1. Hakama materials: differences between cotton, terylene, and jersey and how to choose

Before understanding how to wash hakama, it is important to first understand the characteristics of the material. Kendo hakama are mainly made of three materials, each with completely different characteristics and care methods.

Cotton hakama

Features

• A profound feel and beautiful luster : Characterized by the deep color and weighty texture of indigo dye
• High-quality appearance : Preferred in competitions and examinations, popular among rank holders
• Excellent breathability : Made of natural fibers, it feels good against the skin and is comfortable even during long training sessions.
• Traditional method : Dyed using the traditional Japanese technique of indigo dyeing

About the fabric count

The quality of cotton hakama is expressed in units called "count." They range from 4000 to 14000, and the higher the number, the finer and higher the quality .

• 4000-6000 : For beginners. Relatively inexpensive and suitable for regular practice.
• 8000-10000 : For intermediate players. Quality that can be used in competitions and judging.
• 11,000 and above : High-quality products. Used in rank examinations and important matches.

Points to note

Cotton hakama is the most difficult to work with out of the three materials :

• Color fades easily : Because it is indigo dyed, the color fades with each wash.
• Shrinks easily : May shrink 5-10cm when washed or heated
• Pleats easily collapse : Pleats easily come loose due to moisture or friction
• Requires time for care : Hand washing is generally recommended

Tetron hakama

Material Composition

A polyester and rayon blend. Chemical dyes are used, making it resistant to fading.

Features

• Lightweight and easy to handle : Approximately 60-70% of the weight of cotton hakama
• Quick drying : Dries in 2-3 hours after washing (when drying indoors)
• Creases are hard to come out : The characteristics of synthetic fibers make it easy to maintain creases
• Less color fading : Because it is a chemical dye, the color lasts longer than indigo dye.
• Easy to care for : machine washable

Points to note

• Slightly glossy : It has a gloss characteristic of synthetic fibers, and looks slightly inferior to cotton hakama.
• Cotton hakama may not be suitable for judging : Depending on the region and the judge, cotton hakama may be recommended.
• Static electricity is likely to occur : Be especially careful in winter

Jersey Hakama

Material Composition

100% polyester, the same material used in sportswear.

Features

• Lightest : The lightest of the three materials, allowing for greater mobility
• Quick drying : Dries within 1-2 hours after washing
• Easiest to wash : Machine washable without a laundry net (although using a laundry net is recommended)
• Retains its shape : Many have sewn inner and outer pleats.
• Stretchy : Easy to move in and adapts to your child's growth
• Relatively low price : Low initial investment

Recent evolution

Indigo-dyed jersey hakama have appeared, and they look similar to cotton hakama. They are of such high quality that they can even be used for judging.

Suitable person

• Beginners and children : Easy to care for and easy to replace as they grow
• For those who practice frequently : Laundry is not a burden even if you practice every day.
• For those who travel a lot : Lightweight, easy to carry, and quick to dry

By material: Who is it recommended for?

2. Complete guide to washing hakama by material

From here, we will explain in detail the specific washing methods for each material. Washing the wrong material can cause irreparable damage , so be sure to check the material of your hakama before washing.

How to wash Tetoron jersey hakama

Since terylene and jersey are synthetic fibers, they can be washed in the same way. They are machine washable and relatively easy to care for.

What you need

• Laundry net (flat type for shirts)
• Neutral detergent (delicate detergent recommended)
• Hakama hanger (or clothesline if you don't have one)

Step 1: Fold the hakama and place it in a laundry net

1. Carefully fold along the folds
   • Arrange the front pleats (5) and back pleats (2)
   • Fold the waistboard inward
   • Folds in half vertically for compact storage
2. Put in a laundry net
   • A flat net for shirts is ideal.
   • Choose the perfect size so that the hakama does not move around inside the net.
   • Zip the net tightly

