So, one can wear one of the pieces of cloth around the waist...

So, one can wear one of the pieces of cloth around the waist in whatever way he wishes and place the other piece over the shoulders, or use it as a robe. However, as a matter of precaution, the two pieces should be worn in the traditional way. Rule 188: Most evidently (alal adhhar), wearing the two pieces of cloth is obligatory as a matter of obedience in worship, yet it is not a condition for the validity of the ihram.

Rule 189: As a matter of precaution, it is necessary that the piece of cloth worn round the waist should cover the portion from the navel to the knee; the other piece should cover both the shoulders,…