What Is Hakama?
Hakama (袴) is a traditional Japanese garment resembling skirt-like pants, typically worn over a kimono. This ancient attire is secured at the waist with a series of ties and features a distinctive pleated design. Historically, hakama was primarily worn by men, especially samurai, as it helped with movement while riding horses and provided protection for the legs. Today, hakama is worn by both men and women, often during formal occasions such as weddings, graduations, and martial arts practices.
For women, there are Japanese traditional clothes called kimono and yukata. You can learn more about them here.
What Types of Hakama Are There?
There are several types of hakama, each serving different purposes and having distinct characteristics.
Andon Hakama
Andon hakama, also known as "lantern hakama," is a traditional Japanese garment resembling a tube skirt. Unlike the Umanori hakama, which is divided like trousers, the Andon hakama is undivided. This style is considered more formal and is typically worn over a kimono for important events and ceremonies.
Umanori Hakama
Umanori hakama is a traditional style of Japanese clothing characterized by its split, trousers-like shape. The term "umanori" translates to "horse-riding," reflecting its original use by samurai.
Nobakama
Nobakama, or "field hakama," is a traditional Japanese garment designed with practicality, particularly for manual labor. This style features a tighter cut with only three pleats on the front, compared to the standard five pleats in other hakama styles. The design is ideal for physical activities like farmwork because it makes leg movement easier without getting snagged while working in the field.
When Can You Wear a Hakama?
Hakama can be worn in a variety of settings, each with its own cultural and traditional importance.
Sports Hakama
Sports hakama is a specific type worn primarily in traditional Japanese martial arts. The most common style for this purpose is the Umanori hakama, which features a divided leg design resembling trousers. This design allows for greater mobility and comfort during physical activity, making it preferred for martial arts such as aikido, kendo, iaido, and kyudo (archery). Of these sports, aikido has the highest association with hakama, as it is widely worn by practitioners of this discipline.
Ceremonial Hakama
Ceremonial hakama is worn during significant life events and ceremonies. This garment is characterized by its distinctive styles, each serving different ceremonial purposes. Andon hakama resembles a long skirt and is often preferred for formal occasions, including coming-of-age and graduation ceremonies for women. This design is also practical for long ceremonies as it allows for easier restroom use.
Miko (Shrine Maiden) Hakama
Miko hakama is a specific type of traditional Japanese clothing worn by miko, or shrine maidens, who work at Shinto shrines. The typical attire for a miko includes a pair of bright red hakama, which are divided, pleated trousers, worn over a plain white kimono known as a kosode. This combination of red and white is significant in Shinto, where white symbolizes purity.
History of Hakama
Hakama can be appreciated even more by understanding its rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the Sui and Tang dynasties in China, where the imperial court wore similar garments. Introduced to Japan during the Asuka (538–710) and Nara (710–784) periods, hakama quickly became a staple for the Japanese nobility.
Samurai Hakama
Hakama evolved from courtly attire in the Heian period (794–1185) to essential gear for samurai, with styles like the Umanori hakama reflecting specific functional needs. Despite the decline of the samurai class during the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912), hakama remained culturally significant, shifting to ceremonial and martial arts use.
Hakama carries symbolic meanings tied to Bushido, with its pleats representing the seven virtues of the samurai code. The front pleats embody the virtues of Humanity, Justice, Courtesy, Wisdom, and Faith, while the back pleats represent Loyalty and Filial Piety.
Ninja Hakama
Unlike the more documented samurai hakama, the ninja hakama was designed for practicality and stealth rather than status. Adapted for mobility and concealment — typically in dark colors like black or brown for camouflage and possibly featuring hidden pockets for tools or weapons — it resembled the Umanori hakama, with divided legs for ease of movement during espionage and combat.
Due to the secretive nature of ninjas, detailed historical records are scarce, with much of what is known derived from folklore. Today, ninja-style hakama can also be used for cosplay or exercise wear because of its ease of movement.
How to Choose a Hakama
Choosing a hakama requires considering its purpose, size, and material. Additionally, budget and personal preferences play a role in the selection process.
Purpose: The Umanori style (divided legs) is common in martial arts due to its practicality. Both Umanori and Andon (skirt-like) styles may be used for formal occasions depending on personal preference and tradition.
Size: The hakama size is based on leg length, not body height, and should reach the outer ankle bone, with length adjustments depending on whether it is tied at the hips or waist.
Material: The choice of fabric can depend on the intended use. Lightweight fabrics are suitable for everyday wear, while heavier materials are used for formal occasions.
Please refer to our article for more detailed guidance on size and selection."
Customer Voice
We've received positive reviews from previous customers who have enjoyed our Hakama. Be sure to check out our review page to see what real customers have to say!
