Hakama is a traditional Japanese garment worn by men and women for formal occasions and activities such as martial arts. It can be styled as floor-length pants, a long skirt, or a long, pleated skirt and is tied at the waist with a specially designed waistband. The hakama dates back to Japan’s feudal era and was first worn as a protective garment while riding.
A hakama is a type of Japanese garment that can be styled as floor-length pants, a long skirt, or a long, pleated skirt. Hakama are tied at the waist with a specially designed waistband and are greatly flared at the hem. They are traditionally made of silk and are usually worn over a kimono, which is tucked in at the waist.
Hakama can have split legs like pants, or they can be undivided like a skirt. Both styles have seven pleats: two at the back and five arranged asymmetrically at the front. The sides of the hakama split from the waist to the hip, dividing the waistband into two sections. Each section has tie-down belts on both sides to secure at the front and back of the waist. The rear waistband also has a rigid panel that extends several inches into the upper torso.
Belt tying techniques differ for men and women. For men, the belt is tied in an elaborate double loop at the front. For women, the belt is tied with a simple knot. A special folding technique is also required to maintain the folds while the hakama is stored.
For men, the formal hakama is usually made of thick black or gray striped silk. Those designed for women generally come in dark, solid colors, with the exception of the bright red hakama worn by women who attend Shinto shrines in Japan. Women’s styles for special occasions may also feature embroidered flowers at the hem and waist. Hakama accessories include a white undergarment, a full-length kimono, and a pair of split-toe socks. In cooler climates, a short kimono-like robe can also be worn as an outer garment.
Hakama are mostly worn by men for official ceremonies and formal occasions, including weddings, funerals, and tea ceremonies. Hakama are the traditional garment for priests residing at Shinto shrines throughout Japan. They are also used to practice archery and martial arts such as kendo, karate and aikido. Women wear them only for specific occasions and activities, such as graduation ceremonies and traditional Japanese sports.
The hakama dates back to Japan’s feudal era, when it was first worn as a protective garment while riding. Later it became de rigueur both for the nobility and for samurai warriors in the courts of the shogun. Peasants and woodcutters also wore a rustic version of the hakama.
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