Sumo wrestlers wear what looks like thongs called "mawashi," which are cloth belts wrapped around their lower bodies during matches. The mawashi serves both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, it functions like shorts and allows wrestlers the freedom to move and engage in complex grappling techniques. The mawashi can be tied tightly or loosely depending on the wrestler's strategy. Symbolically, wearing just the mawashi is tied to Shintoism rituals in Japan, where minimal clothing in competition is a way to show the gods that the wrestlers are honest and not cheating, similar to traditions in ancient Olympic wrestling and other traditional forms like Turkish oil and Mongolian wrestling. This ensures no hidden weapons or fraud during the match. The mawashi is thus more than just an outfit—it's a key part of sumo's cultural, spiritual, and sport heritage. There are also stiff fronds called "sagari" hung from the front that mark forbidden grip areas, and for top-ranked wrestlers, decorative ceremonial mawashi called "kesho mawashi" are worn during introductions. Overall, mawashi represent tradition, respect for the sport, and honesty in competition.