A sarong is a single rectangular piece of fabric, typically cotton, that can be tied into a dress, skirt, wrap top, or beach cover-up depending on how you fold and knot it, which is why it works as one of the most versatile pieces in a beach wardrobe. AOBA's guide to styling sarongs breaks this down into five specific tying methods: the classic wrap, tied at the waist as a simple skirt, the halter dress, knotted behind the neck for a fitted silhouette, the one-shoulder dress, asymmetric and knotted at one shoulder, the strapless dress, tied and tucked across the chest, and the skirt style, worn low on the hip as a cover-up over swimwear.
Beyond the five core styles, the guide also answers the questions people most commonly have about sarongs: whether they can be worn outside the beach, yes, styled as a dress or skirt with the right accessories, what body types suit which styles, halter and one-shoulder tend to flatter petite frames while the classic wrap works across most body types, how to layer a sarong in cooler weather, what to wear underneath, and how to fold one for travel without it creasing. AOBA's own sarongs are made from 100% cotton and are cared for with a hand wash and flat air dry, which keeps the fabric's drape intact rather than stiffening it the way machine drying can.
If you already own a sarong and are trying to get more use out of it beyond a beach cover-up, the practical answer is that the same piece of fabric can function as a dress, a skirt, a wrap top, or a shawl depending entirely on how it's tied, with no cutting or sewing required. That versatility is the main reason sarongs remain a staple in beach and resort wardrobes: one piece, several outfits, and a small enough size to pack without taking up suitcase space.
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