10 Stylish Ways On How To Wear A Sarong

Oh, thank God for sarongs; we will never run out of ways to style our beach looks and always have a strong fashion game.

Yes, sarongs, also known as pareo in Samoan and Fiji cultures, are a blessing to all beach lovers. So let us learn how to wear a sarong over your beachwear or bikini. Rest assured that your beach looks are never going to be boring again. They add a fun, colorful, and unique touch to an outfit. You can also experiment with different draping and wrapping techniques to create different looks with your sarong to express your style. Try them all out to find the style that suits you best. All you have to do is, scroll down and give this article a read. Come on then!

Ace The Look

• Body Type: Sarongs can be worn on any body type. If you have an hourglass, pear or an apple body type, tying the sarong at waist can accentuate your natural curves.
• Footwear: Sarongs are best paired with sandals and flip flops for a relaxed and laid back vibe.
• Accessories: To enhance the sarong look, add accessories like bohemian or beachy jewelry, and don’t forget to add stylish oversized sunglasses to complete the look.
• Bags: Add a straw tote bag and sun hat that complements your sarong to complete the beachy look and to add an extra element of chicness to the outfit.

The Historical And Cultural Significance Of Sarongs

History 

The word ‘Sarong’ is derived from the Malay word ‘sarung,’ which means covering. Sarongs are traditional garments in the Java and Malay archipelago. They were long pieces of clothing that people draped around their bodies, especially at the waist or the arms. Sarongs became popular during the Majapahit Empire when people started designing sarongs with unique patterns and prints. 

During the colonial period, Europeans viewed sarongs as a symbol of backwardness and attempted to restrict their use. However, people continued to wear them as a way of protesting against oppression. Therefore, sarongs are not just a pretty clothing option but an emblem of cultural identity and strong resistance. They connect generations and reveal the resilient spirits of those who wore them. 

Today, sarongs are celebrated for their versatility and diverse designs. Their influence extends beyond Southeast Asia, gaining global demand and connecting people from different cultures. People wear these beautiful pieces in unique ways to showcase their personalities and set trends, contributing to a global cultural exchange.  

Cultural Significance 

Sarongs have profound significance in Southeast Asian countries. They represent cultural identity and heritage in many ethnic groups. In Malay culture, men wore sarongs during Friday prayer, whereas women integrated them into their daily attire. This symbolizes sarongs’ pivotal role in practical life and their significant contribution to preserving traditional values. The intricate batik prints of sarongs, popular in Indonesia, revealed many cultural stories. Each design represented a valuable story and indicated the wearer’s social status and occupation. Additionally, sarongs have always remained a totem of post-colonial resistance. They signify the wearer’s pride in their culture.

How To Wear A Sarong – 10 Different Ways

Sarongs are no longer just chic cover-ups for beach outings. Now they are used as versatile and comfy outfit pieces, ideal for many occasions. These lightweight clothes allow for creative styling options that can enhance your outfit. Check out 10 ways to style sarongs to elevate your looks below.

Did You Know?

The word ‘sarong’ is a Malay word that means “to sheath” or “to cover.” It is commonly worn by men and women in the Philippines and Indonesia.

 1. Side Knot

Side knot or short skirt whatever you call it is the most common way of tying a sarong and is quite easy too.

• Fold the sarong in half.
• Wrap it around your waist, a little below your belly button.
• Now, tie the loose ends, and you are done.
• Put on anklets or toe rings and wear a shell neckpiece for a carefree tropical allure. A woven bag is a good addition to the outfit.

Best Body Types

• Hourglass, pear, and rectangle 

Suitable Occasions

• Beach outings, poolside lounging, and casual summer outings.

Click here

to watch the video.

2. Front Open Halter Style

Show off your beach body with this front open halter style and look dapper. You can try a printed bikini set and a plain sarong for a peek-a-boo effect or a plain bikini with a printed sarong.

• Hold the sarong horizontally at the back of your body.
• Bring it to the front of your body.
• Pull the left end to the right side and right end to the left side.
• Tie the ends at the nape of your neck.
• This style encompasses only the bust area.
• Complete the look with strappy sandals and minimal jewelry pieces.

