Batik Talk: The Spirit of America in the Heritage of Batik

~ Art is seen as a part of life and it's important to appreciate the feeling of Indonesia that is manifested through Batik ~

What is Batik? And what happens when Indonesian heritage of Batik meets American contemporary art? This fascinating video made by The Embassy and Indonesian Societies in Washington DC showcases the cultural fusion of Indonesian Batik culture and American modern designs. "The media of Batik is of great interest as an object of cultural collaboration", says artist Agus Ismoyo.

We are in the age of modernization where technology becomes a part of Batik. How does it affect the final product? These days, Batik designs are being created digitally and computers are used to form electronic designs. Following the history of Batik, a batik painter would typically hand draw & paint on a big white fabric in free motion. The question is - how would electronic designs be adapted into the natural process of Batik making?

The challenges for Batik production is to make sure that the art stays true to its aesthetics. When creating new sarong prints on a computer program, it's easy to have control over the designs according to taste, shape and color. The challenge for sarong makers is to emulate the exact design and colors from a digital artwork using a natural process. The technique of coloring on a piece of cloth is subjected to variables that are hard to manage in comparison to say, having color codes to key in from a universal color chart.

Watch this video to understand these challenges better and to enjoy the American contemporary designs in Batik form.

PS: Do check out our collection of hand painted sarongs and Batik sarongs!

Sarong Fabrics: Rayon, Cotton, Polyester or Silk: PART 2 COTTON

We've once talked about our first choice of fabric being rayon sarongs. Next, we want to talk about the most popular traditionally used sarong material – cotton fabric.  Various cultures in South East Asia used cotton sarongs also known as “Batik” for their traditional women attire known as “kebaya”. The combination of a "kebaya" top and batik sarongs are historically worn by women in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Burma, Singapore, southern Thailand, Cambodia and the southern part of the Philippines. 

Baba nyonya Kebaya traditional attire for women in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei (Image via Pinterest)

Kebaya style women seen in Bali culture (Image via Pinterest)

..before that, what is Cotton? Cotton is a white, natural fiber cultivated from the seeds of cotton plants, they are made in threads and used to make soft, breathable-like textile when it comes to fashion. 

Cotton plants (Image via agrodaily.com)

If you’re a big fan of soft, fluffy and comfy wraps, then cotton sarongs are perfect for you. And why would you choose cotton Sarong over other fabrics? Well, they make a great beach wrap if you like the exotic look and makes an ideal wrap for windy days at the beach. Batiks are handmade via batik stamp or hand stamp and so each batik sarong is a unique piece of its own! We feel that it makes a great picnic mat too, its durable fabric makes it easy to lay out in the sun and you can even get the whole family in because our traditional sarongs comes in a larger size of (74 x 42 inches) compared to our regular sarongs that are usually measured (66 x 44 inches).  

Traditional Batik Wraps by 1 World Sarongs

If you like to think out of the box, try using your cotton sarong for home ware such as curtain drapes, table cloth cover, bed throw and so much more. Have you ever thought about using your cotton sarong at home? That aside, we always feel that sarongs make a great travel companion because they are so reliable in all situations. We think that cotton sarongs would work great as your temporary travel bed sheet (soft on your skin!), a portable blanket (nice, thick and warm!) and a towel (the fabric absorbs water very well!).

Not to mention, cotton sarongs can be worn and used for all seasons – be it spring, summer, fall or winter! Some of customers use their cotton sarongs to wrap up their necks, head or shoulders for the cold season. Some even take it with them on date night at the movies when it gets chilly with air conditioning. Cotton is thick and solid enough to keep you warm than say polyester or rayon fabric.

By the way, have you ever wondered where does Cotton grow? Cotton is usually harvested in warm climates and some of the main producers in the world are countries like the U.S., Uzbekistan, China , India, Brazil, Pakistan and Turkey.

