Consider the versatility of a sarong. Since a sarong is simply a rectangular piece of cloth of varying sizes, it can be wrapped in many different ways on the body and can be worn by anyone of any size and shape. You should consider buying different sized sarongs that can be worn together to create many different clothing pieces such as swimwear cover ups, skirts, tops, dresses, shawls and scarves. A sarong, in some form, can be worn for practically any occasion.

The sarong is popular in tropical climates and makes great vacation wear. Consider practicing wrapping sarongs of different sizes around your body in front of a full length mirror. Sarong wrapping instruction books are also available and it is said that a sarong can be tied in at least 45 different ways. A smaller sarong can be used as a top with a larger sarong knotted at the waist to give the look of a long dress. Or, a smaller sarong can make a short skirt, while a larger sarong can make a long skirt.

Both men and women wear sarongs as swim suit cover ups. Sarongs are often paired with seashell and sterling silver jewelry. Knots at the neck or waist hold the sarong to the body. Sarong clips can also be used to help secure sarongs to the body. A sarong clip is often made from mother of pearl or coconut shell and has two large holes in it to allow the fabric to slide through for a firmer hold.

Consider your style and color preferences when buying a sarong. Sarongs are available in many patterns, colors and fabrics such as pastel mesh net and brightly colored batik prints. Some sarongs have fringes or other trims, although most have plain hems. Silk sarongs are especially luxurious and some can even be worn as wedding dresses.

Sarongs are so versatile that their use need not be limited to clothing as they can also used as a table cloth, wall hanging , furniture cover, beach blanket or curtains. The sarong has many different names in different parts of the world. The word sarong is usually associated with Indonesia and other Southeast Asian regions such as Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. In India a sarong-like garment is called a Sari and in Africa it is called a Kanga. The ancient Greek and Roman toga is also a type of sarong. In the South Pacific and Hawaii, the sarong is known as a pareo.