Why Do Guys Wear Sarongs?

Sarongs are worn by guys in many countries worldwide, not only in Asian countries where the sarong originates. Even though today they are regularly seen on beaches and around pools in the US, some people may be surprised to learn that Scots aren’t the only men who wear skirts. So, why do guys wear sarongs?

Guys wear sarongs because they provide cheap, quick, and easy coverage from the sun and sand and have excellent ventilation. The lightweight fabric allows them to keep cool in hot and humid climates. In some areas, guys wear them as part of their traditional dress.

We commonly see guys wearing sarongs all around the world nowadays, as the popularity of this item has spread from Asian regions across the globe, with guys in Northern Africa, East Africa, West Africa, and many Pacific islands regularly wearing them. However, its uses extend far beyond those of a fashion item, and there is more to this humble garment than meets the eye.

The Reasons Guys Wear Sarongs

Sarongs provide a cost-effective means of covering up in warmer climates in such a way that doesn’t compromise the ventilation of the body like other items of clothing such as underpants, shorts, or pajama bottoms.

Guys wear them in hot places because they are lightweight, allow air to pass through the fabric, and will enable the body to regulate its temperature without adding thick and heavy material.

In some areas of the world, including Asian countries where the sarong originates, it is worn as a piece of traditional dress.

Are There Different Types Of Sarongs For Guys?

Guys wear different types of sarongs in other parts of the world. The ones found widely across the US are the modern version, a reinterpretation of the original tube version.

In the US, guys wear sarongs considered unisex by global standards, but in other parts of the world, sarongs are made differently.

For example, the ones typically worn by surfers and donned on some runways are a single piece of fabric that is tied together at the waist, but guys in Asian countries wear sarongs that are made in a different style.

Asian sarongs are made in different fabrics, including woven plaids, batik, warp ikats, sockets, or silk plaid and silk weft ikats. They comprise a piece of cloth almost one meter wide and 2.5 meters long. There is usually a piece of fabric sewn into the middle of this more significant piece of fabric that forms the Kepala or “head” of the sarong. The main fabric is sewn at narrow edges to form a tube.

Is There A Difference Between A Guy’s And A Girl’s Sarong?

There is no major difference in the US because sarongs are produced for and worn by guys and girls and look similar with bright colors and often floral or nautical patterns, but guys wear them in a different style than girls.

Guys generally tie theirs around the waist, while girls wear sarongs typically wrapped around their chest, and secured under their arms, so the sarong covers the entire body.

In Asian countries, there are differences in guys’ and girls’ sarongs, and they are made differently, with guys’ sarongs being shorter and typically less brightly colored with less bold patterns.  

Do Guys Wear Underwear Beneath A Sarong?

Wearing underwear underneath your sarong is advisable. However, some guys in rural southeast Asia don’t because the heat is so bad, and they need ventilation.

How Do Guys Wear A Sarong?

The western version of the sarong is worn around the waist and involves a straightforward process of securing the fabric tightly around the waist so it does not come loose and fall off. The following list expands on how to put on a sarong.

  • Hold the sarong against your lower body like a towel.
  • Draw the sarong tight against one side of your body and stretch the sarong out away from your other side.
  • Draw the spare cloth back across the front of your body, pulling it tightly up against your waist.
  • Pull the folded cloth back against your opposite hip and hold it tightly against your body.
  • You will need to fold the top of the fabric over itself a few times to create a rolling effect and to start securing the sarong. Do this a few times and try and roll it so it will stay on. Rolling it tightly helps to secure the fabric and will keep it in place for longer.

The Asian sarong is worn differently. Because the sarong is made in a different style, it is worn differently and involves a slightly different process to put it on.

  • Holding the sarong out in front of you, step into the tube and hold it with your waist (the hem should be level with the ankles).
  • Move the “head” of the sarong to the middle of your lower back.
  • Fold the fabric in working from the edges to the naval area.
  • Secure it by rolling the upper hem down into place.

What Else Can Sarongs Be Used For?

Sarongs have other uses too. This tube-like rectangular piece of material is small, light, and cheap to buy and can be used for a variety of different reasons, making it an appealing item to have around, especially while traveling.

Travelers worldwide are fond of this little item because it can be easily packed into luggage and doesn’t take up much space. You can use yours in these ways:

  • As a light rug or picnic blanket.
  • As a beach towel that dries quickly and is easy to carry.
  • As a sheet to sit on or sleep under.
  • As protection from a sudden cloudburst.
  • As a piece of rope or string, secure a mosquito net above your bed.
  • As a light coverage over the shoulders against the sun on those hot beach days.
  • For keeping warm on a cooler evening.
  • As a bandage, sling, or support to aching joints or cuts while you seek medical attention.
  • As a laundry bag to transport laundry.
  • You can cover valuable luggage items such as your laptop while traveling to give extra protection on the plane.
  • If you’re traveling, you can use the sarong to cover your arms and shoulders if visiting a church, mosque, or temple.

 It can be used to cover knees if shorts are too short.

  • It can be used as a headscarf.
  • As a towel, which can be very handy when the laundry is closed!
  • Cover up any unwanted light coming in through a window or simply decorate your windows with beautiful bright colors and patterns.
  •  As a sling to carry groceries, and in some instances, even infants.
  • A brightly colored tablecloth.
  • As a mosquito net to help you get some decent sleep.
  • As a pillow when you’re moving around.
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Conclusion

Guys wear sarongs for various reasons, but mainly because they offer cheap and welcome relief from the heat. Their versatility makes them a handy travel companion, especially when on the move. Just be sure to pack some briefs as well.

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