Image via thehindu.com

Fun Facts about Cotton:

• Absorbs up to 27 times its own weight in water
• Has a comfortable, soft hand
• Easy to wash
• Is durable and strong
• Conducts heat well
• Resists graze & chemicals impacts
• Resists pilling and moths
• Easy to handle and sew

How to care for your cotton sarong?

• Do not overexpose your cotton sarong under the sun for longer durability.
• Due to its low resiliency, after a quick wash, avoid squeezing it dry for fewer wrinkles on fabric.
• Keep your cotton sarong washed with the same color clothing to avoid color spill over.
• Do not use hot water, stick to cold wash

We also got a cool tip to share, how can you tell if our sarong is made of cotton or other fabric?Scrape the fabric with your finger nail and if the threads separate, then the fabric that you have might be low grade cotton or mixed material because good cotton sarongs won’t separate that easily.

Cotton sarong by 1 World Sarongs

In a nutshell, why do we use more of rayon sarongs than cotton fabric? Well, cotton as sarongs doesn't really drape as well as rayon and they are higher in cost and since we try to run our business with sustainable practices, we want to be efficient and would rather produce more with rayon material than cotton.  While cotton can be more durable and gives a feeling of breath-ability but in our experience, rayon seems to flow better on a body and have more breath-ability which makes it great for the tropical weather. Plus, it's allows us to offer you fair prices and good quality sarongs at the same time, which is why it’s our primary choice of sarong fabric. That doesn't mean we don't ADORE our cozy cotton sarongs though!

Up next, we’ll be talking about polyester sarongs in Part 3. Stay tuned and if you have any questions or feedback that might help us in our research, please leave us a comment below:

Peace & Love,

The 1 World Family

How to Wear a Sarong as a Scarf

Images via Pinterest

Do you like to wear your sarongs all year round? 

Seasons may change but sarongs are eternal. For this fall, learn how to turn your summer beach cover up to a head or neck wrap at the city. Sarong wraps are all about convenience and fashion depending on your personal style. We're all about creativity and so here are some ideas on how you can use a sarong or half sarong as a scarf:

Clothing - from Summer cover ups to Fall fashion

Did you know that your beach skirt or sarong dress can be a fashion statement? Try to mix and match any bright colorful sarong with solid colored clothing like black, white or blue jeans, throw it over your neck and wear it like a shawl:

Image via Pinterest

Thanks to the versatility of a sarong, it has the same function as a scarf where you can wear it as a sash, bandeau top or vest. As Coco Chanel once said, 'Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening'. We like to think of sarongs as a way of life and we have been observing how it has evolved in the Western world. Here's a cool idea on how you can tie a scarf as a vest: 

Flaunt your personality by wearing your favorite sarong as a bandeau scarf top, you can pair it with a high waist skirt or any pants or jeans along with sneakers or wedges, depending on your style and mood. Here's an inspiration for casual city wear: 

Image source. Get the look with our animal prints.

For those casual days or lazy weekends, you can stay fashionable even in your most comfortable outfit just by throwing your scarves over your shoulders and let it hang loose for that relaxed vibe:

Image source. Get the look with our scarves.

Breezy days - the best way to manage your hair

Easy, flattering and fashionable - there's no better way to keep your hair in place during the season. Last Summer we talked about different hairstyles with scarves to play around with. Fall is a wonderful time to jazz it up and see how you can pull off fresh hairstyles to fit a different climate. We like a woman who can pull off that retro style where you tie your hair back neatly with a little front volume. We recommend a silk or half sarong to get this vintage look:

Image source. Get the look here.

You can also get that bohemian look when you tie your sarong as a head turban. The more material you have, the more freedom to experiment with this style! Be it with a half or full sarong, it's a great excuse for those bad hair days and a great way to keep your scalp and ears warm for those windy days:

Image source. Find your favorite yellow wraps here.

Hand me down - wrapping your children with love

Did you ever want to see how adorable your kid would look in a little sarong skirt or dress? Some of our customers have been using our scarves or half sarong collection to wrap their children as they would for an adult because they make a perfect fit. Now that we have launched a collection of kids sarongs for your little ones, you can buy them their own sarong to use. More than just looking cute, sarong brings them a lot of happiness. Try it out with your children and let us know how they feel about it!