"I Ordered the large, it fits well and (after a bit of working out) sits nicely, I am really happy with this and will be ordering more stuff soon.
Check our reviews more
How to Maintain a Hakama
Maintaining a hakama is essential to ensure its longevity and preserve its appearance, especially since it is often worn for martial arts or ceremonial occasions. Here are essential steps for cleaning, drying, folding, and storing a hakama.
How to Wash
1. Initial Washing: For a new hakama, hand wash it in cold water without any detergent. This helps set the fabric and avoid damage. If using a washing machine, fold the hakama properly and place it in a laundry net or a tied cloth to protect its pleats.
2. Regular Washing: For polyester or black cotton hakama, wash at a maximum temperature of 45°C (113°F). You can hand-wash it by soaking it in a sink or bathtub with detergent for about an hour. Our Samurai Zoroye hakama can be hand-washed or washed in a machine; simply place it in a laundry net. To dry, adjust the shape and place it in the shade — no dryer is needed. Please check here for more details.
3. Avoiding Damage: After washing, carefully refold the pleats and secure them with clothespins to maintain their shape."
How to Dry
Allow the hakama to dry slowly in a well-ventilated area; never use a dryer. If possible, do not let it dry in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading or damage to the fabric. Once dry, you can press down on the folds with a heavy object to help them retain their shape, or gently iron if it's made of cotton (avoid ironing synthetic fabrics).
How to Fold and Store
After each use, lay the hakama flat, aligning the pleats. This is important for both aesthetics and the garment's longevity. Fold the legs inward, then fold the hakama in half, ensuring the pleats are aligned and secure.
Store it in a way that prevents crushing the pleats, such as hanging it or placing it flat in a drawer.
Introducing the Samurai Zoroye 3-Piece Starter Set
"The Samurai Zoroye 3-Piece Starter Set is a modern take on traditional samurai attire, featuring a hakama with a hidden front zipper for easy dressing; a dougi made of wrinkle-resistant and washable fabric with a detachable collar for versatile styling; and an obi. The set can be worn in multiple ways, including over casual clothing or styled into ninja-like pants, and offers a balance of practicality and contemporary design. Ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts, it combines traditional samurai aesthetics with modern functionality, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from martial arts practice to daily wear.
For optimal performance and comfort, hakama is typically made from materials like cotton, polyester, or blends that offer durability and ease of movement. Samurai Zoroye uses high-quality fabrics designed for both traditional elegance and modern convenience.
Hakama can be paired with various tops, including traditional dougi or casual shirts, and styled with footwear such as setta, zori, or even modern sneakers for a versatile look.
When selecting a hakama, consider fit, length, and intended use. For guidance on size and styling, refer to our Hakama Guide. Proper care involves regular washing, avoiding direct sunlight while drying, and maintaining pleats to ensure longevity."
Easy to Wear
Our Samurai Zoroye 3-Piece Starter Set is perfect for beginners and includes a hakama, a dougi with a detachable collar, and an obi belt.
The hakama is designed with a hidden front zipper, making it as convenient as an Andon hakama for easier dressing and undressing in under 5 minutes. Its innovative design also allows the hem to be tied into ninja-style pants, similar to equestrian jodhpurs, enhancing both convenience and mobility. This combination of practicality and style ensures a comfortable and stable fit.
Variety of Outfit Combinations
Our Samurai Zoroye 3-Piece Starter Set offers versatile outfit options. It can be worn over everyday clothing like T-shirts and shorts or paired with its matching dougi for a suit-like appearance. Additionally, the innovative design allows the hem to be tied into ninja-style pants for a unique look.
Low Maintenance
Our Samurai Zoroye 3-Piece Starter Set is low maintenance, featuring washable materials and a design that can be folded flat for convenient storage. Its practical construction simplifies upkeep, making it a hassle-free choice for everyday use.
Discover more about the Samurai Zoroye collection and find the perfect set for you here.
Enjoy Your Preferred Hakama Style
"Hakama is a versatile and historically rich Japanese garment that has evolved over centuries from its samurai roots to standard attire in both formal and martial arts settings. The two primary styles of hakama are the Andon, which is undivided and resembles a long skirt, and Umanori, which is divided like trousers and preferred when greater mobility is needed.
Samurai Zoroye features the Umanori (horse-riding) style, making it suitable for a wide range of situations, from everyday wear to sports and martial arts.
Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the hakama's structure and appearance. However, with modern materials and machine washing, keeping the garment in excellent condition has become easier without sacrificing convenience. Please enjoy exploring the rich tradition of hakama with Samurai Zoroye, whether for martial arts, formal occasions, or everyday wear.