Tailored tabi: Getting presentable socks
I accompanied my 20-year-old daughter, an avid Nihon Buyo (Japanese dance) apprentice since age 6, to a tabi tailor in Ginza, Tokyo. She is about to take a big test to show if she is good enough to be given her name. Besides courage and a kimono, she needs a fresh pair of tabi-socks. Her master, sensei, called the tabi tailor to say she was coming. So here we are, the tailor welcomed us to his tatami.
Why does she need tailored socks? For one, they keep feet from wiggling inside to ensure sure footing. And wrinkle-less shape is beautiful. Those are not attainable by buying them off the shelf, as she is used to do. To perform in front of the scrutinizing eyes of masters, she needs every detail right.
The tailor measured her foot and handed her a tabi. She tried it on, she said it was too tight at first, but he was right it fit perfectly. She was amazed at how it wrapped her foot, from toe to heel, top to arch, as if wearing nothing. The cotton fabric is extremely smooth.
It opens at the heel and is closed by a few metal teeth fitting into catches made by thick threads. The teeth are visible on the left in the picture below. He will make minor adjustments, hand-craft and they will be ready in two months.
Can you see how the toe is made by fine craftsmanship? Every pair is made to order, and naturally, it costs at least 3 times as off-the-shelf ones.
The tailor has served kimono-wearing professionals. Ginza holds many such people, including kabuki actors. The shop is a 5-minute walk from Kabuki-za. We are very impressed and happy to get a glimpse of and be a part of the deep cultural community.
Thanks for reading!
