Obi - a belt, part of the Japanese national costume. Worn by both men and women. In man embodiment is used with the aim of a more practical (mainly for training), and so narrow - 10 cm, the node is relatively simple.
The value of the obi in the women's version of no less great than the kimono over which he fastened, front or rear, a complex knot. The structure of the site and pattern on silk brocade are also important, and talking about the social status of girls and women, as well as about the event, after which the wearing apparel. The width of the female obi belts to an average of 30 cm, length may exceed 3 meters, and weight - 1 kg.
To shape and stiffness under a female obi usually fixed several auxiliary belts, special pad (obi-Makura), and the belt is fixed lace obi-dzime.
A simpler version of Obi nowadays are made of polyester, they are not very wide, do not require additional internal zones and complement everyday kimono and yukata.