black crystal: japanese clothing

this is my second post this week,about japanese clothing, if you're confused,just take a lokk at the gallery.enjoy^_^

Japanese clothing
kimono
The kimono (着物)is a Japanese traditional garment worn by men, women and children. The word "kimono", which literally means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"), has come to denote these full-length robes. The standard plural of the word kimono in English is kimonos, but the unmarked Japanese plural kimono is also sometimes used.
Kimono are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimono are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial.), and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back. Kimono are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi).

Parts of kimono
• Dōura (胴裏?): upper lining on a woman's kimono.
• Eri (衿?): collar.
• Fuki: hem guard.
• Furi: sleeve below the armhole.
• Maemigoro (前身頃?): front main panel, excluding sleeves. The covering portion of the other side of the back, maemigoro is divided into "right maemigoro" and "left maemigoro".
• Miyatsukuchi: opening under the sleeve.
• Okumi (衽?): front inside panel situated on the front edge of the left and right, excluding the sleeve of a kimono. Until the collar, down to the bottom of the dress goes, up and down part of the strip of cloth. Have sewn the front body. It is also called "袵".
• Sode (袖?): sleeve.[5]
• Sodeguchi (袖口?): sleeve opening.
• Sodetsuke (袖付?): kimono armhole.
• Susomawashi (裾回し?): lower lining.
• Tamoto (袂?): sleeve pouch.
• Tomoeri (共衿?): over-collar (collar protector).
• Uraeri (裏襟?): inner collar.
• Ushiromigoro (後身頃?): back main panel, excluding sleeves, covering the back portion. They are basically sewn back-centered and consist of "right ushiromigoro" and "left ushiromigoro", but for wool fabric, the ushiromigoro consists of one piece.
Types of kimono
1.furoside
A furisode (振袖, lit. swinging sleeves) is a style of kimono distinguishable by its long sleeves, which range in length from 85 centimeters for a kofurisode (小振袖) to 114 centimeters for an ōfurisode (大振袖).
Furisode are the most formal style of kimono worn by unmarried women in Japan.
The furisode is made of very fine, brightly colored silk, and is commonly rented or bought by parents for their daughters to wear when celebrating Coming of Age Day the year they turn 20. By wearing a furisode, a young woman signifies that she is both single and a legal adult, and thus available for marriage. In this sense, a furisode might be likened to the formal gowns worn by debutantes in the West.
The furisode is generally worn for formal social functions such as the tea ceremony or weddingceremonies of relatives. Since furisodes can be quite expensive, many women rent them as needed rather than purchasing them.
Historically, whenever a man wore a furisode, it was a sign that he was the warrior's lover.

2.Hōmongi
(訪問着): literally translates as visiting wear. Characterized by patterns that flow over the shoulders, seams and sleeves, hōmongi rank slightly higher than their close relative, the tsukesage. Hōmongi may be worn by both married and unmarried women; often friends of the bride will wear hōmongi at weddings (except relatives) and receptions. They may also be worn to formal parties.
Pongee Hōmongi were made to promote kimono after WWII. Pongee is used for casual clothes, so they are not for formal occasions no matter how expensive they are.
Iromuji
(色無地)iromuji is a single-colored kimono that may be worn by married and unmarried women. They are mainly worn to tea ceremonies. The dyed silk may be figured (rinzu, similar to jacquard), but has no differently colored patterns.
Komon
(小紋): "fine pattern". Kimono with a small, repeated pattern throughout the garment. This style is more casual and may be worn around town, or dressed up with a formal obi for a restaurant. Both married and unmarried women may wear komon.
Edo komon
(江戸小紋): is a type of komon characterized by tiny dots arranged in dense patterns that form larger designs. The Edo komon dyeing technique originated with the samurai class during the Edo period. A kimono with this type of pattern is of the same formality as an iromuji, and when decorated with kamon, may be worn as visiting wear (equivalent to a tsukesage or hōmongi).
Mofuku
Mofuku is formal mourning dress for men or women. Both men and women wear kimono of plain black silk with five kamon over white undergarments and white tabi. For women, the obi and all accessories are also black. Men wear a subdued obi and black and white or black and gray striped hakama with black or white zori.
The completely black mourning ensemble is usually reserved for family and others who are close to the deceased.
]Tomesode
Irotomesode
(色留袖): single-color kimono, patterned only below the waistline. Irotomesode are slightly less formal than kurotomesode, and are worn by married women, usually close relatives of the bride and groom at weddings. An irotomesode may have three or five kamon.
Kurotomesode
(黒留袖): a black kimono patterned only below the waistline, kurotomesode are the most formal kimono for married women. They are often worn by the mothers of the bride and groom at weddings. Kurotomesode usually have five kamon printed on the sleeves, chest and back of the kimono.
Tsukesage
(付け下げ): has more modest patterns that cover a smaller area—mainly below the waist—than the more formal hōmongi. They may also be worn by married women.The differences from homongi is the size of the pattern, seam connection, and not same clothes at inside and outside at "hakke." As demitoilet, not used in important occasion, but light patterned homongi is more highly rated than classic patterned tsukesage. General tsukesage is often used for parties, not ceremonies.
Uchikake
Uchikake is a highly formal kimono worn only by a bride or at a stage performance. The Uchikake is often heavily brocaded and is supposed to be worn outside the actual kimono and obi, as a sort of coat. One therefore never ties the obi around the uchikake. It is supposed to trail along the floor, this is also why it is heavily padded along the hem. The uchikake of the bridal costume is either white or very colorful often with red as the base color.
Susohiki / Hikizuri
The susohiki is mostly worn by geisha or by stage performers of the traditional Japanese dance. It is quite long, compared to regular kimono, because the skirt is supposed to trail along the floor. Susohiki literally means "trail the skirt". Where a normal kimono for women is normally 1.5–1.6 m (4.7–5.2 ft) long, a susohiki can be up to 2 m (6.3 ft) long. This is also why geisha and maiko lift their kimono skirt when walking outside, also to show their beautiful underkimono or "nagajuban" (see below).

