By now you should be gently versed in not only the art of wrapping your hair (see our article on geles), but also with the many names used to describe the ancient and modern form of wrapping your body as well (see our article on sarongs).
Now we are going to give you a crash course in the how to of creating that perfect sarong for dress or leisure. These quick and easy instructions will have you crafting your own personal style from your closet of fabric treasures in no time. Remember, it is our differences that make us unique. So let yourself be creative. At J&O, we strive to deliver an array of designs & prints to match your individual tastes. Many in 45-60" length . Let's get started.
Step One: Step in front of your sarong.
Step Two: Pull the ends evenly forward and let the fabric sit on your waist. If you have a fringed sarong, let the unfringed end be the one you pull around your waist.
Step Three : Tie ends around your waist and secure a knot on your hip.
Viola, your done! Not too bad right? Now let's try another look.
This one is a fashionable substitute for the beach bunny in you. From the sea, to dinner by the sea, this versitile look is just what the on-the-go woman needs.
Step One: Pull the ends of the sarong forward so that the material lies flat across your upper back. Keep ends even in length.
Step Two: Gather ends and tie once across your bust. Pull gently to secure. If you are going for more of a wrapped look, then continue around until you are close to the end of one side of the fabric. Keep enough free to either tie or tuck .
Step Three: Bring ends up and over your shoulders or simply secure around your chest as noted in the diagram. The second option mirrors the steps taken in securing your waist sarong.
Step Four: Tie behind your neck & knot once if desired or tie around your chest in the front or on the side to obtain the desired look.
Once your dress sarong is complete, accessorize as you seem fit. Dress it up with heels and jewlery for a night on the town, or dress it down with flip flops and a sun-hat for fun in the sun. And the versitility doesn't stop here. Use that same fabric to wrap your hair, create a babies sling to wear across your body, use it as a shawl, a tablecloth, an accent for your couch, even tie up your belongings in it and use it as a carry bag ....bohemian style! Throw it in the wash at the end of your journey for a brand new start the next day.
Check out our selection of colorful African Printshere. Check out our selection of assorted Novelty Cotton Printshere.
The basic garment known in English most often as a "sarong" has analogs in many regions, where it shows variations in style and is known by different names. In East Africa it is called a kanga and usually made of brightly coloured cotton. In Madagasgar it is called a lamba. In Mozambique it is called a capulana. In Somalia it is called a ma'wees. In Zimbabwe they are known as zambias. In South Africa it is called a kikoi and commonly used as a furniture throw or for going to the beach.
In South Asia it is called a lungi. It is most often sewn into a large cylindrical shape, so there is no slit when the lungi is tied. In India it is colloquially referred to by the misnomer dhoti In Punjab it is a called maylee when worn by a man, and a gamcha when worn by a woman. In Indonesia it is known as a kain sarung ('sarong cloth'). In Malaysia it is known as a kain, kain sarung, or kain sampin
In the Philippines it is also known as a malong. In Fiji it is known as a sulu. In Hawaii it is referred to by the Anglicized Tahitian name, pareo In Samoa it is known as a lavalava In Tahiti it is known as a pareu.
A sarong is a large sheet of fabric, often wrapped around the waist and worn as a skirt by men and women throughout much of Africa, Asia, India and on many Pacific islands. Usually made from cotton or other natural fibers, the fabric is often brightly coloured or printed with intricate patterns. Some prints depict animals or plants, checkered or geometric patterns, or resemble the results of tie dying & batiking. In many of the African countires, the fabric is designed with various symbolic prints, giving the garment more meaning and purpose. Sarongs are also used as wall hangings and other forms of clothing, such as shawls, baby carriers, complete dresses or upper body clothing. In North America the fabric of the sarong is generally quite light, often rayon, and may feature decorative fringing on two sides. They are often used by women as a cover-up over swimwear.
Numerous tying exist to hold a sarong to the wearer's body. In some cases, these techniques customarily differ according to the gender of wearer. If a sarong has ties, they may be used to hold it in place. If no ties exist, a pin may be used, the fabric may be tightly tucked under itself in layers, the corners of the main sheet may be around the body and knotted, or a belt may be used to hold the sarong in place.
Whatever you choose to call it, however you choose to wrap it, do it with J & O. With hundreds of prints & fabrics to choose from, you will have no problem finding just the right one for you!
To view our selection of colorful African print cottons click here. To view our selection of wonderful island themed novelty prints click here.
***Stay tuned in for easy step by step instructions on how to wrap your own sarong.
J & O Fabrics is a leader in online fabric stores with hundreds of discount fabrics including: upholstery, quilt, quilting, drapery fabric, fleece, decorator, felt, retro, upholstery fabrics and more!
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The basic garment known in English most often as a "sarong" has analogs in many regions, where it shows variations in style and is known by different names.