Best Body Types

• Hourglass, pear, and apple

Suitable Occasions

• Beach outings, resort wear, and summer outings

Click here

to watch the video.

3. Long Skirt Style

A style very similar to the side knot style. And just like side knot, the long skirt style is the most popular of the lot.

• Hold the sarong horizontally at the back and near your waist.
• Bring both the ends to the front and tie a knot.
• You can leave this knot at the center or move it to the side making it look like a long skirt with a side slit.
• Accessorize with a beaded waist chain and small cuff earrings to add elegance to the outfit. Pair heeled sandals for a striking look.

Best Body Type

• Pear and rectangle

Suitable Occasions

• Tropical vacations, picnics, and beach dinners

Click here

to watch the video.

Jill, a fashion blogger, shares how to wear a sarong like a skirt and 2 other different ways to carry it in her personal blog. She shows how versatile and easy to carry a sarong can be and she also says, “If you are an amazing DIY’er (which I am not) I think you could use some fabric from the fabric store too… really a sarong is a rectangle piece of fabric. Nothing more! (i).”

Quick Tip

You can use a sarong tie, pin, or a statement belt to secure the sarong. They also double as an accessory to flatter your overall look.

4. Brazilian Style Dress

Your sarong can make-do for a beach dress too, with this Brazilian style dress. This style is feminine, flattering and fun. Plus, it is effortless too.

• Hold the sarong horizontally at the front of your body.
• Take both the ends and pull it to the back.
• Tie them at the nape of your neck.
• Gather the ends of the dress at your waist level and pull the sarong up.
• Take both the ends and tie it at the back of your body.
• Tie a solid belt around your waist to enhance your curves, and wear dangling earrings or layered bangles for a trendsetting look.

P.S – You could also take one end to the side of your body and tie it at the side for a side-slit style.

Best Body Types

• Hourglass, rectangle, and apple

Suitable Occasions

• Summer getaways, casual gatherings, and beach parties

Click here to watch the video.

5. Classic Halter Neck Style

A stylish and simple way to amp up your beach look. It’s snug, gives you coverage and suits any body type.

• Start by horizontally placing the sarong at the back of your body.
• Hold each end at either side.
• Now, bring it towards the front of your body from under your arms.
• Pull the left end towards the right side and the right end to the left side.
• Take the two ends to the back and tie them at the nape of your neck.
• Accessorize with hoop earrings and a sleek pendant for a classy appeal.

Best Body Types

• All

Suitable Occasions

• Seaside events and tropical outings

Click here

to watch the video.

6. Dressing Gown

Dressing gown or bathrobe style sarong is perfect for summers. This style is carefree yet stylish, plus looks effortlessly chic.

• Start by horizontally placing the sarong at the back of your body.
• Now, bring it towards the front of your body from under your arms.
• Tie the tip of both the ends.
• Take the knot to the back from over your head.
• You can tuck the front part of the sarong into either side and add a statement waist belt. It’s a more stylish variant in this style.
• Pair with quirky but cozy slip-on sandals to complete the look.

Best Body Types

• All

Suitable Occasions

• Beach parties and casual loungewear

Click here

to watch the video.

7. Kimono Style

Kimonos and capes are all over the place, so bring this to your beach wardrobe too with the help of your sarong. It takes less than a minute for styling it this way but looks fabulous.

• Spread the sarong around your body like a shawl.
• Hold the end of the sarong in both your hands.
• Without the sarong slipping off your body, tie both the ends at the side near the wrist. They will look like faux sleeves.
• Follow this for the other hand too.
• The longer the sarong, the better the output.
• Wear a layered necklace to highlight your neckline, put on oversized sunglasses for a remarkable appearance, and complete with a floppy hat.

Best Body Types

• All

Suitable Occasions

• Music festival, resort wear, poolside events

Click here

to watch the video.

8. Halter Style With A Twist

A discerning style for fashionable women. One little tweak to the halter style gives you this style and spruces up your body silhouette. A must try for beach fanatics.

