How to Wrap a Traditional Sarong for Men

In many parts of the world women are not the only wearers of sarongs.

In the Western Hemisphere, women are the primary wearers of sarongs. However, in other parts of the world, particularly in areas where hot, humid weather prevails, it is common to see men in sarongs. In these places the sarong has a different names; for example, in East Africa it's called a kikoi, and in India it's called a lunghee, and in Hawaii people know it as a pareo. Typically sarongs measure around 4 feet by 6 feet, but can be as large as 5 feet by 7 feet. Due to the different anatomies of men and women and the different needs that go along with them, the technique of wrapping sarongs varies by gender.

Things You'll Need

• Sarong or fabric of appropriate length

Instructions

1. Hold the unfolded sarong behind you horizontally with both hands. The left corner should be in your left hand. Your right hand should hold the middle edge of the sarong, with the remaining fabric spilling onto the floor.

2. Pull your left hand across to your right hip, bringing the fabric straight across your middle.

3. Bring your right hand to your left hip, wrapping the fabric across your middle as your right hand does this.

4. Fold the leftover fabric into pleats that crease on top of each and become increasingly smaller. If you look down at the pleats as you hold them in front of your belly they should look like one zigzag that decreases in size.

5. Tuck the top of this folded zigzag pile into the waist of your sarong. Alternatively, you can fold the waist of your sarong over these zigzag folds and around the entire circumference of your waist, making a 1-inch waistband.

Tips & Warnings

• Suck your stomach in slightly when you wrap the sarong. This will insure that when wrapped it is slightly but not uncomfortably tight.

• In step five, some men buckle a belt underneath the folded-over waistband for extra security.

References

• Destiny's Lobster: Sarongs
• Saudi Aramco World: Sarongs