How to Wrap a Pareo

The pareo is a rectangle of cotton fabric worn by women as a a wrap-around skirt or dress. The fabric is usually brightly colored, and adorned with tapa patterns or hibiscus flowers. The pareo traces its origins to Tahiti, but today, the trendy garment is worn by women around the world. Strangely enough, the pareo's super-simple design and versatility makes it a little tricky to wear. You have to know just how to arrange the fabric, how to wrap it, and how to tie it---depending on the look you want.

Instructions

Behind-the-Neck Tie

1. Unfold the pareo, and let it hang in a square.

2. Hold the square of fabric behind you, centered on your back.

3. Wrap the fabric around your back, bringing the top of the fabric forward under each arm.

4. Pull the pareo around your body, crossing the top corners of the fabric in the center of your chest.

5. Bring the corners of the fabric around your neck, and tie it behind your head. The fabric should drape down the front, with one half of the fabric overlapping the other.

Strapless Tie

1. Unfold the pareo, and let it hang in a square.

2. Hold the square of fabric behind you, centered on your back.

3. Wrap the fabric around your back, bringing the top of the fabric forward under each arm.

4. Pull the pareo around your body, crossing the top corners of the fabric in the center of your chest.

5. Knot the corners together in the center of your chest above the bosom. The sides of the fabric won't overlap, but there will be enough material to drape down in front and gather in the center, giving coverage.

Off-the-Shoulder Tie

1. Unfold the pareo, and let it hang in a square.

2. Hold the square of fabric on the side of your body, centered under your right arm.

3. Wrap the fabric around your right side towards the left side, covering the front and back of your body.

4. Cross the top corners of the fabric under your left arm.

5. Bring the crossed corners around your left shoulder, and tie a knot at the top of your shoulder. The fabric will drape down and overlap along your left side.