All About The Sarong

Elegant yet casual, the sarong is the most versatile of beach cover ups. Used mostly as a wrap around skirt of varying lengths, this lightweight piece of fabric can also be worn as dress, shawl or scarf. At the beach, it can be a simple swim suit wrap. It can also be used as a wall hanging, curtain, tablecloth, picnic blanket or beach blanket.

They come in all sorts of colors and patterns. Usually brightly colored, they often depict flowers or animals. The fabric used can be cotton, rayon or silk. They can be designed with batik, silk-screened or hand painted.

Each one can be as unique as the person wearing it. Even two sarongs with the same design will look different on two different people, according to their body type and the way they wear them.

Some come with ties, making it easy to wear them securely. Most are just large pieces of beautiful fabric. Some have fringes along the side.

To learn how to tie a sarong, click here.

Sarongs are originally from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Islands. It has gone by other names in different countries, but generally refers to a wrap around skirt. Another common term originating in Tahiti is pareo.

Sarongs are not only fashionable, but also wonderfully convenient. After hand washing in cold water(or machine washing on delicate cycle), hang them to dry for the fewest wrinkles.

They are the ultimate traveling companions on beach vacations, as they pack so easily in a suitcase, backpack or beach bag. You can wear it with your swim suit at the beach, with a tee shirt or tank top for sightseeing or a casual lunch at a local restaurant. If the evening is warm, you can tie it around your neck and wear it as a dress.

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For the Southern California Beaches Vacation Guide home page, click here.