Step 2: Machine wash

1. Ideally, wash it separately
   • Generally, the color does not transfer, but it may vary depending on the manufacturer.
   • If washing with other kendo uniforms, avoid light-colored ones.
   • Never wash with towels or white items
2. Wash Settings
   • Courses : "Soft wash", "Delicate wash", "Hand wash", etc.
   • Water temperature : cold water below 30°C or room temperature water
   • Detergent : Neutral detergent (such as Emar or Acron) in the specified amount
   • Dehydration : Set to light (about 1 to 2 minutes)
3. Things to avoid
   • Use of bleach (causes discoloration)
   • Excessive use of fabric softener (damages the fabric)
   • Washing in hot water (causes shrinkage)
   • Prolonged dehydration (causing wrinkles and deformation)

Step 3: Dry immediately after washing

It is important to remove your laundry as soon as the washing machine has stopped . Leaving it wet can cause the following problems:

• Deep wrinkles that cannot be removed
• A damp smell occurs
• Mold grows
• The pleats become easily disintegrated

Step 4: Adjust the shape and dry in the shade

1. Spread out the hakama and adjust the shape
   • Smooth out the pleats by hand
   • Adjusting the shape of the waistboard
   • Smoothing out wrinkles
2. Dry in the shade
   • Avoid direct sunlight (this may cause fading)
   • Choose a well-ventilated location
   • Drying indoors is sufficient (dries in 2-3 hours)

How to wash cotton hakama (new/high-quality)

Cotton hakama should generally not be washed with detergent or in a washing machine, as friction and chemical reactions can cause discoloration and damage . New or high-quality items (number 10,000 or higher) require special care.

What you need

• A large tub or bathtub
• Lukewarm water (around 30 degrees)
• Natural detergent (if needed)
• Newspaper or plastic sheeting
• Hakama hanger

Step 1: Fold the hakama and wash it by stomping on it.

1. Pour lukewarm water
   • Fill a bucket or bathtub with lukewarm water (around 30 degrees Celsius).
   • Do not use hot water (it may cause shrinkage)
   • Warm water removes dirt more easily than cold water
2. Fold the hakama along the pleats
   • Adjust the front and back pleats
   • Fold the waistboard inward
   • Wash it folded
3. Stomp on the floor
   • Soak the hakama in lukewarm water
   • Wash by gently stepping with your feet
   • Do not scrub too hard (this will ruin the pleats)
   • Continue scrubbing for about 10 to 15 minutes
4. Use detergent if necessary
   • Basically, just water is enough
   • If the stain is severe, use a small amount of natural soap.
   • Never use bleach

Step 2: Rinse

1. Change the water
   • Be careful not to let the water flow directly onto your hakama.
   • Gently change the water
2. Rinse 2-3 times
   • Rinse until the water runs clear
   • If it's a new product, it may take 4-5 times.

Step 3: Drain the water (do not spin-dry)

Cotton hakama should generally not be dried in a dryer :

1. Lift the hakama and let the water drain naturally
2. Press gently with your hands to remove any excess water
3. Do not squeeze or press hard

Step 4: Dry in the shade immediately

1. Shape
2. Smooth out the pleats by hand
3. Hang on a hakama hanger
4. Dry in the shade (avoid direct sunlight)

How to wash cotton hakama (well-worn or everyday use)

Cotton hakama that have been used for many years and have not lost their color or shape to a certain extent can be machine washed under certain conditions.

Conditions for machine washable cotton hakama

• It has been more than a year since the purchase
• I've washed it more than 10 times already.
• Discoloration is almost gone
• Items for everyday use that don't mind losing their shape a little

How to wash in a washing machine (only for worn cotton hakama)

1. Put it in a net just like the Tetron hakama.
2. Select "Hand wash" or "Soft wash"
3. Use as little detergent as possible (if at all, use only a small amount)
4. Set the dehydration time to about 1 minute
5. Remove immediately and reshape
6. Smooth out any wrinkles and dry in the shade

Washing frequency guidelines (by material)

However, in the summer , we recommend washing any material as soon as possible if you sweat. Leaving sweat soaked into the material can cause deterioration and odor.

