How to Match Kimono and Obi
Many people outside Japan tell us that choosing the right obi is the hardest part of wearing kimono.
“What type of obi should I use?” “Does this combination look correct?”
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry — this guide is for you.
Kimono and obi both have different types and formality levels.
Here, we explain each obi type with photos and walk you through the basics of matching them.
1. Types of Obi and What Makes Them Different
Just like kimono, obi come in several styles. Their structure, purpose, and formality level are all different.
■ Fukuro Obi
・A formal obi made with a double-layered, “bag-shaped” structure.
・Often woven with gold or silver threads for formal occasions.
・Usually tied in a “otaiko” or “ni-juu daiko” (double drum) style.
- Photo: inside structure showing the “bag” shape
- Photo: full-length view
- Photo: double otaiko style
- Photo: comparison — formal (gold/silver) vs non-formal designs
■ Fukuro-Nagoya Obi
・A hybrid type between fukuro and nagoya obi.
・More formal than a nagoya obi, slightly less formal than a fukuro obi.
・Usually tied in a standard otaiko knot.
- Photo: seam showing the bag-like structure
- Photo: full-length view
- Photo: otaiko knot
■ Hassun Nagoya Obi (8-inch Nagoya Obi)
・A single-layer obi with no lining on the backside.
・Lightweight and easy to handle.
・Great for casual to semi-formal kimono.
・Often finished with “matsuba-shitate” (special folded end).
- Photo: unlined backside
- Photo: full-length view
- Photo: matsuba-shitate detail
■ Hanhaba Obi (Half-Width Obi)
・About half the width of a fukuro obi.
・Perfect for casual kimono and yukata.
・Fun to tie — for example, in “bunko musubi” bow style.
- Photo: width comparison with fukuro obi
- Photo: full-length view
- Photo: bunko musubi
2. Which Obi Is Formal or Casual?
Here is a simple chart to help you understand the formality of each obi:
| Obi Type | Casual | Formal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanhaba Obi | ◎ | × | Most casual. Great for daily kimono and yukata. |
| Hassun Nagoya Obi | ◎ | △ | Works with casual to semi-formal outfits. |
| Fukuro-Nagoya Obi | △ | ○ | Good for refined everyday wear. |
| Fukuro Obi (no gold/silver) | ○ | △ | Subdued designs can be casual-friendly. |
| Fukuro Obi (with gold/silver) | × | ◎ | Fully formal. Worn with visiting kimono, kurotomesode, etc. |
*Designs can make an obi feel more or less formal, but this chart is the easiest rule of thumb for beginners.
3. Basic Kimono × Obi Matching Chart
The basic idea is simple:
Casual kimono → casual obi
Formal kimono → formal obi
This guideline is based on Japanese kimono culture, but it is not a strict rule.
We encourage you to enjoy choosing what feels right to you — especially if you live outside Japan and want to style kimono in your own way.
4. Accessories Needed When Tying an Obi
These are the accessories used specifically for obi tying. (Kimono accessories are listed separately.)
- Obiage (silk cloth tucked above the obi)
- Obijime (decorative cord securing the center of the obi)
- Obimakura (small pad used for forming an otaiko shape)
- Obi-ita / Koshi-ita (board to keep the front flat)
■ For Kurotomesode (formal black kimono)
- White obiage (plain white or with gold/silver details)
- White obijime with gold/silver threads
■ For Furisode (formal long-sleeved kimono)
- Colorful, decorative obiage
- Ornate obijime (often thicker, sometimes with embellishments)
5. Recommended Obi for the Kimono You Selected
Based on the kimono type you selected on the previous page:
■ If your kimono is casual (komon, tsumugi, omeshi, etc.)
- Hanhaba obi (obijime is optional)
- Nagoya obi (tied in otaiko style)
- Required accessories: obimakura, obiage, obijime, obi-ita
■ If your kimono is formal (visiting kimono, kurotomesode, etc.)
- Fukuro obi (especially with gold/silver)
- Otaiko or double-taiko knot
- Formal obiage and obijime
Product photos and worn examples are available below.
6. How to Choose Colors
Choosing colors is one of the most enjoyable parts of kimono coordination. If you want tips on how to pair kimono and obi colors, please see the guide below: