Batik Sarongs: Learning More About This Art Form

No one can ever question the amazing artistry offered in Indonesia. The country is one that is full of treasures and treats for not only those who call it home, but also to those who choose to visit the country each year.  More than 269 million people reside in the country, and millions more visit annually. More than 150 active volcanos can be found throughout the country.  A number of animal species also exist in the country, perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. But the real claim to fame is the Indonesian batik sarongs. Of the many treasures found in the country, these are by far and wide one of the best. These sarongs have been made popular all around the world, including the United States. They’re bright and colorful, as well as fun and fierce. You can easily wear them to a formal event, to cover-up a swimsuit, or even wear it to work. Indonesians proudly wear their sarongs as a symbol of respect and power.

The Art of the Batik Sarongs

Now, let’s learn more about this art form. The history of batik goes a long way. First we must answer an important question many people ask themselves. That question? What is batik? Batik is a method of color dyeing. In this process of color dyeing, wax is added to only those areas of the fabric, which are to absorb the dye. This batik process of adding wax and dyeing only those waxed areas repeats itself. The wax can be taken off and re-applied many different times to make attractive and complex designs. To judge whether the fabric is machine dyed or not, you need to look for some difference in design & color over the dyed fabric. This indicates that the fabric is not machine dyed, but it is a batik.  The history of batik goes a long way.

Sarongs are made from rayon fabric and this type of fabric is viscose. One of the many qualities of rayon is that it drapes and swings exquisitely. Another quality is that this rayon is very soft, even softer than cotton and bouncier than silk. Lastly, what can we say about the experience of wearing a batik sarong? They are tremendously comfortable and lightweight. There are a few tools used in the creation of this artistic sarong, however, they are mostly created by hand. The creator will also have several choices when it is time to pick the type of wax that is used in the process of making a batik sarong. These factors all play a part in the overall look and design.

Wearing Batik Sarongs

Batik sarongs are indeed beautiful. The fabrics take lots of attention to detail, time, and effort to create. Each sarong that is created represents exquisite craftsmanship and defines art in its best form. Wearing a batik sarong can help you feel good from the inside out, while also helping you achieve a great look for most any occasion. You will find many different ways to wear it, and as long as there are no religious beliefs or restrictions in place, there is no reason that you cannot wear it and experiment with it as well. Who knows what kind of awesome look you can create?

As mentioned above, sarongs can be worn as bathing suit cover-up. Those in the western world predominantly use them for this purpose. With the sun glistening down, you will certainly shine brightly with a batik cover-up, or you can wear it as a skirt. It is easy to play around with this beautiful accessory, easily creating numerous skirts of differing types and lengths. Show a little or show a lot –it is all up to you and your creativity.

Why not take it one step further and turn your sarong into a gorgeous dress? You can create many different styles that you can wear almost anywhere. Add a pair of matching shoes and you will look beautiful all night. Wrap it around your neck and use it as a shawl. You will appreciate the provided warmth for your neck, but will also love the gorgeous and bold look that you create.

As you can see, the possibilities for wearing a sarong are endless. Put your creative juices in gear and you will have no problem at all using this beautiful piece of fabric to help you express your unique personality. Batik sarongs are a piece of art that you can wear. Now all that is left to do is for you to rock the look!

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!

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!