The Sarong
The Sarong: Your Perfected Travel Companion
Packing for a tropical vacation or cruise can be an overwhelming mastery of skills. It’s commonly difficult to pare down exactly what you will need for any occasion that may arise during your travels. Airlines are heavily restricting the total body weight of luggage and adding a hefty fee for additional baggage. Is there one single item you can pack that is multi functional? Enter the sarong.
A sarong is defined as a garment consisting of a length of printed or solid colored fabric that is worn around the waist by women and men. Traditionally the sarong is made of clear and distinct materials like cotton as it is breathable and light.
Among the other actresses to don the sarong for film roles are Maria Montez, Gilda Gray, Myrna Loy, Gene Tierney, Frances Farmer and Movita. In Papua New Guinea the Tok-Pisin term is lap-lap. In Indonesia it is known as a kain sarung ('sarong cloth'). Javanese men often wear sarongs during religious or casual occasions. Here is a photo of sarongs being worn in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.A sarong or sarung (pronounced ['sa? In Oman, where they are called Wizaar, sarongs are often white, similar to Keralan mundu, and worn under the Thawb.
Normally the sarong is thought of as bathing suit cover up and it seriously serves that purpose well. What is more exotic than a smashing piece of fabric worn over a swimsuit while sitting poolside to the beach ship sailing through the open seas? Not only will you look tasteful, your skin will be protected from the sun.
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Sarong cover-ups
Sarong cover-ups
Sarong
For carefree day trips a sarong works well as a skirt and looks stylish with a tank top and sandals. It also transitions with ease for evening events by tastefully adding a broach or jeweled pin where the sarong is knotted and pairing it with a fantastic pair of shoes. After a long day in the sun a sarong makes a spectacular shawl to wrap around your shoulders or can look incredibly chic as a headscarf.
Should you visit a locale that requires women to have their legs, arms or head covered a neutral colored sarong would be an knock out solution to honor the culture. In Saudi Arabia, they are known as Izaar. Many modern sarongs also have printed designs, often depicting animals or plants. In strict usage, sarong [Malay, "sheath"] denotes the lower garment worn by the Malay people, both men and women. In Samoa it is known as a lavalava (also lava-lava).
While the sarong is mostly thought of as a fashion piece its uses are virtually endless. Avoid carrying thick and heavy towels to the pool or pool and use your sarong to lounge on. If you are in need of extra privacy a sarong is useful as a curtain or room divider if you are sharing accommodations. Hotel sheets can in many instances be uncomfortable; use your sarong for a bed sheet instead. Ditch the bulky bathrobe and use your sarong post shower. If you are planning a romantic picnic on the beach a sarong makes for a gorgeous tablecloth.
Due to their light nature a sarong dries quickly and can be easily washed out in a small sink with a mild detergent or shampoo. They pack in a excessively compact manner and can be used to protect fragile items you select up on your travels.
Sarongs are charming, versatile, inexpensive and for your next tropical vacation or cruise, the must have travel companion.
