Kimono Obi Ties and Bow Ties: Upcycled Obi Accessories

An obi tie is a necktie made with fabric from a kimono obi, the wide sash tied around the waist of a kimono. Upcycled obi accessories bring a single Japanese pattern into Western clothes: on a tie, a bow tie, the back of a vest, or a phone strap. When choosing one, look at three things: how much of the obi shows (bold or subtle), whether you can choose the pattern (made to order), and how long it takes to arrive.

This guide covers pieces from two Japanese makers, SHIRO NI SEKAI and kimono結-YUI-, and explains how to order from outside Japan.

SHIRO NI SEKAI upcycles kimono and obi, Japan's traditional textiles, into designs that use the remade fabric only in part — “subtle, yet with presence,” as the maker puts it. According to its shop page:

• For made-to-order pieces, you can choose which fabric is used for the remade part.
• It can remake fabric you bring, such as a kimono lying unused at home or a meaningful cloth you bought abroad.
• Its designer buys traditional textiles from other countries directly, available for orders in limited quantities.

Because obi fabric is delicate, each piece is made using a mix of machine and hand sewing (the bow tie is sewn by hand). The product pages list Aomori Prefecture as the place of production for the ties and vests, and Gunma Prefecture for the bow tie.

kimono結-YUI- is a brand that remakes shiromuku (the all-white kimono worn by brides), kimono and obi into made-to-order dresses, many of which are also available to rent. It also makes ties and phone straps from obi, and recommends its obi tie as a present for men. SHIRO NI SEKAI's chrysanthemum tie is a collaboration design with this brand.

Prices are in Japanese yen, tax included, as of October 2026. The amount shown on Buyee will differ because of exchange rates and fees.

Bold chrysanthemum. The Kimono obi Tie - Kiku makes full use of an obi with chrysanthemums. The maker explains that in Japanese flower language white chrysanthemums mean “admiration” and “a sincere heart,” yellow ones mean “long life and happiness,” and that the flower has been used in the crests of the imperial family. A good choice for celebrations or a milestone gift.

Subtle navy. The Kinomo obi Tie uses the obi more quietly, for those who want a tie that fits easily with work clothes. It is polyester with silk obi fabric, and the obi pattern can be chosen for made-to-order pieces.

From obi, kimono or bridal shiromuku. kimono結-YUI-'s obi / shiromuku tie is standard tie size; the colors and patterns currently available are arranged by direct message, and the lead time is one week.

Bow tie. The Kimono obi Bow tie boldly remakes obi fabric and is sewn by hand. It measures 12 × 6 cm, is unisex, and the obi pattern can be chosen for made-to-order pieces.

SHIRO NI SEKAI's vests place a kimono obi boldly across the back — refined, with real presence when you take off your jacket. Both the men's vest (¥88,000) and the women's vest (¥85,000) let you choose the obi and the outer fabric freely. The women's vest comes in S, M, L or made to measure, in navy, white or black (S–L) or a fabric of your choice; the men's listing does not give sizes. Both are polyester-wool with silk kimono fabric and take about one month. Orders are handled at the maker's salon in Tokyo, so the vests suit readers who can visit.

kimono結-YUI-'s obi strap (¥7,000) is a phone or bag strap made from obi with metal fittings, 2.5 cm or 5 cm wide. Available colors and widths are arranged by message, and the lead time is one week. The product page lists the length as 150 cm while the shop page says up to about 140 cm, so confirm the length if it matters to you.

• 1 week: kimono結-YUI- obi / shiromuku tie and obi strap
• 2–3 weeks: SHIRO NI SEKAI ties and bow tie
• About 1 month: SHIRO NI SEKAI vests (orders handled at the Tokyo salon)

If you need a piece for a wedding or another fixed date, order early. When ordering from abroad, also allow time for forwarding.

Ironing silk. SHIRO NI SEKAI's tie listings advise setting the iron to a low temperature, using a pressing cloth, ironing briefly, and avoiding steam as much as possible. For the other pieces, follow the care notes that come with your item and ask the maker if unsure.

ITOSHIO does not ship directly to addresses outside Japan. International orders go through Buyee, a proxy shopping service: open the product page and use the Buyee button on the page. International shipping, Buyee's fees and any duties are shown on Buyee's screens, and you should check Buyee's guidance for the countries it ships to and any item restrictions. If you have a delivery address in Japan, choose “I have a delivery address in Japan” on the product page.

Some pieces involve a consultation — choosing colors by message, or ordering through the Tokyo salon — so check with the maker how this works before ordering from abroad. Step-by-step instructions: how to buy from overseas with Buyee. Buyee's site: https://buyee.jp/

Makers' pages: SHIRO NI SEKAI / kimono結-YUI-

Further reading

• Upcycled Kimono Shirts: How to Choose a Kimono Aloha Shirt
• Japanese Gifts for Men: Kyoto Gold-Leaf Tie Pins and Silk Pocket Squares