Kimono are worn with sash-belts called , of which there are several varieties. In previous centuries, were relatively pliant and soft, so literally held the kimono closed; modern-day are generally stiffer, meaning the kimono is actually kept closed through tying a series of flat ribbons, such as kumihimo, around the body. The two most common varieties of for women are , which can be worn with everything but the most casual forms of kimono, and , which are narrower at one end to make them easier to wear.