Obi

The obi is a long rectangular piece of cloth that wraps around the kimono at the waist.
There are two types of obis: formal and informal. Also, the obi worn by men is narrower than that worn by women.

Materials include silk, cotton and linen. Most obis are woven, but dyed obis are also available. There are so many different types of obis, especially for women, but one simple way to distinguish formal from informal is the degree of glittering gorgeousness!

Obis for formal wear are matched with tomesode (a formal kimono worn by married women), houmongi (visiting kimono), and furisode.

Hukuro obi(Double-woven obi)

Fukuro obi is a typical obi. It is tailored like a pouch with an outer fabric and a lining.
It is the same width as the ‘Nagoya obi’ but much longer.

There are various ways to wear an obi, determined by the kimono with which it is paired.
The furisode is often tied in an elaborate fashion to form the shape of a ribbon or flower.
Other kimonos such as tsukesage, Visiting kimono, and komon are tied with the more modest ‘o-taiko’ knot, which is a square knot showcasing the fabric pattern of the obi.