Yukata
A yukata (浴衣?) is a Japanese garment, a casual summer kimono usually made of cotton or synthetic fabric, and unlined. Yukata are worn by both men and women. Like other forms of traditional Japanese clothing, yukata are made with straight seams and wide sleeves. Men's yukata are distinguished by the shorter sleeve extension of approximately 10cm from the armpit seam, compared to the longer 20cm sleeve extension in women's yukata. A standard yukata ensemble consists of a cotton undergarment (juban), yukata, obi, bare feet, sandals (geta), a foldable or fixed hand fan, and a carry bag (kinchaku). Kinchaku are used by both men and women to carry cellphones, sunglasses, wallets and tissue. For men, an optional hat or derby may also be worn to protect the head from the sun. Yukata literally means bath(ing) clothes, although their use is not limited to after-bath wear. Yukata are a common sight in Japan during the hot summer months (starting in July).
. As with kimono, the general rule with yukata is that younger people wear bright, vivid colors and bold patterns, while older people wear dark, matured colors and dull patterns. A child may wear a multicolored print and a young woman may wear a floral print, while an older woman would confine herself to a traditional dark blue with geometric patterns. Men in general may wear solid dark colors.
Yukata are worn at outdoor summer events such as hanabi (fireworks) displays and bon-odori festivals. Yukata are also worn at Japanese inns ryokan after bathing.

Hachimaki
A hachimaki (鉢巻, ""helmet-scarf."") is a stylized headband (bandana) in Japanese culture, usually made of red or white cloth, worn as a symbol of perseverance or effort by the wearer. These are worn on many occasions, for example, by sports spectators, by women giving birth, students in cram school, office workers, expert tradesmen taking pride in their work, bōsōzoku (teen biker gangs) and even rioters.
Fundoshi
Fundoshi (褌?) is the traditional Japanese undergarment for adult males, made from a length of cotton. Before World War II, the fundoshi was the main form of underwear for Japanese adult males. However it fell out of use quickly after the war with the introduction of new underwear to the Japanese market, such as briefs and trunks.
Nowadays, the fundoshi is mainly used not as underwear but as festival (matsuri) clothing at Hadaka Matsuri(naked festival) or, sometimes, as swimwear.

hanten
Hanten (袢纏; also 半纏, 半天 or 袢天?), a short winter coat, is an item of traditionalJapanese clothing. The coat started to be worn, especially by the common people, in the 18th century during the Edo period.
The shape of the hanten bears a resemblance to the haori and is worn by both males and females. The facing and lining are padded with thick layer of wadded cotton for warmth. The collar is usually made of black sateen. Hanten often display a family crest or other designs.

