Are sarongs dated?

[Badgoushk]

I'm going on holiday in July, camping in France. The campsite is almost right on the beach so I'm wondering what to wear. I have plenty of swimwear but I'm not hugely body confident at the moment. Do people still wear sarongs? I have some from 20 years ago! Or were they a thing back then but dated now? Thanks.

I have three which I wear every time we go away.

I refuse to be a fashion junkie to beach wear.

Have a fantastic holiday

Sarongs are probably less common nowadays, but I wouldn't say you'd look out of place wearing one.

The more modern equivalent to a sarong would probably be a beach dress like this, with a shirred top. M&S do all sorts of designs, as do next. The straps are removable.

I hadn’t seen any around for a few years but Debenhams seem to have some this year to match their swimwear. So I’d say they are still ok.

I saw one lady in a sarong on our recent holiday and she stood out as looking really classy and elegant amongst a sea of crochet/neon cover ups. Go for it.

The thing about a kaftan/cover up is that it doesn't cover my thighs that well, which is the reason I need it! I'm not as worried about the top half. Thanks for the advice everyone. I will have a ponder...

"I refuse to be a fashion junkie to beach wear."

Same here. I still have a sarong that I bought in Bali 22 years ago. I was taught how to tie a sarong in many different ways and I like to show off my sarong tying skills

Also, I agree with retainertrainer that they look more classy than many beach cover ups. I will be taking mine on holiday again.

To be fair yes, I think they are a bit dated now and only worn by women 40 plus on average.

However I agree on not being a slave to fashion, wear what you are happy in, I wear short board shorts normally or a play suit which is designed to dry quickly and shove them on my bottom half if moving about. A beach dress also works well if you wish more coverage.

I am 59. Short shorts are not a good look on me

It is possible to find below knee kaftans or kimono-style wraps, they seem to be fashionable

I prefer to look stylish rather than "fashionable"

I've not noticed them for a couple of years now. For me I'm pale and burn easily and prefer a light gauzy dress which covers from my shoulders down. Maybe this is a reason for others too?

There does seem to be a fashion for lurid neon kaftans as a pp mentioned, and in a cheap material these look truly awful (recent half term beach holiday confirmed this).

I prefer neutral colours in a gauzy semi sheer material (I know these are expensive but pick them up in the sale for next year):
www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Dobby-Embroidered-Tunic/p/DOCEC?swatch=White
www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Linen-V-Neck-Dress-/p/VWCSL?swatch=White

Or a shirt dress style in a white or pale blue:
www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Cotton-Stripe-Beach-Shirt-Dress/p/STCBC?swatch=White+Blue

I've just bought a lovely white long shirt style beach dress from M&S.

Sorry I didn't mean short short, more just above mid thigh, no arse hanging out, but not the kneee length board shorts you see on guys either.

I think the shirred dresses a Pp posted a link to are an excellent alternative. I've a couple of those but more knee length.

For example I have these from sea folly. Very comfy, easy to shove on over bikini bottoms or a swimsuit and a bit more modern than a sarong.

If you're self conscious about thighs though they won't work,

I have a white cotton sarong which doubles as a scarf on the plane, plus a blue batik one that is going strong after 20 years.
Get a shell buckle to tie them. Best thing ever. Dirt cheap in places like Thailand.
airymary.com/products/sarong-buckle-coconut-shell

I always use sarongs, it didn’t even cross my mind that they might be dated! But then I am in my forties 😂 I love them and have loads from India, Thailand, etc, we use them as blankets to lie on and scarves too. For a cover up I cross the ends over my chest and tie behind my neck like a dress. Hate kaftans, too hot and clingy when you’re covered in cream and sand.

I don't think they're dated. They're in stores again this year. I bought two in Primark last month. I have a couple of cover up/kimono things but find them way too warm abroad to be honest. I don't really cover up on the beach anyway but wan to be able to throw on something if walking up to shop etc.

Yes I meant to say there are plenty of thigh covering options. Also look beyond the "beach cover up" section into the normal dress sections, there are plenty of shirt dresses and tunics around in a thin cotton or linen.

Like these:

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0612064001.html

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0666331001.html

I love my sarongs too, they're useful. As well as covering up by pool or on beach they make handy cover ups for visiting monasteries or as a cover on the plane

Yes, those crocheted tablecloth things are in but I’ve seen quite a few sunburned patterns shoulders to go with them!

Where your floaty sarongs OP, everyone else will wish they had. else

I don't think they're dated because I think they're sort of outside fashion. I wouldn't walk down the street at home in one, but on the beach they're a brilliant choice. It's all about context.

People still wear sarongs! I personally opt for shorts or a playsuit/jumpsuit.

I've seen pictures of Ocean Beach in Ibiza and women wearing sarongs over swimsuits. They can look really stylish. Go for it.

I usually have a sarong with me even if I have a beach dress. Easier to drape over shoulders or legs to protect from the sun depending on where the sun is and they dry quicker than my dresses as they are a single layer.

Who cares.

By which I mean wear s sarong - you'll be fashion forward as fashions are circular

Not sure what the point of tiny shorts over a swimming costume would be, they provide next to no additional coverage.

I have a sarong I bought in Bali in 1993

I've used it as a skirt, a dress, a curtain, a bed sheet, a towel, then later as a baby carrier and shade canopy for a toddler... They are the best invention ever - I wish

My 13 year old uses it sometimes and her friends want to know where to get one.

Oops that was meant to say I wish I had 3 not just one! It's lasted 25 years in continuous ever changing use and still as good as new, unlike almost any other piece of fabric/ clothing!