Being your one-stop shop for all kinds of sarongs, we decided to take a step back and visit this rather important question. What is a sarong?/ What is it for?/ How is it made?
Whether worn for ceremonial purposes, worn on beaches as a bathing suit cover-up, or featured in history books as a traditional garment of the past, sarongs have a long history. Worn by men and women in the Pacific islands, Africa and South Asia, a sarong is a long piece of fabric, often decorated with prints and colors that requires no seams and is commonly draped around the body.
Originating from the Malay word for "covering," sarongs take on different names in different regions and are historically popular in different parts of the world. For example, Africans call it "kanga" and Indian people call it "sari." Those who reside in the South Pacific islands call sarong "sarong" while those in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia call it "sarong." The ancient Greeks even had a similar garment called "toga," while Fijians have a traditional men's garment (similar to sarong) known as "lungi." But no matter what it is called, sarongs/pareos have special value in some cultures dating back thousands of years.
Sarongs are loved for their light, airy and soft feel. Not only are they an ideal daily garment for workers in tropical climates, but they allow for full-body movement, making them a favorite of people in other climates. Commonly worn in the Western world as swimwear cover-ups, sarongs have become a staple for many because of its versatility.
Originally reserved for Indonesian royalty, sarongs are now seen as an everyday garment that is worn around the world and come in a variety of designs. A versatile garment and a handmade artistic creation, sarongs can be paired in a variety of ways and is commonly used when traveling. The easiest way to wear a sarong is to wrap it around the waist just above the navel and tie the corners until it is tight and secure.
Other ways to wear a sarong include the following:
A top
Swimsuit cover-up
Swimsuit cover-up
Draped dress
Headdress
Sarong skirt
Scarf
Toga dress
Wallet skirt
Sarongs/pareos are many things to many people and are becoming more and more popular with time. Although sarongs remain a traditional form of clothing in eastern parts of the world, they have quickly become a staple garment worn around the world in modern times.
Looking for a sarong? Take a look at our collection! Our brand reflects our Indian and Italian roots and combines techniques such as embroidery, block printing, hand screen printing from India with a European look. Our sarongs/pareos are made by India's finest artisans and with the highest quality cotton fabrics; you won't find better anywhere else!