足袋(たび)

Traditional Japanese socks with a separation between the big toe and other toes, designed to be worn with thonged footwear like 草履(ぞうり) or 下駄(げた).

TYPES:

• 白足袋(しろたび) - white tabi (formal, worn with kimono)
• 黒足袋(くろたび) - black tabi (less formal)
• 地下足袋(じかたび) - work tabi with rubber soles

CULTURAL NOTE:
White tabi are worn for formal occasions with kimono. They fasten at the back with small clasps called 小鉤(こはぜ). Keeping tabi clean and white is considered important in formal settings.