malloryray.com

This fully patterned obi is the most elegant and most formal of obi. There is only one seam as the fabric is folded in two length-wise and sewn together along one side. It has beautiful designs that are woven, gilded or embroidered.

The fukuro obi ranks next to the maru obi. The front side is either sixty percent or fully patterned and the reverse side is left plain. This obi can be worn with any type of kimono (except Uchikake).

Simpler and lighter than the fukuro or maru obi. The Nagoya obi is characterized by a portion of the obi being pre-folded and stitched in half. The narrow part wraps around the waist and the wider piece forms the bow in the back. It is much easier to tie than the fukuro or maru obi.

This obi is half the width of other obi and is very informal. Usually the fabric and design of this obi are of a simpler style. This type of obi is traditionally worn with the yukata. It is very much in demand in Japan. Younger kimono wearers love this kind of obi, because it is easy to tie and to invent new knots.

This is usually a men’s obi. It is smaller than a hanhaba obi. It is designed with geometric patterns and subdued colors. It can vary in formality with the material and what the man is wearing.

This type of obi can be a women’s or a men’s obi. The picture is of a men’s obi, with dark and subdued colors. A women’s obi is brightly colored. This type of obi is mainly decorated with shibori and is a soft fabric. It is much like a longer, wider obi age. This is very informal, often worn with yukata. It is tied in a simple bow on women and a loose knot on men.