Summer Must Have: Sun Safe Clothing

As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines for longer hours in hotter temperatures, it's best you take good care of your skins while you're having fun in the sun. One of the best and most affordable ways to protect yourself from the sun's direct harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR) is by using sarongs to cover up whenever you're lying by the beach and exposing yourself to the sun all day long. Whether you're on a summer holiday or escaping to a tropical destination or simply spending time with your family at a resort over the weekend - you'd need to be aware of your health and the danger that the sun can bring to your skin. As much as we love sunshine, too much of anything can never be good for a person.

Besides your face, your shoulders are the most prone to direct sunlight, cover up these body parts when you're out in the sun!

The most basic form of sun safe protection is clothing and in the context of wanting to be versatile and flexible, you'll find that our sarongs are ideal substitutes for sun safe wear where you're able to pack it easily wherever you go, just fold and tuck it into your beach bags or hand purse and whip it out at any time the sun starts to get overbearing while you're out at the city or beach.

Enjoy being outdoors and just be mindful to how many hours your body gets exposed to direct sunlight

We spend most of our lives getting excited over summer and we can't help but feel the joy of basking under the sun. As much as we love this activity, it's important to stay mindful of our actions. In a long run, over-exposure to sunlight can lead to unpleasing outcomes and to the extreme - skin cancer. According to Skin Cancer Organization, 'the sun damage done to every exposed part of your body is cumulative over your lifetime, continually adding to your risks of premature skin aging and skin cancer'. It is advisable for us summer and beach lovers to cover our skins often as it's better for our health from a long term perspective. Besides the superficial downfalls of pre-mature aging and wrinkles and unhealthy skin glows - you'll have to consider taking care of your immune system and state of being.

Always pack an extra sarong just in case you need to allow your skin to breathe and rest no matter where you go

Here are 2 important factors to look out for when deciding on the best sun safe clothing for you and your family:

1) FABRIC WEIGHT & DENSITY: WEAVE TYPE & ABSORPTION 

Choose the kind of fabric that does not allow sunlight to pierce through. This is dependent on the number of fibers woven together in any fabric, the tighter the knit, the tinier the holes and so the less space for UV sunlight to go through. With higher thread count and more fibers weaved together, you'll have dense and solid like materials which makes it protective from sunlight. Besides that, do consider the types of material that absorbs more UV radiation. *'Most fibers naturally absorb some UV radiation, and some have elastic threads that pull the fibers tightly together, reducing the spaces between the holes. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, lycra, nylon, and acrylic are more protective than bleached cottons, and shiny or lustrous semi-synthetic fabrics like rayon reflect more UV than do matte ones, such as linen, which tend to absorb rather than reflect UV'. If you want to go for our lightweight fabrics, do consider choosing our Pertama top quality sarongs for women and men, which are usually made of denser type of rayon weave type.

2) COLOR VARIATIONS

Our sarong collections are created with color dyes that helps reduce exposure because they absorb UV radiations. It is common that darker colors tend to absorb more UV than lighter colors which explains why wearing a black sarong under the sun will heat up your body ore than say wearing a white sarong. Vivid and darker colors tend to provide better sun protection then lighter and pale colors but this is also subject to the sarong fabric type and weave that you can put into consideration. You're best bet to keep your skin safe is to go with white sarongs because *'white fabrics have 'optical whitening agents' that are chemical compounds that strongly absorb UVR, especially UVA'.

You can spend hours out in the sun, just build a make shift tee-pee & get your skin protected from overexposure sunlight

Additional tips when shopping for sun safe clothing:

1) Buy garments that covers more skin. If you need an extra sarong to take with to the beach, get it done. You can even go for our plus size sarongs so you have plenty of material to protect your skin with

2) Get the size right, over stretching clothing that don't fit your body size will only allow more sun exposure to pierce through the fabric. If you're worried about stretched clothing, make sure you get a scarf or sarong to layer up as added protection

3) If you're going to wear bikinis or bathing suits or swim shorts under the hot sun, make sure you have your sarongs packed together. Sure we love to work on our tan lines but after 1-2 hours you'll start to feel the burn on your skin and that's not a good sign. By that time you'll need to hydrate by a dip at the pool or ocean and dry up and cover yourself with your sarongs so you can allow your skin to rest and breathe

4) Pack the right travel essentials! Never leave for a tropical destination or summer holiday without your sun protector for body and face (minimum SPF 15), a beach hat, sunglasses, cover-ups like ponchos, cardigans or sarongs

Wear a sarong over your head and shoulders if you start to feel your skin heating up

Above all - sun safe clothing goes beyond health benefits, they can be stylish and fashionable and versatile for your everyday wear! You can play around with different colors and use your imagination to layer up and combine sun safe sarongs with your outfits of the day.

