How is an obi worn?
For women, the obi is tied around the abdomen, whereas for men it is lower, around the waist or above the hips. As for front vs back, that depends on the knot that you’re using. Originally when the obi was used as a simple belt, they would be tied at the front.
What do you do with Japanese obi?
Large, folded pieces are made with beautiful recycled obi, meant to be displayed as art pieces. They can be used as wall hangings, table centerpieces, or even wrapped around lighting fixtures or flower arrangements.
How do you tie an obi knot?
Loop the top portion of the obi down through the portion of the sash that was wrapped around the waist the second time. Pull the bottom end up, over, and through the top loop. Place the second end down and through. Pull both ends down through the loops and tighten securely.
What is Kaku obi?
Kaku obi are a stiff thin style of traditional belt worn with kimono. Initially worn by men, it has found use in traditional martial arts for securing swords, aiding breathing and complimenting your chakuso. Most often used in Iaido, but also Kendo and Koryu practice. Approximately 390cm by 9.5cm.
How do you wear a kimono respectfully?
Kimono Rule #1: Left over Right Always wear the left side over the right side. Only dead people have their kimono worn right over left. So unless you are at your own funeral, remember this basic but important rule for wearing a kimono! A useful and amuzing memory aid for this rule is the phrase “leftover rice”.
Is wearing a kimono disrespectful?
In short, you will not be viewed as ‘stealing’ Japanese culture if you wear a kimono and you are respectful when doing so. In fact, many Japanese would be pleased to see you wear a kimono as it demonstrates your passion for Japanese culture.
What does it mean when an obi is tied in the front?
For most Japanese people, WWII transformed the everyday, personal fashions of kimono into exacting formalwear. In such climate, wearing the obi tied in front is unthinkably improper for all but the very elderly.
Where can I buy a Nagoya obi?
Hopefully, the shop where you purchased your obi explained these items and included them in your purchase, but if not, you may be able to find them in online kimono shops or buy them on your next visit to Japan. To tie a Nagoya obi, you obviously need to have a Nagoya obi. These obi are common for everyday use.
How to wear an obijime?
Take the obijime and fold it in half. Holding it in one hand, pass it through the loop in the bow to the other hand, binding the excess obi material to your back. Bring both ends to the front and hold them tightly in one hand. At this point, the obijime should be holding the obi in place.
How do you wear an obi?
Holding the obi with the folded end closest to your body, turn yourself one full rotation clockwise while wrapping the obi around your midsection just below the bustline. Pull the obi as tight as possible around yourself. Holding the obi, make another full rotation clockwise.
How do you tie an obi with koshi himo?
Slip the remaining length of obi (the wide end) through the crook of your right arm to get it out of your way. Grab one of the koshi-himo ties in your right hand and pass it to your left hand behind your back. Using the koshi-himo, tie the obi in place temporarily.