Obi (帯, おび) is a Japanese word referring to several different types of sashes worn with kimono and keikogi by both men and women.

Obi and traditional Japanese clothing

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Obi are the top-most sash worn with various styles of Japanese clothing; several other sashes may be worn under the obi to secure the clothing in place and/or to enhance the shape of the body or of the uppermost sash.

Except in martial arts, obi are always tied at the back -- traditionally one knotted the obi in its final position, but many people now tie the obi at the front where the knots can easily be seen, and then twist the sash into the correct position. In former times, courtesans and prostitutes wore obi tied at the front for easy removal and retying.

Kimono

Kimono are full-length robes traditionally worn by both men and women in Japan. Though there are many different types of kimono, obi are worn with all of them, and function both to keep the robe closed and in place on the body, and as decoration. Obi were traditionally made of silk, and silk is still the most traditional and formal material for obi.

Men's kimono obi are rectangular, usually about five or six centimetres wide and two metres or more in length. They are usually seen in dark colours such as black and blue, and typically have little decoration, though decorative stitching in a contrasting colour, often white, is common. Men's obi are wrapped one or more times around the waist and are tied slightly off-centre at the back, most commonly in the style of knot called kai no kuchi (貝の口), literally "clam's mouth," though there are other knots as well. Men's obi are normally worn quite low on the waist, somewhat below the stomach.

Women's kimono obi are twice as wide as men's or more, and are frequently very decorative and colourful, though this will depend on the age of the wearer, the type and style of kimono, the season, and the occasion for which it is being worn.

Women's obi are also wrapped one or more times around the waist, and are not only much wider but are tied much higher up, generally with the top just under the breasts. Women also use various styles of knots, including the kai no kuchi, but more typically women's obi are tied in a so-called drum knot, a large roll at the back, usually enhanced and shaped with padding called makura, literally "pillows." Unlike men, women tie the knot at the centre of the back.

Hakama

Obi are also worn under hakama, a type of skirt traditionally worn by men with kimono, but now occasionally worn by women as well. Men wear a normal kimono obi under hakama, tied in a special knot that provides support for the stiff board at the back of the garment.

Yukata

Yukata are light summer kimono worn by both men and women. Yukata obi are frequently more colourful and may be made of a variety of fabrics. Some men's yukata obi are similar to or the same as kimono obi, while others feature decorative tassels or are made of very wide strips of cotton which are gathered at the ends and are tied loosely around the waist and secured with a bow at the back.

Women often tie yukata obi in various decorative knots, most popularly a large bow.

Obi and martial arts

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Obi are worn with several martial arts uniforms. They are typically thick cotton, about five centimetres (two inches) wide, often corresponding to the wearer's rank in his or her school or sport. The usual range is from white belt for beginners to black for experienced practitioners. The highest ranks in some styles will wear a gold obi, or one with alternating red and white sections. They are tied one or more times around the waist and secured in a knot at the front.

Japanese terms | Japanese clothing

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