hakama
Hakama (袴?) are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. They were originally worn only by men, but today they are worn by both men and women. Hakama are tied at the waist and fall approximately to the ankles. Hakama are worn over a kimono (hakamashita)[citation needed].
There are two types of hakama, divided umanori (馬乗り?, literally horse-riding hakama) and undivided andon bakama (行灯袴?, lit., lantern hakama). The umanori type have divided legs, similar to trousers. Both these types appear similar. A "mountain" or "field" type of umanorihakama was traditionally worn by field or forest workers. They are looser in the waist and narrower in the leg.
Hakama are secured by four straps (himo); two longer himo attached on either side of the front of the garment, and two shorter himo attached on either side of the rear. The rear of the garment has a rigid trapezoidal section, called a koshi-ita (腰板?). Below that on the inside is ahakama-dome (袴止め)[citation needed] (a spoon-shaped component sometimes referred to as ahera) which is tucked into the obi or himo at the rear, and helps to keep the hakama in place.
Hakama have seven deep pleats, two on the back and five on the front. The pleats are said to represent the seven virtues of bushido, considered essential to the samurai way. Although they appear balanced, the arrangement of the front pleats, (three to the right, two to the left) is asymmetrical, and as such is an example of asymmetry in Japanese aesthetics.

happi
Happi (法被, 半被) is a traditional Japanese straight-sleeved coat usually made of indigo or brown cotton and imprinted with a distinctive mon (crest). They are usually worn only to festivals. Originally, these represented the crest of a family, as happi were worn by house servants. Later, the coats commonly began to display the crests of shops and organisations. Firefighters in the past also used to wear happi; the symbol on their backs referred to the group with which they were associated.[1] In English, "happi" is most often translated as "happi coat" or "happy coat".

jinbei
A jinbei (甚平?), alternately jinbē (甚兵衛?) or hippari (ひっぱり?), is a kind of traditionalJapanese clothing worn by men, women, boys, girls, and even babies during the summer. Women's jinbei have started to become popular in recent years.
Jinbei are usually worn as a form of nightwear or house wear. Normally, male Japanese would wear jinbei only within their own homes, or outside the home when in close proximity to it (for example, to collect the mail or go on a local errand, or sometimes even while shopping or dining at a local restaurant). Sometimes jinbei are used as substitute for yukata during a summer festival, typically by men and boys but also frequently by young women. Ladies' jinbeitend to be more brightly coloured and often feature prints of popular culture characters and motifs.
The whale shark is also known as jinbei-zame (ジンベイザメ Jinbei shark?) in Japanese language due to its skin patterns resembling those of jinbei robes.
Jinbei sets consist of a top and matching shorts, although some have long pants and some come with both short and long pants. Traditional jinbei are made from hemp or cotton and are dyed a uniform color, often indigo, blue or green (though modern jinbei frequently have prints ranging from simple textures or lines to complicated and colorful floral patterns). The top resembles a short-sleeved or sleeveless jacket that falls to the hips. It ties closed both inside and outside the jacket, with the inside tied first, the jacket folded over to the person's left, and then tying the outside.
The seam for jinbei is very loosely woven to allow for ventilation during hot weather while retaining coverage.
junihitoe
The jūnihitoe (十二単衣?) is an extremely elegant and highly complex kimono that was only worn by court-ladies in Japan. Literally translated, it means "twelve-layer robe". The older term, still used by scholars but not widely recognised in mainstream Japan, isKaraginu Mo (唐衣裳?). This is in reference to its Chinese coat (Karaginu) and apron-like train (Mo), the defining parts of the costume. The total weight could add up to 20 kilograms.
The colours and the arrangements of the layers are very important. The colours have poetic names, such as "crimson plum of the spring". The only place where the layers are discernible is around the sleeves and the neck. The arrangements of the layers and their colours were a good indication to any outsider what taste and what rank the lady had. Apart from their robes, Japanese court ladies also wore their hair very long, only cut at the sides of their faces in a layered fashion; the longer hair was sometimes worn tied back.
An important accessory was an elaborate fan, which could be tied together by a rope when folded. This was used by the lady not only to cool herself, since it could get very hot, but it was also an important communication device. Since a lady was not allowed to speak face-to-face to a male outsider, she could hold her sleeve up or use her opened fan to shield herself from inquiring looks. Communication to a suitor had to follow with her normally hiding behind the sudare (screen or blinds) in any case. The suitor could only see the sleeves of her jūnihitoe that were peeking underneath the blinds. This practice was prominent during the Heian-Era, being frequently and accurately described in the Tale of Genji (jp: Genji monogatari).
The movement in such a robe could be difficult due to its weight. Ladies actually slept in their jūnihitoe sometimes, using it as a form of pajamas. Layers could be shed or kept, depending on the season and the night temperatures. During the Muromachi-Era, however, the dress was sometimes reduced to five robes (known as a "five-layer robe").
Today the jūnihitoe can only be seen in museums, in movies, or at certain festivals. Production of jūnihitoe has almost died out. These robes are priceless and are one of the most expensive items of Japanese clothing. Only the Imperial Household still uses them at some important functions. During the wedding of Masako, Crown Princess of Japan to the crown prince, she wore a jūnihitoe for the official ceremony.
The Saiō Matsuri Saiō Festival is held every in Meiwa, Mie and showcases Heian era dresses. They are also featured at the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto
Parts of junihitoe
• The undergarments: Usually a two-piece cotton or silk garment.
• Kosode: A short silk red or white robe of ankle or lower calf length.
• Nagabakama: A very long red pleated split skirt which can also be worn by men.
• Hitoe: An unlined silk robe; usually red, white or blue-green, although other colors (such as dark red-violet or dark green) very rarely occur.
• Uchigi: A series of brightly coloured unlined robes which create a layered effect.
• Uchiginu: A beaten scarlet silk robe worn as a stiffener and support for the outer robes.
• Uwagi: A patterned woven and decorated silk robe than is shorter and narrower than theUchiginu.
• Kouchigi: (lit., "small cloak") a shorter brocade robe worn over the uchigi or uwagi to add some formality on occasions when the karaginu and mo were NOT worn
• Karaginu: A waist length Chinese style jacket.
• "Mo": An apron-like train, down the back of the robe. White with painted/embroidered adornment.
kiahan
Kiahan (kyahan) are cloth leggings worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.
Kaihan were worn as padding underneath the samurai shin armour (suneate). Some types of kaihan could be covered with chain armour (kusari kaihan or kaihan suneate), these were worn by foot soldiers ashigaru or by samurai as protection.[2] Kiahan were worn by ordinary travelers as protection from cold, insects and underbrush. Kiahan are often made of linen, but other materials such as cotton can be employed. Kiahan components depend on the season. When tying kiahan, the inner cords are shorter than the outer ones; it is also advisable that the cords are tied on the inner side of the legs instead of on the front or outer area. This helps prevent discomfort when the stiff suneate shin-guards are placed over the kiahan.