Image source

If you want more ideas, follow us on Pinterest or get connected with us on Facebook to get more updates and fashion inspiration on how you can put your sarongs to good use. Do you wear your sarong as a scarf and if so, what's your favorite style? 

Peace & Love,

The 1 World Family

6 Ways to Wear a Sarong as a Beach Cover Up

Since it's bikini and swimwear season, it's time to share a few quick ideas on how to cover up at the beach. As much as I like to flaunt my body, there are days when I'd like to stay modest and fashionable at the same time.

It's also common to be in situations where you want to feel comfortable by covering up. Maybe I ate too much pasta for lunch, call it post-holiday dips but we're all a little guilty of those extra snacks we'd sneak in while on vacation. You may even find yourself having to cover up when you're traveling on an island or resort within a conservative society where bikinis aren't really a norm. Maybe you took too much sun and protecting your skin from getting burnt calls for a much needed cover up around your shoulders or back. Or if you're a beach nudist fan then you'd know that you'd have to cover up until you get to a safe nude beach zone.

Whatever your reasons may be, here are my top 6 favorite ways cover up while I'm basking under the sun at the beach:

1)

An all time favorite classic Hawaiian look, it's become the most natural and easiest way for me to wrap up after a day at the beach. Just grab the two corner ends and tie them both into a double knot just below your navel. It's the best look on the days that I decide to get daring and wear a Brazilian style bikini!

2)

I like to cover up with a short skirt especially on a hot day out or when I spontaneously decide to go for a beach walk after lazing about on sand. The trick to get this look with a full sarong is by folding your cloth to half. Then grab both corner ends and tie it the same way as you do with a long wrap skirt. 

3)

Another easy and practical way to cover up especially when I want to show off my golden shoulders! Take both corner ends and tie a double knot in between your breasts or at either side. Make sure you fasten the knot tightly or you'll end up with a loose dress that falls off every time you move. Depending on the sarong design, I would accessorize (Sarong tie, necklace, earrings & wedges) and wear this for a casual outing.

4) 

Another classic favorite, I like this style because it stays on properly and drapes beautifully at the center and could almost pass off as a real dress. Take both corner ends, twist it at the front and then tie a double knot at the back of your neck.

5) 

Bringing sexy back - a new style that I recently discovered and adore because it's unique, flattering and fashionable! Hold out your sarong in a vertical position, take both ends of the top side and tie a double knot behind your neck so that it drapes around your chest. Then take both sides at waist level and tie a double knot just above your butt. This look is great because it could even pass off as a formal dress if you wore an inner piece like shorts.

6)

Another cool new look that works well for both normal or plus size sarongs. After all, the more material you have the more space you have to get creative. Wrap the sarong around your body horizontally like a towel, make sure both corner ends are positioned to the side of your body. Take both ends, cross over below your armpits. Bring the ends above your shoulders, fasten, twist it around and tie a double knot at the top of your shoulders.

These styles are a few ideas in a nutshell while there are actually so many more different ways to cover up at the beach. I think I'm about to hit the peak of my career as a sarong model with these pictures, haha. Wrapping up in a sarong is as fun as making home made tortillas! 

So.. what's your favorite way to wear a sarong?

xx

- Sandy B

What is a Sarong?

As your one stop portal for all things sarong, we felt the need to take a step back and revisit this rather important question. If you've ever asked yourself - What is a sarong wrap? / What is it made of? / What is it used for? Then look no further because we're here to answer your questions!

Buy Hand Made Traditional Batik Premium Cotton Sarong for only $19.99

Whether they’re featured in history books as a traditional garment of the past, worn on beaches as a bathing suit cover-up, or worn for ceremonial purposes, sarongs are a universal piece of clothing that have a long history. Worn by both men and women in South Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, a sarong is a long piece of fabric, often decorated with colors and prints that is commonly draped around the body and requires no sewing.

