Sarong
Culture

What is a Sarong?

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November 5, 2022

The sarong is a traditional garment found in many Asian countries. It is also known as saram in Sri Lanka and kain sarung in Indonesia. In Laos and Cambodia, it is worn instead of a sampot. Also in western Thailand, it is called a cindai, cawat, or kain.

Women Re-created the Sarong in the 1990s

The sarong is a garment with a long, flowing fabric, made for wearing around the waist. Traditionally, it was worn by women in the South Pacific. But in the 1990s, Western fashion designers took a traditional garment and modernized it to appeal to cosmopolitan women. It had two distinct styles: the long, flowing sarong, and the knee-length sarong.

Historically, the sarong was the garment of seafaring people from the Malay Peninsula in Indonesia. This garment spread throughout the region and was even so worn by the people of Madura and the north coast of Java. However, an observer noted that the sarong was not found in the interior of Java. This garment was influenced by Moslems from India who settled along the coasts. Historically, the fabric used for sarongs was cotton. But the fabric used for sarongs today includes polyester, nylon, and silk.

It is a Multipurpose Garment

The sarong is a popular garment that has many uses. It can be worn in several ways, from under the arm for sleeping to hiking to the river. It is also used as a blanket during cold nights. The sarong is also useful for carrying a baby.

The sarong has a long history and is an important cultural icon. Its multipurpose use dates back to pre-colonial times. Sarong has been worn by ethnic communities to protest oppression and to control themselves. It has evolved from that era to its use in global fashion today.

It is a Skirt

When you say “sarong” in English, you’re likely thinking of a skirt made of silk. This skirt has several uses and is an excellent summer wardrobe piece. This lightweight skirt can be worn under a skirt or over a swimsuit. It can be made from a variety of fabrics and colors.

The sarong skirt can be worn on hot or cold days, as it provides comfort and coverage. Some types of sarong are made from luxurious stretch fabric. They feature a centre zip and 3/4-length sleeves. You can also buy a sarong in a variety of colors and patterns to create a unique outfit.

It is a Sling for Infants

The sarong is a simple piece of cloth that can be used to carry infants. It is a common practice in some cultures. The cloth is wrapped around the carrier and the ends are tied. The sling is a good option for parents who want to carry their infants during the day, but would also like to allow the child to sleep comfortably in a more natural position.

The sarong is a soft, durable sling made of a cotton and spandex blend. It supports the baby’s weight and protects the adult’s back, which means fewer back aches! Sarong is also versatile enough for breastfeeding and can be machine-washed. It is available in a variety of colors.

It is a Beach Cover-up

A sarong is a classic-looking beach cover-up made of skin-friendly polyester that can be worn several ways. The sarong’s lightweight material keeps the wearer cool on warm days, and the silky, lustrous fabric adds a touch of glamour to swimwear.

This beach cover-up comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles. It is best to pick a sarong that has enough length to wrap around your body, but not too long or too short. The material can be patterned to complement your swimwear, or you can choose a bold design for a more exciting look.

It is a Fashion Piece in Southeast Asia

While the sarong was once worn by royalty and upper class people in Southeast Asia, it has now been adopted by the modern fashion scene. Its popularity has spread across the world as modern designers have taken the traditional motifs and used them to create modern clothing. The sarong has evolved into a stylish garment that can be worn by both men and women.

It is a popular clothing piece in Southeast Asia, as well as Africa. Made of cotton, silk, and rayon, it is traditionally worn as a long, wide piece of cloth worn around the waist. It protects the wearer from the sun and allows air to circulate around the body. It has been used as an important part of traditional dress since pre-Islamic times.

FAQs

1. What exactly is a sarong?
A sarong is a large piece or tube of cloth, traditionally wrapped around the waist, and worn by men and women especially across the Malay Archipelago and Pacific islands.

2. Where did the term “sarong” come from and how is it used around the world?
The word originates from the Malay word meaning “covering.” While commonly known as a sarong in Southeast Asia, similar wraps have different names elsewhere—like pareo in the South Pacific, kanga or kikoi in Africa, malong or patadyong in the Philippines, and lungi or mundu in South Asia.

3. Which regions traditionally wear sarongs and why?
Sarongs are deeply rooted in cultural dress across Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. They’re used daily, on ceremonial occasions, and also carry social or symbolic meanings based on patterns and fabrics.

4. What materials and designs are commonly used in sarongs?
Traditionally crafted from cotton and silk, sarongs often feature intricate textiles like batik, ikat, songket, or woven plaid. Modern versions include polyester blends and printed fabrics for added variety and style.

5. Why is the sarong considered so versatile?
Beyond being a garment, sarongs serve a multitude of practical roles—they can be worn as skirts, dresses, sleepwear, beach cover-ups, shawls, blankets, baby carriers, and even home décor like tapestries or tablecloths

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