How To Wear a Short Sarong

A sarong is a long, rectangular piece of cloth that usually comes in many different colors. It is usually made of very thin fibers and dyed so that different designs and patterns can be made. The most common prints or patterns used in sarongs are animal designs, flower patterns, and tie-dye that usually appear as color bursts.

The sarong is a common item of clothing in many South and Southeast Asian countries, as well as on the Pacific Islands. Both men and women in those areas wear sarongs. It is part of their daily clothing. As a matter of fact, the sarong came from those areas.

In Europe and in North America, though, the sarong is usually worn only by females, especially as a cover over bathing suits when they are out on the beach. Most women wear it as a skirt or top. Some wear it as a dress. And, rightly so, because "sarong" is a Malaysian term that literally means cover or sheath.

As far as length is concerned, there are two types of sarongs: long and short. The short sarong is said to be the sexier version of the long type, and is what is usually worn by women over their beachwear such as bikinis or swimsuits. Wearing a short sarong involves only to steps: wrap and tie. Here are some tips and ideas on how to wear a short sarong.

• As a Skirt. This is the most common way to wear the sarong, especially when you are at the beach. The short sarong can be folded into a triangular shape. Wrap the long side around your waist, then tie the opposite side.
• As a Dress. This is very easy to do. Just wrap and tie. Wrap the sarong around your torso from behind, covering the chest. Then, tie the ends in front.
• As a Bandeau. A bandeau is some sort of bra. It is an undergarment typically worn by adult females to support their breasts in place of a bra. A sarong can be used as a bandeau. The trick is in folding the sarong lengthwise into a strip of about five to seven inches in width. Then, wrap and tie. Wrap the strip around your chest—covering your breasts—and tie the ends at the back.
• As a Headband. Fold the sarong lengthwise, wrap it around your head, then tie the ends at the back.
• As a Scarf. A sarong can look pretty when worn as a scarf. It's pleasant colors can provide accent to your clothes. There are many ways to wear the sarong as a scarf. One way is to drape the sarong from your neck and down your front. Then, take one end, loop it towards your back, and let it hang. The other way is to drape the sarong from your neck, then tie the ends loosely in front.

There are many other ways that you can wear a sarong. The basics are the same: wrap and tie. Regardless of how you choose to wear your sarong, you should be creative.