You don’t have to be stranded on some island paradise to avail yourself of the versatility of the humble sarong, though with Spring Break season looming ahead, it’s a good time to refamiliarize yourself with its many possibilities. Like many of our favorite traveling companions, the multiple uses of sarongs recommend them all year round, despite their frivolous reputation as mere beachwear. Here’s a few ways to wrap, in and out of the sun, using either a standard sized sarong or any large, light scarf.
As Attire
Sarongs have a long history of everyday wear on the part of both genders around the world, but Western familiarity with the fashion is often reserved strictly for the ladies. To create a simple wrap skirt, begin by holding outstretched fabric behind you and bringing both ends forward to cover the hips. Then continue to wrap each end over the next and knot at the side. You can also make a halter dress by starting the wrap higher up—around the armpits—then tying the remaining ends behind the neck. Sarongs also make good lightweight turbans, tube tops and shawls.
As Carry-all
A couple of ways you can turn your sarong into an emergency bag. First is to knot the cross corners hobo style and throw over your shoulder, forming a tote-style bag. For a smaller pouch, place objects you want to carry in the center of the sarong, fold fabric in half, covering same, then slowly roll into a cylinder and tie a knot in fabric on either side of the contents — like a big piece of hard candy. You can either tie the leftover ends to themselves and hang over your shoulder or off your belt, or tie around your waist like the nostalgic remembrance of a fanny-pack.
As Emergency Décor and Housewares
Hello ratty couch cushion, tattered curtains, scarred tabletop, blemished wall, dusty mantle, soon to-be-laundered pillowcases and towels; and hello handy sarong. True, a few sarongs might not ever replace an ambitious household makeover — but in a pinch, a splash of color and sturdy functionality can go a long way towards providing an interim solution.