samue
Samue (作務衣 samue) is the work clothing of Japanese Zen Buddhist monks, worn when engaged in samu.
Made from cotton or linen and traditionally dyed brown or indigo to distinguish them from formal vestments, samue are worn by monks of most Japanese Buddhist traditions. performing labour duty such as temple maintenance and field work.
In modern times they have become popular as general casual or work wear. Shakuhachi players today, because of the instrument's historical association with Zen Buddhism, sometimes wear samue.

sokutai
The sokutai (束帯) is complex attire only worn by courtiers, aristocrats and the emperor at the court inJapan. Part of a sokutai are the shaku (笏), a flat ritual baton or sceptre, and a hat called kanmuri(冠)
No longer in normal use, the sokutai is however still worn by imperial court members and government officials (including the Prime Minister) on rare occasions such as weddings and enthronement ceremonies.

uwagi
An Uwagi (上衣) is a kimono-like jacket worn in Japan. It is most familiar as the top half of a martial arts uniform.
The third element, the obi belt, ties closed the uwagi and holds up the zubon.
In some martial arts, the set is completed by a hakama which might be worn over or instead of the zubon.

shitagi
Shitagi (下着, lit. "under clothing") (also gusoku shita), a type of shirt worn by theSamurai class of feudal Japan when they were wearing full armour.[1] The shitagi was the second garment to be put on, coming second only to the Fundoshi (Japan loincloth). The shitagi was like a short kimono with a button at the neck and an thin attached waist cord (obi). There are several different types of shitagi. The shitagi would be put on as though it were a kimono, the left hand being put first into its sleeve, and then the right, the neck would then buttoned and the waist cord finally tied at the back.

