The pareo/sarong/cover-up/wrap/scarf is easily the MVP of any summer packing list. It folds up small, resists wrinkles, and ends up working harder than anything else in a warm-weather wardrobe. Wear it as a scarf on the journey there, as a chic cover-up over a swimsuit at the beach or pool, and a skirt or dress for drinks and dinner.
A bit of history: “pareo” comes from Tahitian, originally a wraparound cloth worn around the waist, made from hammered tree bark before European sailors introduced cotton in the 18th and 19th centuries. “Sarong” traces to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Malay Archipelago. Technically, the two aren’t identical—the sarong was traditionally sewn into a cylinder while a pareo was a flat sheet—but are now used pretty interchangeably.
Left to right, top to bottom.
Pucci Cotton Pareo (also in a short version!)
Eres Cotton and Silk Printed Sarong
Red and White Johanna Ortiz Cotton Wrap
Eres Piped Cotton Voile Beach Wrap
Blue Paisley Johanna Ortiz Cotton Cover-Up
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.