Description
Umanori (Traditional Hakama) are the oldest and most traditional style of pants used in Japan during the 6th century and possibly earlier. Traditionally hakama would tie at the waist and drape down to the ankle with two options, “andon” (skirt -行灯袴”lantern hakama“) or “umanori” (pant -馬乗り – “horse-riding hakama“) style. The umanori style of hakama won out for the samurai as it was easier to wear while riding a horse, becoming known as “umanori” hakama. It is important to note that these traditional hakama do not have the koshita (raised back board), which became common in the early Edo Period (1603 A.D.).
The earliest hakama material was simple cloth woven from fibers of kuzu, or arrowroot plant. Up until the late Muromachi Period (1336 to 1573), a variation of this rough but light cloth, called kakko, was popular for making hakama worn during the hot summer months. By the mid Muromachi Period, cotton became more common and the preferred material for samurai and Daimyo alike. Formal hakama are made of silk called sendai hira and are said to have become popular in the late Sengoku Era (around 1645 A.D.). The hakama is traditionally worn with a kimono, hakamashita (hakama shirt) or juban-shitagi (undershirt).
Our Traditional Umanori Hakama are based on designs from original Muromachi Period. They are secured around the waist by four himo (straps); two longer himo attached on either side of the front of the garment, and two shorter himo attached on either side of the rear. Front himo are wrapped around the back and tied in front. The rear himo are wrapped through the front himo at the waist and tied under the hakama in the front. Hakama have seven deep pleats, two on the back and five on the front. The pleats are said to represent the seven virtues of Bushido, considered essential to the samurai way. Although they appear balanced, the arrangement of the front pleats, (three to the right, two to the left) is asymmetrical, and as such is an example of asymmetry in Japanese aesthetics. We also offer the option to add lace ties to the ankles so you can wear your hakama open or closed at the ankle. You can also tie the bottoms below the knee when wearing with armor or kyahan. Adding these ties will make a kukui (tied) hakama. Perfect for martial artists seeing a traditional hakama, re-enactors, cosplay, larp, sca or anyone wanting a traditional style of samurai pants. Our samurai clothing and accessories are featured in the docudrama “Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan” by Netflix & the Smithsonian Channel.
Features: Traditional Samurai Hakama
- Traditional Umanori (pant) design.
- Made from traditional cotton fabrics.
- Custom sizing available.
| Our skilled katchû-shi (armorers) at the Iron Mountain Armory will need at least 2 to 4 weeks, depending on options selected, for the custom handcrafting of your reproduction samurai item. |
Accessories:
- Hikitate Eboshi – Add a traditional cloth hat to your order, traditionally worn by Samurai
- Sarashi Belt – A traditional long cotton belt, used by Samurai to to secure their katana
- Waraji Sandals – Bamboo straw sandals commonly used by samurai
- Waraji-Gake – Traditional type of Japanese sock that is to be worn together with the Waraji sandals
- Tabi Socks – Two toe section sock for use with sandals
- Yugake – Traditional samurai gloves
| For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service. |
Loyal Customer –
The hakama is perfect! I really appreciate your efforts and will treasure them for always. I plan to wear them with the samurai Armour I purchased earlier this year for a photo session.
I am a loyal customer. After the new year, I plan to purchase the Japanese Dragon Kabuto for my collection.
Custom Hakama –
Really durable material, Made well with strong seams.. I am very happy with the purchase and will buy them again when needed.. Staff are a dream to work with and handled everything exceptional and professional.
Costum Hakama –
I’m a bit disapointed about the quality and workmanship. I thought it would be more of a “Professional-grade” Hakama, not one i would see a little kid might wear for Halloween.I use to practice Aikido and looking forward to starting Kendo but not wearing this Hakama.
well made –
good fit and materials are good. very authentic feel.
Justin Clark (verified owner) –
The Hakama is very soft and comfortable. It’s very lightweight compared to some martial arts Hakama, so it’s easy to wear for extended periods of time.
John Purkiss (verified owner) –
Very good
Christian S. –
Hakama were made moderately ok. The wrong pattern was sent to me than the one I ordered.
zombiehunter5972 (verified owner) –
Great hakama for the price. These are significantly cheaper priced than others on the market and they are the same or better quality. Would recommend!
Jason W. (verified owner) –
Height was about right, length of the straps seem too short despite proper measurements, not sure if this was a crafting error or maybe my belly is too big for the chart to be accurate. And option to choose the length of the straps would be a good feature to add to the store
Michael A (store manager) –
Thank you for your comment. If there is an issue with your himo length, please let us know. It is possible you are tying them in the modern style and not traditional? If you let us know of any issues and send us pictures we can assist you.
Christine Cezar (verified owner) –
Great color and sizing.
ATHANASIOS DRAMPALAS (verified owner) –
Unamori is a traditional hakama that could be wearing under armor but is also used for training or presentations without armor so my advice here is to inform buyers about koshi-ita (exist or not, hard or soft with crest embroidery or not) and obi belt length if it possible to be customized. The quality of textile and the final result it was excellent. Incredibly superior product in reasonable price