How to Tie a Sarong: 8 Easy Ways to Wear It as a Skirt, Dress or Top

A sarong looks like the simplest thing you can pack: one piece of fabric, no buttons, no zip. That is exactly why so many people are unsure how to wear one. Is it just a wrap for the beach? Can it be a skirt, a dress or a top? And how do you stop it from falling down as soon as you walk?

This guide shows you how to tie a sarong in eight easy ways, from a quick hip tie to a halter dress, plus a simple trick for knots that stay put. You will also find which tie works best for the pool, for lunch and for travel.

What is a sarong?

A sarong is a rectangle of lightweight fabric that you wrap around your body and secure with a knot. It comes from Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, and today it is most often worn as a swimsuit cover up. Because there is no fixed shape, the same piece can become a skirt, a dress, a top or a scarf, depending on how you tie it.

Before you start: size, fabric and the knot

• Check the size. Many bikini sets come with a short wrap sarong. These are perfect for hip and skirt ties, but they are usually too small for dresses. For dress styles you need a sarong that wraps around your body with some overlap.
• Know your fabric. Sheer mesh sarongs look light and breezy but show what is underneath, so they are best for the beach and pool. A more opaque print works better for lunch or a walk into town.
• Use a double knot. One knot slips, two knots hold. For extra grip, twist each corner into a short rope before you tie it.

How to tie a sarong: 8 easy ways

1. The hip tie (mini skirt)

This is the classic beach look and works with any size of sarong.

1. Hold the sarong lengthwise behind you at hip height.
2. Wrap both ends around to the front.
3. Pull the two top corners toward one hip and tie a double knot.
4. Slide the knot to the side for a slit, or to the front for more coverage.

2. The long wrap skirt

1. Hold the sarong widthwise behind you at your waist, like a towel.
2. Wrap one side across the front, then the other side over it.
3. Tie the two top corners at your waist or hip.
4. Roll the waistband down once or twice to shorten it to midi length.

This version looks neat enough for a beach café, especially in an opaque print.

3. The triangle skirt

1. Fold the sarong in half diagonally to make a triangle.
2. Wrap the long edge around your hips with the point at the back or side.
3. Tie the two ends in a double knot at the front or hip.

Folding doubles the fabric, so this is a good option when your sarong is sheer.

4. The strapless dress

1. Hold the sarong widthwise behind your back, just under your arms.
2. Bring both ends to the front, crossing them over your chest.
3. Tie a double knot at the center, or twist the corners first for a cleaner bow.

5. The halter dress

1. Hold the sarong behind you under your arms, as for the strapless dress.
2. Bring the top corners to the front, cross them over your chest and twist them once.
3. Take the ends up around your neck and tie them behind it.

The twist at the front gives a flattering neckline and keeps the dress from slipping.

6. The one-shoulder dress

1. Wrap the sarong around your body under one arm.
2. Bring the two top corners up over the opposite shoulder.
3. Tie them in a double knot on top of the shoulder.

Add a belt or a second knot at the waist to give it more shape.

7. The wrap top

1. Fold the sarong into a triangle.
2. Place the long edge across your chest with the point hanging down in front.
3. Cross the two ends behind your back and tie them, or bring them around to knot at the front.

Wear it over a bikini top with shorts for a quick beach-bar outfit.

8. The scarf or shawl

Fold the sarong lengthwise and drape it over your shoulders, or loop it around your neck. This is handy when you travel: you can cover your shoulders in places where that is expected, use it against the sun, or roll it into a pillow on a flight.

Which sarong tie should you choose?

Tie	Best for	Sarong size
Hip tie	Beach and pool	Short or full
Long wrap skirt	Lunch, walking into town	Full
Triangle skirt	Sheer sarongs, more coverage	Full
Strapless dress	Walk to and from the pool	Full
Halter dress	Resort dinners, photos	Full
One-shoulder dress	A dressier look	Full
Wrap top	Beach bar with shorts	Short or full
Scarf or shawl	Travel, sun cover	Short or full

How to keep your sarong from falling down

• Twist the corners into short ropes before knotting. They grip much better than flat fabric.
• Always tie a double knot, then tuck the loose ends into the waistband.
• Tie it a little tighter than feels necessary. Light fabric loosens as you walk.
• Use a small hair tie: gather a corner, loop the elastic around it, and tuck it in. This makes a neat “knot” that does not come undone.

Wearing a sarong as a swimsuit cover up

A common question is what to wear on the way to and from the pool. A sarong solves it in seconds. Tie it as a strapless dress over a one piece, or as a long wrap skirt over bikini bottoms and add a simple top or shirt. For walking in heat, a skirt tie that covers the tops of your thighs can also help with chafing.

The easiest way to get a sarong that matches is to buy it as part of a set. Our three-piece bikinis come with a matching wrap sarong, such as the Hibiscus Leopard Print Bikini, the Pink Floral Bikini, the Orange Striped Bikini and the Brown Bikini with Floral Sarong. If you like a see-through look for the beach, the Green Striped Bikini comes with a sheer mesh wrap.

Packing a sarong for travel

A sarong is one of the most useful pieces in a vacation capsule wardrobe. It weighs almost nothing, dries fast and can be a skirt, a dress, a beach towel, a scarf or a cover for your shoulders. Pack one in a print that goes with most of your swimwear, and you have several outfits in one item. For more ideas, see our guide to the best bikini for a small chest or browse new arrivals.

FAQ

What is a sarong?
A sarong is a rectangle of lightweight fabric that you wrap around your body and tie. It is most often worn as a swimsuit cover up, but it can also be a skirt, a dress, a top or a scarf.

How do you tie a sarong so it doesn’t fall down?
Twist the corners into short ropes, tie a double knot and tuck the ends in. Tie it slightly tighter than you think you need, because light fabric loosens as you move.

Can you wear a sarong as a dress?
Yes, if it is large enough to wrap around your body with some overlap. Try the strapless, halter or one-shoulder tie. Short wrap sarongs are better as skirts.

How do I wear a sarong to and from the pool?
Tie it as a strapless dress over a one piece, or as a long wrap skirt over bikini bottoms with a simple top.

Is a sarong just a piece of fabric?
Yes. There is no built-in fastening, so the knot does all the work. That is what makes it so versatile.

Is a sarong good for travel?
Yes. It is light, dries quickly and works as a cover up, skirt, dress, scarf or beach towel, so it saves space in your bag.