How To Style Sarongs: The Ultimate Summer Travel Essential!

From beach cover-ups to chic dresses, sarongs are a must-have for summer travel! Discover stylish and easy ways to wear this versatile piece.

Published On Apr 05, 2025 | Updated On Apr 05, 2025

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Sarongs, or pareo as they are called in Samoan and Fijian traditions, are, without a doubt, a boon to beachgoers everywhere. Never again will your beach look be uninteresting, we promise. Their vibrant colours and unique styles invigorate any ensemble. Go ahead, show off your personal flair by trying out various ways to wear a sarong! 

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Originating from the Malay word "sarung", meaning "covering", the English term "sarong" is a borrowing. People all around the Malay and Java islands use sarongs as a kind of traditional dress. They were lengthy garments that were worn loosely around the body, typically tied at the waist or the arms. A sarong's popularity skyrocketed under the Majapahit Empire when its designers began incorporating eye-catching motifs and patterns into the fabric.

Nowadays, sarongs are admired for their adaptability and variety of styles. They are becoming increasingly popular across the world and bridging cultural divides, and their impact is not limited to Southeast Asia. Wearing these exquisite items in various ways allows people to express themselves and create trends, which in turn promotes cultural interchange on a worldwide scale.

Learning how to style a sarong is essential if you want to look your best this summer, whether you're heading to the beach, lounging by the pool, or simply accessorising. Here we'll show you the different ways to wear a sarong,- each of which will add a stylish spin to your beachwear. Discover all the ways you love to wear this summer staple, from the traditional sarong to your favourite strapless dress moments.

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What is it: Simply drape your sarong over your shoulders while holding it horizontally behind your back. Actually, that's the whole story. You shouldn't scrimp on sunscreen, though; it's just a simple method to protect yourself from the sun while you're relaxing by the lake, but just the perfect way to add some flair and personality to your typical beach cover up! 

How to style this sarong: Bring the shorter ends of both sides over your forearm and place them comfortably in the crook of your elbow to give it form. To maintain an air of refinement, you may mimic the initial steps of tying a tie by taking the top two corners, crossing them over, and then bringing one over and through. Just knot the two top corners (the very tips of them) behind your back if you want to show off your new swimwear a little.

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What is it: The timeless sarong is a safe bet. It's a simple technique to give a plain bikini a more glam beach vibe. Simply gather the fabric's ends around your waist and make a standard knot. And that's it! Casual elegance.

How to style a sarong: Lay the sarong horizontally behind your back, at your waist. With one side holding a third and the other two-thirds, you're ready to go. Carefully wrap three-quarters of the sarong around your front, ensuring that the top corner peeks out. Thereafter, grab the opposite side by its corner and wrap it around your front and back, intersecting with the other corner. Pull taut, and there you have it.

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What is it: We recommend going with a roomier sarong if you want to nail this style. The sarong should be held horizontally behind the back, with the upper corners pulled forward to conceal the bust. Secure the excess cloth by knotting it tightly to your chest. You may wear this design to a lunch after the beach because it provides sufficient coverage. This design is one of the best sarong outfit ideas! 

How to style this sarong: Keep the sarong loosely draped across your back, but this time with its ends tucked beneath your arms. Similar to the front knot method, you should grip the top corners firmly with one hand and bring the sarong ends together until they touch your chest with the other hand. The desired effect is to achieve a sweetheart neckline while making it appear as though you are carrying a sarong ponytail.

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What is it:  A micro-tiny skirt might be a lifesaver when your sarong ends up on the smaller side. Make sure both ends of your sarong are even before folding it lengthwise and wrapping it around your waist. Then, once you're done, add all those accessories! 

How to style this sarong: It is best worn with a horizontal fold; however, a diagonal fold would work with a square sarong as well. Arrange the sarong so that the fold is at the top and the two hems are at the bottom. Hold it at your waist. To make them look like tails, bring the two ends around you and set them aside. Cross one over the other, loop it around your waist, and bring it under your arm. Take one sarong tail and fold it over the tie so it drapes over the newly formed leg slit; this process will leave you with one tail beneath, flat against your outer thigh, and one tail on top.


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