Instructions for Pre-Tied Obi Belts

Pre-tied obis are much simpler to put on than true obis.

The obi belt is an important part of traditional Japanese clothing. It holds your kimono closed, offers a bright splash of color and gives your kimono a finished, elegant look. The only trouble with obi belts is that they can be very complicated to tie, especially when you're by yourself.

If you want to wear traditional Japanese clothing without complication, try a tsukuri, or pre-tied, obi belt. Pre-tied obis come with a clip-on bow that's separate from the belt itself.

Things You'll Need

• Kimono
• Tsukuri belt: bow and obi sash

Instructions

1. Slip on your kimono and tie the hanging straps on the right edge of the kimono to the straps on the inside of the left lapel. Tie the single strap on left edge of the kimono to the strap on the right hip of your kimono.

2. Hold up the obi sash by the strap in the upper left corner and the top edge. Press the upper left corner against your ribcage just below your left breast.

3. Wrap the obi sash around your waist twice. Tie the straps in the upper left and right obi sash corners into a bow. The obi sash should feel snug around your torso.

4. Turn the sash so the straps sit in the center of your back.

5. Examine the obi bow. You should see a plastic clip on the back of the bow along with two straps. Slide the plastic clip down between your shoulder blades, seating it between the back of your kimono and the obi sash. Bring the bow straps forward and tie them under your chest.

References

• Shimazakura: How to Wear Tsukuri Obi
• EBay: How to Wear a Yukata Obi