*1 World Sarongs is thankful to Skin Cancer Organization for enlightening and educating us regarding this important subject on our skins and to our beloved customers who were trusting enough to share their insights and reviews with us.

Amazing Wildlife Organizations You Need to Know

From volunteering to donation to pledging to adopting wild animals - there are so many ways for us to get involved to protect wildlife in their natural habitats. Beyond preservation, sometimes we sit at home dreaming and wondering about animals through our imagination. With the power of the internet these days, you can actually reach out and participate from wherever you are! In the spirit of #WorldWildlifeDay, here are 5 organizations we think you should know about:

1) Orang Hutan Republik Foundation

Our love for Indonesia goes a long way and we're well aware that one of the most magnificent creatures that relate to humanity are the Orang Utans. They are suffering from deforestation and threats driven by mankind's greed. From planting trees to diminishing palm oil consumption, find out how you can take actions to help keep them free and wild.

2) Wildlife Conservation Society

They are currently working to save the majestic whale species inhabiting the waters off New York because they are under serious threats. WCS 'saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature'.

3) World Wildlife Fund

With an inspiring motto that says, 'SAVING A PLANET OF LIFE', this organization needs no introduction. A 50 year old initiative on a mission to protect the future of nature, WWF focuses on saving populations of the most ecologically, economically and culturally important species in the wild. They believe that 'by protecting species, we save this beautiful, vulnerable and utterly irreplaceable planet we call home'.

4) World Animal Foundation

Looking out for all animal's interests, did you know that you can actually adopt a wild animal? This all volunteer organization is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the planet 'through public education, research, investigations, animal rescue, legislation, special events, and direct action'.

5) Panthera

Are you a cat lover? From tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards and cheetahs, this organization is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 38 wild cat species and their ecosystems. They believe that the preservation of wild cats, our landscape guardians is another means of keeping our ecosystem healthy and intact.

6) WildEarth Guardians

Protecting and restoring the wildlife, wild places, wild rivers, and health of the American West, this organization is working on climate and energy programs to build a future that will be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2035.

 

We're always on a look out for organizations that work hard to conserve and preserve our beautiful wildlife and their natural habitats. As you know nature and animals have always inspired us in many ways through our collection of green sarongs, animal prints and patterns. We're happy to support organizations who share our mission in wanting to protect Mother Earth and so if you know of any campaigns or causes that we should get to know and give back to, please leave a comment below!

What is Zero Discrimination Day?

Did you know that March 1st is #ZeroDiscriminationDay? This campaign aims to promote awareness to end discrimination and celebrate diversity, tolerance and inclusion. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect, what about you?

Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017!

So long to yet another amazing year of achievements and beautiful moments. Where do we even begin to talk about how great 2016 was? We took some time to reflect over the holidays, wrapped up in our sarongs laying under a palm tree with the cool breeze watching our children laugh and play in harmony. There's so much joy in life to celebrate and truly so much to be grateful for and we want to continue living by our mantra of spreading love and giving back where we can. As we transition into a brand new year, we're so excited to see what 2017 has in store for us. We've got a bunch of goals we'd like to fulfill this year and it starts off with our very first big trade show we signed up in February 2017 in Los Angeles. That's right! 1WorldSarongs will be making an appearance at one of Los Angeles biggest trade show. We'll fill you in with more details when the dates get closer!

Behind the scenes with Terry and Deby Sherry setting up a mock up booth for our Los Angeles market trade show. Get more information here.

