This rectangle of cotton printed with colorful and decorative motifs has definitively replaced the tapa, the pounded tree bark used for clothing in the old days. Pareos are found in all island stores and souvenir shops.

And also...

Monoi, the miracle oil...

There are several ways to wear it:  

a full wrap around the chest and a knot over the shoulder

tie the pareo above the breasts with a double knot in the back, pull the pareo between the legs and bring the ends to the waist to tie them.

Use the pareo lengthwise after tieing one end around your neck, tale both hanging end to the back from between the legs, then attach them up front near the navel while covering the hips

a simple knot around the neck, another knot on the hip

And also...

The subtle charm of the vahines...

attach the pareo around the hips, bring back the other end under the arms and tie with a knot

spread the pareo lengthwise behind the back, tie with a double knot between the breasts, bring back the free ends to cover the chest, atyach together in the back 

and many other ways...

The pareo becomes either an elegant outfit or a quick wrap around. There are in the islands small booklets to help you choose how to wear it, but the best method is still to get a short training session in elegance generally given by the sales girl. Multiple colors and motifs, diversity of fabric quality, make the right choice!

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