How to Wear a Sarong

Reviewed by Melissa Young

Last Updated: July 24, 2023 References

If you are going on holidays, or just a trip to the beach, a sarong is perfect. They are really cheap, and take up little to no space in your bag. They are typically worn by women, but can be worn by men as well. There are two different types of sarongs: a flat sheet sarong, and a tube-shaped Indonesian sarong.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Sarong and Accessories

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Try a patterned sarong with solid colored swimsuit, or a solid colored sarong with a patterned swimsuit. Always match the solid color to a color inside the pattern/design. This will help you avoid any clashing.
This will dull down your look, and won't bring attention to either your sarong or outfit. If you must wear solid colored sarongs and clothes together, consider wearing an interesting belt, necklace, or accessory.

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In contrast to wearing only solids, wearing only patterns will make your outfit look too busy. The patterns may also clash, and neither your sarong or outfit will stand out.
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Wear sarongs as a cover when going to the beach or pool. They are perfect for keeping you covered during the short trip between your car or hotel room and the pool or beach. Keep in mind that some sarongs are transparent. If you are self-conscious about this, place your hand behind the sarong before you buy it. If you can see your hand, people will be able to see your swimsuit.
- Avoid wearing white sarongs with dark-colored swimsuits—unless this is the look you are going for. White sarongs will be transparent.
- Patterned sarongs can make great, long dresses.
Sometimes, your stay at the beach or pool may extend into the evening. It might be too cool to just wear your swimsuit, but too warm to put on a sweater. A sarong will cover you just enough to keep you warm.
If you are nervous about your sarong slipping off, you can pair it with a belt. If you are using the sarong as a skirt, wear the belt as your hips. If you are using the sarong as a dress, place the belt as your waist, or the narrowest part of your torso. This will help cinch the excess fabric in.
It is a piece of plastic, metal or wood that has two holes in it. Pull the corners of your sarong through each hole until it is tight and secure. Your sarong will remain secure without the need for bulky knots.
Leather sandals and belts, woven hats, and seashell necklaces work great with sarongs. You can also try vintage, hippie accessories with lots of beading, embroidery, feathers, or metal embellishments.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Wearing Flat Sheet Sarongs

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1
Fold a sarong in half, then wrap it around your waist to wear it as a mini skirt. Fold the sarong in half, lengthwise. With the folded edge facing upward, hold it behind your waist, and wrap it around your waist. Tie the top corners into a knot, or a double knot for extra security. You can keep the knot in front of you, or rotate the sarong until the knot lays above your hip.
- This look goes well with swimsuits and tank tops.
- To use it as a longer skirt, don't fold it in half.
2
Wear the sarong as folded or tucked skirt. Hold the sarong behind your waist, lengthwise. Wrap one of the narrow ends around your waist until it lays flat. Wrap the other narrow end across it. Tuck the top corner behind the waist band of your skirt.
- For a short skirt, fold the sarong in half lengthwise first.
- This look goes well with swimsuits and tank tops.
3
Wear the sarong as a sundress. Hold the sarong lengthwise behind your back, just underneath your armpits. Hold the two top corners out in front of you, and then cross them over. Tie them together behind your neck. For extra security, use a double knot.
- This look goes well with swimsuits.
- For a fancier twist, tie the ends into a knot across your chest first, then tie them behind your neck.
- Fold it in half lengthwise first, and use it as a halter top instead.
Hold the sarong lengthwise behind your back, just underneath your armpits. Wrap the top corners around your chest, and tie them into a knot above your bust. Loosely twist the excess fabric into two ropes, and position each one under your bust. Tie the ends of the ropes together behind your back.
5
Wear the sarong as a tube dress. Hold the sarong lengthwise behind your back, with one of the long edges just underneath your armpits. Wrap the narrow ends around your chest, towards your front. Tie the top corners into a tight knot just above your breast. For extra security, use a double knot.
- This look goes well with swimsuits.
- Fold it in half lengthwise first, and use it as a tube top instead.
6
Tie the sarong above your shoulder and wear it as a long dress. Hold the sarong vertically against your body, with the narrow top edge under one of your armpits. Bring the top corners around your back and chest towards the opposite shoulder. Tie the corners into a tight, double knot above your shoulder.
- To secure and shorten your dress: pinch two of the edges at your waist, and tie them together into a tight, double knot. This secures your dress, and helps shorten it.^{[1]
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- To secure the dress and cinch your waist: wear a belt around your waist, the wider the better.
Hold a sarong vertically in front of you. Bring the top corners around to your back, just beneath your armpits, and tie them into a double knot.^{[2]
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Research source} Take the bottom edge of the sarong, and pull it back between your legs, towards your back.^{[3]
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Research source} Bring the corners towards your hips, and wrap them around your waist. Tie them into a tight knot at your belly button.^{[4]
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Drape the sarong across your shoulders and wear it as a shawl. Hold the sarong lengthwise and lay it across your chest. Drape the narrow ends across your shoulders and towards your back.
- This look goes well with longer dresses, and is perfect for evenings.
- Try pairing it with a pearl or diamond choker necklace.
Fold the sarong in half widthwise, and match the narrow ends up. Tie the top corners into a tight knot. Bring your knot towards the top of the fold, and tie it again. To wear the sarong vest, slip your arms through the holes/loops with the knotted part at your back.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing an Indonesian Sarong

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Unlike flat sheet sarongs, and Indonesian sarong is a tube of patterned fabric.
Hold the sarong open at your feet. Step into the hole, like you would into a skirt or pair of pants.
Fold the top down, inside the sarong, until the sarong is short enough for your body. If you are tall, you may not need to do this.
You want the sarong to be snug across your back, left hip, and tummy.
Keep your fingers together and your palm flat.
Keep your left hand on your right hip. This will help create a neat fold.
Women typically leave the sarong alone after this. Men typically roll the top down 2 to 3 times to extra security.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you tie a sarong?

Catherine Joubert
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Catherine Joubert is a personal stylist who works with a wide range of clients on refining their style. She launched Joubert Styling in 2012 and has since been featured on Buzzfeed and styled celebrities such as Perez Hilton, Angie Everhart, Tony Cavalero, Roy Choi and Kellan Lutz.

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Expert Answer

There are dozens of ways to tie a sarong that will give you completely different looks. Start out by learning 2 or 3 that work best for you, like tying the sarong as a skirt if you want to show off your bathing suit, or tying it as a halter dress if you want to cover up more.

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I love Balinese sarongs, but when I wear them, they are floor length, as I'm not very tall. Is it to wear a sarong like that?

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If you aren't happy with it, then you can make it shorter.

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Tips

The longer you wear your sarong, the more formal and elegant it can be. The shorter you wear your sarong, the more flirty and playful it will be.

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Longer sarongs can help you look more slender.

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