About Tying a Sarong
Sarongs are versatile pieces of clothing that can be used to make anything from a head wrap to a bikini top to a skirt. The art of tying a sarong is very important, because this clothing has no other fastener, so it is vitally important that you tie your sarong correctly in order to avoid losing it in the middle of the street or on a crowded beach. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Sarongs originated in Malaysia, where they were used as clothing. Women would wrap lengths of cloth around their bodies and tie them at waist level, for skirts, or arm level, for dresses. Now, sarongs are fashionable at beaches and in warm climates where they are often used as bikini cover-ups.
Features
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Sarongs are usually brightly colored and long enough to be worn in many ways. Tying a sarong at your waist makes a fast skirt, while knotting it higher up can create a flowing dress. Sarongs that are long in length but short in width can be knotted in a variety of ways to make elaborately designed tops.
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Function
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The knot of the sarong is the only thing that is holding your sarong in place. Sarong knots should be tight and should not loosen if they are pulled or rubbed. Many people use an additional sarong tie to secure the original knot.
Types
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By wrapping the middle of the sarong around your bottom and then bringing the ends up to be knotted behind your neck, you can form a neck knot, also known as a "full sarong." This look gives you full coverage, but there is a big slit in the front so be careful how you sit. By wrapping a sarong at least twice around your lower body and then knotting it securely on your hip, you create a long skirt. If you fold the sarong in half before doing this, you will create a short skirt. Toga-style wrapping and knotting is more difficult, and requires you to first wrap the sarong around yourself at upper-arm level, then bring the excess cloth over one shoulder before knotting the ends of the sarong together.
Considerations
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When you are knotting your sarong, always check the knots carefully before leaving the house. Generally a simple square knot will suffice as long as it is pulled quite tight. Sarong ties are pieces of decorative metal, wood or plastic that have two holes in them for you to pull the ends of the sarong through. The holes hold the cloth tightly and allow you to wear a sarong without a bulky knot.
Warning
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If you are trying out a sarong for the first time or experimenting with a new look, work with your sarong when you have extra time at home. Once you have secured the knots, run around the house, bend over to pick things up and move a lot to make sure that the knots will hold and that the style will keep you covered. If you do not take these precautions, you may end up exposing far more of yourself than you bargained for the first time you wear the sarong out.
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