The Versatile Sarong and Why You Should Pack One

Few items are as versatile and functional for the female traveler as the sarong. This lightweight addition to your packing list delivers on its promise for multi-purpose use and adds color, variety, and a touch of femininity to the traveler’s wardrobe.

What is it?

A sarong is a rectangular or square piece of fabric, often found in a variety of colors and prints, and worn as clothing. Depending on your location and travel destination, you can buy a sarong in stores, online, or in a local market.

How many ways can I use a sarong?

A sarong is a multi-purpose item. Travelers have found a number of creative uses for the sarong, and its versatility is not limited by the ideas listed below!

Blanket at the beach or on a picnic. Grab a few new friends from the hostel, plan a day out, and bring your easy-to-carry sarong along.

Blanket on cold transportation. It might not be as warm as a normal blanket, but if you’re stuck on a cold plane, train or bus, every extra layer helps.

Towel (beach or bath). The thin, lightweight material dries quickly and saves you from packing a separate bath and/or beach towel!

>>Looking for alternatives to the sarong? Try Turkish Towels and Pack Towels.

Curtain/divider/wall. When you’re in shared accommodation or camping, sometimes you want a little more privacy than what’s afforded. Hang the sarong from your bunk bed or clothesline or find another creative way to hang the fabric to create a discreet place to change clothes. Your new “wall” may also help avoid overhead lights in the middle of the night or offer more peace during mid-afternoon naps.

Cover knees, shoulders, arms, or head while visiting places of worship. If you don’t have a separate scarf or find yourself needing more coverage, a long sarong can cover bare shoulders or legs in hot weather when you want to visit temples, mosques, and other places of worship.

As a makeshift bag/purse. Picking up a few items at the market? Fold your sarong into a bag or purse to tote your new finds!

Need sheets for your bed or a tablecloth?Unfurl the sarong and it easily covers the mattress or table. You can also use it in place of a questionable pillow case.

Pillows a little flat, lumpy, or non-existent? Fold the sarong for extra support. If you have a packing cube, tuck the sarong inside to maintain a pillow shape throughout the night.

Wearing your sarong as clothing

If you get a little creative, sarongs can be used as clothing. Why not try one of these styles!

Skirt or halter dress. Depending on the length of your sarong, you can play with a variety of lengths and folding techniques to create different skirts or dresses – from beach ready, every-day casual, to ready-for-dinner and drinks.

Belt or scarf. Shorter sarongs can work for either or simply cut some fabric from one end to create a few new accessories!

Wrap/shawl. Need to dress up an outfit for a date or dinner and drinks at a nice restaurant? Cool nights setting in? Use your sarong for function + style.

Beach cover up. Wrap your sarong like a bath towel, around your waist, or cleverly folded in several additional ways to create a cute beach cover up (and protect your skin from the sun!).

The benefits and uses of a sarong are only limited by creativity! How have you used one in your travels? I’d love to hear some of your stylish or functional inventions on the road.