10 Ways Of Wearing A Sarong

Versatility is the name of the game and you can be its queen once you master these techniques.

Reviewed by Raluca Oita, Fashion Designer
Written by Pratima Ati, MSc
Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 

Oh, thank God for sarongs; we will never run out of ways to style our beach looks and always have a strong fashion game. Yes, sarongs, also known as pareo in Samoan and Fiji cultures, are a blessing to all beach lovers. So let us learn how to wear a sarong over your beachwear or bikini. Rest assured that your beach looks are never going to be boring again. They add a fun, colorful, and unique touch to an outfit. You can also experiment with different draping and wrapping techniques to create different looks with your sarong to express your style. Try them all out to find the style that suits you best. All you have to do is, scroll down and give this article a read. Come on then!

protip_icon Ace The Look
  • Body Type: Sarongs can be worn on any body type. If you have an hourglass, pear or an apple body type, tying the sarong at waist can accentuate your natural curves.
  • Footwear: Sarongs are best paired with sandals and flip flops for a relaxed and laid back vibe.
  • Accessories: To enhance the sarong look, add accessories like bohemian or beachy jewelry, and don’t forget to add stylish oversized sunglasses to complete the look.
  • Bags: Add a straw tote bag and sun hat that complements your sarong to complete the beachy look and to add an extra element of chicness to the outfit.

How To Wear A Sarong – 10 Different Ways

protip_icon Did You Know?
The word ‘sarong’ is a Malay word that means “to sheath” or “to cover.” It is commonly worn by men and women in the Philippines and Indonesia.

 1. Side Knot

Wear a sarong with a side knot
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Image: IStock

Side knot or short skirt whatever you call it is the most common way of tying a sarong and is quite easy too.

  • Fold the sarong in half.
  • Wrap it around your waist, a little below your belly button.
  • Now, tie the loose ends, and you are done.

Click here to watch the video.

2. Front Open Halter Style

Wear a sarong in a front open halter style
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Image: IStock

Show off your beach body with this front open halter style and look dapper. You can try a printed bikini set and a plain sarong for a peek-a-boo effect or a plain bikini with a printed sarong.

  • Hold the sarong horizontally at the back of your body.
  • Bring it to the front of your body.
  • Pull the left end to the right side and right end to the left side.
  • Tie the ends at the nape of your neck.
  • This style encompasses only the bust area.

Click here to watch the video.

3. Long Skirt Style

Wear a sarong as a long skirt
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Image: IStock

A style very similar to the side knot style. And just like side knot, the long skirt style is the most popular of the lot.

  • Hold the sarong horizontally at the back and near your waist.
  • Bring both the ends to the front and tie a knot.
  • You can leave this knot at the center or move it to the side making it look like a long skirt with a side slit.

Click here to watch the video.

Jill, a fashion blogger, shares how to wear a sarong like a skirt and 2 other different ways to carry it in her personal blog. She shows how versatile and easy to carry a sarong can be and she also says, “If you are an amazing DIY’er (which I am not) I think you could use some fabric from the fabric store too… really a sarong is a rectangle piece of fabric. Nothing more! (i).”


protip_icon Quick Tip
You can use a sarong tie, pin, or a statement belt to secure the sarong. They also double as an accessory to flatter your overall look.

4. Brazilian Style Dress

Wear a sarong as a Brazilian style dress
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Image: Instagram @shopmareko

Your sarong can make-do for a beach dress too, with this Brazilian style dress. This style is feminine, flattering and fun. Plus, it is effortless too.

  • Hold the sarong horizontally at the front of your body.
  • Take both the ends and pull it to the back.
  • Tie them at the nape of your neck.
  • Gather the ends of the dress at your waist level and pull the sarong up.
  • Take both the ends and tie it at the back of your body.

P.S – You could also take one end to the side of your body and tie it at the side for a side-slit style.

Click here to watch the video.

5. Classic Halter Neck Style

Wear a sarong in a classic halter neck style
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Image: Instagram @mediteriendeep

A stylish and simple way to amp up your beach look. It’s snug, gives you coverage and suits any body type.

  • Start by horizontally placing the sarong at the back of your body.
  • Hold each end at either side.
  • Now, bring it towards the front of your body from under your arms.
  • Pull the left end towards the right side and the right end to the left side.
  • Take the two ends to the back and tie them at the nape of your neck.

Click here to watch the video.

6. Dressing Gown

Wear a sarong as a dressing gown
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Image: Shutterstock

Dressing gown or bathrobe style sarong is perfect for summers. This style is carefree yet stylish, plus looks effortlessly chic.

