In a world where fashion is so versatile and yet so fickle, a stole has managed to attract attention for its timelessness. It is a fashion accessory that boasts a number of advantages. It is lightweight, durable, breathable, and comfortable.
Though the history of stole weaving is rather obscure, references to stoles and shawls are first found in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Atharvaveda. They are also mentioned in ancient Buddhist literature among the recorded inventories of woollen garments.
Stoles have become a must-have addition to a wardrobe and are loved by fashion enthusiasts and designers all around the world. Stoles are not just a tradition anymore. They are an everyday accessory. Some people think stoles can be worn only during the cool climates, but pure cotton handwoven stoles can be styled year-round for every season and occasion. Handwoven stoles come in a variety of colours, designs, and patterns and work to elevate an outfit perfectly.
You might have noticed contemporary fashion magazines and high fashion designer brands using stoles in their photoshoots to add texture and depth to their catalogues and silhouettes. Models are styled with stoles around their heads or draped over their shoulders for a more modest appeal.
Let us explore how pure cotton handwoven stoles are a functional and stylish accessory that you can easily carry in your purse and use throughout the year to add a flair to your outfits.
Spring is the season of freshness, where we bid adieu to the frosty chill of the winters. The pleasant weather calls for lighter apparel that complements the weather. Handwoven stoles are perfect for spring because although the weather isn’t nippy anymore, it's still cool out, and a light and breathable stole over your outfit will protect you from the unpredictable spring breeze. If you choose pastel and earthy colours that will complement the season’s vibe, then you will be on point with your fashion game.
You can pair a plain handwoven stole with minimal embroidery with a spring dress or a simple kurti and jeans combination to give that desi aesthetic. Its lightness ensures that you won’t feel weighed down, but you’ll still have a bit of protection against the spring drafts.
Stoles have been used for years to protect against the harsh, unrelenting blaze of the sun. Especially in India, where summers can be so oppressive that even trees look for shade and the air seems to warp and sizzle like the inside of a furnace. During this unbearable season, handwoven stoles made from pure cotton provide protection from the scorching heat of the sun and UV rays and absorb sweat without causing any rashes or skin allergies. The cotton material protects from the sun and allows air to circulate, keeping your skin cooler during the hot and humid days.
During summers, opt for colours and patterns that reflect sunlight, like white, cream, blur, or yellow. These colours are ideal summer colours and will brighten your outfits and your wardrobe and keep you cool. You can cover your head and create an elegant headgear or lightly drape it over your shoulders for a chic look. With a stole, you no longer need a hat or an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. Why compromise fashion with needless things when a stole will cover all your bases?
You might think winters are for warmer alternatives like shawls and heavier materials like wool, but Indian winters bring with them a pleasant chill and clear skies. If you aren't fond of bulky clothes, you can achieve a tasteful and modern look by layering stoles on your outfit.
Even in cooler climates, you can achieve a stylish look if you layer your cosy handwoven stoles correctly. Go for darker colours and shades during winter, like grey, navy, or charcoal, to keep you warm and comfy. Especially if you’re going to indoor functions during the winter season when you want to have an extra layer of protection but do not want to cover up your carefully curated outfit, a stole is the perfect accessory to have. When you’re wearing a gorgeous jamdani or tussar saree for a festival or a celebratory event, you don’t want it to be covered by a bulky sweater. During times like that, a handwoven stole is perfect.
And if you’re looking for extra warmth, try pairing your cotton stole with a wool scarf for a layered, textural effect.
Since these stoles are woven by hand by skilled artisans from rural Bengal, they are an eco-friendly and sustainable clothing option. Very often, massive clothing brands utilise unethical labour and mass-producing machines to make their garments. The Bengal Store has collaborated with artisans who are fairly compensated for their artistic work.
By using these handwoven stoles, you are not only creating a fashion statement but also embracing sustainable practices and supporting the livelihoods of dozens of artisans who rely on traditional weaving techniques to make these handwoven apparel.
No matter the season, summer or winter, or the pleasant environs of spring, a handwoven stole is the perfect accessory. Their adaptability, durability, and classic appeal render them indispensable pieces for any closet. Therefore, the next time you're searching for the ideal finishing touch for your ensemble, consider a handwoven cotton stole—you'll be shocked at how well it works for every setting or season!
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