hakama

Hakama are a traditional Japanese garment worn over a kimono. They consist of wide, pleated panels that hang from the waist to approximately ankle length, creating a skirt-like or divided-pantaloon silhouette. The fabric is commonly cotton, wool, or synthetic blends, and colors range from formal black or navy to simpler greys and patterned fabrics for daily wear. They are secured at the waist with cords called himo or koshi-himo, and may be worn with an obi to help keep the folds in place. Most hakama are fashioned with seven pleats—five in the front and two in the back—though variations exist by region and era.

There are two general styles. Divided hakama have separate legs, like pants, and are standard in many modern martial arts, including kendo, iaido, aikido, and kyudo. Undivided hakama resemble a long skirt and are associated with traditional court dress or ceremonial use, and are sometimes worn by practitioners in certain arts for formal occasions.

Historically, hakama originated in Japan's Heian period as outer wear for court attire and later became associated with the samurai class. By the Edo period they were widely worn as formal dress for men, with women also adopting some styles in later eras. In contemporary practice, hakama remain standard in some martial arts and are used in ceremonial contexts, including weddings and religious rites.

Care notes: hakama are typically washed with care to preserve the pleats, and many require pressing along the pleats when dry. Lengths and fit vary to accommodate wearer height and style requirements.