WHAT ARE SARONGS USED FOR?

Have you ever looked at a sarong and wondered what you can use it for?  Sure, they are great for a beach coverup or a dress but, have you ever wondered what else they are good for?  Throughout history the sarong, or pareo, has traditionally served as clothing for both men and women.  Even today it is worn in many areas of Southeast Asia and islands throughout the South Pacific.  Many of us think of Hawaii and immediately think of the Hawaiian men and women in traditional sarongs.

Although millions of people wear sarongs as clothing, the process of making sarongs, Batik, is considered an art form!  Each sarong is hand made and usually hand painted.  Using this process, they take many long hours to produce.  First, the design in drawn onto the fabric with pencil.  Then, this design is traced with a copper pen containing hot, melted wax.  The wax creates an area of resistance on the fabric that will not pick up the color of the dye.  The fabric is hand painted/colored and the wax is later removed by soaking the fabric in very hot water.  Cotton, silk and natural rayon are the fabrics used in this process because they are strong enough to stand up to the heat of the water.  This makes them colorfast and "wash and wear". 

Now that you know how they are made, I bet you're still asking me "What are they used for"?   Actually, the sarong is one of the world's most versatile garments.

There are many different ways to wear your sarong.  If you wrap the sarong over your shoulders and head, it can be used as a light wind-breaker.  It also make a beautiful scarf when wrapped around your neck. It can be tied so that it is worn as pants or a top.  You sarong can also be tied to form a lovely jacket, or wrap, that is beautiful on a cool evening.

New ways of using your sarong include tying it as a baby carrier or tying it as a sack for carring items.  Many people use sarongs as beach blankets and tablecloths.  Imagine a cookout on your deck, Hawaiian style!  Just use your sarong to cover the table, use pineapple for the centerpiece and candles to light up your table. 

Since sarongs are considered a work of art, they are often used as a wall-hanging.  Informally, you can just hang the sarong as is or you can sew a fold and insert a decorative rod for hanging.  You can even have them mounted and framed!

If you really like that tropical decorating touch, sarongs can be used as window or shower curtains.  Similar to the wall-hanging, just measure the rod, sew a fold large enough to allow the rod to slip through and hang it up.

So, as you can see, sarongs can be used in just about any way you can imagine!  So versatile and fun, you will surely want to own more than one.  I hope this article has excited your imagination and you come up with new uses for your sarong.

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