Hakama

Japanese men traditionally wear hakama over knee-length kimono on formal occasions, such as tea ceremonies and weddings. During certain periods of Japanese history, hakama were so long that they dragged on the floor and the wearer had to walk on them. The folds of the hakama symbolically represented various desirable qualities of a samurai, such as loyalty, courage, justice, and honour.

Hakama worn for martial arts were traditionally made of fine hemp or cotton fabric. Linen, linen blends and crisp cottons are suitable fabrics and will hold pleats better and longer than synthetics.

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