How Did Sarongs Become the Superheroes of Beachwear Fashion?
The sarong is beachwear done right. Most beachwear has this weird tendency to either be way too explicit or just way too out of place. The sarong balances this line perfectly, it stands up and says “Ya I’m smexy, but I am also practical”.
It is versatile and alluring and just so so stylish. Moreover, the sarong is believed to have been the first type of woven fabric used by both men and women.
But before we get into that, let’s discuss how the sarong sorta came out of nowhere and became the favourite at the beach.
But before we get into that, let’s discuss where the sarong began and how it evolved.
WHAT BEGAN IN THE SOUTHEAST
The sarong has been historically significant in Southeast Asia, where it was introduced through Arab and Indian merchant sailors who settled near the Malay Archipelago near Sumatra and the islands of Java. But the sarong is probably the most popular in Indonesia.
The term "sarong" is an English loanword of Malay origin, meaning "to cover" or "to sheath," and was first used in 1834 to refer to the skirt-like garment of the Malay.
But there is more to it than that. You see, the sarong has a very convoluted history and is extremely widespread in Asia.
But in truth, the sarong is just an ordinary piece of cloth. It’s something worn by women and men alike, it’s something worn because of its versatility and its function, it’s something worn as everyday clothing and festive clothing.
It’s a sun-shader, baby-holder, sweat-wiper, impromptu-picnic, emergency-blankie all in one. It is easily folded, easily stored and easily washed.
So the sarong, the one that originally originated in Asia is so far from the exotic (and most times erotic) fashion piece it has become in the West.
It is a simple, useful thing.
MORE TO IT THAN JUST ONE
The “sarong” is not just one thing. The sarong is a style which has sub-styles under it.
Malaysia is home to the songket, kain batik and kain pelikat amongst other forms of sarongs.
Let’s quickly go over these:
The Songket: The songket seems to be the Rolls-Royce of Sarongs. It comes from the Malay word sungkit, which means "to hook".
It is referred to as the method of songket making; to hook and pick a group of threads, and then slip the gold and silver threads in it.
Wait! gold and silver *squints*? Yes, gold and silver. The songket is the status symbol variant of the sarong. The iPhone Pro Max Ultra version.
This may come as a shock, but real, authentic gold threads are kinda rare and kinda expensive.
A handmade songket sampling from Terengganu (Malaysia state) can easily cost upwards of RM1500, which is over 300$. (please keep in mind that the actual silhouette of the sarong is impossibly simplistic, this ain’t a saree)
It is commonly used in ceremonial attire, such as weddings and special events, and holds cultural significance in the regions where it is produced.
The Kain Batik: The Kain Batik is a sarong created by the wax-melting, colour-spreading, really epic process of Batik. Here’s how it goes, the first step is to put down wax. This is done in one of two ways.
Either the wax is poured through a spouted tool called the canting, or it is printed into the cloth using a stamp. This wax, which is coloured as the artisan wishes it to be, dries. Then this wax is removed with boiling water and this process is repeated.
Alright, so how did a piece of fabric only really loved in Southeast Asia and only really used for either day-to-day use or cultural activities become the world’s favourite beachwear?
BEACHWEAR TAKEOVER
Firstly, it should be noted that not all sarong are created equal. (HEH)
Just because something is called a sarong doesn't mean it's traditional. The modern, beach-going sarongs have little resemblance to their traditional Asian counterparts.
The “western” sarong first popped into existence around the 1940s, worn as beach attire by actress Dorothy Lamour. She was known for her portrayals of many island heroines wearing tropical prints.
It was her appearance as Ulah in The Jungle Princess (1936) that brought her fame and marked the beginning of her image as the "Sarong Queen".
In the 1980s, the popularity was revitalized in longer versions than those seen nearly 40 years prior. Since then, the popularity of the dress hasn’t declined.
HOW IT CHANGED
The sarong has undergone changes and adaptations over time. It has been used for various purposes, such as surface cover, baby carrier, headscarf, shawl, and even as a weapon for self-defence.
Hold up.
Weapon of self-defence????
Holy shit that’s true. The sarong was and may still used as a weapon. The idea is to choke, trap and entangle your opponents.
Damn.
In conclusion, the sarong's evolution symbolizes more than just a shift in fashion trends; it reflects cultural diversity, versatility, and the ability to transcend its utilitarian origins to become a symbol of global style and practicality.
The journey of the sarong is a testament to a whole lot of things. But most importantly, the sarong really shows how flowy fashion is. Most styles tend to morph over time and may become unrecognizable.
If you think about it, this kinda means that every style can make a comeback.
(well maybe apart from fanny packs, mullets, and maybe leopard prints)
Anyways, toodles :)
(please sub)