obi

An obi is a wide, decorative sash worn with kimono and other traditional Japanese garments. Made from silk or synthetic fabrics, it is wrapped around the waist and tied at the back in a knot or bow, often with elaborate folding. An obi is typically secured with additional pieces such as an obiage (a scarf-like cloth) and an obijime (a cord), and may be padded with an obi makura to shape the knot. Obi vary in length, width, and formality, with common formal styles including fukuro obi and nagoya obi. The taiko musubi, a drum-shaped knot, is a well-known choice for formal wear.

In Nigeria, Obi is a common Igbo given name and surname. As a brand, OBI is a European home improvement retailer chain originating in Germany and operating in multiple countries.

In popular culture, the name Obi appears in Star Wars as Obi-Wan Kenobi, a central character in the franchise. The term obi thus has multiple meanings across fashion, geography, personal names, retail branding, and popular media.