You probably think of a sarong as a “vacation wardrobe” item, a garment that makes its annual appearance by the pool but quickly gets confined to the back of the closet after its week in the sun.
But this summer, the sarong has undergone a radical makeover. Yes, you should still pack it in your suitcase, but you can wear it everywhere, from the beach to when you get back home.
If you’re picturing David Beckham in 1998, rest assured that sarongs have undergone a makeover that has put them back in vogue. Fashion houses including Alaia and Erdem have produced sarongs this season, the name that Spanish designers prefer for sarongs.
LEFT: Top, £179, neveandnoor.com; skirt, £25.99, newlook.com; shoes, £29.99, zara.com; earrings, £110, byalona.com RIGHT: Sarong set, £175, the87london.com; jacket, £135, sister jane.com; earrings, £195, laurence-coste.com
Top, £170, casaraki.com; pareo, £145, wiggykit.com; earrings, £185, giovanniraspini.com
And the most exclusive streets are also adopting the sarong as an everyday garment. Nothing Underneath, a brand of classic style shirts, recently launched its first range of sarongs.
You can pair them with the matching shirt to create a casual outfit. Tie the short sarong together for a trip to the beach or create a longer skirt if you’re heading to the office on a hot day.
Not sure what to wear to the airport? New Look has the perfect wrap skirt with a tie waist, so there’s no need to readjust. The lightweight, textured fabric means it won’t bunch up on the plane.
Those seeking a high-fashion look should check out The 87. Founded by artist Zoe Zimmer, daughter of Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, the standout offering is a two-piece scarf set, in printed fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying.
Tie one as a top and the other as a skirt. Don’t worry, there’s a helpful page on how to tie the knot on their website (the87london.com) that shows you all the different ways to do it.
LEFT: Shirt and sarong, £185, withnothingunderneath.com; shoes, £49.99, zara.com; sunglasses, £209.99, mulberry.com; earrings, £120, carrieelizabeth.co.uk RIGHT: Swimsuit, £325, and sarong, £195, heidiklein.com; shoes, £200, bobbies.com; bag, £275, and jewellery, stone-and-mason.com
Leaf print sarong (as a dress), £20, johnlewis.com; Willow panama hat, £325, lockhatters.com
All thumbs up? A simple yet effective trick to create a sleek bun is to use a hair tie (or butterfly clip) to secure it.
For a more traditional poolside look, make a chic statement with a vibrant piece from English designer Alice Temperley and luxury swimwear brand Heidi Klein’s capsule collection.
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