The Pareo: Your Summer MVP

Sarong, wrap, beach cover-up, schmatte, or pareo—call them what you will, they all evoke that summer vibe. Easy, lightweight, and endlessly adaptable, the pareo is more than a warm-weather staple—it’s an invitation to get creative with nothing more than a rectangle of fabric

The word "pareo" comes from Tahitian, where it originally referred to a traditional wraparound cloth worn by both men and women. Over time, the garment—and its name—spread across oceans and cultures. So, no matter what name it goes by, the spirit remains the same: one beautiful piece of fabric, with seemingly endless ways to wear it.

Today’s pareo is typically made from soft, breathable material like cotton, silk, or rayon. The ideal shape? A large rectangle measuring around 100 x 190 cm. That’s the sweet spot for tying, wrapping, and styling with ease. (Hint: When shopping at Verdalina, look for scarves with a similar size ratio for the perfect fit. Give or take 10–20 cm is fine—it’s the general width-to-length proportion you’ll want to match.)

And while there are dozens of ways to wear a pareo, here are three of the easiest to try:

The Skirt Tie

Hold the pareo horizontally behind your body, like a towel, with the long edge across your back. Bring both ends around to the front and tie them at one hip. Adjust for a high slit or full wrap depending on your mood. PS: This iteration over pants is very of the moment.

The Halter Dress

Hold the pareo horizontally behind your back, like a towel, with the long edge across your shoulders. Bring the top corners forward under your arms, cross them over your chest for full coverage, and tie them behind your neck. Adjust the front as needed—it creates a soft, draped halter-style dress with plenty of ease.

Obi-Inspired Belt Wrap

Start by folding your pareo lengthwise until it's about 4–6 inches wide, depending on how structured or voluminous you want the belt to look. Wrap it around your waist once or twice, keeping the fabric flat and snug. Then tie it in a wide, dramatic knot or bow slightly off-center at the front or back. Tuck the ends if you want a cleaner finish, or let them drape for a softer, undone look.

A little tradition, a lot of freedom. However you tie it, the pareo is pure summer—and the season’s MVP. We encourage creativity (and a little Googling). There’s a whole world of how-tos and inspiration out there—try a few, make it your own, and don’t be afraid to improvise. That’s part of the fun.