How To Tie & Wear Sarongs
Stay cool and fashionable with a sarong!
Sarongs are woven from cotton, rayon or silk, and can be tied into a wide variety of clothing very easily. One bright rectangle of cloth can be a short skirt, a long skirt, a dress, a top or a jacket! Worn by both women and men throughout the South Pacific and Indonesia, they make great summer wear and are fun for relaxing at home.
For summertime wear, a sarong is one of the most versatile options. It can be a beach cover-up, or it can be the whole outfit itself. If you go to the beach, or take a vacation to a warm locale, this is one of easiest clothing items you can pack, in fact, it's often a good idea to bring two or three along so you can mix and match.
A Sarong By Any Other Name...
finding sarongs around the world just takes knowing the right word
The word "sarong" comes from the Malay word meaning "sheath." It's a large piece of fabric that can be formed into many clothing variations just by tying, although sometimes you will find it sewn into a tube. Most often it's cotton and is decorated with a batik (wax-resist) design, but really modern sarongs can be painted or dyed using any method of textile decoration. Very similar forms of clothing exist in many cultures around the world.
- Kain sarung (Indonesia)
- Dhoti (India)
- Kanga (Africa)
- Lava-lava (Samoa)
- Malong (Philippines)
- Pareo (Hawaii, Mauritius)
- Suhrong (Cambodia)
Basic Sarongs

Rayon is a lightweight natural fiber that can be painted or dyed almost any color and it's great for sarongs. If you'd like to have a whole outfit that coordinates, order a pair of sarongs in matching colors. This will let you make a top and skirt, or dress and jacket that match!
Different Ways To Tie A Sarong
In some cultures, a sarong is tied or worn specific ways if you are a man versus if you are a woman, so if you wear sarongs while traveling, you might wish to check with local custom. The other major concern when wearing a sarong is whether or not to wear something under it. Use your own sense of modesty and best judgement. Accidentally "flashing" your in-laws on vacation is probably something both you and they would prefer to avoid.
- HOW TO TIE A SARONG (SARONG / PAREO TIES, USES, ETC...)
How do you tie a sarong? is the most frequently asked question. Tying a sarong is not as complicated as it may seem. Tying your sarong just takes a little patience, practice, experimentation and a relaxed attitude. - My Ties Sarong Tying Styles
Tying a sarong as a skirt or halter dress. - How to Tie a Sarong
Next time you hit the beach you can make a bold statement wrapped in a beautiful sarong. Multiple dress and skirt styles detailed. - How To Tie A Sarong
Wear as a swimsuit cover-up, a cape, a shawl, or a short jacket! - How to Tie a Sarong Pareo
How to tie a sarong with videos and instructions showing the various ways to wrap a pareo. Many Hawaiian-influenced styles and variations.

Take your pick of decorative shapes, they all work the same way.
Sarong Ties/Buckles
One of the coolest things I ever found for helping tie a sarong is a small, carved bit of coconut shell called a "sarong buckle" or "sarong tie." It allows you gather and fasten without knotting, or adds stability and security when you do knot.
If you're going to be really active when wearing a sarong, one of these little babies can really help you tie a garment that then stays right where you want it, without any slipping loose or coming untied!
Two Sarong Outfits
A pair of matching sarongs can be tied to be a top or skirt. Or tie one as a skirt and tie the second one to be a jacket, and wear with a tank top or your bathing suit top. Also try knotting the two corners of the shorter edges at your shoulders and make a full-length dress or robe.
How-To Sarong Videos
Get some sarong tying help by following along with these videos. With just a bit of practice, wearing sarongs becomes very easy!
Beautiful Sarongs - Florals, prints and tie-dyes

Get a surprise sarong from the grab bag!
Do You Like To Wear Sarongs?
Sarongs are awesome. I used to make the cute little shirt that is worn beneath the sari, but I bet it would be great as a top with a sarong too. Great lens.
Love 'em!
Great information - I love the sarong buckles made from coconut shells. Cool lens, cool idea with summer coming up!
A fascinating lense - thanks for sharing.
verry nice
Sarong is cool and fashionable. It makes sexy & good looking too.
Great Lens!! well done :)
Great lens..
Only when I'm on a caribbean island.
I love sarongs! They are so comfortable and practical, I must have 4 or 5 of them around the house. Great to bring on holidays to the beach, they pack really small and are nice and light.
Nice lens! I think Sarong's are awesome especially at a beach or by the pool. Great job!
very nice
Yes love them-they are so versatile.
Interesting to see men wearing sarongs here in these videos. I have never seen men wearing them before, but I guess they would be really good to wear in summer around the house. I could do that!
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