Finding Your Favorite Stole

Stoles and mufflers are so handy to have on hand during the chillier months.
It's curious how just wrapping or draping one around your neck and shoulders can bring such a sense of comfort.

But which stole actually suits you...?
What kind of muffler would the person you're giving a gift to like...?
With so many types to choose from,
finding your favorite piece can be difficult.

This time, for those of you facing this dilemma,
we'd like to share some hints
to help you find that special piece you'll love.

Stole, shawl, muffler...
All of these are known as items of clothing you either "drape over yourself" or "wrap around your neck,"
but do you actually know
what specific differences exist between them?

Stoles and shawls, it's said, were originally used not for warmth,
but as decorative accessories.
Rather than being wrapped around the neck, many are designed with generous width
meant to be draped over the shoulders.
They're easy to throw on even over a jacket,
making them a versatile addition to any outfit.

Mufflers, on the other hand, take their name from "muffle," meaning to wrap or cover,

and have long been known as a cold-weather item that wraps the body in warmth.
Many are made from wool, prized for its warmth,
and are typically narrower and shorter in length.

The regal British brand
Highland Tweeds offers
both stoles and mufflers in its lineup.
Comparing the two, the difference in size is immediately obvious.
Stoles have a generously relaxed width,
while mufflers are sized so you can wrap them around your neck
without needing to fold them.

■Choosing by Pattern

(Left)SHOKAY / Celine Buffalo Check Scarf
(Right)Highland Tweeds / Muffler DRESS GREY STEWART

When it comes to classic patterns for wraps, check patterns are the standard.
But even within check patterns, there's a wide variety of types.

SHOKAY's
Celine Buffalo Check Scarf features
a check pattern made up of connected squares.
It has the clean, neat feel of a check pattern while also being
a versatile design that works well in casual styling too.

Highland Tweeds features
a tartan pattern originating from Scotland.
Tartan patterns were historically used in the Middle Ages
to distinguish different clans.
This classic-feeling pattern is a great choice
for a wide range of people, regardless of age.

SHOKAY'sClassic Houndstooth Shawl features
a houndstooth pattern rendered in vivid colors.
In English, the name comes from the pattern's resemblance to
a hound's (hunting dog's) tooth.
The regularly repeating pattern gives off a polished impression,
while the bold coloring serves as
just the right accent.

For those looking to enjoy a fresh new style
this autumn and winter, we recommend
the stoles from MANTECAS, born in Portugal.

The geometric patterns that add a touch of gaiety, along with
the adorable coffee bean pattern, are sure to catch your eye.
These are stoles you'll want to incorporate
as a standout accent in your outfit.

■Choosing by Material

When it comes to materials for autumn and winter stoles and mufflers,
many people probably think first of wool,
the material most associated with warmth.

KLIPPAN's stoles are
made from 100% lambswool, keeping you wonderfully warm just by draping one on.
What's more, this lambswool is eco-wool, produced at factories that limit pesticide use
and adhere to strict environmental standards.
This guarantees it's free of harmful substances that could pose a risk to your health.

MAITO'sBotanical-Dyed WT Rib Snood is
a blend of wool and Tencel.
The inclusion of Tencel gives the fabric a supple feel
and makes it resistant to shrinking.
With its smooth texture and lightweight feel, it's also a great choice for early autumn and early spring.

AVANI'sWild Silk Muffler
Tussar Silk & Merino Wool is
knitted from wild silk, sourced from wild silkworm cocoons, together with merino wool.

Its glossy, lustrous appearance gives it a luxurious feel,
making it a wonderful choice for dressing up or as a gift for someone you admire.

With such a wide variety of stoles and mufflers available,
trying different ways to wrap them
can make wearing them even more enjoyable.

Highland Tweeds muffler

Let's start with the classic muffler wrap.
For shorter lengths, a simple single wrap around the neck
looks best and feels most natural. It's also an easy style for men to wear.

AVANI Wild Silk Muffler, Tussar Silk & Merino Wool

For a muffler with more length, even a single style can look wonderful:
after wrapping it once around the neck, form a loop in front,
then tuck both ends through it for a fuller, more voluminous look.
This style is also great for mufflers with different colors on each side.

MANTECAS Stole, COFFEE BEAN, Salmon/Brown

If you have a stole with plenty of thickness and length, such as one made of wool,
draping it over an outer coat looks stylish and put-together.
Why not try wearing a bright color while you're at it?

SHOKAY / Celine Buffalo Check Scarf

If the pattern is particularly eye-catching,
try wrapping it snugly around your neck to show just a hint of it.
This keeps your neck warm while creating a compact, put-together look.

MAITO (Maito) Kusakizome WT Rib Snood, Logwood

If it's a thin stole, try draping it over your shoulders,
tying it in a single knot and letting it drape to one side,
so it wraps snugly around your shoulders and back.
It also pairs nicely with a dress.

Once you've found a favorite piece,
you'll want to take good care of it even after use.

■Everyday storage

Depending on the material and construction of a stole or muffler,
wrinkles can sometimes be a concern,
so if you're using it daily, we recommend
storing it on a hanger.
Once the season is over, fold each piece individually
and store it in a chest of drawers.

Also, when storing your items, be sure to
keep them in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight.
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration
or shrinkage,
and to prevent moth damage,
we recommend storing items in a low-humidity location.

■About fading and color transfer

Depending on the material, getting the item wet
may cause fading or color transfer.
For products with a warning about this, avoid using them
on rainy days as much as possible, and wash them separately from other items.

■Items that can be hand-washed

For items that can be hand-washed, such as wool or silk,
please use a detergent suited to the material.

For hand-washing wool products,
we introduce the specific steps below.

◇Shampooing a Wool Blanket

■Items that require dry cleaning

For items that cannot be washed at home, take them to the dry cleaner.
Once you bring items back from the cleaner,
don't leave them in the plastic bag;
take them out and store them so moisture doesn't build up.