Obi for kimono

Kimono are full-length robes traditionally worn by both men and women in Japan. Though there are many different types of kimono, obi are worn with all of them, and function both to keep the robe closed and in place on the body, and as decoration. Obi were traditionally made of silk, and silk is still the most traditional,formal and fashionable material for obi.

Women's kimono obi are...

Women's kimono obi are twice as wide as men's or more, and are frequently very decorative and colourful,
though this will depend on the age of the wearer, the type and style of kimono, the season, and the occasion for which it is being worn.
Women's obi are wrapped one or more times around the waist, and are not only much wider but are tied much higher up,
generally with the top just under the breasts.
Women use various styles of knots, including the kai no kuchi in Japanese, literally 'clam's mouth'
however more typically women's obi are tied in a so-called drum knot, a large roll at the back, usually enhanced and shaped with padding called makura,
literally "pillows." Unlike men, women tie the knot at the centre of the back.

Men's kimono obi are...

Men's kimono obi are rectangular, usually about five or six centimetres wide and two metres or more in length.
They are usually seen in dark colours such as black and blue, and typically have little decoration,
though decorative stitching in a contrasting colour, often white, is common.
Men's obi are also wrapped one or more times around the waist and are tied slightly off-centre at the back,
most commonly in the style of knot called kai no kuchi in Japanese, though there are other knots as well.
Men's obi are normally worn quite low on the waist, somewhat below the stomach.

Obi for hakama

Obi is also worn under hakama, a type of divided skirt traditionally worn by men with kimono,
however now occasionally worn by women as well such as a college or university graduation ceremony.
Men wear a normal kimono obi under hakama for mainly wedding,
tied in a special knot that provides support for the stiff board at the back of the garment.

Obi for yukata

Yukata is a light summer kimono, worn by both men and women.
Yukata obi are frequently more colourful and may be made of a variety of fabrics such as cotton and hemp etc.
Some men's yukata obi are similar to or the same as kimono obi,
while others feature decorative tassels or are made of very wide strips of cotton which are gathered at the ends
and are tied loosely around the waist and secured with a bow at the back.
Women often tie yukata obi in various decorative knots, most popularly a large bow.