• Hold your sarong at the back of your body like a towel (very similar to the halter neck style).
• Bring it to the front of your body from under your arms.
• Pull the left end towards the right side and the right end to the left side.
• Tightly tie the ends.
• Before you take the remaining fabric to the back, twist it completely till they look like noodle straps.
• Tie it at the nape of your neck.
• Enhance the look with dangling earrings and strappy sandals.

Best Body Types

• Hourglass, pear, and rectangle

Suitable Occasions

• Casual gatherings, tropical vacations, cruise wear

Click here

to watch the video.

9. Bandeau Style

Take your regular towel style sarong to the next level with this romantic bandeau style. You will realize that a simple design element can make a lot of difference to the aesthetics.

• Hold your sarong at the back of your body like a towel (very similar to the halter neck style).
• Bring it to the front of your body from under your arms and trace the length of the sarong to collect the extra fabric.
• Tie the ends into a huge bow at the front of your body and tuck the remaining at either side.
• Wrap a dainty body chain around your waist and wear a statement bracelet to add a stylish touch to this look.

Best Body Types

• Hourglass, pear, and apple

Suitable Occasions

• Romantic getaways, informal parties, and beach weddings

10. Poncho

Ponchos have a rectangular or square shape with a central opening that allows the head to pass through. They are available in different materials, from wool to cotton.

• Choose a sarong long enough to cover your body and fall over your shoulders without being too tight.
• Fold the sarong in half diagonally to create a triangle shape.
• With the pointed end facing down, hold the sarong at the two corners of its longest side, one in each hand.
• Place the midpoint of the longest side at your neck’s nape.
• Allow the two corners to fall evenly over both shoulders.
• Wear beaded jewelry to create a boho vibe and put on a wide-brimmed hat for chic style.

Best Body Types

• All

Suitable Occasions

• Music festivals and pool events

Click here

to watch the video.

To try any of these stunning styles, you first need to buy a good quality sarong. Learn how to choose the best sarong for you in the next section. Keep reading!

Tips For Choosing The Right Sarong

Here are a few tips for selecting the best sarong.

• Material: Choose a lightweight and breathable material, such as cotton, for casual beach wear. If you want a soft and flowy material, rayon would be a good pick. It drapes easily as well. Luxurious silk looks classy for formal evening and night occasions, while chiffon is sheer enough to layer over swimsuits. During summer, linen is a great choice as it lends a relaxed look, but polyester works fine if you want something warm and durable.
• Colors And Prints: Opt for sarongs in solid colors as they are best to pair with any outfit. You can also opt for those with floral or geometric patterns that pop.
• Size: Go for sarongs of longer lengths as they can be worn in varied ways. However, if you simply want to wear it to cover your bottoms, go for the usual size. If you want more coverage, buy the wider ones.

Quick Tip

You can pair this sarong style with accessories like feathers, beads, or seashell necklaces to add a boho vibe to your overall look.

Infographic: 5 Different Ways To Wear A Sarong

A sarong is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn in many different ways. It is perfect for the beach, pool, or even a night out. Check out the infographic below to explore five different ways to wear a sarong, from the classic way to the kimono style.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sarongs be worn in winter?

Yes, sarongs can be worn in winter to layer your outfit. Opt for knitted sarongs for warmth. Wear them over woolen leggings to create a chic and practical look.

What do you wear under sarong?

You should wear your undergarments under the sarong.

How do you wear sarongs as pants?

Wrap it around your waist and tie a knot at the back of your waist. Then take the sarong across from front to back in between your legs and wrap it around your waist tying a knot at the front. This would give you a harem pants like outfit.

Can you wear a sarong as a scarf?

Yes, sarong is a highly versatile piece of garment that can be uses as a shawl or scarf as well.

Do men wear sarongs in Bali?

Yes, men in Bali wear sarongs around their waist in a way similar to a long wrap skirt.

Learn 7 creative ways to style a sarong in this video! From beachwear to eveningwear, you’ll be sure to find a look that suits you.

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