Originating from the Malay word for "covering", sarongs are historically popular in different parts of the world and take on different names in different regions. For example, those residing in the South Pacific Islands call sarongs a “pareos” while those in Indonesia, Thailand, and Philippines call it a “sarong”. The people of Africa call it a “kanga” and those of India call it a “sari”. Ancient Grecian even had their own garment similar to a sarong: the “toga”. The Fijians also have their traditional wear for men known as a “lungi”. No matter what its name is - sarongs hold a special value in certain cultures, particularly Indonesia, that dates back thousands of years.

Handmade Indonesian sarongs are made using a common dyeing technique called batik. The labor - intensive process involves using pieces of wax as a stencil to outline which parts of the sarong will be dyed and which will not. Seen as a true art form in Indonesia, batik is usually seen in the more popular regions of Indonesia (Java and Bali), and can take hours to be made perfect. Men usually wear checkered sarongs as a skirt while women wear more colorful, artistic patterns from the shoulders down.

Batik stamp method

Sarongs are loved for their soft, airy and lightweight feel. Not only do they allow for full body movement, but they are an ideal everyday piece of clothing for labor workers in tropical climates. Commonly worn in the Western world as a bathing suit cover - up, sarongs have become a staple for many due to its versatility.

Originally reserved for Indonesian royalty, sarongs are now seen as an everyday life garment that is worn around the world and come in a variety patterns. A versatile garment, sarongs can be styled in a number of ways and is popularly used when traveling. The most basic way of wearing a sarong is to wrap it length - wise across the waist just above the navel and tie the corners until it is tight and secure.

Other ways to wear a sarong are as follows:

• Drape dress
• Bandeau dress
• Toga dress
• Scarf
• Head wrap
• Bathing suit cover up
• Sarong skirt
• Wrap skirt
• A top

Sarongs are also available in a number of patterns to suit fashion - forward beauties. From animal and floral print to tie dye and solid prints, 1 World Sarongs is a one-stop shop that has a sarong style for every personality.

Hand painted batik method

Looking for a creative way to tie your sarong? Use a brooch or a specially made sarong tie. The latter comes in a number of shapes and colors to suit one’s desire. Common shapes for a sarong tie are floral, heart, butterfly, star, and diamond. It’s a perfect gift to pair with a sarong for your loved ones. 

While sarongs remain a traditional dress form in the Eastern parts of the world, they have quickly become a staple piece of garment worn around the globe in modern times.

Sarong as a beach cover up

In your opinion, what is a sarong? We'd love to hear your thoughts, feel free to leave us a comment! 

8 Hairstyles with Scarves for the Summer

Can you feel the summertime heat in the air? It's my favorite time of the year and I can't wait to share some beach fashion ideas that I've recently discovered during my travel adventures. During the times I spent basking in the sun on the beach, I observed a group of girls and their chic hair styles because it totally caught my attention. You would think that scarves are only popular during winter but I guess some of these girls decided to take advantage of a scarf's versatility for the summer. What a great idea!

So I decided to go deeper than  my usual how to tie a sarong research, since we all already know that sarongs can also be used as scarfs. I wanted to learn how to wrap my hair in a scarf just like them, since it appears to be easy enough to do it yourself (DIY) at home, right?  Be it long or short, curly or straight, blonde or brunette - a scarf head wrap fits all kinds of hairstyles and you can experiment with the look and accessorize in so many different ways.

You can start off by getting inspired from my list of top 10 favorite summer hairstyles using head scarves:

1) Vintage Head Scarf Ribbon

Old school and adorable, it's so easy to style your hair with a simple bow! You can tie all your hair up while you're tanning or simply tie a side pony tail for that cute look!

2) Hippie Head Band

Get that careless and dazed hippie chic look by letting your hair loose and free - using a scarf wrapped across your forehead and tied to a knot behind.

3) Pirate Head Wrap

Do it like Johnny Depp and add your own twist to a pirate look. This style is perfect to show off the beautiful pattern design of your scarf and conveniently protects your head during a sunny hot day!