obi

Obi (帯, おび , literally "sash"?) is a sash for traditional Japanese dress,keikogi worn for Japanese martial arts, and part of kimono outfits.
The obi for men's kimono is rather narrow, 10 centimetres (3.9 in) wide at most, but a woman's formal obi can be 30 centimetres (12 in) wide and more than 4 metres (13 ft) long. Nowadays, a woman's wide and decorative obi does not keep the kimono closed; this is done by different undersashes and ribbons worn underneath the obi. The obi itself often requires the use of stiffeners and ribbons for definition of shape and decoration.
Obi’s are categorised by their design, formality, material, and use. Informal obis are narrower and shorter
Women’s obi
The wide women's obi is folded in two when worn, to a width of about 15 centimetres (5.9 in) to 20 centimetres (7.9 in). It is considered elegant to tie the obi so that the folded width is in harmony with the wearer's body dimensions. Usually this means about a tenth of her height. The full width of the obi is present only in the decorative knot, musubi.
A woman's obi is worn in a fancy musubi knot. There are dozens of ways to tie an obi, and different knots are suited to different occasions and different kimonos.
There are many different types of women's obi, and the usage of them is regulated by many unwritten rules not unlike those that concern the kimono itself. Certain types of obi are used with certain types of kimono; the obis of married and unmarried women are tied in different ways. Often the obi adjusts the formality and fanciness of the whole kimono outfit: the same kimono can be worn to very different situations depending on what kind of obi is worn with it.[6]
Women's obi types
• Darari obi (だらり帯)
• Fukuro obi (袋帯 , "pouch obi")
• Fukuro Nagoya obi (袋名古屋帯) or hassun Nagoya obi (八寸名古屋帯 )
• Hoso obi (細帯) "thin sash”
• Hanhaba obi (半幅帯 or 半巾帯 , "half width obi")
• Kobukuro obi (小袋)
• Hara-awase obi (典雅帯?) or chūya obi
• Heko obi (兵児帯 , "soft obi")
• Hitoe obi (単帯?) means "one-layer obi".
• Kyōbukuro obi (京袋帯 , "capital fukuro obi")
• Maru obi (丸帯 , "one-piece obi")
• Nagoya obi (名古屋帯?), or kyūsun Nagoya obi (九寸名古屋帯 "nine inch nagoya obi")
• Odori obi (踊帯 , "dance obi")
• Sakiori obi .
• Tenga obi (典雅帯 , "fancy obi")
• Tsuke obi (付け帯?) or tsukuri obi (作り帯) or kantan obi

Accessories for women's obi
There are 5 parts of accessories for women’s obi,including:
• OBIAGE
Obiage is a scarf-like piece of cloth that covers up the obimakura and keeps the upper part of the obi knot in place.[2][13] These days it is customary for an unmarried, young woman to let her obiage show from underneath the obi in the front. A married woman will tuck it deeper in and only allow it to peek. Obiage can be thought of as an undergarment for kimono, so letting it show is a little provocative.
• OBIDOME
Obidome is a small decorative accessory that is fastened onto obijime. It is not used very often.[16]
• OBI-ITA
Obi-ita is a separate stiffener that keeps the obi flat. It is a thin piece of cardboard covered with cloth and placed between the layers of obi when putting the obi on. Some types of obi-ita are attached around the waist with cords before the obi is put on.
• OBIJIME
Obijime is a string that is tied around the obi and through the knot, and which doubles as decoration. It can be a woven string, or be constructed as a narrow sewn tube of fabric. There are both flat and round obijimes.

• OBIMAKURA
Obimakura is a small pillow that supports and shapes the obi knot. The most common knot these days, taiko musubi, is made using an elongated round obimakura.
Men’s obi
Formal obis worn by men are much narrower than those of women (the width is about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) at its most). The men's obi is worn in much simpler fashion than women's: it is wrapped around the waist, below the stomach and tied with a simple knot in the back.
Men's obi types
• HEKO-OBI
Heko obi (兵児帯 , "obi for men between 15 and 25"?) is an informal, soft obi,[8] free flowing and made of tie-dyed fabrics, made from silk crape, habutai, cotton, or others. It is tied very informally. The adult's heko obi is as long as a normal obi at 350 centimetres (11.5 ft) to 400 centimetres (13 ft), but relatively wide at up to 74 centimetres (29 in).[17]Adult men wear the heko obi only at home,[8] but young boys can wear it in public, for example at a summer festival with a yukata.
• KAKU OBI
Kaku obi (角帯 , "stiff obi"?) is another obi used by men. A formal kaku obi is about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) wide and 400 centimetres (13 ft) long[8] and depending on its material, colours and pattern is suited to any and all occasions from everyday wear to a close relative's funeral. A kaku obi typically is made of hakata ori (and thus a Hakata obi) which has length-wise stripes[8]), or from silk pongee, silk gauze, silk damask.[18] It is worn in the simple kai-no-kuchi knot.
netsuke
A Netsuke is an ornament suspended from the obi and worn by men.

Children’s obi
Children are dressed in kimono especially for the Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) celebration, when girls aged three and seven and boys aged five are celebrated. Children's kimono outfits resemble those of adults and their parts are basically miniature versions from adult's pieces. The youngest children wear soft, scarf-like obis.

