thin under-belt for kimono
A narrow, soft belt worn over the kimono and under the obi to keep the kimono smooth and protect the fabric.
When wearing a kimono, first tie the datejime, then tie the obi.
Standard kanji spelling for this kimono accessory.
Variant spelling omitting the okurigana め.
The term 伊達 (date) refers to stylishness or dandyism, associated with the Date clan of Sendai. 締め (shime) means 'tightening' or 'fastening'. The belt is so named because it was considered a stylish accessory to keep the kimono neat.