Tabi (socks)

There are two chief kinds of socks, kawa-tabi, tanned skin socks, and momen-tabi, or cotton coth socks. There are also momi-tabi (red silk socks) which are very soft, but they are only used by very effeminate persons. The kawa-tabi, of tanned skin, are often printed in fancy patterns. These are not the best for mounted men. Quilted cotton tabi are generally used, and tabi without soles are recommended for infantry soldiers (ashigaru). These are worn like ordinary tabi, but you must put on the left one first, and all footwear, such as tabi, kiahan, and waraji, must be put on when the wearer is seated.