Hakama Size Chart & Options

How to Choose your Aikido (& Iaido/Kendo) Hakama

As an expert in the manufacture of Aikido equipment, Seido is able to provide you with the technical details and measurements of all its models. You will find our elaborate advice on which model to choose after the size tables.

Contents

Hakama Size Table & Detailed measurements

These measurements correspond to the measurements out of the workshop, not including shrinkage (for Aizome models). Note that our Hakama are hand crafted, so slight variations are possible. All measurements are in centimeters and kilograms, but you can use the unit switcher to switch to imperial system (US).

Hakama Size Table & Length

Male Size tied on the hips	Size	Hakama Length *	Female Size tied on the waist
145 cm ~ 151 cm	20	75 cm	140 cm ~ 144 cm
152 cm ~ 154 cm	21	79 cm	145 cm ~ 147 cm
155 cm ~ 157 cm	22	83 cm	148 cm ~ 150 cm
158 cm ~ 159 cm	22.5	85 cm	151 cm ~ 152 cm
160 cm ~ 161 cm	23	87 cm	153 cm ~ 154 cm
162 cm ~ 164 cm	23.5	89 cm	155 cm ~ 156 cm
165 cm ~ 166 cm	24	91 cm	157 cm ~ 159 cm
167 cm ~ 169 cm	24.5	93 cm	160 cm ~ 162 cm
170 cm ~ 171 cm	25	95 cm	163 cm ~ 164 cm
172 cm ~ 173 cm	25.5	97 cm	165 cm ~ 166 cm
174 cm ~ 176 cm	26	99 cm	167 cm ~ 169 cm
177 cm ~ 178 cm	26.5	100 cm	170 cm ~ 171 cm
179 cm ~ 180 cm	27	102 cm	172 cm ~ 173 cm
181 cm ~ 183 cm	27.5	104 cm	174 cm ~ 176 cm
184 cm ~ 187 cm	28	106 cm	177 cm ~ 179 cm
188 cm ~ 190 cm	28.5	108 cm	180 cm ~ 182 cm
191 cm ~ 193 cm	29	110 cm	183 cm ~ 185 cm
194 cm ~ 195 cm	29.5	112 cm	186 cm ~ 188 cm
196 cm ~ 200 cm	30	114 cm	189 cm ~ 190 cm

Hakama straps size chart - Keiko Training models only

Size 22 to 24 > front belt: 420 cm / back belt: 180 cm (up to ~90 cm cm hips/waist)
Size 24.5 to 30 > front belt: 440 cm / back belt: 200 cm (up to ~95 cm hips/waist)

Hakama straps size chart - Keiko 'Cashmere Touch' Aikido Hakama (Training) only

Size 24 > front belt: 400 cm / back belt: 180 cm (up to ~90 cm cm hips/waist)
from size 24.5 > front belt: 420 cm / back belt: 190 cm (up to ~95 cm hips/waist)

Hakama straps size chart - All models

Size 22 to 24.5 > front belt: 400 cm / back belt: 180 cm (up to ~85 cm cm hips/waist)
Size 25 to 30 > front belt: 420 cm / back belt: 200 cm (up to ~90 cm hips/waist)

* The measurement of the Hakama length is made from below the bottom of the front strap, to the bottom of the hakama. The Nobakama is usually worn a size shorter than the traditional hakama.

How to Choose Your Size

The Hakama measurements system

Size corresponds to the ancient Japanese "Kujira-shaku" system used mainly in the manufacture of traditional clothing.

1 Kujira-shaku = 3.79 cm - A hakama size 27 is therefore 27 x 3.79 cm = 102.3 cm

This length is measured from the bottom of the front strap to the bottom of the Hakama at its center. Unlike Iaido or Kendo, Aikido Hakama are adjusted to be worn with a thinner belt (Judo-type belt).
If you wear a large belt (e.g. Kakuobi) or put the front strap inside your Judo type belt, please consider a Koshiita height adjustment, available as customization on all the Hakama except the "Tetron Training Keiko" model.

Hakama traditional & modern fitting

Traditionally, Hakama should fall just above the external ankle, however, in Aikido, it is common to wear longer hakama. The sizes we suggest above are for a "long" port (below the lateral ankle).

To make your choice, we recommend you wear a friend's Hakama and check its length, depending on your preferences but also on your body type (including the position of your hips and the length of your legs).

If you wear a traditional "Obi" i.e. a wide belt (kakuobi type), we advise you to contact us so that we adapt your order where the lengths of the front and rear will be adapted to the use of this type of Obi.

Finally, please note that this system of size (25, 26, 27 etc.) is broadly used in Japan only. When you try the hakama of a friend, make sure that it is a hakama "made in japan", or measure the front yourself.

Comprehensive video guide: How to Choose your Hakama Size

How to Choose your model

Hakama fall into two categories, synthetic fabrics (Tetron, Polyester, Polyester/linen) and 100% cotton (black/navy or Aizome)

Synthetic fabric Hakama

Synthetic models are easier to maintain, have extremely low bleed through (or not), then pleats last longer, and they are generally lighter than cotton models. Most Japanese manufacturer use tetron as the most 'basic' fabric and 100% shiny (cashmere like) polyester, and some other polyester or polyester blend material for light Hakama. Even though those fabric have the same name, they are not the same. Among various level of quality, we always chose the best in class material for our products. Our tetron and polyester cashmere might therefore feel a bit thicker than those of other brands.

Cotton Hakama

The 100% Cotton models are more difficult to maintain and should be carefully folded after each class. They are heavier and slower to dry. However, they are more "traditional" and almost indestructible.
Aizome cotton rubs off a lot and requires special treatment explained in the section "How to take care of your equipment" You find also some more information about the "traditional Aizome dyeing process" on our blog.

