The 14 Best Sarongs for the Beach

The 14 Best Sarongs for the Beach

BY: JESSICA MACDONALD

PUBLISHED: AUG 19, 2024

 

"Sarongs — named for the Malay word meaning “to cover” — originally come from Southeast Asia but have counterparts in the traditional dress of tropical, coastal cultures all over the world. Although they may be called something different from one place to the next, the concept of a lightweight, breathable length of fabric that can be tied as a wrap is familiar in many Asian, African, and Pacific Island countries. They can be worn by men or women, and come in a variety of styles and fabrics.

I personally own several sarongs – my favorite of which were bought in the marketplaces of Bali and Mozambique. I especially love them for their versatility. I’ve thrown mine on over a swimsuit in between scuba diving lessons in Malaysia and South Africa, on waterfall hikes in Indonesia, and out to dinner in Greece. I keep one in my bag when exploring countries that require women to cover up when visiting religious sites, and often use a sarong as a towel or blanket at the beach.

This versatility makes sarongs ideal for travel. Most can be worn as a skirt, dress, cover-up, or shawl, saving space in your suitcase; while typical materials such as rayon or modal are naturally wrinkle-resistant. If you’re headed somewhere warm this summer and plan on packing a sarong, these are some of my personal favorites. 

Best Splurge

lemlem LEMA Sarong

Why We Love It: This sarong is handmade in Ethiopia by a company that supports female artisans in Africa. 
What to Consider: It must be hand washed or dry cleaned. 

At almost three times the price of our overall winner, the Lemlem Lema Sarong is certainly not a budget pick. However, I love it for its flawless quality and authentic design, which reminds me both in style and material of the sarongs sold by local vendors on the beaches of Mozambique and Tanzania. The cotton and acrylic blend is handspun and woven in Ethiopia, in a choice of traditional striped patterns ranging from Hulet vanilla to Ayele blush. A hand-twisted fringe adds visual interest. 

All versions are light, cool, and comfortable. The length, which hits just above the knee, is the ideal solution for those that want the freedom of movement of a shorter style while still maintaining a decent amount of coverage. This one-size-fits-most sarong can be worn as a top or scarf as well for ultimate travel-ready versatility. 5 percent of all purchases are donated to the Lemlem Foundation, which works to empower female artisans living in impoverished African communities. 

The Details: 62 x 28 inches | 95 percent cotton, 5 percent acrylic"