How to Wear Traditional Batik Sarong

Batik Sarong is a popular garment, especially among Asian people. In old pictures, you often see women wearing sarongs without anything else. Even today, sarongs are still worn in various ways: at home, as part of traditional dances like Balinese dance, or paired with kebayas for formal events.

But sarongs aren’t just for clothing—they’re incredibly versatile. They can be used as sofa throws, curtains, light blankets, baby hammocks, beachwear, table runners, wall hangings, and even baby carriers. The possibilities are endless!

This article aims to show how a simple tube batik sarong can be styled in many different ways to create fashionable look. Here is a lovely handmade batik sarong from our store, Batik Ajeg Makmur. These sarongs are crafted using the hand block method by skilled batik artisans.

Ways to Wear Batik Sarong

Here are some ways on how to wear Batik Sarong:

Sarong

One of the most common uses for batik fabric is to make Sarong. A sarong is a loose-fitting skirt that you wear by wrapping the cloth around your waist, similar to how you wrap a towel around yourself.

Tube Wrap

Centuries ago, Malays wore the Batik Sarong in a simple tube style, tied at chest level, without any additional clothing. However, with the introduction of Islam, there was a shift towards modesty. Women began wearing the batik sarong at waist level and paired it with loose blouses or kebayas to cover their upper bodies. Enjoy wearing the batik sarong in the traditional tube style, especially after a hot day at home. It’s quite refreshing and cooling straight out of the shower!

Box Fold

This is a common way to wear the batik sarong, whether paired with a comfy t-shirt at home or a fancy lacey kebaya for special occasions. You can fold the top of the sarong to secure it, or you can tuck the end edge of the sarong at waist level. However, sometimes you may need to re-tuck it from time to time.

A-Line Sarong

Here’s another way to wear the batik sarong, similar to the Box Fold style but with a slight variation. This style is also commonly used by men when wearing their Kain Pelikat, which is a type of batik sarong for men. Kain Pelikat designs typically feature solid colors with checkered or line patterns.

Halter Neck

Here’s another adorable option for styling your Batik Sarong: transform it into an exotic Halter Neck Mini Dress. Pair it with a narrow belt or a classic chain belt to make this outfit truly original.

Short Skirt

In the summertime, when you want to show off your toned, tanned legs, a short skirt Batik Sarong is a fantastic choice! For those worried about not securing their sarong well enough, using a buckle is a great option. If you can’t find a suitable buckle, you can simply use your existing belt. Thin, narrow belts work wonders for this purpose.

Head Covers

Some people use sarongs as head covers, which can be handy for blocking light when sleeping. Others use them as cloth sunshades while gardening or farming, similar to a headscarf.

Mothers often use sarongs as makeshift hammocks for babies or light bed sheets. Additionally, you might see people using sarongs as bags, washcloths, tablecloths, or even picnic mats. They’re incredibly versatile!