Hakama Comparative Chart

Fabric	Tetron	Polyester Cashmere	Polyester / Linen	Cotton Bushu Aizome
Weight (size 27)	~1 kg	~1.2 kg	~0.85 kg	~1.25 kg~1.4 kg
Maintenance	Very easy to fold and to maintain.	Very easy to fold and to maintain.	Easy to fold and to maintain.	Difficult to fold and to maintain.
Particularities	Color and rub off slightly (not during washing)	Slightly shiny fabric.	The fabric is particularly thin, the pants can be seen very slightly by transparency.	If badly folded, folds eventually fade. Color rubs a lot.
Types	Ideal for daily practice.	For winter / demonstrations.	For summer.	For practitioners seeking tradition.
Durability	****	****	***	*****

About our Customization Services for Hakama

Please note: All Seido Hakama with the exception of the Tetron and Cashmere touch Keiko (Training) Hakama model can be customized. If you order one of these options with the mentioned Keiko Hakama model, your order will not be feasible and therefore canceled.

These Hakama customizations (except the Lateral Reinforcements) can not be made on in stock products but have to be sewn during manufacturing. Therefore the completion time is 4 to 5 weeks on average. Every option allows to adapt the Hakama to your body shape, but also to the way you tie it and your style of practicing.

Services related to your body shape

- Strap Extension: As indicated in the size tables, the back and front straps of our Hakama have a standardized length. Using the formula provided below, you may notice that the straps are too short in your case. Either because of your waist size or because of the way you tie your Hakama. This service allows to extend the front and the back strap. For all Indigo (Aizome) Hakama you have to take the shrinkage of the straps (approx. 10 cm) into account.

The length of the Seido Hakama straps is 400 cm at the front and 180 cm at the back until the size 24.5 and 420 cm and 200 cm from size 25.

Check the length of the straps:
- Front strap : "waist size" x 4 + ~80 cm
- Back strap : "waist size x 2 + 20 cm~ 30 cm

Standard Seido Hakama can be worn up to 80 cm in waist up to sizes 24.5, and 90 cm ~ 95 cm in waist for sizes up to 30.
Note: This option can not be added to an in stock Hakama, but has to be specifically sewn during the manufacturing process. Therefore the completion time is 4 to 5 weeks on average.

- Custom Wide Cut: This option consists of an overall widening of the Hakama according to your waist size. If your waist circumference is above 100 cm, adding the option "Strap Extension" you may be able to tie your Hakama but it will not be comfortable to wear. This option offers to enlarge the entire Hakama to adapt the overall fit. Your waist size is requested so as to precisely alter the Hakama and adjust it to your body shape. This service does not only offer a wider front cut but also a larger Koshiita (back plate) and extended front and back straps. (Note that you therefore do not have to add the "strap extension" service.)
Note: This option can not be added to an in stock Hakama, but has to be specifically sewn during the manufacturing process. Therefore the completion time is 4 to 5 weeks on average.

Services related to your way of tying your Hakama and/or your belt type

- Koshiita Height Adjustment: The Seido Hakama are designed to be worn with a classic black or white belt (Judo type). Noting that there is an increasing amount of practitioners using wide belts (Iaido type), we decided to offer a service that adjusts the cut of the Hakama according to the type of Obi (belt) you wear. There are the following two possibilities: A higher Koshiita, corresponding to the wear of a wide Obi (the Koshiita sits on top of the belt), and a lowered Koshiita for practitioners flipping the front strap under the belt after tying the Hakama as the majority does.
Note: This option can not be added to an in stock Hakama, but has to be specifically sewn during the manufacturing process. Therefore the completion time is 4 to 5 weeks on average.

- Koshiita Hera: A small plastic tab added below the Koshiita, as on Kendo and Iaido Hakama. We generally do not recommend this option because if this tab gets out of place during practice, it can be dangerous when doing Ukemi. However, there are many forms of Aikido and associated disciplines such as Kinomichi or Aikishintaiso in which falls are not very present. The tab is sewn into the seam of the Koshiita, ensuring maximum strength but requiring a custom manufacturing. Make sure to choose the service "Koshiita Height Adjustment" if you wear a wide Obi so that the tab is at the correct height.
Note: This option can not be added to an in stock Hakama, but has to be specifically sewn during the manufacturing process. Therefore the completion time is 4 to 5 weeks on average.

- Longer Lateral Vents: An extension of the right and left openings generally helps to keep the folds of the Hakama in place and pulls them less apart during practice. We specially recommend this option as addition to the "Custom Wide Cut" for maximum freedom of movement.
Note: This option can not be added to an in stock Hakama, but has to be specifically sewn during the manufacturing process. Therefore the completion time is 4 to 5 weeks on average.

Additional Services

- Lateral Reinforcements: Our traditional Hakama are reinforced with two discrete lines of stitchings. However, some practitioners prefer reinforcements on the lateral vents with an additional peace of fabric. This is what we offer with this option.

- Hanger Strap: This option consists of two loops of fabric sewn on the inside (back and front) of the Hakama. This helps to put the Hakama more easily on a hanger for drying. Like for the Koshiita Hera, the loop on the back is sewn into the seam of the Koshiita and on the front part of the Hakama into the stitchings of the straps, ensuring maximum strength.
Note: This option can not be added to an in stock Hakama, but has to be specifically sewn during the manufacturing process. Therefore the completion time is 4 to 5 weeks on average. However, the Tetron Training Keiko model already features this option by default.

All these services (except the "Lateral Reinforcements") require a fully customized manufacture. If you wish, you can let us know your detailed measurements (waist, hips, hips to angle, etc.) when ordering. This gives our craftsmen the possibility to do some slight additional adjustments if needed. (Free of charge.)