3. Correct drying methods and common mistakes

Just as important as washing is how you dry your hakama . If you don't dry them properly, your carefully washed hakama will be ruined.

Basic drying method

✓ The correct way to dry

1. Drying in the shade is the basic rule
   • Choose a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight
   • Drying indoors is sufficient
   • A well-ventilated place is ideal
2. Dry immediately
   • Dry as soon as possible after washing
   • Do not leave it wet
3. Shape
   • Smooth out the pleats by hand
   • Smoothing out wrinkles
   • Adjusting the shape of the waistboard
4. Using a hakama hanger
   • Can be dried in a cylindrical shape to prevent deformation
   • The air flows through to the inside, drying quickly.
   • The folds are easily maintained

✗ Incorrect drying method

• Dry in direct sunlight
  • The main cause of color fading
  • In particular, cotton hakama will clearly change color after just one sun drying.
  • The fabric becomes easily damaged
• Leave it wet
  • Deep wrinkles
  • A damp smell occurs
  • Mold grows
• Just hang it on a hanger
  • Easy to lose shape due to weight
  • The pleats easily collapse
  • Drying is uneven

How to choose a drying location

Recommended drying locations

1. A well-ventilated place indoors
   • A place where the windows are open and the wind blows through
   • A place that is not directly exposed to the air conditioner's wind
2. Bathroom (with ventilation fan)
   • Turn on the ventilation fan to prevent humidity
   • In the case of cotton hakama, it is not a problem if water drips on them.
3. Balcony (shaded area)
   • A roofed area that is not exposed to direct sunlight
   • Drying at night or early in the morning is also recommended.

Places to avoid

• Places exposed to direct sunlight
• Humid places (such as unventilated bathrooms)
• Near a heater (which may cause shrinkage)
• Inside the car (in summer, the fabric gets damaged due to high temperatures)

Drying time guideline

4. Hakama care and troubleshooting

No matter how carefully you treat your clothes, they may lose their pleats or lose their color over time. Here we will explain some common problems and how to deal with them.

When the pleats come off

The pleats of hakama will gradually come out with repeated use. Cotton hakama are particularly susceptible to collapse due to moisture and friction .

Solution 1: Use an iron

1. preparation
   • Set the iron to medium heat (140-160°C)
   • Prepare a cloth to press on (a thin cloth or a hand towel)
   • Lightly moisten the hakama with a spray bottle
2. Ironing
   • Spread the hakama flat
   • Place a patch along the folds
   • Press down on the iron from above
   • Do not drag (fabric stretches)
3. Points to note
   • High temperatures are strictly prohibited (causes shine)
   • Always use a pressing cloth
   • It's best not to use steam

Solution 2: Press the baby to sleep

It's an old-fashioned method, but very effective.

1. Adjusting the pleats of the hakama
2. Sandwich the pleats between stiff paper (cardboard or thick paper)
3. Put it under your futon and sleep overnight
4. The next morning, beautiful folds are restored.

Solution 3: Hire a Professional

If you cannot repair it yourself or if it is a high-quality item, take it to a specialist store or dry cleaner.

• Kendo equipment specialty store : pleating service (approximately 3,000-5,000 yen)
• Dry cleaning shops : Some stores can handle this by pressing.

Prevention: How to make your creases last longer

1. Always fold it after practice
   • Don't leave your clothes lying around
   • Carefully fold along the folds
2. Avoid moisture
   • After practice, spread it out to dry
   • Allow to dry completely before folding
3. Sew inside the pleats
   • Sew the inner pleats in place with thread.
   • Greatly prevents deformation
   • Specialized shops can also handle this (around 2,000 to 3,000 yen)
4. Choose a hakama with inner pleats already sewn in
   • Items with inner pleats sewn in at the time of purchase
   • "Double stitched" products are also recommended

When the color fades after being washed too much

Cotton hakama in particular lose their color with each wash. This is what to do if the color has clearly faded.

