10 Creative Ways to Tie a Sarong

One of the most magical things about owning a sarong is discovering just how many different ways you can wear this single piece of fabric. What starts as a simple rectangle transforms into dresses, skirts, tops, and more—all through creative folding and tying techniques passed down through generations of beach lovers.

Whether you're heading to the beach, attending a resort dinner, practicing yoga at sunrise, or simply want a stylish cover-up for poolside cocktails, mastering these ten tying techniques will unlock your sarong's full potential. We've arranged them from easiest to most complex, so beginners can start simple and work their way up.

Before You Begin: Essential Tips

Before diving into specific styles, here are some universal tips that will help you achieve better results with any tying technique:

• Size matters: Most techniques work best with medium to large sarongs (170cm x 110cm or bigger)
• Fabric choice: Lightweight, drapey fabrics like rayon and chiffon tie more easily than stiff cotton
• Practice makes perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first attempts look messy—it takes time
• Secure your knots: Double-knot for active wear; single knots are fine for lounging
• Adjust and fluff: After tying, take a moment to adjust the fabric and create pleasing drapes

1. The Classic Beach Skirt

Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Beach days, casual outings

This is the most fundamental sarong style and the one most people learn first. It's simple, comfortable, and easy to adjust or remove for swimming.

How to Tie:

1. Hold the sarong horizontally behind you at waist level
2. Bring both ends forward around your hips
3. Tie the two ends together in a secure knot at one hip
4. Adjust the length by pulling the fabric up before knotting
5. Let the ends hang down for a relaxed look, or tuck them in

This style works with any sarong size and is incredibly flattering on all body types. The asymmetric drape created by the side knot adds visual interest while the length can be adjusted from mini to midi depending on your preference.

2. The Front Knot Skirt

Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Walking, active beach days

Similar to the classic beach skirt but with the knot positioned at the front centre, this style offers more security for movement and a different aesthetic.

How to Tie:

1. Hold the sarong behind you at waist level
2. Bring both ends to your front centre
3. Tie in a secure knot at your belly button
4. For extra security, double knot and tuck the ends down

3. The Halter Dress

Difficulty: Medium | Best For: Beach-to-bar transitions, casual dinners

This elegant style transforms your sarong into a flowing halter dress that's perfect for transitioning from beach to restaurant without a wardrobe change.

How to Tie:

1. Hold the sarong horizontally behind your back at chest level
2. Pull the two top corners to your front
3. Cross them over your chest, creating a wrapped bodice
4. Bring the corners up and around your neck
5. Tie securely behind your neck
6. The bottom should hang as a skirt naturally

4. The Strapless Dress

Difficulty: Medium | Best For: Pool parties, resort wear

A sophisticated strapless option that creates a tube dress effect. This style shows off your shoulders and works beautifully with statement jewellery.

How to Tie:

1. Hold the sarong horizontally and wrap it around your body at chest level
2. Bring both ends to your front, overlapping them across your chest
3. Tie a secure knot above your bust, between your shoulder blades if you're tying at back
4. Alternatively, twist the ends together at the front, then tuck them into the wrap
5. Adjust the bodice for secure coverage

This style requires a bit more security to stay up, so consider using a strapless bra or bikini top underneath for support, and don't hesitate to use a discreet safety pin.

5. The One-Shoulder Toga

Difficulty: Medium | Best For: Beach parties, elegant occasions

Channel Greek goddess vibes with this asymmetric style that's both dramatic and comfortable. It's a statement look that works beautifully for beach weddings or sunset cocktails.

How to Tie:

1. Drape the sarong across your chest, holding one corner at your shoulder
2. Wrap the fabric under the opposite arm and around your back
3. Bring the other corner up to meet the first at your shoulder
4. Tie both corners together securely on your shoulder
5. Arrange the draping to your preference

6. The Bikini Cover-Up (Tied at Chest)

Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Beach arrival/departure, quick coverage

The quickest way to get covered when you need to pop into a beach café or walk through a resort lobby.

How to Tie:

1. Hold the sarong horizontally behind your back at chest level
2. Bring the two top corners to your front
3. Simply tie them together in a knot at the centre of your chest
4. The fabric drapes down naturally from the knot

This is essentially the simplest version of a dress—it provides coverage while being incredibly easy to put on and take off. Adjust how high you tie for more or less length.

7. The Bandeau Top with Skirt

Difficulty: Medium-Hard | Best For: Hot days, two-piece look

Create a coordinated two-piece look from a single sarong by splitting it into a bandeau top and skirt. This works best with longer sarongs.

How to Tie:

1. Fold your sarong in half lengthwise to create a narrower piece
2. Wrap around your chest and tie at the back or side to create a bandeau
3. With the remaining fabric, wrap around your waist and tie as a skirt
4. Alternatively, use two sarongs for more fabric coverage

8. The Shoulder Cape/Shawl

Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Sun protection, cool evenings

Sometimes you just need a little coverage without a full outfit. The shoulder wrap provides sun protection and warmth while remaining effortlessly elegant.

How to Tie:

1. Drape the sarong over both shoulders like a shawl
2. Let it hang naturally, or tie the front corners in a loose knot
3. Alternatively, pin with a decorative brooch at the centre

This is particularly useful for covering up after a day in the sun or when entering air-conditioned restaurants. It also provides a stylish way to cover arms for sun protection during peak UV hours.

9. The Twist Front Dress

Difficulty: Hard | Best For: Special occasions, evening wear

This sophisticated style creates a beautiful twisted detail at the bust that looks far more complex than it is. It's perfect for sunset dinners and resort evening events.

How to Tie:

1. Hold the sarong behind you at chest level
2. Bring both corners to your front centre
3. Twist the two corners around each other 2-3 times, creating a twisted rope effect
4. Separate the twisted section and bring each end up and over your shoulders
5. Tie securely behind your neck
6. The twist creates an attractive focal point at your bust

10. The Headscarf/Turban

Difficulty: Medium | Best For: Bad hair days, sun protection, style statement

Don't forget that sarongs can be worn on your head too! A sarong headscarf protects your hair from sun and salt while adding a touch of glamour to any beach look.

How to Tie:

1. Fold your sarong into a triangle (fold a square in half diagonally)
2. Place the long edge at your forehead, with the point at the back of your head
3. Bring the two ends around to the back, crossing over the point
4. Tie in a knot, or bring back to the front and tie as a bow
5. Tuck any loose ends for a clean finish

For a turban style, wrap the sarong around your head multiple times and tuck the ends in. This is particularly elegant with solid-coloured or subtly patterned sarongs.

Choosing the Right Style for the Occasion

With so many options, how do you decide which style to use? Here's a quick guide:

• Active beach day: Classic skirt or front knot skirt for easy movement
• Pool lounging: Strapless dress or simple cover-up
• Beach-to-restaurant: Halter dress or one-shoulder toga
• Resort evening: Twist front dress or elegant halter
• Sun protection: Shoulder cape or headscarf
• Maximum versatility: Learn the halter dress—it works almost everywhere

Practice Makes Perfect

The most important advice we can give is simply to practice. Stand in front of a mirror at home and experiment with different techniques. You'll develop muscle memory for tying and discover which styles flatter your body type best.

Remember, there's no "wrong" way to wear a sarong—these are guidelines, not rules. Many beautiful styles have been invented by people simply experimenting and finding what works for them. Once you're comfortable with the basics, don't be afraid to get creative and invent your own signature styles.

For more on choosing the right sarong for these techniques, check out our beginner's guide to sarongs and our fabric guide to understand which materials drape best for different styles.