As you know, nothing makes us happier than to build a relationship with our customers and what more getting to connect in person. Our warehouse sale in 2016 gave us the chance to meet our customers and have real conversations. We feel so blessed to have the support from a bunch of great people we get to call our customers. It gives us the drive and motivation to carry on with our mission as a beach fashion apparel company that is conscious about the environment and humanity. As a sustainable focused fashion company, we do our best to be mindful about our decisions and take meaningful actions where we can. Looking back at what we've accomplished, we're happy to announce that we were able to expand our contribution to the following charities:

• Future for Children Munti Gunung (Check out how we've collaborated with them!)
• Bali Street Kids Project
• The Amanda Foundation
• The Orangutan Republic
• American Red Cross
• Surf Rider
• Solemen Indonesia
• Union of Concerned Scientist
• The Amazon Aid Foundation
• Oceana
• Rotary International
• Habilitat

From caring about our children who are the future generation to animal rights to aid for disasters to Mother Nature and beyond, our interest in humanity goes a long way. We highly recommend that you get to know more about these organizations and their cause. They are doing wonderful things to assist in making the world a better place. If you don't know yet, we make sure that a percentage of our profits go to those who needs them the most and so we'd like to thank our customers for helping us make this possible. They say that change should begin one's self and so little by little we hope to be the change we want to see in the world. If you know of any charities or organizations that we should collaborate with, please get in touch with us. Together we can work together towards a positive change. Every action matters and so please join us in our mission. Have a beautiful January!

Why is a Sarong a Travel Essential? 21 Ways to Use a Sarong.

Planning a honeymoon island getaway to Maldives? Gearing up for that 3 day cruise to the Bahamas? Got your flights booked for that much awaited resort vacation in Hawaii? How about a beach escape to exotic Bali? Don’t forget to pack in a sarong or a few sarongs even!

Sarongs are weightless and don’t take up space and so it is easy to pack, wash and dry and ultimately becomes a useful travel essential. Whatever your travel plans may be here are 21 reasons to why you should pack a sarong when you travel:

1) Pillow or head support

Image Source: Gapyear.com

Roll up your sarong into a cushion ball - especially when riding on a long bus or train journey or even when you're stuck in transit at an airport.

2) Sarong as a travel blanket

Image source: Pinterest

When it gets too cold or if air conditioning bothers you just get your sarong out and create a make shift blanket and stay warm.

3) Sarong as a casual or formal dress

Image source: 1 World Sarongs

There will be times during your long journey when you run out of clothes and need something new to wear, learn the many cool ways on how to tie a sarong and get a whole new look for those fun spontaneous nights out!

4) Cover up in style

Image source: www.1worldsarongs.com

During a hike up a mountain there might be a waterfall or river nearby or even if you come across a nude beach, wearing a sarong as a cover up makes it so convenient to just strip off and take a dip!

5) A fashionable summer top

Image source: Pinterest

So your bikini is drenched and you don’t want to wet your clean top, use a sarong and create a halter, tube or toga style top!

6) A head turban or head scarf

Image source: how to tie a sarong as turban

Image source: Hippie in heels

Whether you’re scavenging through the desert and need to protect your head from unbearable heat or simply want to get fashionable or get conservative in 'hijab' style - use a sarong and your imagination to create your own style.

7) Bed sheet or pillow cover

Image source: Pinterest

If you checked into a cheap hostel or plan to camp out in the wild and find that the mattress might not be in the best condition, get your clean sarong out to keep your sleeping spot free from those bed bugs!

8) Clip on curtains

Image source: Pinterest

So you had a late night out partying with fellow travelers and want to sleep in the next morning but your budget hostel room has cheap thin curtains and the room gets too bright! Get a sarong and make curtains out of them for those extra hours of sleep.

9) Picnic mat on-the-go

Image source: Kevin Russ

While you’re on a road trip you might spot a picturesque spot and decide to have a spontaneous picnic, use your sarong as a mat and you’re ready for a picnic at all times!

10) Towel for travelers

Image source: National Geographic

If you find your only towel to be used up to its limit and need a fresh one while you get it to the laundry, use your sarong as a temporary towel. 

