as different fabrics require different laundering methods. Handwashing with a mild detergent in cold water can be a good way of avoiding shrinkage and fading.
Conclusion
Shawls are a fabulous and timeless addition to any wardrobe; you can never have too many shawls to suit a range of occasions. Finding a shawl that is the right length will elevate your look and can combine comfort, style, and functionality. Experiment with different shawl lengths and see what works for you and your own fashion. Remember, shawls and scarves can suit formal and informal occasions and be worn with everything from tunics to Eastern womens tops, bamboo clothing, and more.
FAQs
What is the normal length for a shawl
Shawls vary in length depending on their style and the occasion for which they are made. A traditional shawl is 70 to 85 inches long and 30 to 45 inches wide.
How much meter is needed for shawl
A traditional shawl is often double the length than its width, although, of course, this can vary depending on the style and design of the shawl. Overall, you want a shawl that is comfortable enough in size to wrap around your upper body.
How long should a crocheted shawl be
Shawls can vary in style and length, but a popular pattern for a rectangular crocheted shawl is around 60 inches. Of course, if you are crocheting it yourself, you can tailor your shawl to meet your needs.
How long should a triangle shawl be
If you want to make a triangle scarf, you may want to make it 60 inches wide and 30 inches long, as this is a standard size for this kind of scarf.
