Updated September 2026 · By the AlohaClothes team, a family-owned shop on Maui since 1998

A sarong is just a rectangle of fabric. That's the whole trick. The word comes from Malay, and in Tahiti the same cloth is called a pareo (pāreu). In Hawaii you'll hear all three, and people mostly mean the same thing: a light printed wrap you can wear at the beach, over a swimsuit, or out to dinner.

Below are the four ties we'd actually teach a friend. They take under a minute each once you've done them twice.

How do you tie a sarong into a strapless dress?

1. Hold the sarong lengthwise behind your back, top edge right under your arms.
2. Pull both sides around to the front so they overlap across your chest.
3. Take the two top corners and tie a double knot at the center, just above your bust.
4. Tug the bottom edge straight and adjust where the knot sits.

What goes wrong: a single knot. It'll look fine for ten minutes and then quietly give up. Double it, or twist the corners together twice before you knot them.

How do you tie a sarong into a halter dress?

1. Start the same way: sarong lengthwise behind your back, top edge under your arms.
2. Bring the two top corners forward and cross them over your chest.
3. Take them up and tie them behind your neck.
4. Smooth the fabric over your chest so the cross sits flat.

What goes wrong: tying the neck knot too tight. It pulls the whole dress up and gets uncomfortable fast. Leave a finger's width of slack.

How do you tie a one-shoulder sarong dress?

1. Wrap the sarong lengthwise around your body, under both arms.
2. Bring one top corner from the front and one from the back up to the same shoulder.
3. Knot them on top of that shoulder, then tuck the ends in or let them hang.

This one dresses up best of the four, so it's the one to try for a sunset dinner.

How do you tie a sarong as a skirt?

1. Fold the sarong in half widthwise if you want a shorter skirt, or leave it full for a maxi.
2. Wrap it around your waist, high and snug.
3. Tie the two top corners in a small knot at your hip.

Pair it with a fitted tee or tank. Done.

Is there a sarong dress you don't have to tie?

Yes, and it's the easier choice if knots and beach wind aren't your thing. A mock wrap sarong dress looks like a wrap dress, with the crossover V-neckline and the draped front, but it's sewn as a single piece. Nothing comes undone. The wrap front is also cut to skim over the tummy area.

Ours are made by RJC in 100% cotton or 100% rayon. The Classic Hibiscus comes in XS to 2X. A heads up from the product pages: they run small for some people, so consider sizing up.

100% cotton · RJC

Classic Hibiscus Mock Wrap Sarong Dress

The most iconic Hawaiian print, no knots required. Royal blue, red or navy.

$55.99See the dress

100% rayon · made in Hawaii

Pink Flamingo Hibiscus Mock Wrap Sarong Dress

Rayon drape, flamingos and hibiscus. Hand wash cold.

$55.99See the dress

Which fabric is best for a sarong dress?

Rayon drapes and moves better, which is why it looks so good tied. It also slides, so knots need to be doubled, and it needs cold hand washing. Cotton holds a knot better and goes in the machine on a gentle cold cycle. If you're traveling and don't want to fuss, pick cotton. Our rayon and cotton care guide has the details.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a sarong as a dress?

Yes. Wrap it lengthwise under your arms and double knot the top corners above your bust for a strapless dress, or tie the corners behind your neck for a halter. It's a common look in Hawaii for the beach and casual dinners.

What's the difference between a sarong and a pareo?

Nothing practical. Sarong is the Malay word and pareo (pāreu) is the Tahitian word for the same kind of printed wrap cloth.

Can I wear a sarong dress to a Hawaiian wedding?

A mock wrap sarong dress, yes. It reads as a real dress and fits "aloha attire." A tied beach sarong is better kept for the beach. See our aloha attire guide for dress codes.

Do you have sarong dresses for girls?

Yes. The girls Classic Hibiscus sarong dress matches the women's version, so mom and daughter can coordinate.