How to Wear a Sarong — 6 Ways to Style Your Favourite Piece
A sarong is the most versatile piece in your wardrobe — and quite possibly the most underrated. One rectangle of fabric. No zips, no buttons, no sizing stress. Just you, a knot, and whatever the day calls for.
Whether you've just picked up your first sarong or you've been tying them since your gap year in Bali, here are six ways to wear yours — from the beach to the bar and everywhere in between.
1. The Classic Hip Wrap
The simplest and most instinctive way to wear a sarong. Hold the fabric behind you at hip level, bring both ends to the front, and tie a knot at the side of your hip. Let it sit low and relaxed — the knot should feel easy, not tight. This works over a bikini at the beach or paired with a crop top for a festival.
Best for: Beach days, poolside, resort mornings
Pair with: A bikini top, flat sandals, and stacked bangles
2. The Wrap Skirt
Similar to the hip wrap, but neater. Hold the sarong behind you at the waist (higher than the hip), wrap one end across the front, then the other on top, and tuck the corner into the waistband you've created. Fold the top edge over once for a cleaner line. This gives you a proper skirt — ankle length or knee length depending on how high you tie.
Best for: Lunch, exploring a new city, evening strolls
Pair with: A fitted cami or linen blouse, espadrilles, and a statement necklace
3. The Halter Dress
This is the one that turns heads. Hold the sarong behind you horizontally. Bring both top corners up and cross them over your chest, then tie behind your neck. The fabric drapes naturally into a dress — backless, easy, and effortlessly elegant. Works best with a larger sarong (our Large size, 200 × 110 cm, gives you enough fabric for a comfortable wrap).
Best for: Sundowners, beach restaurants, holiday evenings
Pair with: Strappy sandals, chandelier earrings, and a clutch
4. The One-Shoulder Dress
Hold one corner of the sarong at your shoulder. Wrap the fabric across your chest and under the opposite arm, bring it around your back, and tie at the starting shoulder. You'll have one bare shoulder and a diagonal drape across the body. Adjust the tightness at the knot — looser for a relaxed beach feel, tighter for more structure.
Best for: Beach to bar, sunset drinks, warm evenings
Pair with: Gold hoops, a cuff bracelet, and bare feet
5. The Beach Cover-Up
The quickest tie of all. Hold the sarong behind you at chest height, bring both ends forward, and tie a single knot at the centre of your chest — just above the bust line. The fabric falls as a loose cover-up to mid-thigh or knee. Done in five seconds, looks like you planned it for an hour.
Best for: Walking from pool to bar, beach picnics, boat days
Pair with: Your swimsuit, oversized sunglasses, and a straw bag
6. The Shoulder Shawl
When the evening cools down, drape your sarong across both shoulders like a pashmina. No tying needed — just let it fall. If it's breezy, pull one end across to the opposite shoulder and tuck loosely. This is the move when you're wearing a sleeveless dress and the restaurant has the air conditioning on full.
Best for: Cool evenings, air-conditioned restaurants, flights
Pair with: Whatever you're already wearing — that's the point
Which Size Should You Choose?
For hip wraps, wrap skirts, cover-ups, and shawl drapes, our Medium / Free Size (145 × 110 cm) is perfect. For the halter dress and one-shoulder dress — where you need enough fabric to wrap fully around your body — go for the Large (200 × 110 cm).
Not sure? Check our Size & Fit Guide for details.
Caring for Your Sarong
Most of our sarongs are hand wash cold, dry flat. Check the care label on your specific piece, or see our full Care Guide for fabric-specific instructions.