PASSION JONESZ X 1WS

Want to know the best techniques to tie your sarongs as a cover-up? Get style tips from the lovely Passion Jonesz as she shows us 5 fun ways to style a plus size sarong. We love how she was able to show us different ways to tie the high neck cover up look, whether it's a high neck with a twist or without, find the perfect style to fit your personality and taste! Watch her video to get inspired.

Style by Joules X 1WS

Picture yourself at your favorite resort in Hawaii, the sun is shining with breeze brushing through your skin. You're finally on a holiday with your loved one, just the both of you together with nothing else to worry about in this world. They say life is a bliss and bliss is essentially what you are able to feel physically, mentally, emotionally - some call it too happiness. What is your bliss?

The lovely Joules took some beautiful photos that got us day dreaming about Hawaii again, maybe it's time for another beach holiday? One can never have too much of Hawaii - from its enchanting culture, beautiful people and mesmerizing sunsets, it's like falling in love over and over again.

With a refreshing juice or cocktail in hand sun basking by the pool, you'll need the perfect sarong style to cover up, keep yourself protected from the sun and to match the mood. Plus quickly dry off by using your sarong as a pool towel after a swim!

Joules picked our rich and vibrant Hawaiian blue sarong together with a lush tropical green short sarong for her getaway. She's also used a coconut sarong tie to keep her short sarong in place and to give her sarong style a little excitement.

Talk about the perfect choice of colors to blend in a paradise like setting! Follow Style by Joules on Instagram or check out her blog for more style inspiration. Thanks for bringing our sarongs to beautiful Hawaii, Joules! <3

The Natural Fashionista X 1WS

We love seeing how gorgeous Bloggers style our sarongs! Say hello to the beautiful fashion icon Kim from The Natural Fashionista showing us what Naturally Fashionable is all about. Make sure to go over the her blog and show her post some love! She styled everything beautifully and showed her viewers how versatile our sarongs really are and how beautiful and flattering they look on curvy bodies.

Jungle Brown Tie Dye Sarong

Red Smoked Sarong

Jungle Baby Blue Tie Dye Sarong

Got style tips to share and want to collaborate with 1WORLDSARONGS? We would love to hear from you. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or sarong lover, drop us a message anytime here.

Moiyshee X 1WS: 6 Ways to Wear a Sarong

Watch this video to learn cool new ways to accessorize and slay your favorite sarongs with Moiyshee. We love how she used a rubber band to tie the back of her sarong for the easy halter style and not to mention the funky head wrap look with just a few simple twists! If you want more style tips from this fashionista, check out her blog.

How to Layer Up for Fall

The warm and cozy weather of Fall is a great time to fall in love again. It's a contemplative season of change and a beautiful reminder for us to learn to let go. As we ease away from Summer to welcome colder days and feel the chilly breeze on skin, it's time to enjoy the art of layering. Take out your favorite texture, print and pattern materials, the best season to get dressed with a touch of creativity is here. Layering is one of the best ways to get dressed and it works for both men and women plus all body types and shapes. Using scarves or sarongs, anyone from all walks of life can have fun with the freedom of layering. From inner, middle and outer layer, you can style your scarves in so many different ways to match your mood for the season.

Want to have fun layering up with scarves? Too easy! You can also layer with sarongs if you want more fabric to experiment with. We have compiled scarf looks we love so you get 10 easy ideas to pull off this season:

1) Classy Neck-Kerchief

Gentle and pretty, a simple knot and bow around the neck works with any outfit be it pants or skirt or dress.

 2) Waist Belt

Not only do you get to wear the coolest belt in town but you get to define your waist line and have an outfit that flatters your body line.

3) Turbanista Head Wrap

Inspired by the great mamas of African culture, the turban look is great for bad hair days or for cold windy days to keep your scalp and head warm wrapped up in your favorite scarf fabric and print.

4) The Neck Loop

Get Kim Kardashian's scarf look here

Black is always a good idea. Shop here.

This style literally takes 2 seconds of your life to look amazing! From casual to night wear, the neck loop works with jeans or a pretty dress or whatever your heart pleases.

5) Throw Over Shawl

Find men scarves here

Guys! Tuck any colored scarves into your coat or jacket for that extra warmth. Be it at the movies or when you're out taking an evening stroll, this relaxed look is also a great way flaunt your favorite scarf designs. 

6) DIY Casual Top

Turn your scarves or half sarong or full sarong to a one of a kind top matched with jeans or pants. Whether it's a tube or toga or halter style, put on a belt for more definition and to keep your scarf top in place. 

7) Statement Neck Warmer

Image via Man Repeller

From the smallest to bigger fabric, this neck warmer style works best with loud and vibrant prints. If you were thinking to throw out your grandma's scarf, think again! Vintage patterns work wonders with this style. 

8) Hat Decor

If you been wearing your hat far too often these days, switch it up and make it as if it's a brand new hat by tying your favorite scarves around it. The flowy touch to your hat will make you look so glamorous!

