When one envisions traditional Japanese formal menswear, the iconic image that often arises is the refined montsuki haori hakama ensemble: a dignified black kimono bearing the family crest (mon), layered with a structured haori jacket, and completed by the strikingly elegant pleated hakama. This distinctive garment, with its wide, flowing silhouette reminiscent of a divided skirt, is none other than the hakama itself.
The hakama traces its origins to the Heian period (794–1185), when court nobles wore simple tubular leg coverings to protect their garments while traveling on horseback. Over the centuries, particularly during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, it evolved into an essential component of samurai attire. The traditional men's hakama features seven deep pleats—five in the front and two in the back—each said to represent one of the seven virtues of bushidō: courage (yu), benevolence (jin), righteousness (gi), courtesy (rei), sincerity (makoto), honor (meiyo), and loyalty (chūgi).
Though rarely seen in everyday life in contemporary Japan (modern commuting would indeed prove challenging!), the hakama remains an indispensable part of formal and ceremonial dress in 2025. It continues to be worn with pride on life’s most significant occasions, including:
- Coming-of-age ceremonies (Seijin-shiki)
- University and academic graduation ceremonies
- Traditional Shinto weddings
- Japanese martial arts such as kendō, kyūdō, aikidō, and iaidō
- Tea ceremony, Shinto priesthood, and classical performing arts including Noh and Kabuki
- And increasingly, as a sophisticated statement in modern fashion editorials, street style, and professional photography
At ADN Kimono, we believe the hakama endures not merely as tradition, but as the Japanese counterpart to the Western black-tie tuxedo—reserved for moments that truly matter. Its dramatic silhouette and rich symbolism lend an unmatched sense of dignity, grace, and cultural depth to any occasion.
Whether you are preparing for a milestone celebration, seeking authentic attire for martial arts or tea ceremony, or simply wish to incorporate this timeless garment into contemporary styling, our master artisans are here to guide you in selecting or commissioning a hakama perfectly suited to your needs.