Even if you're not off to Bali this summer, you can feel like you are by wearing a sarong. Get the fashion 411 on this essential beach cover-up!

Sarongs - What's a Sarong Anyway?

A sarong is a large piece of fabric that you can wrap around you as a skirt, dress or top. It can be worn short or long, and comes in all sorts of colors and patterns like animal prints, flower motifs and tie-dye. Sarongs originated in South Asia, Southeast Asia and on many Pacific Islands, and are still worn today by girls AND guys as everyday clothing. But in North America, sarongs are usually worn only by girls over their bathing suits.

Sarongs - Sarong Tying 101

Since sarongs are rectangular shaped, you can wear them in so many different ways!

To Wear as a Skirt - For a short sarong, fold the sarong into a triangle, wrap it around your hips and tie it at the side. Don't fold the sarong in half if you want to wear it long.

To Wear as a Dress - Wrap it around your chest and tie it in the front.

To Wear as a Bandeau - Fold the sarong into a 5-7" wide strip, wrap it around your chest and tie it behind your back.

You can also use the sarong as a headband, scarf, shawl, beach blanket, table cloth or wall hanging. You can probably come up with a few more ways to wear and use the sarong - be creative!

Sarongs - Did U Know?

Sarongs are created by using the art of Batik, which is an ancient Indonesian method of dyeing fabric.

Sarong is a Malaysian word that means "sheath" or "cover."

There are many different words for sarong. It's called "surong" in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Phillipinnes, "pareo" in Hawaii and "kanga" in Africa.

Related Stories:

2006 Summer Fashion Preview

Bathing Suits to Fit Your Bod

Trendy Beach Accessories

More Summer Fashion Tips and Trends!

Read more: Style