The sarong is a summer essential. Choose the right one, and it will instantly transform your beach look.
Why your choice of sarong matters: How to choose a stylish sarong for summer – a guide to enhancing your beach style
The sarong is a summer essential. Choose the right one, and it will instantly transform your beach look.
Why does the choice of sarong affect your summer look
A poorly chosen sarong — made of fabric that’s too thick, too small in size, or with a garish print — can detract from even the most beautiful figure. Conversely, a well-chosen sarong will flatter your figure, complement your swimsuit, and take you from the beach to the terrace.
This beachwear isn’t just a simple square of fabric: it’s a versatile piece that flatters your figure depending on how you tie it, the fabric you choose and the colours you wear. Understanding these factors ensures you’ll look chic and put-together all summer long, without any unnecessary effort. For more information, you can also check out our guide to the perfect beach sarong for summer. 🌞
Choisir la bonne taille de paréo selon votre silhouette
Which length is best for your body shape?
Length is the first factor to consider. For a tall or slender figure, a sarong measuring 160 to 180 cm offers a long drape which shows off the legs and creates a a19> look of a flowing very elegant dress.
For a smaller frame, a medium-sized scarf measuring around 140 to 150 cm will be easier to wear: it prevents the fabric from overwhelming your figure and allows for a neat knot without any bulky excess material. The ideal length is one that allows you to tie it comfortably without having to constantly adjust your outfit.
How to adjust the width for a stylish drape
The width directly affects how smoothly the fabric drapes. A sarong that is too narrow cannot be tied properly into a dress or skirt: it gets caught, creases, and loses all its elegance. Choose a width of at least 100 to 110 cm to ensure you have enough fabric.
The more roomy the garment is, the more the fabric falls naturally over the hips hips and creates that characteristic flow of stylish sarongs. A loose-fitting sarong, such as those offered by Bohosoleil, guarantees that comfort when worn and offers a wide range of a28>style options without restrictions. If you like styles that are flexible and easy to tie, a sarong made of cotton could be an excellent choice.
Which fabrics should you choose for a stylish sarong in summer
Cotton for a natural and practical look
Lightweight cotton is a safe bet: it’s breathable, feels lovely against the skin, dries quickly after a swim and holds up well in the sun. Its natural look makes it perfect for everyday wear on holiday. It isn’t the most flowing of fabrics, but it remains one of the most practical and reliable in terms of comfort.
Be careful, however, with thick cotton, which lacks flexibility and makes it difficult to keep the knots looking neat throughout the day. Designs made from handcrafted Indian cotton sarongs strike just the right balance between naturalness, lightness and style.
Viscose and the fabrics with a flowing drape for an elegant feel
Viscose is undoubtedly the most flattering fabric for a stylish sarong. It drapes naturally, is light and almost airy. It hugs the figure without clinging and creates that soft, flowing movement characteristic of elegant summer outfits.
Viscose-cotton blends offer the best of both worlds: the drape of viscose and the durability of cotton. This type of fabric is ideal if you’re looking for a sarong that stays looking good even after repeated wear and washes, without losing its shape or its lustre. 🌊
Fabrics to avoid at the seaside
Heavyweight polyester should be avoided. It lacks drape, clings to the skin in warm weather and fades quickly when exposed to light. Low-quality synthetic fabrics have an unattractive sheen and do not breathe.
Also, be wary of fabrics that are too delicate and crease irreparably as soon as you take them out of the bag: a creased sarong, even if it’s a lovely colour, will immediately spoil your look at the seaside.
Which colours and which prints for a sarong with a bit more style
Solid colours for a sophisticated look
Solid colours remain the best choice for a chic and timeless look. Navy, ecru, off-white off-white, terracotta, green sage: these colours go easily with any swimsuit from the collection a19> and do not create any visual clash.
A plain sarong also allows you to play around more with accessories — a straw hat, a raffia bag, gold jewellery — without overloading the outfit. It’s often the quickest way to achieve a harmonious and elegant look on the beach.
Trendy patterns that give your outfit a modern twist
Prints aren’t incompatible with chic style, provided you stick to elegant patterns. This season, botanical patterns, tie-dye in soft shades and subtle graphics feature heavily in summer fashion trends.
A sarong with a handcrafted or chic ethnic print, such as those in the Bohosoleil range, adds a touch of character without being over the top. The rule is simple: a subtle print on a plain swimsuit, or a printed swimsuit with a plain sarong. If you like this style, the bohemian sarong or designs inspired by Indian block print are particularly well-suited.