Solution: Re-dyeing service

Indigo-dyed hakama can be re-dyed .

• Kendo equipment specialty store : Re-dyeing service (approximately 8,000-15,000 yen)
• Dyeing specialty store : Authentic indigo re-dyeing
• Finish : Return to a dark indigo color like new
• Duration : 2 weeks to 1 month

Prevention: How to minimize color fading

1. Wash your clothes less often
   • Cotton hakama only need to be washed once every 5 to 10 times.
   • After practice, dry in the shade to remove odors.
2. No detergent
   • Wash with water only
   • If you must use it, use a small amount of natural soap.
3. Avoid direct sunlight
   • Dry thoroughly in the shade
   • Store in a place away from sunlight
4. "Color fixing treatment" when new
   • Soaking in vinegar water (see below)
   • Make sure the color is fully developed the first time.

When it shrinks

Cotton hakama in particular can shrink due to heat or excessive dehydration.

How to deal with minor shrinkage

1. Soak in lukewarm water for 30 minutes to 1 hour
2. Gently pull and stretch
3. Dry in the shade while adjusting the shape

In case of severe shrinkage

Unfortunately, it is difficult to restore a hakama that has shrunk significantly . You have the following options:

• Give it to children and smaller people
• Use it for practice purposes only
• Buy a new hakama

Precautions

• Do not wash with hot water
• Do not use a washing machine spin cycle (cotton hakama)
• Do not dry near a heater
• When purchasing, choose a slightly longer size (to allow for shrinkage).

5. Five tips from a professional to make your hakama last longer

From here on, I will introduce some little-known tips that I have used as a person who has been working with hakama for over 20 years.

Tip 1: Prevent color fading by treating new hakama with vinegar water

Doing this before washing a new cotton hakama for the first time will significantly reduce subsequent color fading.

method

1. Fill a large container (such as a bathtub) with lukewarm water.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar (about 2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water)
3. Soak the hakama for 2 to 3 hours.
4. Rinse lightly with water only
5. Dry in the shade as usual

effect

• This makes it easier for the indigo pigment to adhere to the fibers.
• Color fading reduced by 30-50% after the first use
• Prevents uneven color

Tip 2: Maintain the pleats with "Origami-style folding"

Instead of just folding it normally, you can make the pleats last longer by adding a little extra ingenuity.

method

1. Spread out the hakama and adjust the pleats
2. Place a thin piece of paper (washi paper or copy paper) between the front and back pleats.
3. Fold it as is
4. Store

effect

• The pleats do not rub against each other
• The creases are kept neat
• It also absorbs moisture

Tip 3: Deodorize with baking soda water

Even if you have cotton hakama that go between washes for a long time, there are ways to prevent odors.

method

1. Add 200ml of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a spray bottle.
2. Shake well to dissolve
3. After practice, lightly spray the inside of your hakama.
4. Dry in the shade

effect

• Neutralizes sweat odor
• It also has a disinfecting effect
• No need to worry about color fading

Tip 4: Use silica gel to prevent moisture

Humidity during storage is the enemy of hakama.

method

1. Put silica gel (a desiccant) in the folded hakama.
2. Store in a sealed bag
3. Regularly replace the silica gel

effect

• Preventing mold growth
• Reduces odor generation
• Slows down deterioration of fabrics

Tip 5: Rotate multiple cards

This is not a secret technique, but rather a basic principle practiced by professionals.

Recommended Rotation

• 1 cotton hakama + 2 tetron hakama
  • Match/Judging: Cotton Hakama
  • Regular practice: Tetron hakama is used alternately
• 2-3 Tetron hakama
  • For those who practice every day
  • Distributes the hassle of laundry

merit

• Reduced frequency of use per sheet, extending lifespan
• Flexible washing schedule
• You don't have to worry about drying time for cotton hakama.

6. Common mistakes and preventative measures

Here are some actual failure stories from our customers and how to prevent them.

