What Are Sarongs?
A sarongs is a long piece of fabric that wraps around the body. It is tied together in order to stay hanging from the wearer rather than requiring any stitching and the basic form of a sarong is therefore a relatively simple garment. Sarongs have existed for thousands of years and have taken different names in different cultures across Europe, the Middle East and into Asia. Although in the Western world they are now primarily used as a covering for beachwear, they remain a common form of dress in the East.
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History
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Sarongs have arisen in various forms in many different Mediterranean and tropical cultures. In ancient Greece and Rome, for example, the toga was a common and very famous form of sarong that wrapped around the body and shoulder of the wearer. In modern dress, the sari remains a popular form of sarong that developed in India while the canga is still in use in Brazil.
Uses
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Aside from their common use as clothing, sarongs are also commonly used as headgear; including both as a shawl and as material for a turban. They are often also used to decorate the home, both as a covering for furniture and as a simple curtain or even hung on a wall. When not in use to cover up on the beach, a sarong also makes an effective beach mat.
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Sarong Ties
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The ends of sarongs are commonly just tied together when they are worn but this is not always the most attractive or fashionable method of holding a sarong together. Instead, a decorative sarong tie or clip can be used. The advantage of sarong ties are that they act as decorative accessories to brighten up a sarong, in the same way that a belt or buckle can enhance other outfits.
Considerations
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Although sarongs are simple, fashionable and comfortable there is a reason they developed predominantly in tropical climates. Modern sarongs are often made from thin strips of cloth and other materials and are therefore not always the warmest choice of garments. When wearing a sarong in a colder region, be sure to either dress in layers or use fabric that is thick enough to retain some heat.
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References
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