Tabi Traditional Japanese footwear (see geta and zori following) is held to the foot by two straps anchored together at the front and then separated at the sides near the rear of the shoe. The straps pass between the big and second toes. For this reason, Japanese socks (tabi) are divided at the toe. They are cut from three main pieces of fabric; a sole, made of strongly woven cotton, and two upper pieces of fine cotton muslin seamed longitudinally. Tabi come to just above the ankle and are fastened on the inner side with metal clasps (five for women, one less for men). As formal wear with kimono, tabi are expected to fit very closely and be spotlessly clean.