What's the Difference Between a Sarong and a Pareo?

Is it a skirt, a sarong or a pareo?  Well, it all depends!

In some cases these terms can end up being quite interchangeable. While the origins of the garments and what they once defined as have altered over the years, there still are a few unique differences worth noting on these popular styles of cover ups/skirts.

What is a Sarong?

The term "sarong" originates from Indonesia, and it has a long history in Southeast Asian cultures. Sarongs are traditionally worn by men and women in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

These rectangular pieces of fabric, often woven or batik-dyed, are available in various lengths and widths. They can be wrapped and tied around the body in numerous ways. Known for their intricate patterns and designs, often featuring vibrant colors and intricate motifs, they can be quite decorative in nature as well.

Sarongs are commonly worn in tropical locations as everyday clothing and are often used as a wrap or skirt for both men and women. 

What is a Pareo?

The term "pareo" is of Tahitian origin and is commonly associated with the Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures.

Much like sarongs, pareos are also rectangular, but they are generally larger than sarongs. They come in a single size, and the fabric is often lighter and more sheer, making them ideal for draping and tying in various styles. These unique garments tend to have simpler designs and are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, but they are generally less elaborate compared to traditional sarongs.

Pareos are closely associated with beach, tropical and resort wear. They are often used as swimsuit cover-ups, beach towels, or even as beach blankets. The lightweight and sheer nature of pareos makes them suitable for warm, beachy settings like here in beautiful South Florida.

As far as fashion goes, we tend to lean towards pareos as the ultimate choice in versatility. These beautiful garments easily transition from beach going to a night out on the town in Palm Beach. We carry a wide variety of pareos in our Jupiter boutique and they are some of our best selling products.

We invite you to stop in for a look yourself as we get busy preparing for the beautiful winter season here in South Florida.