How to Wrap a Sarong
The clothing most commonly known as a sarong is one of fashion's first ancient inventions. Known in various parts of the world as the pareo, kanga, lapa and countless other names by different cultures, this garment has truly stood the test of time. Even East India's sari or sri can be considered related to the sarong. The Roman toga and various clothing worn in ancient Egypt and elsewhere also consisted of large amounts of fabric, artfully wrapped about the body. The term, "sarong" has come to refer to any of a number of garments consisting of several yards of cloth, sheer or opaque which is wrapped and draped on the body as clothing rather than sewn. The name originated in the South Pacific, and became a part of the English language with the arrival of the British. These garments flatter nearly every body type and can be worn in almost countless ways. Different cultures have their own unique way of draping themselves in these beautiful garments, but here are just a few ways that you can try to emulate at home.
Things You'll Need
- Sarong of your choice
- Large mirror
- Safety pins or decorative brooches (optional)
Instructions
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Make a halter dress. Hold the sarong evenly behind your body, firmly grasping the top corners in your fists. Cross the ends over at the center of your chest (forming an "x"). Tie the ends behind your neck. Another variation is to twist the ends before tying them behind your neck.
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2
Create a side-slit skirt. Hold the sarong behind you at your hips, firmly grasping the top edges at either side. Bring the edges together at the side of your body. Tie the ends of the material at your side securely in a double knot.
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3
Modify the style above for a more elegant look by holding the sarong open in front of you at your waist as you hold both ends in your hands. Cross the ends behind your body, overlapping them. Tighten slightly to fit your body, and bring the ends around to tie either in front of your body, or at the side. Tuck in the ends.
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4
Craft an off-the-shoulder tunic dress. Hold the open sarong in front of your body, but beneath your arms. Cross the ends, overlapping them behind your back at the level of your lower shoulder blades. Bring the ends around to the front of your body and tie them either above your bustline, or at your ribcage. Tuck the ends under.
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5
Design a custom mini-skirt. Lay your sarong on a flat surface. Fold it over horizontally one or more times until it is the desired length. Place the sarong behind your body as you hold the ends. Wrap around your body, crossing the ends over at the front, then bringing them behind your body to tie securely in a knot. Tuck the edges under for a smooth look. If you would prefer not to tie the ends in the back, simply start by holding the sarong in front of your body instead of behind. The knot will now end up in front of your body or at the side.
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Tips & Warnings
Try pinning your sarong with a safety pin or a pretty decorative brooch for greater security.
Reduce the chances of an embarrassing "wardrobe malfunction" by remembering to practice wrapping your sarong in front of a mirror several times and moving about in it at home prior to making your public debut.
Resources
- Photo Credit My Tie Sarongs; 1World Sarongs
