What to wear to a Sumo match? How to choose what to wear and what to bring

There are three types of seating areas for sumo matches, listed in order of proximity to the ring: “Tamari-seki,” “Masu-seki,” and “Chair Seats.” Of these, the Masu-seki is probably the most famous. Tickets for the Tamari-seki are only available through a lottery system, and because they are extremely popular, they are considered very difficult to obtain.Also known as “sunakaburi seats,” these are cushion seats located so close to the ring that sand from the dohyo can actually fall onto you. Masu seats consist of square partitions with cushions laid out for four people. Chair seats are often located on the second floor and are the farthest from the dohyo.

Since you’ll be sitting for long periods while watching the matches, it’s recommended to choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Both men and women should avoid tight pants, such as skinny jeans. For women, it’s also best to avoid short miniskirts.Women should choose bottoms that allow for comfortable sitting, such as longer skirts that fall below the knee or loose-fitting elastic-waist pants. Please avoid wearing large hats that block the view of those around you, and be sure to remove your hat once you are seated.

If you’d like to watch the game in traditional Japanese attire, such as a kimono or yukata, please exercise a little caution. Since the obi sash can constrict your body, we recommend waiting until you’re comfortable wearing it regularly before attending a game.