Yes, kimonos do utilize ties, specifically needing two ties to be properly secured when worn. These ties are crucial for holding the garment in place and achieving the correct form.
Wearing a kimono is a multi-layered process that involves various accessories to ensure the garment fits perfectly and maintains its elegant silhouette. While the kimono itself doesn't have ties permanently attached like a bathrobe, separate ties, known as koshibimo (腰紐), are essential tools in the dressing process.
The Essential Role of Ties in Kimono Dressing
The process of wearing a kimono involves several layers, each requiring specific ties to be held correctly. Before wearing the main kimono, an undergarment called a nagajuban is donned. This undergarment helps to smooth the body line and forms the base for the kimono collar.
- The nagajuban is secured with one tie.
- The kimono itself requires another two ties to hold it snugly against the body.
These ties are not merely functional; they are fundamental to creating the characteristic shape of a kimono, ensuring the fabric lies flat and the overlapping panels (okumi and eri) are correctly positioned before the obi (sash) is tied over them.
Types of Kimono Ties
The primary type of tie used for securing both the nagajuban and the kimono is the koshibimo.
- Koshibimo (腰紐): These are long, thin fabric strips, typically made of cotton or silk, used to tie around the waist to hold the layers of the kimono in place. They are strong enough to secure the fabric without creating bulk. Different lengths and widths may be used depending on the wearer's preference and the specific part of the dressing process.
Other accessories, such as datemaki (a wider, stiffer sash) and koshihimo (often used interchangeably with koshibimo but can refer to a broader category of waist ties), also contribute to securing the kimono, but the foundational ties are the koshibimo.
Why are Ties Essential for Kimono Wear?
The ties serve several critical functions in kimono dressing:
- Securing Layers: They hold the various layers of the kimono system (like the nagajuban and the main kimono) firmly against the body.
- Creating Shape: They help create the cylindrical body shape considered ideal for kimono wear, smoothing out curves and ensuring the fabric hangs correctly.
- Preventing Slippage: Without these ties, the kimono would easily loosen or fall open, especially during movement.
- Foundation for Obi: The ties provide a stable foundation over which the obi is tied. A well-tied kimono with secure under-ties is crucial for the obi to sit beautifully and stay in place.
Kimono Tying: A Simplified Overview
Here's a basic breakdown of where ties are used in the kimono dressing process:
- Undergarments: After wearing the initial skin-contact undergarments (like a hadajuban or juban), the nagajuban is put on.
- Securing Nagajuban: The nagajuban is aligned, and one koshibimo is tied around the waist to keep it in place.
- Wearing the Kimono: The main kimono is then draped over the nagajuban.
- First Kimono Tie: The left panel is wrapped over the right, and the desired length is adjusted. A first koshibimo is tied securely around the waist to hold the overlap.
- Adjusting and Second Kimono Tie: Excess fabric is smoothed, and the collar is adjusted. A second koshibimo is often used higher up, under the bust, to further secure the upper portion and help shape the collar, especially before applying a datemaki.
- Obi Application: Once the kimono is securely tied and shaped, the obi is wrapped around the waist and tied, covering all the koshibimo.
| Layer | Number of Ties Needed | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Nagajuban | 1 | Secures undergarment, forms initial collar |
| Kimono | 2 | Secures main garment, defines body shape |
These ties are foundational to the art of kimono dressing, enabling the creation of the garment's distinctive elegance and ensuring comfort for the wearer.