Children's obi types
• Sanjaku obi (三尺帯, さんじゃくおび , "three foot long obi"?) is a type of men's obi. It is named for its length, three old Japanese feet (鯨尺, about 37.9 centimetres (14.9 in)). The obi is sometimes called simply sanjaku (三尺?). During the Edo period it was popular among the people as the obi for yukata-like kimonos because of its ease of use. According to some theories, the sanjaku obi originates from a scarf of the same length, which was folded and used as a sash. A sanjaku obi typically is shaped like a kaku obi, narrow and with short stitches. It is usually made from soft cotton-like cloth. Because of its shortness, the sanjaku obi is tied in the koma musubi, which is much like a square knot.
• Shigoki-obi (しごき帯?) was utility wear in the time of trailing kimonos, and was used to tie up the excess length when going out. Nowadays the shigoki obi's only function is decorative. It is part of a 7-year-old girl's outfit for celebration of shichi go san.
• Tsuke obi is a popular obi used for children because of its ease of use. There are even formal tsuke obi’s available for children. These obis correspond to fukuro obis on the formality scale.
Obi in martial arts
Many Japanese martial arts feature an obi as part of their exercise outfit. These obis are often made of thick cotton and are about 5 centimetres (2.0 in) wide. The martial arts obis are most often worn in the koma-musubi knot; in practice where hakama is worn, the obi is tied in other ways.
In many martial arts the colour of the obi signifies the wearer's skill level. Usually the colours start from the beginner's white and end in the advanced black, or masters' red and white. When the exercise outfit includes a hakama, the colour of the obi has no significance.
Knots(musubi)
The knot of the obi is called musubi (結び, むすび , literally "knot"). These days, a woman's knot often does not keep the obi in place as much as it functions as a large decorative piece in the back. The actual knot is usually supported by a number ofaccessories: pads, scarves and cords. While putting on the obi, especially when without assistance, there is a need for several additional temporary ribbons.
Types of knots
• Asagao musubi (朝顔, あさがお , "morning glory") is a knot suitable for yukata. As its name suggests, it resembles the Japanese morning glory. The knot requires a great length of obi so it can be usually only be made for little girls.
• Ayame musubi (菖蒲, あやめ , "Iris") is a very decorative and complex knot that resembles a blossom of iris. It is considered suitable for young women in informal situations and parties. Because of the complexity and conspicuousness of the knot it should be worn with more subdued, preferably monochrome kimono and obi.
• Bara musubi (薔薇, バラ , "rose") is a contemporary, conspicuous knot. It is suitable for young women and can be worn to informal parties. Because of the complexity of the knot, a multi-coloured or strongly patterned obi should not be used. The patterns of the kimono should match the knot representing an occidental flower.[22]
• Chōchō musubi (蝶蝶, ちょうちょう ,"butterfly") is a version of the bunko musubi, tied using the hanhaba obi. Most ready-made obis (tsuke obi) are made with the butterfly knot.
• Darari musubi is a knot nowadays used only by maikos(aprentice geisha), dancers and kabuki actors. It is easily distinguishable by the long "tails" hanging in the back. In the past also courtesans and daughters of rich merchants, among others, would have their obis tied in this manner. A specific darari obi, about 600 centimetres (20 ft) long, is needed for making this knot in full length.
There also exists a half-length version of the darari musubi, the so-called handara musubi. According to tradition, a minarai (a maiko-to-be in training) wears her obi in this style. Maikos wear this knot for specific dances.
• Fukura-suzume musubi (ふくら雀 ,"puffed sparrow") is a decorative knot that resembles a sparrow with its wings spread and is worn only by unmarried women. It is suitable for formal occasions and is only worn with a furisode. Traditionally, the fukura-suzume musubi worn with a furisode indicated a woman was available for marriage.
• Kai-no-kuchi musubi (貝の口 , "clam's mouth") is a subdued obi which is often worn by men. Sometimes older women or women seeking a somewhat masculine air to their outfit tie their obi in this knot.
• Koma musubi (駒結び , square knot, literally "foal knot") is often used with haori strings and obijime. The short sanjaku obi for children is also tied in this way.
• Taiko musubi (太鼓 "drum") is the most used musubi these days. It is simple and subdued and resembles a box. The taiko musubi is suited for both old and young women in almost any occasion and goes with almost any kind of kimono and in some cases even with yukata. Only furisode are considered too formal and youthful to be worn with the taiko musubi.

