Blue and Polynesian Forest Yellow Papeete Market Pareo

Inspired by Tahiti’s lush vegetation, this pareo from the Papeete Market combines a gorgeous blue-and-yellow gradient with motifs of tropical foliage, flowers, and natural textures. Entirely handmade in Tahiti from cotton voile, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Lightweight, vibrant, and comfortable to wear, it’s the same style of pareo found on the stalls of the famous Papeete Market.

Evoking the lush landscapes of Polynesia, this blue and yellow “Polynesian Forest” pareo combines vibrant hues reminiscent of the lagoon, the sun, and tropical vegetation. Its motifs of foliage, flowers, and nature-inspired textures create a harmonious and luminous design. Made of cotton voile, it measures approximately 110 x 175 cm—an ideal size for wearing in a variety of ways.

SOLD WITH A TOTE BAG MADE IN TAHITI

Important: Photosare for illustrative purposes only. Each pareo is entirely handmade in Tahiti. The pareo you receive will feature the same dominant colors, theme, and patterns as the one shown in the photo, but their arrangement, intensity, or certain details may vary slightly. These variations are part of the charm of a handcrafted creation and ensure that each pareo is a one-of-a-kind piece.

HANDCRAFTED

This Tahitian sarong is made in Tahiti using a traditional method called Tie & Dye, or tie-dyeing. This artisanal technique involves dyeing the fabric to create unique color gradients. Once the dyeing is complete, stencils are delicately placed on the fabric. The pareo is then left in the sun: the areas protected by the stencils naturally lighten, while the exposed areas retain their color, revealing the distinctive patterns.

This method is still widely used by Polynesian families who handcraft their pareos. Some also use fern leaves, coconut palm fronds, foliage from their gardens, or even fishing nets to create unique effects.

The dye used is made in Moorea. Solvent-free, it produces bright, vibrant colors that are particularly lightfast, allowing the pareo to retain its intensity over time.

Each pareo is handmade. As a result, it may have slight irregularities, some color variations, or even very small residues of plant fibers or threads that need to be removed. These details are not defects but are evidence of genuine craftsmanship, created by a Polynesian family in Tahiti. This is a far cry from mass production: you’re discovering a local, authentic pareo, just like those sold at the Papeete market.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

The cotton fabric naturally feels slightly stiffer before its first wash, due to the artisanal dyeing process. After the first cold wash, the fabric regains its full suppleness and becomes exceptionally soft.

For the first wash, we recommend washing the pareo separately to prevent color transfer to other fabrics. After that, washing in cold water will help preserve the vibrancy of the colors over time.

TIPS FOR WEARING THE PAREO

Thanks to its generous dimensions (110 x 175 cm), this sarong adapts to any style. Wear it tied around your waist like a skirt, turn it into a beach dress, drape it over your shoulders as a shawl, or wear it as a scarf on summer evenings. Lightweight and breathable, it’s perfect for a day at the beach, relaxing by the pool, or a stroll while on vacation.