The Sarong: 8 Ways to Wear One Piece All Day in Bali
By Celini Goulart
Planning a trip to Bali? And already packed your favorite sustainable sarong for the Bali trip? Well, that's a nice decision.
However, do you know? Most women pack a sarong and use it exactly once. They tie it around their waist and walk from the beach to the pool. Later, throw it on a sunbed and forget about it.
That's a waste of a genuinely great piece.
When the truth is. A sarong is one of the most versatile things you can bring to Bali. That simple piece of fabric can take you from the ocean to a temple to a sunset dinner. Best? You don't have to go back to your villa to change.
Using Your Sarong in Bali: 8 Ways
Let's, without wasting another minute, see how you can style your sarong in Bali in majestic 8 ways:
1. The Classic Wrap Skirt
This is the foundation. Wrap the sarong around your waist, knot it at the hip, and let it fall.
For such a style, the length of the sarong matters more than you think.
- A mid-thigh wrap feels casual and beach-ready.
- A longer wrap (closer to the knee or below) feels more polished for walking into a café or restaurant.
- Choose a color that adds contrast or statement to your bikini bottom. A few simple symmetric thoughts, and you're good to go.
- For accessories, add beach hats and sunglasses.
- You can also pick Pantai Sarong from ARUN Wear; the fringe details add movement as you walk.
Go for a lightweight sarong that doesn't add bulk to your beach bag.

2. The Halter Dress
You might not have heard of this before. But you can also drape your sarong as a halter dress.
- Hold the sarong horizontally behind you.
- Bring both top corners forward.
- Cross them over your chest.
- And tie them behind your neck.
Easy, isn't it? It just takes 10 seconds to create a full halter dress look. And, trust us, genuinely the most flattering ways to wear a sarong. The fabric falls cleanly from the chest and covers everything you want covered.
The Aloha Sarong in White from ARUN Wear is your go-to choice. The fringe at the hem moves when you walk. The best part? The white against a tan looks incredible. This is the move for beach-to-brunch.

3. The Strapless Tube Dress
Along with a halter neck dress, you can also style your sarong as a tube dress.
- Hold the sarong horizontally in front of you.
- Wrap it all the way around your body at chest level.
- Tuck or knot it at the front.
It might sound a little difficult, but trust it's simpler than it sounds. Give it a try, and you'll get a strapless cover-up that looks sizzling hot. Best for walking through Canggu or grabbing a coconut at a warung.
The Rio Sarong in Black from ARUN Wear is ideal here. The solid color keeps it clean and minimal. For a texture look, add the Margot Hat and a beach bag, and you've got a real outfit.

4. The Temple Cover-Up
Bali has a rule: you cover your shoulders and legs to enter a temple. A sarong solves both if you tie it right.
All you need is to wrap it long, past the knee, and knot it at the waist. If you're in a bikini top, add a light top or use a second sarong as a shoulder wrap.
Note: Many temples will lend you one at the gate, but it's easier (and more comfortable) to already have your own.
The Leopard Pareo Sarong from ARUN Wear, in its longer version, works really well here. The silk drapes beautifully, and the length is perfect for temple visits. It weighs nothing and fits like almost nothing in your bag.

5. The Beach Towel
Sometimes a sarong is just a sarong. You can use it as your simple beach towel. Lay it flat on the sand, lie down, and enjoy Bali.
Choose a lightweight, breathable fabric that dries fast. It's useful when you're traveling with a carry-on only. Pick a versatile sarong, and it replaces your towel, your cover-up, and your wrap skirt. That's three items down to one.
6. The Shoulder Wrap
Not everything has to be waist-down. Drape the sarong loosely over your shoulders like a shawl. Go with all kinds of beach dresses and one-pieces.
This works for outdoor dinners when the breeze picks up at sunset. It also works for scooter rides when the wind makes a bikini top feel less comfortable.
The Aloha Sarong in Brown from ARUN Wear has a warm, earthy tone that layers beautifully over all colors and patterns.

7. The Tote Bag
Here comes a surprise, you probably don't know. Tie two corners of the sarong together, then tie the opposite two corners together. You now have a fabric tote.
It's not going to hold a laptop. But for a beach day, it can hold your essentials. Like sunscreen, your phone, a water bottle, and some cash as well. Especially useful if you're doing a day trip and don't want to bring a real bag.
However, if you are looking for something structured, you can explore a range of ARUN crochet beach bags. It's durable and built to withstand beach runs.

8. The Sunset Skirt (Knotted Side) for Sunset
This is the evening version of the wrap skirt.
- Tie the sarong lower on the hip (below the natural waist) with the knot positioned to one side.
- Simply, let it fall asymmetrically.
It gives the same outfit a completely different silhouette. You get something more relaxed, a little more styled. Best to pair it with a crochet bikini top and hat, and you'll have a full sunset look without changing clothes.
Forgot to Bring Your Sarong in Bali? Shop Today
Wait, you're already on the trip and forgot to bring a sarong? Worryless, you can shop a diverse collection at ARUN Wear, online or find them in-store in Canggu, Padang Padang, and Berawa. We have sustainable fabrics, beautiful details, and designs that are meant for Bali.
Bottom Line
One sarong. Eight outfits. All day. That's the whole point. You don't need to overpack for Bali. You need the right pieces that actually do more than one thing.