9) Cool Sash

Image via Man Repeller

This effortless style is great for lazy weekends or for a quick run to the grocery store with your family. It keeps you warm and makes you look fashionable without even trying hard. 

10) Comfy Blanket Scarf

Some days the wind gets really cold and all we really want to do is to stay in bed. With the blanket scarf, you get to move around with so much comfort and ease as though you're tucked in bed. How amazing is that?

You know what they always say, scarves NEVER goes out of style, no matter what print and patterns you may own you can only always count on your scarves to be there for you through thick and thin. They are amazingly versatile and functional plus you get to use your imagination and use creativity to find your own style. Give these looks a try and let us know how it worked out for you. 

May you and your loved ones have a blessed and beautiful Fall. No better time to get cozy and cuddle up!

So much love,

1 World Family

Burning Man Costume Ideas

When it comes to one of the most unique and talked about art festival in the USA, people from all across the world travel to Black Rock City in Nevada for a once in a life time experience. If there's anything that inspires us in life is the freedom to experiment and imagine. Knowing that sarongs are being used as a fashion essential for creative festival costumes gets us excited! We all know that people have been using sarongs for centuries and we're really loving the trendiness and imagination of these modern times exhibited during Burning Man.

From fantasy characters to native warriors to pure nudity, a sarong has been used to style and protect festival goers from over exposure of sun and plus when people are camping out and dancing all day and night in the desert, sarongs are great to help keep the dust away from the eyes and hair. Some use them as a carrier to store their belongings as they dance till the sun comes up. Then when their feet gets tired, they lay their sarongs on the ground to rest and cuddle with their loved ones, listening to the sound of music echoing from a distance as the day light shines on their skin.

"A city in the desert. A culture of possibility. A network of dreamers and doers"

We were browsing a bunch of images from past festivals and couldn't help but admire how beautiful festival outfits can be. If you're going or planning to head to this amazing festival anytime soon, get yourself some sarongs and let your creativity do the work. Not only are they an affordable alternative than say renting costumes, but you get to have a little DIY project which can be therapeutic. Besides, Burning Man is all about art friendliness! Here are our favorite looks to inspire your next festival costume using your sarongs:

1) Use short sarongs as a neck or mouth cover for those windy days at the desert

2) Who would have thought head scarves could make a cool costume complete? 

3) Be it man or woman, the good ol' hip cover up style works with any man sarong or sheer sarong matched with bikinis and stack up a bunch of accessories.

4) Flowy, soft and silky sarongs to get in the mood for those twirling dance moves and breezy days

5) Layer up any sequined or colorful sarongs to make your favorite fantasy characters come to live

6) Guys, if you're lazy to think and want to whip up an easy costume in seconds, you'll find sarongs to be your best bet.

7) From bohemian tents to a sailing ship, sarongs give plenty of fabric for the imagination to run wild. How about bold animal prints for a quick and easy costume?

8) Go white with any rayon or sheer material to create a vintage or fairy or gypsy vibe. Whatever your heart desires, you can never go wrong with a white sarong!

Thank you to all Burners who have inspired us with your mind blowing festival outfits, we're looking forward to see what's in line this year! You can find out more about this magical festival here.

*Photos via Pinterest

Sarong Material: Opacity

When it comes our sarong fabric, we get a lot of this question: 'is this material see through?' We want to talk about opacity and help our customers understand the level of transparency when it comes to sarong fabrics. Most of our sarongs are the 'lightweight' top quality sarong rayon fabric and can be found throughout our store. 

We choose lightweight fabrics because they are easier to drape and tie. The lighter a sarong, the better it falls freely and gracefully on your body. The more breathable a sarong, the more wonderful it feels during those warm and breezy summer days. Not to mention the softer it feels on your skin! Some customers may ask, what is lightweight? 

To answer your question: No, our sarongs are not see through but are light weight and thinner and can allow more light to pass through. The opacity of a sarong fabric is dependent on the thread count, which is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. The higher thread count there is the thicker a fabric is. We carry two styles and the best way to know the difference is in the code.

Most of our sarongs are the lightweight top quality rayon with a thread count of 70/42 or 68/38. These are denoted with a KD in the code, such as 'SARONG-KD-SOLID-BLACK'. Our other sarong fabric that we carry are the rayon fabric with a thread count of 80/60 which is a top quality heavier weight but still light enough to everyday wear. This sarong fabric has a PT in the code. For example 'SARONG-PT-DRAGON'.

Higher Opacity and More Coverage

Here are a few tips and tricks when it comes to sarong materials:

1) Pattern and Prints

If you like more opacity with sarong fabrics, we suggest pattern print sarongs for that extra opacity. The prints can help create an 'illusion' to 'blur' the edges of your body curves. The attention of the fabric will go to the beautiful patterns and not your body. 

2) Color Shades

The color of the fabric can also affect the opacity of a fabric. Darker color shade of sarongs are less see through than lighter colors. For example, a white sarong would be more see through than a black sarong under direct sun light. 