• Nijūdaiko musubi (二重太鼓 "two layer drum") is, as its name suggests, a version of the common taiko musubi, worn with the formal fukuro obi. Fukuro obis are longer than the more commonly used Nagoya obis, so the obi must be folded in two during the tying of the knot. The knot has an auspicious double meaning of "double joy".
• Tateya musubi (立て矢 , "standing arrow") resembles a large bow and is one of the most simple musubi worn with furisodes. According to the kitsuke authority Norio Yamanaka, it is the most suitable knot to be used with the honburisode, the furisode with full length sleeves.
• Washikusa musubi (鷲草 , "eagle plant") is basically a bow which resembles a certain plant thought to look like an eagle taking flight.

Uwa obi

Uwa-obi (上帯[1]?) a type of belt/sash that was worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. The uwa-obi was used to attach the sageo (saya cord) of the sword or swords worn by a samurai in order to secure it, other weapons and equipment would be tied to the uwa-obi as well. The uwa-obi was made from linen and cloth made of cotton, it would be wound two to three times around the body when worn. When the uwa-obi was worn with the attire or armour of the samurai, it would first be folded in two, then twisted and then a piece of leather was placed within the centre. This method was used to find the middle of the uwa-obi in a dark area. When putting on the uwa-obi, it was worn with the center in the front of the Dou (dō) (chest armour), then the two ends would be wound around the waist area and back to the front, the uwa-obi would be tied in front rather firmly with the hana-musubi knot.

geta
Geta (下駄) are a form of traditional Japanese footwear that resemble both clogs and flip-flops. They are a kind of sandal with an elevated wooden base held onto the foot with a fabric thong to keep the foot well above the ground. They are worn with traditional Japanese clothing such as kimono or yukata, but (in Japan) also with Western clothing during the summer months. Sometimes geta are worn in rain or snow to keep the feet dry, due to their extra height and impermeability compared to other footwear such as zōri. They make a similar noise to Flip-flops slapping against the heel whilst walking, but the disadvantage of flip-flops when worn on wet or dirt is that they will flip the dirt or water up the back of the legs. This does not tend to happen with the heavier Japanese Geta
styles
There are several different styles of geta. The most familiar style in the West consists of an unfinished wooden board called a dai (台, stand) that the foot is set upon, with a cloth thong (鼻緒, hanao) that passes between the big toe and second toe. As geta are usually worn only with yukata or other informal Japanese clothes or Western clothes, there is no need to wear socks. Ordinary people wear at least slightly more formal zōri when wearing special toe socks called tabi. Apprentice geisha, also called "maiko", wear their special geta (see below) with tabi to accommodate the hanao.
The two supporting pieces below the base board, called teeth (歯 ha), are also made of wood, usually very light-weight kiri (桐, paulownia) and make a distinctive "clacking" sound while walking: カランコロン or karankoron. This is sometimes mentioned as one of the sounds that older Japanese miss most in modern life. A traditional saying in Japanese translates as "You don't know until you have worn geta." This means roughly, "you can't tell the results until the game is over."

tabi
Tabi (足袋?) are traditional Japanese socks. Ankle-high and with a separation between the big toe and other toes, they are worn by both men and women with zori,geta, and other traditional thonged footwear. Tabi are also essential with traditional clothing—kimono and other wafuku as well as being worn by samurai in the feudal era. The most common colour is white, and white tabi are worn in formal situations such as at tea ceremonies. Men sometimes wear blue or black tabi for travelling. Patterned and coloured tabi are also available and are worn most often by women, though they are gaining popularity among men as well.
In contrast to socks that, when pulled on, fit the foot snugly because of their elastic weave, tabi are sewn from cloth cut to form. They are open at the back so they can be slipped on and have a row of fasteners along the opening so they can be closed.

Jika-tabi

jika-tabi (地下足袋?, "tabi that contact the ground") is a type of outdoor footwear worn inJapan. It was invented in the 20th century.
Also known (outside Japan) as "tabi boots", they are modelled on tabi, traditional split-toeJapanese socks. Like other tabi, jika-tabi have a divided toe area so that they can in theory be worn with slip-on thonged footwear, but they are heavy-duty, and resemble boots.
Tokujirō Ishibashi, a brother of Shōjirō Ishibashi who is the founder of the major tire company Bridgestone Corporation, is credited with their invention.
One disadvantage of jika-tabi is that they provide no real protection to the foot against falling objects or protruding sharp objects.
in japan,Being made of heavy, tough material and often having rubber soles, jika-tabi are often used by construction workers, farmers and gardeners, rickshaw-pullers, and other workmen.
Outside Japan, where they are available from online and martial-arts shops, jika-tabi are appreciated by practitioners of martial arts in which traditional clothes are used. Other people also like wearing them for certain kinds of exercise, specifically trail-running, walking, and climbing.

