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Kimono obi come in different styles for women, men, and children, varying in pattern, length, width, material, and how they are wrapped and tied. Women wear the most intricate styles, including the formal maru obi and the long darari obi, while men and children wear simpler versions. Kimono and obi are still worn in Japan at various stages of life.
There are several different types of kimono obi, that is, the sash attached to traditional Japanese attire known as the kimono. The style of the kimono obi varies by pattern, length, width, material, and the way it is wrapped and tied among women, men, and children. Among these groups, an obi kimono will vary depending on where it is worn.
Women wear different styles of kimono obi. The most formal, known as the maru obi, is very thick, long, and stiff. It is traditionally made from very heavy and ornate brocade fabric and is often tied into a large knot with a train. This style is most common among geishas, meaning Japanese female performers, and is worn by brides at very formal and elegant weddings.
For other formal matters, Japanese women commonly wear the darari obi. It is usually brocaded where the knot is tied and brocaded or silk on the band. It is very long, often 20 feet (6 meters), and is the traditional outfit for apprentice geisha. The fukuro obi is characterized by the large bag in which it is tied and is used for important celebrations and less formal weddings.
For informal events, the hoso obi is the most popular variant. It is usually made of silk, often a different color on each side, and can be styled and twisted in many different ways for festivals and parties. The nagogya kimono obi is worn for everyday wear. It is usually worn as a sash or with a small knot, and unlike more formal obis, it is lightweight and easy to put on and take off. Dancers often wear odori obis, which are usually long and tied to accentuate the dance moves.
Unlike women, men and children wear much less intricate styles of an obi kimono. For formal events, men wear thin kaku obis. They are usually stripped in pattern and made of very heavy and thick material. The way they are tied determines the formality of the dress. At home and among close family and friends, the heko obi is worn. This variant is often made of smooth, light silk and is very wide with little to no train. This style of obi kimono is rarely worn in public except by young children.
A child’s kimono obi usually has a short train and is easy to get on and off, making it much more kid-friendly than the adult versions. A tsuke can be used at formal events, while a shigoki is used at parties and festivals. These are often made of silk, although brocade versions can be worn by young girls for very special events. The sanjaku is for daily use. It usually has no train, and is knotted in a rigid square with cardboard reinforcement or excess fabric in part of the band. While the Japanese often wear Western or European attire, both the young and old wear kimonos and obis at various stages of their lives.
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