How Big Is a Sarong?
A sarong is a long piece of cloth, usually worn around the waist. Many sarongs have been decorated by the batik method, which is a specialized form of art using wax and dyes. Another method of decorating the sarong is called the "gutta resist" method, or hand-painting designs onto silk.
The sarong can be made from rayon or silk, which are very light, airy fabrics.
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Function
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The sarong, a length of silk or rayon, can be approximately 45 inches by 66 inches. A sarong can be tied around the waist, wrapped around the waist and tied around the neck, creating a halter dress, or looped over one shoulder and tied around the waist.
American women use the sarong as a form of beachwear, tying the sarong over the lower half of their bathing suits. Both men and women can wear the sarong as day wear and as a fashion statement.
Geography
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The sarong comes from different parts of the world, usually tropical areas. This piece of clothing is usually seen in the Pacific Islands, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.
Since sarongs come from different parts of the world, they also have different names. In Indonesia, the sarong is called the "pareo" or "pareu"; in Tahiti, it is called a "malo"; in Samoa, the islanders call the sarong a "lavalava."
In Punjab, India, the sarong is called a "mayelee" when it is worn by a man and a "gamcha" when worn by a woman. -
Features
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If you have a sarong-like long piece of fabric that has buttons, snaps or zippers, you don't have the traditional sarong. The traditional sarong has none of these closure aids. It is simply tied, knotted or belted around the body in one fashion or another. Men usually fold the top of the sarong and tie the ends, then tightly tuck them into the waist so they stay secure. Women have a few more options when it comes to wearing a sarong.
Size
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As mentioned earlier, most sarongs measure approximately 45 inches by 66 inches, although some are smaller. The 45 inches covers the width of the fabric so it can be tied around your waist. The 66 inches refers to the length, which means it will cover your legs more than adequately. You will have to fold the sarong over in order to have the fabric hem touch your ankles, which is the most traditional sarong length.
Benefits
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Since the sarong originated in the Pacific Islands and Asian countries, it is clearly meant to be worn in hot, humid climates. The fabric is breathable and lightweight. In the U.S., the sarong is most commonly worn during the summer months, either as a part of an outfit with a tank top or shorts or as a beach cover for a swimsuit.
The ways in which a sarong can be worn easily lend themselves to labor in a hot climate.
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