5) Gypsy Queen Turban

Tuck in your hair to keep the sand away with this bun turban look, I love how it keeps a woman neat and fashionable at the same time! You can play around with the twist bun in any direction depending on your style.

6) Flowy Pony Tail

Who needs a hair tie when you can use a scarf to tie a pony tail? Beautiful and feminine, the fabric drapes nicely onto the skin and works so well with the ocean breeze. 

7) Scarf Braid Hair

Jazz up your usual hair braid by inserting a scarf into a braiding, the scarf creates a cool effect with its color and designs. Wouldn't this look be perfect if you're heading for a road trip in a convertible car?

8) Your Royal High Bun

For all you mermaids with luscious long hair, get the beautiful ballerina look by either tying a ribbon knot at the base of your bun or by keeping your fringe up as if you're using a hair band. 

Shop for this silk scarf for only $8.99

So which one of these cute hairstyles with scarves would you like to try out? Similar to sarongs, there are so many ways to wear a scarf because they are just as versatile and functional. You can browse through 1 World Sarongs collection of scarves and test it out for the summer! Have fun :)

- Sandy xx

(*PS: All images are linked from Pinterest and I do not own any of images)

Beach Wear for Men - Father's Day Gifts

Father's day is around the corner and not to mention summer time and so if you're up for some last minute shopping, why not check our beach clothing for men? We've been focusing too much of sarong for women and forgot to mention that we also do men's beach wear fashion clothing ranging from sarongs, scarves and sarongs! Be it for birthday, anniversary or just for fun, our men's collection are ideal gifts for your loved ones.

Image source

Plus the truth is, we always get excited when we find a chance to spread awareness on men's sarong fashion. We're on a serious mission when we say we want to wrap every person in this whole wide world in a sarong - well, that's our dream anyway :) Here are our top pick items that you can shop for Dad:

1) Bamboo Black Hawaiian Shirt for Men

On sale now for only $19.99

Taking a twist to those old fashioned Hawaiian shirts, we've designed our very own Hawaiian shirts for men in our famous Bamboo pattern. Be it at the beach or city for casual or formal, you can never go wrong with a black shirt that comes with a twist!

2) Men Sulu in Brown

Buy your first Sulu for only $19.99

The newest addition to our men's beach fashion collection, we love how the Fijians make a statement by having men in skirts as their traditional attire. Cool and comfortable, we've designed it with pockets just for that added practicality.

3) Traditional Batik Sarong for Men

Buy a Traditional Cotton Batik on discount at $19.99 only

Our all time best seller needs no explanation. There's no better way to wrap a man in a sarong than in it's traditional form just like how the Indonesians do it. PS: Our Batik sarongs are made in high quality cotton fabric for that extra comfort!

4) Groovy Tie Dye Sarongs for Men

Shop for tie dye sarongs from our large collection

Take it back to the 70s when tie dye art was a major hit. whether your Dad is from the beat and bohemian generation or simply a fan of bright and colorful patterns - we've got a range of vibrant tie dye sarong selections for you to choose from!

5) Solid Color Men Sarong

Buy a blue sarong for only $16.99

Keeping it plain, simple and minimal. Some guys like it that way and there's nothing wrong to it!

6) Hibiscus Hawaiian Shirt for Men 

Shop for the look for only $15.99

Aloha, we couldn't help but create our tropical version of a red Hawaiian shirt in Burgandy and with minimal hibiscus prints. What a great beach shirt for the summer!

7) Solid Color Gauze Scarves

Scarves available starting from $4.99

Men in scarves! Image source

Who in the right mind says that men can't wear scarves? Whether to keep warm or to get fashionable, it would nice to see men styling up with scarves!

We're also running our Wrap! Pose! Win! Photo Contest especially for Dads with a theme, What's Sarong, Dad? Ever wondered what you're dad would think about wrapping himself with a soft piece of cloth? There's only one way to find out...let us know how that works out! Do snap a photo of your Dad in a sarong and send it to us at style at 1worldsarongs dot com. Have fun!