Mistake 1: "I washed my brand new cotton hakama in the washing machine."

result

• The folds were completely removed
• Shrinkage of more than 10cm
• Color unevenness occurred

Precautions

• Be sure to check the washing instructions when purchasing.
• Cotton hakama should generally only be washed by hand.
• If you are unsure, consult the store

Mistake 2: "I dried it in the sun"

result

• Clearly faded after one sun exposure
• The fabric has become hard

Precautions

• Always dry in the shade
• Drying clothes indoors is the safest option
• Choose a shaded area with a roof even on a balcony

Mistake 3: "I put it in a bag and brought it home while it was still wet."

result

• Mold has grown
• A strong foul odor occurs
• Color transfer

Precautions

• After practice, be sure to unfold it and take it home
• Use a breathable bag
• Dry it immediately after returning home

Mistake 4: "I used detergent containing bleach."

result

• Partially faded color
• Unevenness occurred
• irreparable

Precautions

• Always check the ingredients of detergent
• Never use bleach
• Mild detergent is the safest

Mistake 5: "I put the iron directly on the fabric"

result

• Shiny skin
• The fabric has become hard
• Partially changed color

Precautions

• Always use a pressing cloth
• Medium heat setting (140-160 degrees)
• No steam

7. The importance of clothing in kendo

We have talked about how to care for your hakama, but why is it important to keep your hakama looking beautiful in the first place? The answer lies in the importance of "wearing" your hakama in kendo.

What is clothing?

"Kizu" refers to properly putting on your uniform (kendo uniform), hakama, and protective gear. In kendo, "adjusting your outfit" before a match or practice is highly regarded as a matter of etiquette.

The spirit of Kendo: "Begin with courtesy and end with courtesy"

The basic spirit of Kendo is "Begin with courtesy and end with courtesy." This "rei" is

• Respect for others
• Respect for teachers and seniors
• Respect for the Dojo
• Respect for Kendo itself

Dressing properly is the first step in this "rei" ( decorative etiquette).

What happens when your clothes are messy

• Distraction : I can't concentrate on my training because I'm worried about my outfit.
• Rude to others : Gives the impression of being sloppy
• Points will be deducted : Clothing will also be evaluated during competitions and judging.
• It leads to mental disorder : It is said that if your clothes are messy, your mind will also be messy.

Key points for proper dressing

Dogi

• Always wear it on the left side (wearing it on the right side is funeral attire)
• The length of the cuffs is such that the wrists are slightly visible
• Tie the waist string securely

Hakama

• Tie the front and back strings securely
• The waistboard is in the center of the back
• The pleats are neatly aligned
• The length is long enough to cover the top of the foot.

Armor

• The menhimo are of equal length on both sides.
• The hanging is fixed in the appropriate position
• The kote is a position that firmly protects the wrist.

Common dressing mistakes and solutions

Clothing is a mirror that reflects your mental attitude

Kendo attire is not just about dressing up.

Posture, etiquette, concentration - all the basics start with "dressing properly."

• Wearing the kendo uniform and hakama correctly
• Wearing protective gear correctly
• Always be careful and don't let your clothes get out of shape.

Proper attire also contributes to performance in practice and matches.

That is why it is a fundamental mindset for a kendo practitioner to carefully care for their hakama and keep them beautiful.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Should I wash my hakama every time?

A. It depends on the material:

• Cotton hakama : Washing them once every 5-10 practice sessions is sufficient. Washing them too often can cause color fading and shrinkage.
• Tetron hakama : Recommended once every 3-4 practice sessions.
• Jersey hakama : Once every 2-3 times, or every time is fine.

However, if you sweat a lot in the summer, we recommend washing your clothes as soon as possible, regardless of the material.

Q2. What should I do if my cotton hakama fades?

A. Indigo-dyed cotton hakama can be re-dyed . Please consult a kendo equipment specialty store or dye shop. The cost is around 8,000 to 15,000 yen, and it will take about two weeks to one month. If it is a high-quality item, it may be more cost-effective to re-dye it and use it for a longer period of time.

