The Sarong: Your Unflawed Travel Companion
Packing for a tropical vacation or cruise can be an overwhelming experience. It’s often enough 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 material that is worn around the waist by women and men. Traditionally the sarong is made of acceptable materials like cotton as it is breathable and light.
In the Maldives, and Indian state of Kerala, it is known as a mundu or neriyathu. A traditional Khmer dancer wearing a sampot in CambodiaThe basic garment known in English most often as a “sarong”, sewn or unsewn, has analogs in many regions, where it shows variations in style and is known by different names. Designs vary greatly and range from checkered square motifs with watermarked diamonds and plaid to simple geometric lines. In Fiji it is known as a sulu. In Mozambique it is called a capulana.
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Normally the sarong is thought of as bathing suit cover up and it without doubt serves that purpose well. What is more exotic than a pretty piece of material worn over a swimsuit while sitting poolside on vacation ship sailing through the open seas? Not only will you look aesthetically appealing, your skin will be protected from the sun.
For effortless 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 effortlessly 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 beautiful 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 faultless solution to honor the culture. In Myanmar, it is known as a longyi. Designs can be checkered or striped as well floral or arabesque, but double plaid (i. In Tonga it is known as tupenu. The fabric of the misnomer “sarong” is generally quite light, often rayon, and may feature decorative fringing on two sides.
While the sarong is customarily thought of as a fashion piece its uses are practically endless. Avoid carrying thick and heavy towels to the beach 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 oftentimes 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 casually 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 pick up on your travels.
Sarong cover-ups are aesthetically appealing, versatile, inexpensive and for your next tropical vacation or cruise, the must have travel companion.