Loose socks
Loose socks (ルーズソックス rūzu sokkusu) are a style of baggy sock worn by Japanesehigh school girls.[1] More recently, this style of socks has become popular among American teens and college students who are fans of Japanese anime (cartoons) and manga(comics). These socks come in a variety of styles—defined by the knitting pattern of the upper. The two most popular styles are the traditional 2×2 rib knit (pictured) and tube-style loose socks, which are thigh-high length tube socks worn pushed down around the ankles.
They were adopted as a fashion which flattered plump calves and also expressed rebellious deviation from Japan's strict dress code for school uniforms

uwabaki

Uwabaki (上履き?), are a type of Japanese slippers worn indoors at home, school or certain companies and public buildings where street shoes are prohibited.
Japanese culture mandates that people should remove their shoes when entering homes and other buildings, especially where the floors may have rugs, polished wood floors, ortatami (grass mats). Uwabaki are light, flexible shoes which are easy to slip on and off, designated for indoor use. As they are not generally worn outside, the soles are kept clean, and thus cleaning and maintenance of the building's floors are kept to a minimum.
At the entrance of every school, from preschool to college, there is an assigned locker for each student to put his or her uwabaki. A student's grade level is often indicated by a colored stripe across the toes; the body color of the slipper is always white.

waraji

Waraji (Japanese: 草鞋) are sandals made from straw rope that in the past were the standard footwear of the common people in Japan. Waraji were also worn by the samuraiclass and foot soldiers (ashigaru) during the feudal era of Japan.
Traditionally the rope material was made of rice straw, however waraji can be made out of various other materials such as hemp, stalks of myōga, palm fibers, and cotton thread.[1]Now they are mostly worn by traditional Buddhist monks.
Traditionally, the Japanese wear the waraji with their toes protruding slightly over the front edge. However, there are no set rules or guidelines on wearing waraji.
Remnants of Baekjae-era straw footwear that is similar to the Japanese waraji had been found in Gungnamji (궁남지) Buyeo County, South Korea in 1995.[2]

zori

Zōri (草履?) are flat and thonged Japanese sandals made of rice straw or other plant fibers, cloth, lacquered wood, leather, rubber, or—increasingly—synthetic materials. Zōri are quite similar to flip-flops, which first appeared in New Zealand and the United Statessometime around World War II as rubber imitations of the wooden thong sandals long worn in Japan.
The traditional forms of zōri are seen when worn with other traditional clothing; modern forms are fairly common, especially in summer. While geta are nowadays worn with the informal yukata, zōri are associated with the more formal kimono. The formality of the occasion affects the choice of kimono and zōri. The bulrush covered zōri that resemble tatami mats are not used with kimono, but are considered working wear or matched with casual Western or Japanese clothing, for example jinbei. Thus they rank close to the wooden geta.
Women's vinyl (plastic) zōri are formal, but less formal than fabric, sometimes brocadecovered zōri, that are used with the most formal of kimono, for example, wedding and funeral wear. Men's zōri are often plastic straw imitation, with foam or cork soles. Thehanao, or thongs, for men are often white or black. Women's zōri can also be of straw imitation, but the hanao are usually red, and they rank below colored vinyl or brocade zōri in formality. As formal wear, all plastic and fabric zōri for women require the use of white tabi socks. Men have more latitude, and can use the same imitation zōri with both informal (without tabi) and formal wear with tabi socks.
The hanao is attached symmetrically, so there is no difference between left and right shoe. The hanao of zōri can be made of velour-like material, as in the case of plastic straw imitation zōri. The hanao for more formal coloured vinyl zōri are either thin vinyl or brocade straps, or wider and padded vinyl or fabric straps. The fabric is often either the fabric used for the shoe, or chirimen, crepe-like Japanese silk or rayon fabric. Men's zōri might also feature leather or leather imitation hanao. The hanao wear and stretch easily, and the hanao fashion and the coordination of accessories sometimes calls for replacing the hanao. The hanao can be replaced through flaps of the sole.
Women's zōri are seldom flat, except for the straw imitation zōri. The soles come in different thicknesses and angles. There are even modern zōri that are left uncovered by fabric or vinyl, and the shoe, except for the inner sole, is black, hard plastic with a non-slip outer sole. Usually the outer sole is gray, genuine leather.

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