Regardless of how famous a figure the samurai warrior is many people are unaware of the samurai hakama. Those who encounter the word for the first time would automatically assume that it meant a station, position or ranking of a samurai warrior. Japan is a rich culture that unlike many others has managed to hold onto and continuously practice many of their traditions. Which includes wearing ancient Japanese clothing especially during special events. Of all the traditional garments of Japan it is unfortunate the foreigners are only most likely familiar with the kimono. This outfit is made iconic perhaps thanks to the geisha which is a prominent figure that many associate to the Japanese culture. Amusingly, though a large number of individuals come across various period films they still are unaware of the other garments such as the samurai hakama.

Samurais are the soldiers best known for their swordsmanship which is often depicted greatly in many films. What is not often depicted is how the samurai had gone from horseman to foot soldier. Initially when the samurai hakama was invented it was to help protect the rider from various difficulties encountered while riding a steed. Bruising, chaffing etc. where some afflictions that were resolved thanks to the use of the samurai hakama. The hakama was such a comfortable garment as it was lightweight, simple and straightforward making it easy to get in and out of thus making it ideal garments for soldiers. Even as foot soldiers the samurai continued to wear the hakama for the aforementioned attributes. Other than these factors they soon realized that the length of the samurai hakama, which happens to fall around the ankles was essential in hiding their footwork techniques during combat. Not only did they camouflage the samurai hakama also managed to fool opponents into thinking that the warrior was floating or gliding.

Compared to the elaborate kimono worn by geishas and many women the hakama is rather plain save for the seven folds that many assume are adornments. These pleats however represent virtues that are integral to a samurai or even to many martial arts disciplines to date. What used to be clothing bottoms for men can now be seen being worn by women. However it is more likely to find a woman wearing a hakama during a graduation ceremony or in the martial arts arena. Japanese men on the other hand like using the hakama during many special occasions, events, ceremonies and festivities. The kimono they pair with their hakama is likely to be a basic color with no brocade designs or prints except in some instances wherein crests and symbols are embroidered to the back of the kimono. The samurai hakama for all its simple elegance remains unknown to many however with the present adaptations and the growing interest in Japanese culture and fashion more people are slowly being introduced to this often overshadowed ancient clothing.

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Every sport has its own designated uniform such is also the case with the iaido hakama. Iaido is a martial arts discipline that centers on the art of sword play or swordsmanship. To roughly translate iaido in English would mean “the way of mental presence and immediate action.” Initially iaido had a more literal translation which was “art of drawing the sword” however for some reason or another it was replaced in the 1930’s. Hakama on the other hand refers to one of the many traditional clothing garments in Japan with the kimono leading the pack. The hakama is a skirt like outfit worn my horsemen and eventually by samurai warriors who had been dismounted from their steeds during the Shogun Era. Secured around the waist the garment flares down to the ankles. Originally it was designed to have no leg divisions and in essence is indeed a skirt. Instead of embroideries and prints on the fabric the iaido hakama features 7 folds, five of which are in front and the remaining two can be found a the back. These pleats are not only for aesthetic purposes but also hold a deeper meaning for the samurai warrior. For each pleat represents a virtue that is not only important to the warrior of olden times but is also of great significance to many martial artists to date.

Eventually a version of the hakama which included “legs” also became widely used. Particularly in many martial arts practices as it helped protect the modesty of the wearer particularly the women. Aside from being worn during a sport the iaido hakama is rarely worn by females. Often times the only other occasion in which women can be seen wearing a hakama is during graduation ceremonies and it is most likely paired with a beautiful kimono. The iaido hakama when worn is typically partnered with a simple kimono top of an equally solid color. At the most, designs are limited to embroideries depicting a crest or symbol. Males on the other hand can be seen wearing the hakama in various occasions, ceremonies and events besides in the sporting arena. The iaido hakama is a simple straightforward garment. It has no frills, it is lightweight thus allows better movement. Significantly its design has allowed the wearer to hide their footwork skills during combat as well as give the illusion of floating or gliding on the ground. Hence its popularity during the samurai days as well as in modern combat events is understandable. Amusingly the design of the iaido hakama has been translated into various contemporary designs by many fashion labels. This only proves that even the simplest of garments can be appreciated time after time by many people.

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Due to the kimono’s popularity many are convinced that it is the only traditional garment of Japan, when in fact there are various ancient articles of clothing in the country one of which is the hakama pants. Japan is a country so rich in culture that they are not bound to one type of traditional dress alone. Surely many people are familiar with various ancient Japanese clothes as they are showcased in various films. Next to the kimono the hakama gets as much coverage. Possibly people are only left unaware as to what the garment they see regularly is called. The hakama is the the skirt like article that samurais wear. Originally worn only by men as women were not allowed to become a samurai. Hakama pants are tied at the waist and fall roughly around the ankles as is the case with most ancient clothes in this culture. This trousers resemble a skirt with pleats.

There are two kinds of hakama pants the umanori and the andon bakama. The umanori when literally translated means horse riding is a type of hakama pants resemble typical trousers in structure, having divided legs. Field type umanori hakama is generally worn by forest or field workers. They are looser around the waist but narrower in the legs. In order to secure the hakama pants in place four straps or a himo is present. The himo is hidden beneath the obi which is another traditional Japanese clothing adornment. Obis are sashes when worn by men they are narrower but when worn by women especially with kimonos they are wider and much longer.

While most of fashion trends of today rely on function and heavily on decorative styles and adornments, the pleats found on hakama pants hold a deeper meaning. Observant folks will notice that hakama have seven deep pleats. Five of the pleats can be found infront and the remaining two are found on the back. These 7 pleats are know to represent the sever virtues of bushido. The bushido is an integral aspect to the way of the samurai. The main purpose of the total design of the hakama pants is to hide or disguise the footwork style used by a samurai during combat. This little clothing trickery is quite effective and up to date is being utilized as a garment in various martial arts.

