292/603
[ stop the slideshow ]

The obi, square and plain

The obi, square and plain.jpg The haoriThumbnailsThe kimono, rear and front viewThe haoriThumbnailsThe kimono, rear and front viewThe haoriThumbnailsThe kimono, rear and front viewThe haoriThumbnailsThe kimono, rear and front viewThe haoriThumbnailsThe kimono, rear and front viewThe haoriThumbnailsThe kimono, rear and front view

The obi, or sash, is about four inches wide and varies in length from twelve feet and a half to fourteen. It is usually of the same material on both sides and can be worn either side out. It is stitched along one edge and stiffened with a padding. This is the regular sash, commonly called the square obi; but when we are at home, go out for a walk, or visit an intimate friend, we prefer another kind of sash, which is a piece of white crêpe, about ten feet long and varying in width from a foot and a quarter to two feet, and stitched at the ends to prevent their fraying. It is much more comfortable than the other.