What does obi mean?
An obi is a broad sash worn around the waist with a kimono and other forms of traditional Japanese clothing. Traditionally, it is tied in a bow at the back, though its construction and manner of fastening vary according to the garment and the period. Obis may be made from silk or other fabrics and range from relatively plain everyday bands to richly decorated garments reserved for ceremonies and formal occasions. Beyond securing clothing, an obi can express aesthetic taste, status, season, and the formality of an occasion. The word is most often encountered when discussing Japanese dress, whether in museums, fashion, literature, or descriptions of traditional ceremonies. Its modern use sometimes also refers more broadly to a belt-like sash worn with Japanese-inspired clothing, even when the item is not a historically traditional obi.
nounA broad sash worn around the waist with a kimono or other traditional Japanese clothing, traditionally tied in a bow at the back.
- A wide sash worn around the waist with traditional Japanese clothing, usually tied in a bow at the back.
"She adjusted her silk obi before stepping through the doorway."
"The bride wore an embroidered obi over her formal kimono."
"He fastened the narrow obi more securely as he prepared to work."
The plural is used when referring to multiple sashes or individual examples of Japanese waist garments.
"The collection displays obis from several periods."
An obi does more than hold a kimono together: its color and fabric can signal formality, season, age, and personal taste.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of obi
The English word was borrowed from Japanese おび (obi), the ordinary Japanese term for this sash. In Japan, obi describes the sash itself as well as the broader category of waist garment worn with kimono. The borrowing entered English through descriptions of Japanese clothing and culture.
How obi is actually used
The term is chiefly used for Japanese clothing and is also common in descriptions of traditional dress. An obi can range from a simple sash to an elaborate, embroidered garment, so it should not automatically be understood as a formal belt.