How to Tie Up a Sarong

A short sarong

Sarongs are long swaths of fabric, usually brightly colored and patterned, worn by both men and women in parts of East Asia. Sarongs are usually decorated with traditional batik designs in which fabric is covered with wax in intricate designs and then dyed with the wax still on. Then the wax is peeled away, revealing a contrasting pattern. At one time, certain patterns were reserved for Indonesian royalty only, but today all sorts of designs are available for everyone. In this article, you'll learn how to tie a sarong in the most traditional way for both men and women as a long skirtlike garment.

Things You'll Need

• Sarong
• Safety pin (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Wrap the sarong around your waist, holding a corner in each hand.

2. Cross your right hand over your left hand.

3. 

   Tie the corners together, crossing the corner in your left hand over your right hand, then your right hand over your left hand to make a secure granny knot.

4. Situate the knot just in front of your hip if it didn't end up there naturally. Adjust the corners so they hang down flat against your thigh.

5. Pin the knot together if you are worried about it coming open. You can also pin the sarong shut near the bottom of the material if it threatens to come open more than you want it to. Practice walking around and sitting in your sarong before going out, so you know how much give it has and how it will move around you.

Tips & Warnings

• Retie your sarong until you feel comfortable with it. You don't want it to slip. Tie the knot on your sarong tightly. Walk around and get comfortable in your sarong before you go out in it.