Q3. The pleats on my hakama have come undone. Can I fix it myself?

A. Yes, you can fix it with an iron or by pressing:

• Iron : Medium temperature (140-160°C) using a pressing cloth and pressing along the folds.
• Sleeping : Place the folds between stiff paper and place under your futon overnight.

If you cannot fix it yourself or if it is a high-end item, we recommend taking it to a specialist store (around 3,000 to 5,000 yen).

Q4. What material for hakama would you recommend for beginners?

A. We recommend jersey hakama or tetron hakama :

• Easy to maintain
• Machine washable
• Relatively cheap
• Pleats are hard to remove

Once you have become accustomed to kendo and have upcoming matches and examinations, consider purchasing cotton hakama.

Q5. After washing my hakama, there is still a smell...

A. Please try the following:

1. Baking soda water spray : Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 200ml of water and spray
2. Wash again : If it smells damp, it may not be completely dry.
3. Dry in the shade : Dry for a long time in a well-ventilated place
4. Oxygen bleach : Only Tetron and jersey can be used (not cotton)

Q6. How should I store my hakama?

A. Please keep the following points in mind:

• Allow to dry completely before folding
• Carefully fold along the folds
• Store in a dry place
• Add silica gel (desiccant)
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Dry in the shade regularly (about once a month)

Q7. What is the "count" of cotton hakama?

A. It is a unit that indicates the fineness of the cotton hakama fabric. The higher the number, the higher the quality :

• 4000-6000 : For beginners and regular practice
• 8000-10000 : For intermediate players, can also be used in matches
• 11,000 and above : High-quality products, for rank examinations and important matches

Q8. Can I wear a tetron hakama during the audition?

A. It depends on the region and the screening level:

• Available for : 1st to 3rd dan examinations, local examinations
• Cases to avoid : Examinations for 4th dan or above, nationwide examinations

We recommend checking with the federation or dojo that will be conducting the examination in advance. Recently, with improvements in techniques, there has been an increase in Tetron hakama that look similar to cotton.

Q9. Do I need a hanger for my hakama?

A. It's very useful to have :

• Prevents deformation
• Dries quickly
• The folds are easily maintained
• Can be used as is when stored

Prices range from 1,000 to 3,000 yen, making it a worthwhile investment for those who want to wear their hakama for a long time.

Q10. How do I choose a hakama for my child?

A. We strongly recommend jersey hakama for children:

• Affordable price that makes it easy to replace even as you grow
• Easy to wash, less burden on parents
• Lightweight and easy for children to move around
• Quick-drying

Choose a size that is 5 to 10 cm longer than your child's current height to accommodate their growth.

9. Summary

It is no exaggeration to say that knowing how to properly maintain your hakama will help you improve your kendo skills .

Key points of this article

1. Understanding the material
   • There are different ways to care for cotton, terylene, and jersey.
   • Washing the wrong material can cause irreparable damage.
2. Wash properly
   • Cotton hakama should generally be washed by hand, gently in lukewarm water.
   • Tetron jersey is machine washable, but we recommend using a laundry net.
   • Washing frequency varies depending on the material
3. Dry properly
   • Always dry in the shade (no direct sunlight)
   • Dry immediately after washing
   • Use a hakama hanger to prevent the shape from changing
4. Don't neglect daily care
   • Always fold it after practice
   • Take measures against humidity
   • Dry in the shade regularly
5. Cherish the spirit of dressing neatly
   • Keeping your hakama beautiful is connected to the spirit of kendo
   • Practice "Beginning and Ending with Respect"

lastly

Hakama are not just equipment, but also represent the mindset of a kendo practitioner .

Take good care of your hakama on a daily basis and practice comfortably in a beautiful hakama!

If you have any questions about how to care for or choose a hakama, please feel free to contact us at the BUSHIZO Shibuya showroom . With over 20 years of experience, we will provide you with the best advice.