  • Start by horizontally placing the sarong at the back of your body.
  • Now, bring it towards the front of your body from under your arms.
  • Tie the tip of both the ends.
  • Take the knot to the back from over your head.
  • You can tuck the front part of the sarong into either side and add a waist belt. It’s a more stylish variant in this style.

Click here to watch the video.

7. Kimono Style

Wear a sarong in kimono style
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Image: Instagram

Kimonos and capes are all over the place, so bring this to your beach wardrobe too with the help of your sarong. It takes less than a minute for styling it this way but looks fabulous.

  • Spread the sarong around your body like a shawl.
  • Hold the end of the sarong in both your hands.
  • Without the sarong slipping off your body, tie both the ends at the side near the wrist. They will look like faux sleeves.
  • Follow this for the other hand too.
  • The longer the sarong, the better the output.

Click here to watch the video.

8. Halter Style With A Twist

Wear a sarong in a halter style with a twist
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Image: Shutterstock

A discerning style for fashionable women. One little tweak to the halter style gives you this style and spruces up your body silhouette. A must try for beach fanatics.

  • Hold your sarong at the back of your body like a towel (very similar to the halter neck style).
  • Bring it to the front of your body from under your arms.
  • Pull the left end towards the right side and the right end to the left side.
  • Tightly tie the ends.
  • Before you take the remaining fabric to the back, twist it completely till they look like noodle straps.
  • Tie it at the nape of your neck.

Click here to watch the video.

9. Bandeau Style

Wear a sarong in a bandeau style
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Image: Instagram @chc_vintage

Take your regular towel style sarong to the next level with this romantic bandeau style. You will realize that a simple design element can make a lot of difference to the aesthetics.

  • Hold your sarong at the back of your body like a towel (very similar to the halter neck style).
  • Bring it to the front of your body from under your arms and trace the length of the sarong to collect the extra fabric.
  • Tie the ends into a huge bow at the front of your body and tuck the remaining at either side.

10. Poncho

Poncho style
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Image: Shutterstock

Ponchos have a rectangular or square shape with a central opening that allows the head to pass through. They are available in different materials, from wool to cotton.

  • Choose a sarong long enough to cover your body and fall over your shoulders without being too tight.
  • Fold the sarong in half diagonally to create a triangle shape.
  • With the pointed end facing down, hold the sarong at the two corners of its longest side, one in each hand.
  • Place the midpoint of the longest side at your neck’s nape.
  • Allow the two corners to fall evenly over both shoulders.

Click here to watch the video.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can pair this sarong style with accessories like feathers, beads, or seashell necklaces to add a boho vibe to your overall look.

Infographic: 5 Different Ways To Wear A Sarong

A sarong is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn in many different ways. It is perfect for the beach, pool, or even a night out. Check out the infographic below to explore five different ways to wear a sarong, from the classic way to the kimono style.

5 different ways to wear a sarong(infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

It is amazing to know how versatile this simple piece of clothing is. You can wear it as bottom wear and even try different draping, tying, and knotting styles to wear a sarong as a dress or an upper garment. Another great thing about it is that you do not need too many of them, as you can create many different looks with just one. The easy-to-wear sarong can be your go-to choice for that upcoming resort vacation or getaway to a tropical island. Not to mention, they are lightweight and easy to carry to the beach or a pool. So, learn how to wear a sarong and flaunt your beach look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you wear under sarong?

You should wear your undergarments under the sarong.

How do you wear sarongs as pants?

Wrap it around your waist and tie a knot at the back of your waist. Then take the sarong across from front to back in between your legs and wrap it around your waist tying a knot at the front. This would give you a harem pants like outfit.

Can you wear a sarong as a scarf?

Yes, sarong is a highly versatile piece of garment that can be uses as a shawl or scarf as well.

Do men wear sarongs in Bali?

Yes, men in Bali wear sarongs around their waist in a way similar to a long wrap skirt.

Key Takeaways

  • Sarongs are versatile and stylish garments. They can amp up your beachwear and add a pop of color.
  • You can wear sarongs as cover-ups over bikinis and they complement all body types.
  • The classic way of wearing a sarong is to simply drape it around the waist like a long skirt and tie a side knot.
  • You can also wear sarongs as halter neck dresses over a bikini or as gowns and bandeau dresses.
  • You can accessorize the sarong with various statement pieces like a waist chain or chunky necklace.

Learn 7 creative ways to style a sarong in this video! From beachwear to eveningwear, you’ll be sure to find a look that suits you.

Personal Experience: Source

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