One of the oldest articles of clothing in Indonesia and throughout Asia is the sarong, which is nothing more than a long strip of fabric worn as a skirt. The Malay and Indonesian word sarung literally translates to “to cover” or “to sheath,” describing this versatile tube-shaped garment that is tied at the waist. Sarongs were the first clothing item worn by men and women in the region.
The sarong is a highly versatile piece of clothing. A straightforward piece of fabric cut in the shape of a rectangle can be wrapped in a number of different ways to accommodate a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. Think about buying sarongs in a range of sizes so that you can wear them in various ways, including as a cover-up for your swimsuit, a skirt, a top, a dress, a shawl, or a scarf, amongst many other permutations.
The Best Time to Wear Sarong
This clothing is popular in warmer climes and is perfect for beach days. In front of a full-length mirror, try wrapping sarongs of varying sizes around your body. There are books available that show you how to wrap your gift, and it’s been said that there are 45 different ways to tie these garments. Wearing a smaller one as a top and a larger one knotted at the waist creates the illusion of a long dress. Alternatively, a long sarong can be worn as a skirt, while a short one can be worn as an overshirt.
Can Be Worn as Swimsuit Cover Ups
Sarongs are common beachwear for both men and women. Seashells and sterling silver are common accessories to wear with these. The garment is secured by knots at the wearer’s neck or waist. You can fasten it with clips. Mother-of-pearl and coconut shell are common materials for these clips, which feature two large holes for firmly securing the fabric.
What to Consider When Buying a Sarong
When looking for a sarong, keep in mind the colors and patterns that appeal to you. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials, from delicate mesh net to bold batik prints. While most are plain, some feature fringes or other embellishments. The sarong men wear are so elegantly made from silk that they can be worn as wedding gowns.
Versatility of Sarong
Sarong is so versatile that it can be worn in various contexts in addition to those traditionally associated with clothing, such as table cloths, a cover for your furniture, wall decoration, curtains, or a beach blanket. The sarong is known by many different names depending on where you are. It is commonly used to refer to Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. A similar garment is known as a sari in India and the African kanga there. A pareo is a common name for this in the South Pacific and Hawaii.
End Thoughts
The popularity of sarong in Indonesia continues since it was first introduced in the 15th century. It has been worn by both sexes traditionally and as a modern outfit. The long, narrow skirt was likely influenced by the lungi worn by ancient Indian merchants who docked at the ports along the coast of Java in modern-day Indonesia. Until now Indonesians considered the sarong as their national costume.
