How to Tie a Sarong

A sarong is a versatile large sheet of brightly printed fabric. It is mainly used as a piece of clothing in South and Southeast Asia, the Horn of Africa, and in the Pacific Islands.

It is known in many names, such as ‘pareo’ in Hawaii and in the Pacific Islands, ‘kanga’ in Eastern Africa, ‘kikoi’ in South Africa, ‘lungi’ in South Asia, ‘kain sarung’ in Indonesia and Malaysia, and ‘malong’ in the Philippines. Its Indonesian name ’sarong’ is its most widely recognized name today.

There are as many ways to use a sarong as it has many names. It is no longer simply regarded as a piece of clothing, but an essential fashion accessory as well. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to tie a sarong as a garment.

Steps to Tie a Sarong

1. Tie Skirt
   • Hold the sarong diagonally. Fold it in half lengthwise.
   • Place the sarong at your back horizontally. Gather some of the fabric in each hand.
   • Make a knot at your hip to secure it.
2. Jacket
   • Set the sarong in front of you diagonally.
   • Fold the fabric in half width-wise. Make a small knot where you made the fold.
   • Take one end and tie it around the knot at the center. Do the same with the other end.
   • Slip your arms through the opening to wear the sarong as a jacket.
3. 2-Knot Dress
   • Open up the sarong and place it horizontally behind you. Hold each corner of the fabric in your hand.
   • Wrap the sarong around your body. Make a knot where the two ends meet, making sure to place the knot at your side.
   • Gather the sarong on your sides about ‘ of the way down.
   • Bring the ends to your middle and make a knot, placing it on the same side as the first knot.
4. Rio Dress
   • Place the sarong behind you horizontally. Pull the ends evenly and bring the ends in front.
   • Tie a ‘-inch knot using the ends of the sarong. Put the knot at the back of your neck.
   • Take the fabric’s edges together in front at your mid-section.
   • Hold the edges under your two arms. Bring the sarong’s ends to the front and cross it under the breasts.
   • Tie a ‘-inch knot using the ends of the sarong or use a pin to secure it under the breasts.
5. Mesa Dress
   • Set the sarong horizontally across your back. Hold the ends with each hand.
   • Draw the ends in front of you and tie a lose knot. Tighten the knot by pulling the ends out of the side.
   • Bring the two ends around your neck, making a knot.
6. Strap Dress
   • Set the sarong in front of you horizontally.
   • Tie one end of the sarong to the strap of your bathing suit.
   • Get the other end and wrap the sarong around your body.
   • Take the end in the previous step and tuck it at your side.
7. Single Wrap Skirt
   • Place the sarong in front of you diagonally. Fold it in half lengthwise.
   • Step in front of the sarong. Gather some of the fabric in each hand.
   • Make a knot at your hip.
   • Bring the ends to the center and tie a knot at the back of your waist.
8. Double Wrap Skirt
   • Set the sarong in front horizontally and fold it in half.
   • Hold one end of the sarong against your side. Wrap the fabric around your body.
   • Wrap the fabric again around your body. Tie to the first end at the side.
9. Classic Dress
   • Open up the sarong and place it horizontally at your back.
   • Bring each end over your shoulder and make a knot behind your neck.

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How to Tie a Sarong

How to Tie a Sarong