Currently, the chihaya is worn over the usual vestment (white top costume and hinohakama (scarlet hakama (divided trouser-like skirt)) worn by shrine maidens when performing formal religious rituals and duties and, is the formal piece of clothing worn with the suika (everyday garment worn by boys in ancient times).
現在では巫女が公式の神事において通常の巫女装束（白装束・緋袴）上に着る本式の装束として水干とともに用いられている。