Prints to avoid
Overly busy patterns, garish colours or densely repeated prints make the silhouette look heavy. Overly prominent logos, slogans and ‘beach souvenir’ prints belong to a casual style that is a far cry from the chic look you’re aiming for.
De même, les contrastes violents entre le paréo et le maillot de bain créent un effet décousu peu flatteur. La cohérence des couleurs et des styles est ce qui fait la différence entre une tenue réussie et un look approximatif.
How to wear a sarong in style
Tie a sarong into a strapless dress
This is the ultimate in elegant classics. Place the sarong around your back, bring both ends round to the front at chest level and tie them securely. The fabric then falls naturally into a long or mid-length dress.
To prevent the bow from slipping, choose a fabric with a slight grip — slightly textured viscose or fine cotton work well. A bow placed in the centre or slightly off to one side adds a more sophisticated touch to the outfit.
Wear the sarong as a skirt around your hips
Tied at the waist or hips, the sarong becomes a flowing skirt that elegantly covers the lower body when worn over a swimsuit or a bandeau top. Wrap the fabric around your waist, cross it at the front and tie it at the side for a chic draped look.
This style is particularly flattering for those with curvy hips: the fabric drapes loosely, elongating the silhouette and creating a natural, feminine sway with every step. You can also take inspiration from our 7 ways to wear a sarong to mix up your looks.
Turn the sarong into an one-shoulder elegant dress
For a bolder yet still chic look, drape the sarong diagonally across your body, bring one end over your shoulder and tie it at the back or under your arm. This asymmetrical style is reminiscent of light evening dresses and works particularly well with a large, flowing sarong.
It’s the perfect way to transition effortlessly from the beach to lunch on a terrace, without changing your outfit. A women’s cotton scarf in your hair or a few gold accessories are the perfect finishing touches to this summery look. ✨
Which styles of sarongs are the most trendy this season
This summer’s trendy sarong is part of the ‘resort wear’ trend: pieces designed to be worn both on the beach and in town, featuring meticulous finishes and high-quality fabrics. Designs with botanical prints and natural shades such as caramel, sand and almond green dominate the fashion collections.
Reversible sarongs are growing in popularity: one piece, two looks – ideal for travelling light on holiday. Styles with fringes or delicate embroidery add a handcrafted touch that fits with the boho-chic trend championed by many independent beachwear brands. This spirit is also evident in the worlds of holiday fashion and beachwear.
Which sarongs to avoid to maintain a chic look
Some styles detract from the look, no matter how carefully they are tied. Shiny polyester sarongs that are too short to be worn as a proper skirt or dress, or those featuring logo prints or fluorescent colours, are far from chic. A chic sarong is, above all, made from decent-quality fabric, features a subtle colour or pattern, and is large enough to offer a variety of ways to wear it.
Where to buy a stylish sarong for the summer without making a mistake
When it comes to high-quality sarongs, specialist beachwear shops and independent designers are often a better option than high-street retailers. You’ll find better-quality fabrics and more intricate designs there.
When shopping online, look for websites that specify the exact measurements and fabric composition, and provide photos of the garment being worn. Brands such as Bohosoleil allow you to buy a sarong with this clear information, reducing the risk of unpleasant surprises upon delivery. For example, you can browse the collection of Bohosoleil sarongs to compare sizes and prints.
FAQ
How do you choose a sarong that suits your body shape? Adjust the length to your height and the width to your hips. A loose-fitting, long sarong flatters most body types by creating a natural draped effect.
Which fabric is best for a sarong on holiday? Viscose and viscose-cotton blends are the most pleasant to wear: they drape beautifully, are lightweight and comfortable, even in hot weather. If you prefer a more natural look, a cotton sarong is still a very good option.
How do you tie a sarong so it doesn’t slip? Choose a fabric with a slight texture (avoid smooth satin) and make some bows that are secure rather than decorative a14> decorative knots that are too loose. Tying on a dry swimsuit helps as well.
Can you wear a sarong away from the beach? Yes, worn as a skirt or dress with the right accessories, it fits perfectly into a light summer city outfit. It can even be turned into an accessory, in the spirit of our guide on how to turn a scarf into a chic accessory.
Does a sarong suit all body types? Yes, provided you choose the right style and tying technique. The sarong is one of the few garments that truly suits every body shape.
Conclusion
Choosing a stylish sarong means combining the right fabric, the right dimensions and a style that complements your swimsuit. Mastering just two or three tying techniques is all it takes to transform this simple piece of fabric into an elegant and versatile garment. Investing in a high-quality piece — with a flowing fabric, subtle print and generous cut — guarantees you a polished look all summer long, from the beach to the terrace.