Donning the hakama

The hakama is a slightly more difficult to put on than the gi. Unlike the gi, the hakama isn’t very self explanatory. You need to know the certain way to put it on or else it may just decide to slip off of you one day at practice—that could be embarrassing.

As was stated before, it is completely up to you whether or not you want to wear athletic shorts underneath your hakama.

Step into the hakama. Be sure to step in with your left leg first.

Pull up the front straps, or maehimo (literally front string).

Wrap the straps around your body twice.

Cross the straps in front.

Wrap the straps around to your back.

Prepare to tie the back straps into a bow.

Tie into a bow behind you with a hanamusubi style knot.