Similar to most traditional garments the hakama has a version suited for formal invents and informal invents. A woman’s hakama pants differs from a man’s in a variety of ways. The most notable difference can be seen in fabric design and method of tying the garment around the waist. While males have been known to wear the hakama for various occasions women are rarely seen wearing hakama pants except during graduation ceremonies as well as in numerous traditional Japanese sports such as kendo, kyudo and aikido. Seeing a woman wear a hakama beyond the aforementioned events is a rarity. Though often overlooked by foreigners the hakama remains as an essential component in the Japanese culture.

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The most iconic garment related to the Japanese culture is the Japanese kimono robe. Amusingly this article of clothing is said to be of Chinese origin dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Many still dispute this and consider the kimono as something that is uniquely Japanese. Regardless of its roots, undoubtedly the most popular form is that of the Japanese kimono robe. While both robes from each country bare striking similarities it is noticeable how much more this clothing is embedded in the Japanese culture.

The word kimono literally means “thing to wear” as “ki’ means wear while “mono” means thing. A Japanese kimono robe is a traditional garment worn by men, women and children. When laid flat a kimono can be seen shaped like a T. The traditional Japanese kimono robe is straight lined, worn with the hem falling at the ankles, they come with attached collars and long wide sleeves. Whether it is a Chinese or Japanese kimono robe, it should always be wrapped with the left overlapping the right unless when dressing the deal for a burial. An obi or sash secures the kimono and is anchored at the back, the Japanese version of the sash is thicker and is not as stylized as the Chinese ones which include tassels and other adornments.. Traditional footwear combinations such as tabi or split toe socks paired with a geta or zōri slippers/sandals.

Unlike the olden times, the Japanese kimono robe today is worn mostly by women than men. This is especially true during special occasions or festivities. When it comes to the Japanese kimono robe, one can find a variety of styles depending on the occasion and the wearer. For instance there’s the Japanese kimono robe for that are for single unmarried women which is the furisode easily distinguished by it’s near floor length sleeves. Kimonos and the obi are commonly made with silk, silk crepes, satin weaves and silk brocade but not limited to. Many modern Japanese kimono robes are made from easy to care fabrics and are less expensive, fabrics such as polyester, various synthetic fibers, rayon and of course cotton. Silk is still the ideal fabric of choice however many opt for cotton kimonos during warmer months like summer. The typical standard kimono for women can easily exceed $10,000 especially if it were to be made with good quality materials. Part of well made kimono outfit surprisingly not only includes the obi, ties, socks, sandals and accessories it should as well include undergarments to match and give the kimono a perfect fit. There are of course other options other than making a purchase from renowned kimono makers, many enterprising individuals choose to make their own using patterns they find online or are available in many dress hobby or craft shops.

To date very few men still wear the kimono, typically they would now only wear it during weddings, tea ceremonies, and some very formal occasions. Sumo wrestlers however are an exception as they are required to wear a traditional male kimono robe whenever they are to appear in public. The traditional Japanese kimono robe as well as the method for making it is truly a form of art that should continue on for years to come.

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ROBE WEAR for men has undergone a radical relaxation in style, from the more formal button-through men s dressing gown or smoking jacket, to a comfortable men s kimono robe in traditional Japanese kimono wrap style, with a tie belt. Kimono style robes are now acceptable as a mens bathrobe, as a dressing gown over mens pajamas, as a pool robe, and also as a men s smoking jacket.

In fact, the kimono robe is so popular for a modesty wrap after a shower and over sleepwear, as well as being worn around the house, that it has become an icon of contemporary informal attire, for men, women and children, and as a gift idea for lovers, a pair of his and hers plush terry robes is a popular choice. The style of the mens kimono robe rarely changes, but the suitability to the occasion is determined by the cloth or material used, the length of the robe, and whether it has short or long sleeves. TERRY kimono robes of knee-length, midi length, or full length, are highly suited to after-pool wear, or after taking a shower, because of the thick and looped towel-like absorbency of terry cotton. Most people opt for the midi-length rather than the shorter length as the towel drying capability for the body is more efficient, and they are more modest and therefore more versatile. A short-length men s silk kimono robe with long sleeves, often colorful and/or with exotic pattern and tie, would be more likely to be worn as a men s smoking jacket for informal gatherings, or at home, worn over slacks or casual long pants. A short-length silk kimono for men might also be designed and worn for more intimate occasions. In contrast, knee-length, midi length or full length silk kimono robes with short, caftan-style, or long sleeves, and in unique designs and colors (such as a men s silk brocade dressing gown), can be exclusive, expensive and reflect the well cultivated wearer s pride in their financial status. in warmer climates and seasons, a cool version of a men s kimono bathrobe might be created using a diamond WAFFLE WEAVE fabric made from 100% cotton or other natural fiber woven cloth. Cotton polyester is also another popular and inexpensive cloth used by manufacturers in the design of men s summertime kimono bath robes or dressing gowns.For cooler climates, VELOUR or BRUSHED COTTON men s kimono robes serve well for comfort around the home as a wrap over men s winter pajamas, in midi length. Again a long-sleeved men s SILK kimono over slacks or pants can be worn for relaxing around the house or for informal gatherings in air-conditioned comfort even in the coldest of climates. A wide check kimono style wrapover dressing gown and tie is popular as a men s kimono robe with the older generation. There are many stockists of kimono robes for men worldwide, and many reputable internet stores supply either exclusive lines, exotic asian style, or inexpensive giftwear using a kimono-style design for men s robes.

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