Obi Vintage Kimono Belt

An obi is an important piece of the traditional Japanese kimono and the keikogi (conventional attire for martial arts). An obi is a sash that completes the whole clothing ensemble. Both men and women can wear an obi. Kimonos for men have a much narrower obi, around 3.9 in. wide, while a woman’s formal obi can be as wide as 12 in. and as long as 13 ft. The main purpose of an obi is to secure a kimono and keep it closed. But nowadays, obis for women’s kimonos are more extravagant and can rival a peacock’s feathers. They are made wider, more decorative , with under-sashes and ribbons, and there are several ways to tie knots.