A shoulder covering is a type of clothing that covers the shoulders and upper body. The most common shoulder coverings are shawls, sashes, and capelets. A SHAWL is a rectangular or triangular piece of fabric that is draped over the shoulders and upper body. A SASH is a long strip of fabric that is worn around the waist or over the shoulder. A capelet is a short cape that is usually worn over the shoulders and upper body.