There are typically two types of clothing worn in Japan: traditional clothing known as Japanese clothing , including the national dress of Japan, the kimono, and Western clothing , which encompasses all else not recognised as either national dress or the dress of another country.

Hakama are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. Originally stemming from kù, the trousers worn by members of the Chinese imperial court in the Sui and Tang dynasties, this style was adopted by the Japanese in the form of hakama in the 6th century. Hakama are tied at the waist and fall approximately to the ankles. They are worn over a kimono specially adapted for wearing hakama, known as a hakamashita.