tabi

Tabi are traditional Japanese socks characterized by a distinct split between the big toe and the other toes. This toe separation allows the wearer to use thong-style footwear such as geta and zori, and later other sandals worn with kimono. Tabi are typically ankle- to mid-calf in length and are constructed from cotton or a cotton blend, with reinforced toes and a snug opening that keeps the sock in place.

Historically associated with formal and everyday dress, white tabi are common with formal kimono and hakama, while colored or patterned tabi have been worn for casual settings or festivals. In addition to traditional cotton versions, modern variations include synthetic materials and elasticized openings for easier wear. A prominent contemporary variant is jikatabi, a flexible fabric boot with a tabi-style toe, often with a rubber sole, used by outdoor workers, gardeners, and hikers.

Tabi have a long-standing place in Japanese culture and traditional arts, and they continue to be worn for ceremonies, tea gatherings, performances, and by practitioners of certain disciplines that accompany traditional dress. While Western-style footwear became prevalent in modern daily life, tabi remain an iconic component of traditional attire and are produced in a range of weights, colors, and sizes to suit both ceremonial and practical needs.

Care for tabi typically involves washing and air drying, with attention to maintaining the fit and the integrity of the split toe. White tabi may require gentle bleaching to preserve their formal appearance, while colored tabi are cared for according to fabric type.