These are the best summer sarongs from Australian and New Zealand designers
IMAGE VIA @snrklbr_swimwear/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
All wrapped up.
Like tankinis, toggle-strap hats and rashies, it seemed like most 2000s-era Australian kids had an aversion to the sarong. It was a puka shell necklace, calf-length Billabong boardies and a teeny-tiny bikini top or bust. Ever heard of a little show called Blue Water High, lame-o?
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But like any previously polarising trend, the sarong (or pareo) has come back around for its moment in the sun, literally. This summer, it seems we’ll be seeing oversized squares of silk, cotton and linen tied into all manner of clothing items. And I’m here for it. Multifunctional, travel-friendly and practical? Yes ploise. Below, find a collection of 12 sarongs from local designers.
Alex and Trahanas
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Born in Sydney, Alex and Trahanas is known for its ceramics and apparel with a distinct Mediterranean influence. Pieces are available in small runs, with limited styles added each season. For summer, the label has introduced two 100 per cent cotton sarongs inspired by the deep blues and warm glow of the Italian coast.
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Lucy Folk
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Inspired by travel, art, design and well-being, jewellery and apparel brand Lucy Folk encapsulates timelessness, creativity and sophistication in all of its designs. Its sarongs are no different – created with 100 per cent cotton, they function as versatile, playful summer accessories.
Shop here.
Snrklbr
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Byron-born swimwear label Snrklbr makes colourful sarongs to pair with its matching bikini sets. Made from organic cotton, these are designed to be worn higher on the waist for a miniskirt (or minisarong) effect.
Zulu & Zephyr
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Bondi native swimwear brand Zulu & Zephyr embodies its coastal roots in all of its designs, boasting the beach lifestyle in a way that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Woven from a lightweight, organic cotton-hemp blend and embellished with handpainted print designs, its pareos are crafted to last for seasons to come. The Landscape colourway is a standout.
Shop here.
Fella Swim
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Australian label Fella Swim is focused on luxe simplicity, with its designs referencing ’90s minimalism and a slow, sun-drenched Mediterranean lifestyle. Its selection of sarongs embodies this ethos – made of 100 per cent lightweight cotton, the handmade Pareo Sarongs are each one-of-a-kind. Available in four colourways, our heart is set on the Sea Blue or Cactus shade (both of which could easily function as a regular skirt outside the confines of the beach, too).
Shop here.
Ngali
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Rarely does a fashion week pass in Australia without the presence of a Ngali sarong. Technically a silk scarf, the Ngali offering is long and wide enough to be worn around the hips for summer. Designer Denni Francisco has created a 13-piece range, each with a screen-printed design or artwork in striking natural tones. Some feature the works of First Nations artists, like this by artist Gija Man Lindsay Malay. Prices vary, with a number of styles available for pre-order and others ready for quick delivery.
Shop here.
Maggie Marilyn
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Maggie Marilyn’s sarong offerings are on the pricier side, but due to their versatility and quality, they deserve a place on this list. Made of 100 per cent lightweight silk, you can wear them as a sarong, bandeau, halter top, head wrap or bag accessory – the list goes on. We’ve got our eyes on the Georges Roses colourway.
Shop here.
Marle
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New Zealand-born womenswear label Marle has jumped on the sarong bandwagon with its own minimalistic linen version. Available in classic shades of black, white and pumice, the Alma Sarong is ideal for wrapping over swimwear or tying into a top, skirt, scarf or dress.
Shop here.
For more of the best beach cover-ups, head here.
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