11) Eye mask

Image source: Pinterest

Tired from those long hour rides or plan to sleep outdoors but can’t get a shut eye when the sun is shining? Use a sarong to make an eye mask like a ninja and sleep in peace.

12) Face mask

Image source: The Guardian

Maybe you’re on a scooter riding along the dusty streets of Vietnam or the haze is killing you or when you're riding on a cable car high up in the ski mountain and your nose is freezing - get your sarong and use it to protect your face!

13) Sarong as a hand carry bag

Image source: Pinterest

Like the good ol’ days when fancy bags have not existed, be creative and tie up your sarong into a knapsack to store your belongings while you’re on a jungle trail hike or headed to the beach.

14) Protect your fragile items

Image source: Pinterest

Your bag pack may not be the best storage for fragile items like your perfume bottle or even your laptop, wrap them up with a sarong for that extra padding.

15) Laundry bag

Image source

Separate your dirty clothing from the clean ones in your bag pack by using a sarong as a laundry bag to store your dirty clothing.

16) Portable changing room

Image source: www.1worldsarongs.com

After a quick swim in the ocean, you'll need to dry up and get out of your wet swimwear and if you find yourself in an exotic destination, you're not going to have the comfort of a changing room! Get a friend to hold up your sarong like a wall curtain or simple wrap your sarong around like a towel piece and change in peace.

17) Handy sun protector

Image source: Pinterest

Get 4 sticks and tie each corner side of your sarong to a stick (you can collect some sticks while strolling on the beach!) and Voilà! You have your very own tent umbrella!

18) Sarong as a shawl or scarf

Image source: www.1worldsarongs.com

Keeping up with cold temperature when you’re camping out at night can be challenging, use a sarong to keep your neck warm.

19) Emergency bandage

So you broke your arm on an adrenalin bike ride down the hill, use your sarong as an emergency band aid until you get to the hospital!

20) Baby hammock carrier

Image source: Inexplicableways.com

For all the fit traveler mothers, learn the traditional way of tying a sarong as a baby carry sling bag as it’ll keep you mobile and lift the weight off your shoulders while travelling with your child.

21) DIY Light dimmer

Image source: Pinterest

Sometimes the room you check into may not have best lighting especially when white light bulbs are used, how about using a dark shaded sarong to create a warmer ambiance in the room?

We could come up with plenty more of useful ideas to why you should pack a sarong when you travel, now it's your turn! Share your thoughts and tell us if you love to pack a sarong when traveling as much as we do and tell us why you think a sarong can be a useful travel essential..

5 Reasons to Own a White Beach Dress

Whether you're fashionable or not, we believe that every woman should have at least one white dress in their wardrobe. If you're the kind of person that like to express yourself through fashion, you would know that the color white symbolizes purity, innocence, wholeness and completion. 

If you want to know why a white dress should be a women's clothing essential, we've come up with 5 good reasons especially for you:

1) Accessorize away

Womens Lined Long Dress - Halter - Bamboo White

Be it minimalist style or for the gypsy soul and wanderlust hearts, a white dress is probably one of the most basic color for those of you that like to mix and match. It can be a fun clothing to use your imagination and express yourselves. Tip: try using beach jewelry to get that boho chic edge.

2) Wedding destination or bridesmaid dress

Admit it. We've all dreamed of that destination wedding and a simple white beach wedding dress matches the whole ‘let’s get married barefoot on the sand’ beach vibe. If you’re a bridesmaid, getting a cheap wedding dress could also be a smart investment for your best friend’s wedding.

3) Casual or formal white dress for a white themed party

Clean, elegant and classy white themed parties are pretty popular. If you got invited to one, you can never get the dress code wrong by having a formal or casual white dress lying around at home.

4) Halloween costume

Ran out of ideas for this year’s Halloween? Recycle and get creative by making your own props to match your short white dress or long to play characters like a corpse bride, Greek goddess, an angel or a nurse.

5) White color is cool

It’s a color tone that gives protection against heat, perfect for the hot summer days or sunny beach vacations because white reflects all colors and absorbs none. Tip: Choose a white dress made of rayon fabric material for that added cooling effect.

So what do you think? If you've got more ideas to add into our list, do leave us a comment, we'd love to hear your thoughts! :)