Swimwear 2008 – Sarongs & Pareos

This definitive beach-wrap is known as the pareo from Tahiti to Hawaii, the lunghee in India, and the sarong in Malaysia and many other countries. However, one fact remains the same, it is used to preserve women’s dignity, and in some countries, men’s. Remember that David Beckham moment which did more to boost the sales of male sarongs that any advertising campaign?

The History of the Pareo

Pareo is the Tahitian name for wrap-over skirt (pareu), whereas the male version was referred to as a loin cloth. Originally this brightly colored (and usually floral) piece of cloth was 90 or 120 cm wide and 180 cm long, and draped around the waist. Today it is used as beach cover-up for million of women worldwide, and is worn in many different ways.

From a wrap-around dress or skirt, to a jacket, scarf or turban. There are around 15 different methods of wearing one. The pareo or sarong also morphs into a beach towel, for lying on the beach or a light sheet to protect you from the sun when resting. It can even become a curtain to provide privacy when travelling on vacation.

Practical Pareos and Sarongs

Pareos vary from batik prints, hand painted florals to plain-single block colors, and although cotton is still the most common, are also available in silk, and sheer rayon or polyester. Always comfortable and discreet, its secret lies in the fact that it works for any figure, and is easy to throw on. It can also be worn around the house or used as a long skirt for the evenings. Very few other fashion pieces are so versatile. The sarong is also one of the most popular holiday buys when abroad. It is an ideal for gift to take back home, light enough to fit in your luggage and practical enough to suit anyone, whatever age or shape.

One of the specialist retailers is Sarong.com. with over 50 prints. The site has a wittily named collection called “Sarongs and the City,” with sarongs named after Carrie, Miranda and Samantha in the TV series, Sex and the City. It also offers a range of plus-size sarongs, with a bit more fabric. For extra chic buy a swimsuit and matching pareo, as this helps to elongate the body, giving a sleeker line.

How to Wear a Sarong or Pareo

The most popular method is to wear it as a wrap-around dress by either pulling the fabric around you horizontally and tucking the corners into the area around your breasts; tying-up the corners at the center of your chest; or wrapping each corner around your neck and crossing them over, halter-style. The website Cottonwoodhotel has instructions on 15 different ways to wear one.

The Caftan or Kaftan

The sarong is currently being challenged by the caftan for popularity on the beaches this year. What this fashionable and feminine cover-up lacks in versatility it makes up for in style. If anything the beach caftan is more flattering than the pareo, and can be worn over shorts or pants at anytime of the day.

The Versatile Sarong

Colorful Batik Sarong

Handpainting a Pareo

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