The One Outfit Parents Pack First (Because There’s No Room for Anything Else)

Let’s be honest. When parents pack for a holiday, it’s rarely about us. The suitcase fills up fast with nappies, spare nappies, swimmers, backup swimmers, hats, snacks, emergency snacks, toys that will be ignored, toys that absolutely cannot be forgotten, and somehow half the kitchen sink. By the time you zip it up, there’s barely space left for your own essentials, let alone outfit options.

Which means most parents arrive at their destination with a very familiar wardrobe formula. Two pairs of swimmers. One “nice” outfit you might wear once. And a whole lot of hoping you can make it work.

That’s exactly why SKARONG feels like such a win. It’s not just a summer staple. It’s a genuinely parent-friendly solution to packing light, getting dressed quickly, and still feeling like yourself on holiday.

We packed one. Just one. And somehow it covered more outfits than anything else in the suitcase.

Why parents need smarter summer pieces

Parent holidays are different. You’re not packing for leisurely outfit changes or carefully styled evenings. You’re packing for beach mornings that blur into lunch, kids who need supervising near water, quick dashes back to the room, and spontaneous plans that pop up when you least expect them.

What parents need are pieces that work hard. Clothes that can handle salt water, sunscreen, sand, spills and movement. Clothes that don’t wrinkle the second you sit down. Clothes that don’t require constant adjusting or second-guessing.

SKARONG understands that reality. It takes the idea of a traditional sarong and fixes everything that never quite worked for parents trying to juggle kids, bags and their own comfort.

The small design detail that makes a big difference

Anyone who’s worn a classic sarong while chasing kids knows the struggle. Constant slipping. One hand always holding it in place. That low-level anxiety that it might shift at the worst possible moment.

SKARONG’s centre-front seam changes everything. It gives the piece structure and security, so it actually stays put. You can move, bend, sit on the sand, carry kids, and not think about what your outfit is doing.

Add in a stretchy, quick-dry fabric and suddenly you’re not planning your day around outfit changes. You’re just getting dressed and getting on with it.

One piece, multiple parent-proof outfits

The real magic of SKARONG is how many looks you get from one item, which matters when your suitcase is already bursting.

The Micro and Mini lengths are perfect for throwing on over swimwear. Bandeau or halter style, they’re ideal for those beach-to-café transitions where you need coverage but don’t want layers. You can wrangle kids, grab coffees and still feel put together.

The Mid length is where parents really start to appreciate the versatility. It twists and wraps easily, moving from poolside to lunch without feeling like you’re still in beach mode. Add a tank or linen shirt and you’re instantly appropriate for long lunches, playground stops or casual afternoons.

The Long length is the quiet hero. Styled as a column skirt, it works for dinner, resort restaurants or evenings where you actually want to feel like an adult again. Pair it with a simple neutral top and slides and you’ve got an outfit that feels intentional, not improvised.

All of that from one piece of fabric means fewer items to pack, fewer decisions to make, and more space in your bag for everyone else’s things.

Fabric that works as hard as you do

Let’s talk about the fabric, because this is where SKARONG really earns its place in a parent suitcase.

The ECO Mesh, which happens to be the bestselling fabric, is spun from REPREVE yarn made mostly from recycled plastic bottles. It’s a thoughtful sustainability choice that doesn’t sacrifice feel or function.

It’s soft, breathable and surprisingly polished. It dries quickly, which matters when you’re in and out of the water all day. It doesn’t cling awkwardly or lose shape, even after sitting, walking or being thrown over a pram handle.

For parents, this kind of fabric is everything. You don’t have to baby it. You don’t have to plan around it. It just works.

Designed in Sydney, made for real Australian summers

SKARONG is designed in Sydney by Marielle Collins and proudly made in Australia, and you can feel that understanding of real Australian summers in every detail.

This isn’t a piece designed for a quick photo and then forgotten. It’s designed for long days, high heat, salty air and plans that change constantly. There’s also a clear focus on waste reduction, which feels especially relevant for parents trying to buy fewer, better things.

When one item replaces multiple outfits, it’s not just convenient. It’s smarter shopping.

Inclusive sizing that supports real bodies

Another reason SKARONG works so well for parents is the sizing. With sizes ranging from XS to XL and a forgiving stretch, it’s designed to suit different bodies and different stages of life.

Postpartum, mid-life, in-between or simply wanting comfort without sacrificing style, SKARONG doesn’t ask you to squeeze into something or constantly adjust. It meets you where you are, which is exactly what parents need from their clothes.

That ease translates into confidence, and confidence is a rare and valuable thing on holiday when you’re already juggling so much.

The ultimate holiday gift for parents

If you’re shopping for a parent who’s heading away, or trying to treat yourself before a family holiday, SKARONG makes a lot of sense.

It’s light. It’s versatile. It doesn’t take up precious suitcase space. And it genuinely solves a problem parents face every time they pack.

Add a handwritten tag that says “beach to bar, no outfit change required” and it becomes a gift that feels thoughtful, practical and indulgent all at once.

Beyond holidays: why it stays in rotation

What makes SKARONG even better is that it doesn’t get relegated to holiday-only status. It works for weekends, pool days, kids’ birthday parties near water, coastal walks, barbecues and spontaneous summer plans.

It’s also a dream for travel beyond family holidays. It packs down small, doesn’t crease easily and gives you multiple outfits without extra weight. For parents who rarely travel light by choice, that’s a game-changer.

Our verdict for parents

SKARONG feels like it was designed by someone who understands what parents actually need from their clothes. Fewer pieces. More flexibility. Less thinking. More living.

The fabric is genuinely beautiful. The design is clever without being complicated. The sustainability story feels considered. And the versatility is real, not just marketing talk.

When your suitcase is already full of nappies, spare clothes and “just in case” items, SKARONG earns its spot. One piece. All the plans. And finally, something in the bag that’s just for you.

Disclaimer: Product was kindly gifted. Coverage was not guaranteed and all opinions are based on personal experience.