About Hawaiian Sarongs
Sarongs are garments originating in Bali and Tahiti, made of a long rectangular piece of fabric. The Tahitians brought sarongs to the Hawaiian Islands, where they are commonly worn and available for purchase. Sarongs can be worn as beach cover-ups or as warm-weather fashion. There are numerous sarong prints and colors available, and they can be tied in various styles including as dresses, skirts and head wraps.
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Sarong Information
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In Hawaii, sarongs are also known as pareos. Sarongs go by other names in different locations, as well --- they are called pakome in Thailand, lava lava in Samoa, canga in Brazil and kain in Indonesia. In 1936, a sarong was worn in the film "The Jungle Princess," which caused a surge in the sarong's popularity in the 1940s. In the 1980s, sarongs had a resurgence of popularity as warm-weather fashion.
Types
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Hawaiian sarongs are available in various fabric types. One Hawaiian sarong type is the rayon sarong. Rayon fabric is breathable and light, so it is suitable for warm weather. In addition to plain rayon, hand-painted designs on rayon fabric are available in numerous floral patterns. Silk is another fabric used for Hawaiian sarongs for those looking for a more luxurious garment. The price of a Hawaiian sarong varies significantly based upon the material; silk sarongs are more expensive than rayon styles.
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Tying
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One of the main benefits of Hawaiian sarongs is the versatility they offer due to tying styles. Sarongs can be worn in numerous ways, typically as skirts or dresses. Some of the ways to tie sarongs include tying as one-shoulder dresses, halter dresses, halter dresses with a knot in front, halter dresses with side knots, twisted halter dresses, long skirts and short skirts. There is no one way that is correct for tying sarongs; they can be tied any way you like.
Colors and Prints
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Hawaiian sarongs are available in a wide variety of colors and prints. Solid colors are available in numerous shades, as are prints. Floral prints are common with sarongs; hibiscus flowers, water flowers, bird of paradise flowers, orchids and plumeria flowers are options. Other print types include palm trees, pineapples and various nature motifs such as turtles and dolphins. Many of the prints are available in numerous color combinations, as well.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Zubin Shroff/Digital Vision/Getty Images
