Ways to Tie Sarongs

• Transform your sarong from a cover-up to a dress. Matthew Wakem/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Sarongs are a versatile summer staple. You can wear them several ways, most involving only a few steps to create the look. Sarongs come in various colors, styles and a few different lengths. To make longer skirts and dresses, you need a sarong that covers your body while still allowing you to move fluidly. A 73-inch-by-45-inch sarong will work for most styles; if you want something shorter, fold the sarong in half.

Triangle Skirt

• Create a triangle skirt by folding the sarong in half, forming a triangle with the material. Because the material is folded, it will create a "short skirt" style. Take the long end of the sarong and wrap it around your waist. Gather the ends of the material and make a loop with each side; tie them together at your hips and let the remaining fabric flow.

Wrap Dress

• Hold two corners on one of the long sides of the sarong, and wrap it behind your back horizontally. Bring one side across your body, pulling it against you tightly, to the opposite shoulder. Wrap the other side underneath your chest, and bring the material around your back to the opposite shoulder. The two sections should meet together at the shoulder; tie both pieces together to create a wrap dress.

Tube Dress

• Bring the sarong up behind you like a towel, holding each side under your armpits. Bring the ends together toward your chest, and then crisscross them. Pull the sarong tightly around you and connect the two ends together just above your chest using a double-knot.

Toga Dress

• Create a toga dress by holding the sarong by two corners on the long end. Hold the sarong up next to yourself horizontally and wrap one end around your body fully, tucking it underneath one arm. Pull the back piece over one shoulder; hold this corner and pull the other corner piece to the front over the same shoulder. Tie the two ends in a knot over one shoulder. Let the extra fabric drape over your arm.

Long Skirt

• Take two corners on the long end and wrap them around your waist; the ends need to come together in the front. Tie the corners together using a sturdy overhand knot, or a similar strong knot.