A hakama is a type of traditional Japanese clothing that originated from kù, the trousers worn by members of the Chinese imperial court in the Sui and Tang dynasties. It is a skirt-like pant that is worn over any type of kimono. Here are some key features of a hakama:
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Design: Hakama are secured by four straps (himo): two longer himo attached on either side of the front of the garment, and two shorter himo attached on either side of the rear. The rear of the garment may have a rigid trapezoidal section, called a koshi-ita (腰板). Below that on the inside, there may be a hakama-dome (袴止め) (a spoon-shaped component sometimes referred to as a hera) which is tucked into the obi or himo at the rear, and helps to keep the hakama in place.
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History: Hakama were worn by samurai and courtiers during the Edo period as part of a complete outfit called a kamishimo (上下/裃). The outfit included a formal kimono, hakama, and a sleeveless jacket with exaggerated shoulders called a kataginu. Before the Meiji era, hakama was a symbol of high status, but after 1868, when the status system was abolished, hakama were worn by men, women, and people of any status.
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Usage: Hakama are typically worn during festivals, coming-of-age ceremonies, and other big life events, similar to kimono. They are also worn by miko or shrine maidens who assist in maintenance and ceremonies at Shinto shrines. Hakama are typically worn with tabi (Japanese split-toe socks) and Japanese style sandals.
Hakama and haori together are worn together as part of formal dress by men. In this case, ones family crest is embroidered on the left and right chest of the men's haori. It would be fair to compare this traditional outfit to a Western tuxedo with a cummerbund and tailcoat, but that is exactly the level of formality implied.