3) Thicker Fabric

Remember, it's all about thread counts! Try heavier materials like our cotton sarongs that are less see through than lightweight sarong fabrics like rayon. 

Check out our FAQ if you want more information. Next up.. we're going to talk about the sheerness of our other lightweight sarong fabric, sheer sarongs. Stay tuned!

The History and Origin of Sarongs

A sarong is a piece of fabric that is worn by men and women on the bottom half of the body. While the Scottish people wear kilts, many Asian regions wear sarongs. Even still, the sarong is a popular garment that is worn by many people in any different counties in a variety of ways. The sarong has a long history in the world, and its presence is one seen and felt. Sarongs have been worn for over 500 years now, and it seems that its popularity is only getting better by the day.

While men usually wear them only for religious purposes and special occasions, the same is not true for women. The term "sarong" comes from Indonesia. The Malay language from Malaysia, Indonesia to be more exact, is actually where the term comes from. The sarong is worn for religious purposes, as a fashion statement, and sometimes for other reasons not listed. The traditional sarong is created using a process known as Batik. It is this process that provides the astonishing overall look of the sarong. This look varies from a checkered pattern to circles or a multiple-prism of colors in various shapes and sizes.

Wearing a Sarong around the World

For example, in the United States, the sarong is popularly worn by women as a swimsuit cover-up. These sarongs come in various styles, designs, and colors, and are certainly head-turning pieces. Typically this type of sarong is very colorful and lightweight, and may even feature emblems or other stylish additions. They are not, however, similar in style to the traditional sarong. A traditional sarong is usually darker toned and may have a checkered or another type of pattern on it. The sarongs made for special occasions usually feature these additional emblems and rhinestones to add charm and appeal.

The Indonesian natives would use a technique to dye their sarongs called batik. This technique used to hand-dye fabrics with the use of wax and dye repellent is one that takes time and devotion, but the ultimate result being a beautiful sarong.  Wherever the wax was placed on the fabric, that piece of material would not absorb the dye. It is similar to the way that we put blue masking tape on a wall when we are painting stripes. The paint goes all over the wall, except where we put the tape. It is a pretty interesting process to say the least. Once his process was complete, the Batik sarong was the result. The sarong is very colorful and takes on different patterns. The sarongs worn by men are different in style than those worn by women.

Sarongs are also worn in many other ways in addition to a swimsuit cover-up. Sarongs make beautiful dresses, scarves, turbans, and tops, and sometimes they’re used to decorate different furnishings around the house.  A sarong makes a beautiful fabric cover for a chair, and that is just one of the many possibilities for the sarong. With a bit of creativity, the many uses of the sarong are endless. It is beautiful enough that you want to use it in a multitude of ways. Since the color combinations and designs are endless, you never have the same look twice, which allows you to create a unique look wherever you go.

Sarongs are quite comfortable to wear, especially if you live in a hot or humid climate because they let a breeze in. They are so comfortable, lightweight, and easy to wear that they are worn in Indonesia, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Asia and other parts of the world where the temperatures are sometimes very hot and humid. It is the heat, perhaps, that originally started the idea and later the popularity of the sarong. It is for these reasons that the sarong has become such a popular garment adored in all regions of the world.

What is interesting to know is that the sarong is not called a sarong in all parts of the world. If you’ve been reading this thinking that it sounded familiar, but the name didn’t sit right, this is probably why! For example, in Tahiti, Hawaii, and the Cook Islands, the sarong is known as a Pareo. In South Asia, the sarong is known as a Lungi or Mundu. In Africa, the sarong is called a Macawiis. No matter the name, the sarong is just as beautiful from one region to the next. 

Final Thoughts

It is easy to understand the popularity of the sarong for both men and women with the information in this article. Although the sarong originated in the Eastern World many, many years ago, it is a piece that quickly went versatile and is now enjoyed by individuals across the world. There are traditional sarongs, as well as not-so-traditional choices, giving everyone the perfect sarong to cater to their needs and tastes. 

So tell us, what's your perfect sarong? :) We'd love to hear from you.

Weekend Beach Getaway Packing List

If you are going on a weekend beach getaway, you want to be sure that you have everything you need to have a good time. Here are the bare necessities to make any weekend beach getaway relaxing and fun. 

What do you usually pack as your travel essentials? We would love to hear your suggestions.

Browse our collection of beach essentials and get ready for your next beach escape!

Valentine's Gift Ideas for Him & Her

Valentine's Day is tomorrow! We got inspired by this list of most romantic island getaways and began imagining a beach holiday with our loved ones. If you're heading for a beach holiday soon, be it to the Caribbean islands, Hawaii or Costa Rica, check out our top picks catered for your romantic escapade:

Matching Hawaiian themed shirt and long dress for couples

'Be my Valentine' beach cover ups like pink or red sarongs

 Keep your sarongs tied securely with the symbol of love

'Love sets you free' men's black Sulu or hot pink men sarong

Elegant scarves for your romantic dinner date

Whether your hanging out with your best friends or going on a date or spending quality time with the family, have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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