Stylish Sarongs for Bali: How to Choose and Wear Them Well

Choose a sarong that fits your body and your day. For Bali, a cotton rayon sarong works best: lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to tie. We make seven by hand in Bali. This guide covers fit, fabric, and styling for beach and temple.

What size sarong should I look for?

Sarongs come as rectangles, and the size decides what you can do with one. Ours are all one size, 200 by 100 cm (about 79 by 39 inches): big enough to wrap around you as a dress, or to fold in half lengthways for a shorter skirt.

Because every sarong we make is the same size, there is nothing to measure. Choose by print and colour, and tie it high or low, tight or loose.

What fabric works best for a beach sarong?

Cotton rayon is the most practical choice for a Bali beach sarong. It is lightweight, dries fast and drapes without clinging. Pure cotton can feel heavy when wet, and synthetic fabrics do not breathe in the humidity. Rayon blends sit somewhere in between: soft against the skin, easy to wash and quick to dry on a balcony rail.

We make all seven of our sarongs from cotton rayon for exactly these reasons. It moves with you when you walk, ties without slipping and does not need ironing after a rinse. For temple visits, where you need to cover your shoulders and legs, a cotton rayon sarong wraps neatly and stays put without pins. For more on choosing authentic sarongs, see our blog post on finding authentic sarongs in Bali.

How do I wear a sarong for the beach versus a temple?

For the beach, the simplest way is to hold the sarong behind you, wrap the ends to the front and tie them at your side or above your hip. You can also fold it in half diagonally and knot the corners behind your neck for a strapless dress. If you are swimming, take it off and lay it on the sand as a towel.

For a temple, the rules are different. You need your shoulders and knees covered. Wrap the sarong around your waist so it reaches below your knees, and tuck or tie the top edge firmly. Temples also require a sash (selendang) tied at your waist. Most temples lend sarongs at the entrance, but having your own means you know it fits and is clean.

What colours and patterns work in Bali?

Bright colours and bold patterns are common here, but they are not the only option. A plain sarong in a neutral tone works with everything and does not compete with a printed bikini or a patterned shirt. Darker colours hide sand and sunscreen stains better than pale ones.

Red is fine to wear in Bali. The idea that red is forbidden is a myth. You will see local women in red kebaya and sarong for ceremonies. What matters is that your sarong is respectful: clean, not torn, and tied securely. Our cotton rayon sarongs come in a range of colours and prints, all designed to mix with the rest of your holiday wardrobe.

Where can I see the actual sarongs?

You can browse all seven sarongs we make on the Bali sarongs page. If you are already in Bali, four boutiques carry our pieces: Doo Moo Living and Alala Spa & Boutique in Amed, Kru Bali in Uluwatu, and Awakened Dreamers in Ubud and Canggu. Stock varies between shops, so message us before you go if you want a specific sarong.

We describe how our clothes are made rather than claiming a certification we do not hold. Ask us anything about a specific piece.

Common questions

What is a Balinese sarong?

A Balinese sarong is a large rectangular cloth worn wrapped around the waist. It is everyday wear for many Balinese and a required cover-up for temple visits. Tourist sarongs are often lighter and more colourful than traditional ones.

Is it okay to wear red in Bali?

Yes, it is fine. Red is a common colour in Balinese ceremonial dress. There is no restriction on tourists wearing red, though very bright or flashy colours may draw more attention in conservative settings.

How do I keep my sarong from falling off?

Tie it firmly at the hip or side, not at the front. A double knot or a tuck of the top edge into the waistband helps. If the fabric is slippery, fold the top edge over a couple of times before tying.

Can I wear a sarong as a dress?

Yes. Fold the sarong in half diagonally, wrap it around your body and tie the two top corners behind your neck. Tuck the side edges in or secure them with a small knot. Our 200 by 100 cm sarongs are big enough for this.

Do you sell wholesale to shops?

Yes, we take wholesale and stockist enquiries. Tell us a little about your shop and we will come back to you.

Ask us anything through the site or message us directly on WhatsApp.