It has become synonymous with obi for formal dress since obi ita (cardboard belt to stiffen the obi sash) is not necessary in tying (however, obi ita is normally used in contemporary kimono-wearing) and it is easy to handle.
帯板を必要とせず（但し現代の着付けでは帯板を使うことがほとんどである）扱いも楽なため、現在は丸帯に代って礼装用の帯の代名詞となった。