Sarong is a Malaysian word for a large tube of fabric worn as a kilt by men and women all over the world. Although recently the word 'sarong' has become a generic term applied to similar garments worn in different cultures. For example, in different parts of India 'phanek', 'mundu', 'lungi', 'kaili' all refer to the same garment. In Cambodia, a 'sampot' is much the same as a Malaysian sarong and commonly worn by women. In North America, variations of the original Malaysian sarong have become a regular addition to beachwear clothing lines.
Contrary to what most people think, the beach sarong is a unisex garment. Traditionally, sarongs are worn by both sexes, but in western society the fashion has been taken up by more women than men. Little triangles of sheer fabric meant to tie around the hips are commonly sold alongside ladies swim suits and labeled 'sarongs'. This despite the fact they bear almost no resemblance to a real sarong. Men's, if they can be found, are usually larger than the women's and available in bright tropical colors.
There are two main types of sarongs, flat and tubed. The flat sarong is just a large rectangle of cloth about five feet long and seven feet wide. To wear a flat sarong, the user begins by holding the rectangle horizontally straight behind the body and against the bottom (much the same as when wrapping a towel around one's waist) with the arms outstretched. The bottom of the fabric should sit at the ankles. Don't worry if the top of the fabric comes up too high, it will be rolled down later.
The user brings the left hand (while holding the fabric) in towards the right hip, and the right hand in towards the left hip. The rest of the fabric is continuously folded in a zig-zag manner at the front of the body. When finished folding, simply fold the 'waistband' over one or two times to hold everything together. The tub sarong is worn much the same way, only the wearer stands in the middle of the tube before folding begins.
The sarong, in all its forms and names throughout the globe, evolved out of a need to cover up while remaining cool in a hot and humid climate. One's legs are sheltered from the sun, yet air can still flow through the fabric keeping the wearer cool. The sarong is comfortable, nonrestrictive, provides modesty and can be used for other purposes. Folded differently, ladies can turn a flat sarong into a halter dress. It can be used as something to lie on while at the beach, by the pool or even draped over a chair for extra sun protection. The sarong is a multipurpose garment for every beach-goer! Make a sarong a part of your Cancun packing list!
Contrary to what most people think, the beach sarong is a unisex garment. Traditionally, sarongs are worn by both sexes, but in western society the fashion has been taken up by more women than men. Little triangles of sheer fabric meant to tie around the hips are commonly sold alongside ladies swim suits and labeled 'sarongs'. This despite the fact they bear almost no resemblance to a real sarong. Men's, if they can be found, are usually larger than the women's and available in bright tropical colors.
There are two main types of sarongs, flat and tubed. The flat sarong is just a large rectangle of cloth about five feet long and seven feet wide. To wear a flat sarong, the user begins by holding the rectangle horizontally straight behind the body and against the bottom (much the same as when wrapping a towel around one's waist) with the arms outstretched. The bottom of the fabric should sit at the ankles. Don't worry if the top of the fabric comes up too high, it will be rolled down later.
The user brings the left hand (while holding the fabric) in towards the right hip, and the right hand in towards the left hip. The rest of the fabric is continuously folded in a zig-zag manner at the front of the body. When finished folding, simply fold the 'waistband' over one or two times to hold everything together. The tub sarong is worn much the same way, only the wearer stands in the middle of the tube before folding begins.
The sarong, in all its forms and names throughout the globe, evolved out of a need to cover up while remaining cool in a hot and humid climate. One's legs are sheltered from the sun, yet air can still flow through the fabric keeping the wearer cool. The sarong is comfortable, nonrestrictive, provides modesty and can be used for other purposes. Folded differently, ladies can turn a flat sarong into a halter dress. It can be used as something to lie on while at the beach, by the pool or even draped over a chair for extra sun protection. The sarong is a multipurpose garment for every beach-goer! Make a sarong a part of your Cancun packing list!
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