Tobi means something like “scaffolding man/woman” in English. The name comes from a certain kind of device - a Japanese style pike pole - which was used during the Edo period in Japan. The shape of the device reminded people of the hooked beak of the bird Tobi and soon Tobi became a generic term used for those working at high places. The work of a Tobi involves a great deal of danger, therefore, Tobis are admired as “star performers” on the construction site. Many of them have been chic and fashionable since the old days.
Tobi are scaffolding acrobats
The features of Tobis’ clothes:
japanese accessories
On their wrists they wear a broad and firm wristband called Tekou. This is used not only to wipe off sweat, but also to protect your wrist’s vulnerable arteries when cutting things and to prevent the sleeves from getting into your way when moving around.
tabi shoes
On their feet they wear Tabi, the Japanese “toe-shoes”. There are all kind of different Tabi-shoes. Unlike the ones you wear with Kimonos, these Tabi-shoes have a rubber sole. Wearing Tabi makes it easy to sense the ground condition for construction workers. In addition to this, they dry easily and are very light.
The Tobi trousers (tobi pants):
Tobi: Japanese Construction Worker
The balloon-shaped trousers and their split toed shoes (tabi) identify the Tobi.
The Tobi trousers - as we know them today - developed out of a westernization of traditional Japanese clothing. After the Meiji Restoration, workers adjusted their trousers in order to move more easily, taped their calves with a band and wore Tabi on top of them. Another source indicates, that the balloon shape was also influenced by Ninja outfits.
There are various theories why the lower part under the knee is pumped up like a balloon. The main reason, however, seems to be a simple one: the baggy pants make it easy to move, easy to bend, stretch and stride.
Other explanations can be, that when working on very narrow scaffoldings high up in the air, it is good to have some kind of sensor: the balloon part of your trousers touches obstacles before your legs do, which acts as kind of a warning system without necessarily having to look down. Besides, they can measure the intensity of the wind and the bagginess prevents the fabric from clinging to your leg even when you are sweating. It also works as a cushion when you drop spiky tools onto your body.
Right below the pumped up part, the trousers become narrow again in order to tighten up your calves. Why? Pressing the calves encourages blood circulation and helps you to work longer and to stand for hours without your feet swelling up.
Over the last twenty years, the balloon part has become wider and longer.
“Workers clothes should guard worker’s body. That is their main purpose. Once they get too wide, it is more likely for them to get caught somewhere and rip! This trend can’t continue forever, but I guess younger workers really seem to like them…”, was what the spokesman from the Japan Tobi Association told us.
In any case the shape is aimed mostly at flexibility and safety.
Source: PingMag, article by Kyoko - Link: http://pingmag.jp/2006/01/18/construction-worker-fashion/
