Galician fast fashion retailer Zara is selling an Indian lungi-style skirt for £69.99 British pounds or approximately S$129. The garment, which is described as a “check mini skirt”, bears a striking resemblance to the sarong typically worn by men in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar among other nations.
Unlike traditional sarongs which come in a variety of patterns and colors, the skirt sold on Zara only comes in the brown check pattern. The retailer describes the item as such on their UK online store: “flowing skirt with draped detail in the front, slit detail at the hem. Zip fastening in the back hidden along the seam.”
While the item is not yet available for purchase in Singapore, similar looking garments can be easily purchased for much much cheaper at stores at Little India. A quality lungi (or kaili, as known in many Singapore households) costs between S$10-S$20 in Little India – a sizeable S$100 cheaper than the Zara version.