If you're used to cut-off shorts as your classic beach attire, you will have no doubt looked over in envy at the throw-on-and-go quality of a sarong.
At the end of a day spent on the bed, bar and dipping in the sea rotation, trying to stuff your sweaty pins into the unforgiving denim material is no easy task. It involves sand in places it should never be, chafing and more elbow grease than we'd likely care to admit.
Choosing a sarong to cover up means quite the opposite. The fabric swathed loosely over a swimsuit, either tied around the waist or fashioned as a halterneck dress is in line with the ‘no shirt, no shoes, no problem’ mantra we all want to live by when we’re out of office.
These beach cover ups are made up of lightweight fabrics, typically cotton and so are ideal for when temperatures soar.
They have a way of pulling your holiday wardrobe together and ensuring your wet wear will see you through your spontaneous summer celebrations - whether you’re poolside or pool partying in Las Vegas or Ibiza.
These pieces need not be boring - although we are strong advocate of classic block-colour styles if you’re dipping your toe into the trend and for an option you’ll buy now and wear forever. Yet even for the minimalists, sarongs can be a way to inject striking shades and mood-boosting patterns into your vacay sartorial arsenal, whether it’s through geometric designs, fierce leopard or through summer’s enduring crochet revolution. There’s floaty floral designs, abstract colour combinations and 70s-inspired psychedelic prints where all you need is a bikini top, sandals and shades to complete the look.
Shop our pick of the best sarongs to wear this summer and beyond.
& Other Stories Short Wrap Sarong
Fun floral pieces are always the foundation of our summer wardrobes, from our day to night dresses to our beach attire. This playful piece comes from & Other Stories and has the matching bikini to boot. The design incorporates mini strawberries alongside the ditsy pattern. It’s a short style tied at the side to create a wrap effect.
Buy now £29.00, & Other Stories
Whistles Leopard Print Beach Sarong
Animal print, and in particular leopard spots, has the miraculous ability to be striking yet strangely neutral in the way that you can pair it with just about any colourway for a stylish look. Taking you from pool party to beach lounging, this piece from Whistles takes this to the next level with its black and red trim so you can go matchy-matchy or else opt for a block colour in either of those tones.
Buy now £65.00, John Lewis
& Other Stories Short Wrap Sarong
Bring a throwback 70s print into your beachwear with this wave design from the high street hero & Other Stories. The psychedelic look is bang on this season’s most popular nostalgic trend and you can take this to the next level with a pair of yellow tinted aviator specs.
Buy now £29.00, & Other Stories
H&M Sarong
Akin to an LBD in its versatility, a black sarong is something that you’ll wear for years to come. H&M has hit the nail on the head with this basic design for a timeless style with easy throw-on-and-go appeal.
Buy now £12.99, H&M
Miss Selfridge beach painted bright floral ruffle maxi sarong skirt
If you’re looking to break away from the neutral tones of your winter wardrobe, Miss Selfridge has you covered. The label, which is now available on ASOS, has this matching set that includes the bikini and sarong (although you can buy it separately too). It has a floral design in warm tones of yellow, orange, red and pink as well as a fun and flirty ruffle trim.
Buy now £27.99, ASOS
& Other Stories Twisted Front Lace Sarong
After a long winter, we don’t blame you if you’re looking to flash some skin when the warm weather finally arrives and this lace sarong and its cut-out pattern will allow you to do this in a not-so obvious way. The wrap design is secured with a twisted bow and sits an ankle-grazing length.
Buy now £55.00, & Other Stories
Pucci Marmo-print cotton-muslin sarong
Italian-born fashion house Pucci is known for its playful, retro prints and this sarong is the embodiment of its elegance. It is defined by its use of vibrant colour and abstract shapes that will liven up your swimwear collection.
Buy now £240.00, Matches
Norma Kamali Ernie tie-side jersey sarong
New York label Norma Kamali demonstrates the brand’s commitment to versatility with this sarong that wouldn’t look out of place strolling the streets of the Big Apple as well as thrown over wet wear on your next break. It is cut from a sumptuous jersey that has a lovely skin feel with a side slit to show off your newly-bronzed pins.
Buy now £95.00, Matches
& Other Stories Short Wrap Sarong
Have you noticed? Apple green is everywhere right now. From interiors to our apparel, it’s the undisputed colour of the season and is unexpectedly wearable, even for those who prefer more neutral tones. Shown here with a white ditsy floral print, be sure to pop the matching bikini into your virtual basket too.
Buy now £29.00, & Other Stories
H&M short sarong
Leave block colours behind and take a retro approach to the new pieces you’re investing in this season, in line with the penchant for all things 70s fashion. Take a leaf out of Daisy Jones & The Six’s book with this two piece that includes the sarong and tie top with bell sleeves.
Buy now £9.99, H&M
Reiss Anika abstract-print woven sarong
You may associate Reiss with tailoring and formal dressing but don’t sleep on its collection of casual clothing that extends to beach attire. This sarong has an abstract design in soft tonal shades. The beauty of this piece is that it’s self tie so you can wear it round your waist or create a full-length halterneck dress.
Buy now £98.00, Selfridges
CIN CIN Short Sheer Scarf
Swim label Cin Cin is one for the jet-setters with its aesthetic that is anything but minimal. The eye-popping prints have a nod to the 70s and flower power where this sarong is a case in point. It’s bright, fun, sheer and best styled with the coordinating bikini in the same motif.
Buy now £148.00, Revolve
Agua Bendita x REVOLVE Maia Sarong
Summer is almost synonymous with crochet and you can never go wrong whether you’re heading to Ibiza or St Tropez in investing in the knitted designs. Throw this sarong over a swimsuit and pair with shades and sandals for an easy holiday win.
Buy now £203.00, Revolve
Away That Day Santorini Sarong - Leopard Print
From the silhouette and the print, to the use of eco-friendly fabrics, this sarong from Away That Day deserves its place in your suitcase. The adaptable design can be worn long, short or halter style and has a luxe feel.
Buy now £69.00, Away That Day
Triangl Lenny - Kesh
You may remember Triangl for its neoprene styles with contrast stitching that dominated beachwear back in the mid 2010s. The brand has had a complete overhaul with trend-led cuts and playful prints now the signature. On top of the bikinis come warm weather apparel like this sarong that has a geometric design and will instantly elevate your summerwares.
Buy now £205.00, Triangl
