Fur stoles are formal garments worn primarily by women, but some men also wear them. They are rectangular in shape and lined with fabric, and can be made from any animal fur or artificial replacement. They can vary in size and design, and are often worn around the neck with the ends hanging loose. The construction and price of a stole depends on the type of fur used. Faux fur stoles are also available, and remain a popular item of clothing.
A fur stole is an article of clothing worn primarily by women, although some men in recent times have embraced the fashion either for drag or as a statement. Fur stoles are generally smaller than a shawl but larger than a scarf, rectangular in shape, and lined with another fabric, although they can vary greatly in size, shape, and design. The main identifying characteristic of a stole is its intended occasion and the wearer, as these garments are generally considered high class and formal. A fur stole may be made from any animal fur, or an artificial replacement, as long as the appearance of the fur is maintained.
Traditionally, a fur stole is worn around the neck with the ends typically hanging loose in front of the body. Sometimes a brooch or other pin is used to connect the two sides of the stole at the front. Some articles of clothing marketed as stoles are much shorter or longer than a traditional stole, resembling a cloak or scarf. The way a stole should be worn largely depends on the intentions of the designer.
Similarly, the construction of a fur stole can be highly variable. Some are made of flat strips of fur or faux fur sewn together, while others use the head and tail at each end. Many shorter stoles are made from the fur of a single animal, retaining all the major parts of the body, including the feet, head, and tail. Lining materials are usually thin, high-quality fabrics such as satin or silk.
The fur of any animal can be used when making a fur stole, and the properties of the fur generally determine the price of the stole. Rabbit fur stoles, for example, are much less expensive than mink ones. Other fur animals include foxes, beavers, and dogs. The pelts of rare and endangered species are sometimes used, but this is not common both because these pelts are expensive and because many modern societies disapprove of killing these animals.
In many Western countries, the wearing of fur has been stigmatized in some parts of the culture. For this reason, there are high-quality faux furs that are used to make “fur” stoles, giving the appearance of fur without harming an animal. In a partly humorous reference to the original source of fur stoles, some faux fur stoles feature plush animal heads, tails, and feet attached to the ends, mimicking a certain style of stole that was once popular. Whether made of faux fur or real fur, stoles still evoke images of glamor today and remain a popular item of clothing.
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