Sarongs are a must-have fashion staple when traveling to tropical climates. This colorful, rectangular piece of dyed fabric can be worn a number of ways, making it incredibly versatile and a flashy and flattering option for any look or occasion. It can be worn as a dress, a skirt, a halter top, and more. Able to transform itself into an accessory or talking piece for any outfit, a sarong is the perfect addition to a fashionable traveler’s suitcase.
Below are just ten of the ways it’s possible to wear this garment and instructions for how to tie it.
How to Wear a Sarong
Strapless Dress
This dress is one of the more common ways of wearing a sarong. Holding the fabric length-wise, wrap the sarong from one side of your body to the other. Pull the top corners together tightly and tie or tuck them into the top edge of the dress.
Triangle Skirt
An easy, flirty skirt that shows off your legs. Fold opposite corners of the sarong together; don’t worry about the edges matching up perfectly, this skirt is meant to be uneven! Then, point down, wrap the longer edge of your triangle around your waist and tie at the hip.
Off-the-Shoulder Dress
A cool and sporty option for the beach or rooftop bar. Starting with the long side of the fabric held parallel with your arm span, place one top corner at the middle of your back and wrap the sarong around until your body is fully covered. Bring the remaining fabric to the front and pull the top corner over your far shoulder to tie with the corner in the center of your back.
Backless Halter Top
Show off some skin with this sexy shirt. First, fold a normal-length sarong in half length-wise. Holding the fabric in front of you by the natural corners of the sarong, take both top corners and tie them together behind your neck. Take the corners of the fold and wrap them around your waist, tying them behind your back.
Billow Shorts
These colorful shorts are comfy and easy to wear. Take two corners of the sarong so that the fabric is held out in front of you with the longer side parallel to your arm span. Then, wrap the top corners behind you to meet at the small of your back. Take the remaining fabric and pull it front to back between your legs, and tuck or tie it into the waist.
Mini Skirt
This cute and flirty mini skirt is perfect as a cover up over a swimsuit or paired with a tank top for a day on the boardwalk. Gather the corners of each short side together and wrap the fabric in one hand fully around your body until you are covered on all sides. Then, tie both bunches together in a knot or twist.
Modern Toga
Old-world technique meets new-age chic! Once again, hold the top corners of your sarong horizontally along your arm span. From behind, bring your arms and the fabric forward under your armpits to the front. Tightly pull one side under the opposite arm, and take the other corner over the opposite shoulder to form the sleeve. Pull the two corners together and tie in a knot.
Elegant Shawl or Shoulder Wrap
This shoulder wrap is the perfect sunny accessory for a sundress. First, fold the sarong in half diagonally so that the corners meet. Next, drape it over your shoulders. You can either tie the knot at your sternum for a classic shawl look, or move the knot to your shoulder for a fashionable asymmetrical look.
Get This Look
- Beach Wear To Evening Wear: Sarongs don’t take up much room in your suitcase and they can easily be dressed up or down. I find that solid colors transition well into evening wear (like this black sarong) and colorful sarongs are perfect for the beach.
Do you have a favorite way to wear a sarong?