How to Tie a Sarong

>How do you tie a sarong?, is the most frequently asked question. Tying a sarong is not as complicated as it may seem. Tying your sarong just takes a little patience, practice, experimentation and a relaxed attitude. One of the easiest methods is to tie your sarong as a skirt around your waist. However, sarongs can be utilized to make quick dresses, shawls, swimsuit cover-ups, scarves, turbans and much more. To help you get a better understanding of how to wear your sarong, we've included some ideas on how to tie your sarong in this section. Check out the pictures and read the instructions and before you know it you'll be a sarong tying expert!

WARNING: Sarongs are extremely addictive and once you start wearing them you'll never want to take them off!

Did you know that sarongs are quickly becoming one of the most essential fashion accessories? Why is this you ask? Simply, sarongs are amazing. They travel well, look great and feel fantastic. In a nut shell, sarongs provide convenience and fashion too.

Sarongs are easy to wear and very sexy, no doubt about it. So learn to tie your sarong in the best way possible. You want to look great and you don't want it falling off of while your walking down the street. That could be embarrassing. A sarong tie is a good idea too. Sarong ties give you a little extra hold and security.

We've included a few ways of how to tie a sarong. Plus we also have a booklet on how to tie your sarongs, some pictures of how to tie sarongs and sarong ties as well.

Check out our pictures and links below to get more info on sarong ties and uses. Stay tuned because there's more on the way.

Our new How to Tie Video!

Six ways to tie a sarong

A sarong is a rectangle of fabric, so almost every style is a variation on wrap, pull, tie. Our standard adult sarong is about 66 inches long by 44 inches deep. Half sarongs are the same length but 22 inches deep, which is why they suit hip wraps and shorter skirts rather than full-body styles.

Work in front of a mirror the first few times. A sarong tie or a simple knot at the hip holds everything more securely than most people expect.

1. The classic sarong skirt

The easiest place to start, and the one most people wear day to day.

Hold the sarong behind you at waist height, one corner in each hand, with the long edge running horizontally.
Bring both corners forward around your hips so the fabric wraps your lower body once, or twice if you have a slim waist and a full-length sarong.
Pull the fabric snug and hold both corners together at one hip rather than centre front. Off-centre sits flatter and looks less like a towel.
Tie a double knot at that hip, or thread both corners through a sarong tie and pull it up close to your body.
Adjust the overlap so the opening falls where you want it. A wider overlap gives more coverage when you walk.

2. The halter dress

The style people usually mean when they ask how to make a sarong into a dress.

Hold the sarong behind your back at chest height, a corner in each hand.
Bring both corners forward under your arms, keeping the top edge level across your back.
Cross the corners over your chest, so each one travels to the opposite shoulder.
Take both corners up and behind your neck and tie them in a double knot.
Reach in and adjust the crossed section at the front for the coverage you want, then smooth the fabric down over your hips.

3. The strapless dress

No neck tie, so nothing pulls on your shoulders. Best with a slightly tighter wrap.

Hold the sarong behind your back with the top edge level under your arms.
Bring both corners forward and pull them firmly across your chest so the fabric grips.
Tie a double knot at the centre of your chest, or slightly off to one side if you prefer an asymmetric line.
Roll the top edge over once, away from your body. That roll is what stops a strapless sarong sliding down.

4. The one-shoulder wrap

A dressier line, good for evenings.

Hold the sarong behind you at chest height.
Bring both corners forward under one arm, keeping the other shoulder bare.
Take both corners diagonally up across your body to the opposite shoulder.
Tie the corners together on top of that shoulder in a double knot, letting the loose ends fall down your back.
Adjust the drape under the bare arm so the fabric sits smooth rather than bunched.

5. The men's wrap

Worn across Indonesia, Fiji and the Pacific. Men's sarongs are cut longer, so there is more fabric to work with.

Hold the sarong behind you at waist height with the top edge level.
Bring both corners forward around your waist, pulling the fabric taut across your back.
Overlap the two panels at the front, right over left, and hold them flat against your stomach.
Roll the top edge down over itself two or three times, like rolling the waistband of shorts. The roll is the fastening; no knot is needed.
Tuck the final roll firmly against your waist. Check it holds by walking a few steps before you rely on it.

6. The quick beach cover-up

Thirty seconds, over a swimsuit, straight off the sand.

Hold the sarong behind your back at underarm height.
Bring the corners forward under both arms.
Tie a single loose knot at one shoulder, leaving the opposite shoulder bare.
Let the rest fall open. This is meant to be loose, quick and easy to pull off again.

Making it stay put

Double knot, always. A single knot works loose as you move.
Tie at the hip, not the front. It sits flatter and stops the knot digging in when you sit down.
Roll the top edge on any strapless or waist style. The roll does more work than the knot.
Use a sarong tie for anything you will be walking, swimming or dancing in. It is the difference between adjusting all day and forgetting you are wearing it.
Rayon grips better than chiffon. If a style keeps slipping, the fabric may be the reason rather than your knot.

Caring for your sarong

Hand wash cold, or machine wash on a gentle cycle, and hang to dry. Do not tumble dry rayon. Most sarongs need no ironing; hanging them damp is usually enough to drop the creases out.