Bogushop Kendo Guide

How to Choose the Right Hakama Size: Kendo Hakama Sizing Guide

Learn how to choose the correct Kendo Hakama size using your height, garment length and body proportions. Includes Bogushop size charts, fit examples and tips for choosing between sizes.

Bogushop Kendo Fit Guide

How to Choose the Right Hakama Size

Choosing a Kendo Hakama is mainly about getting the correct length. Start with your height, check the size chart for the Hakama you are buying, and then make sure the finished hem will sit at the correct position when worn.

1 Know your height This gives you your starting Hakama size.

2 Use the correct chart Hakama models can have slightly different measurements.

3 Check the finished length The hem should cover the ankles without dragging.

Always use the chart shown on the product page first

Bogushop carries several types of Hakama, and the measurements are not identical between every model. If a Hakama product page shows its own size chart, use that chart instead of the general chart.

01 · Start here

Measure Your Height

For most Bogushop Hakama, your overall height is the easiest starting point for selecting a size.

Stand barefoot Stand naturally on a level floor with your back straight.

Measure your full height Measure from the floor to the top of your head. Centimetres are easiest for comparing with Japanese Hakama charts.

Find your height on the chart The suggested height gives you a practical starting Hakama size.

What does Hakama size 24, 25 or 26 mean?

Hakama sizes are traditionally related to the garment's length rather than being the same type of sizing system used for ordinary pants. That is why the number by itself tells you very little unless you also look at the manufacturer's chart.

Bogushop standard Kendo Hakama size chart showing Hakama size, garment length and suggested height — Bogushop Standard Hakama Size Chart. Select the image to open it full size.

02 · What correct fit looks like

Check the Hakama Length

Height gives you the starting size, but the finished length is what determines whether the Hakama actually looks and feels correct when worn.

Too Short Too much of the lower leg and ankle are exposed.

Good Length The Hakama covers the ankles and reaches around the top of the feet without dragging on the floor.

Too Long The hem hangs too close to the floor and can interfere with your feet during movement.

The goal is not to make the Hakama as long as possible

A properly fitted Hakama should give the traditional long, clean appearance while still allowing safe footwork. If the hem is dragging on the floor or getting under your feet, the Hakama is too long.

03 · The best comparison

If You Already Own a Hakama That Fits Well

An existing Hakama that you already like can be more useful than height alone, especially if you are between two sizes.

Bogushop classic Hakama size chart and Hakama length measurement reference — Bogushop Classic Hakama chart. Some Hakama use this alternate chart, so always check the product page.

Measure the Hakama itself

Lay your Hakama flat without stretching it. Measure the main garment length from the top of the front of the Hakama down to the bottom hem.

Compare that measurement with the length shown in the chart for the Hakama you want to buy.

This is particularly useful when you are between sizes

For example, if your height puts you between sizes 25 and 26 but your current well-fitting Hakama is approximately the same length as the new size 25, that is useful information when choosing between them.

Compare garment length, not just the size number

A size 26 from one Hakama model is not guaranteed to have exactly the same finished measurement as every other size 26. Construction and manufacturer can differ.

04 · When height alone is not enough

Your Body Shape and Wearing Position Can Change the Fit

Two kendoka of exactly the same height do not always need exactly the same Hakama length.

Why?

The final hem position depends partly on where the top of the Hakama sits on your body. Someone who wears the front higher will effectively make the same Hakama hang slightly higher from the floor.

Body proportions also matter

People of the same total height can have different torso and leg proportions. This is another reason the height chart should be treated as a starting point rather than an absolute rule.

A larger waist can also affect fit

For most people the standard height recommendation works well. If you have a substantially larger waist, however, let Bogushop know your height and waist measurement so we can confirm both the length and whether the himo and body width are suitable.

Women may sometimes select a different length

Depending on body proportions and where the Hakama is tied, a woman may prefer a slightly different length from a man of the same height. The garment length and desired finished hem position are more useful than following a gender rule automatically.

Bogushop Hakama showing the upper waist area and full garment — The Hakama hangs from its upper waist area, so where it sits on the body affects where the bottom hem finishes.

05 · Important at Bogushop

Not Every Bogushop Hakama Uses the Same Chart

Bogushop carries different fabrics and constructions, so we keep more than one Hakama size chart. Always match the chart to the product you are ordering.

Standard Hakama Chart

This is the general Bogushop reference for standard Hakama sizes.

Hakama #7000 Chart

The Premium Permanent Pleats #7000 Hakama has its own product-specific sizing reference.

Product-specific chart always wins

If the product page shows a different chart from the general Hakama chart, use the one shown with that product.

06 · Quick answers

Common Hakama Sizing Questions

Is Hakama sizing based mainly on waist?

No. For standard Kendo Hakama, length is usually the main sizing consideration, so your height is the easiest starting point. Waist size becomes more important for unusually large or small builds and for making sure the Hakama body and himo provide enough coverage.

Should a Hakama touch the floor?

No. It should be long enough to cover the ankles and reach around the top of the feet, but it should not drag on the floor or interfere with your footwork.

I'm between two Hakama sizes. Which should I choose?

First compare the garment lengths. If you already own a Hakama that fits well, measure it and choose the new size with the closest suitable length. Your preferred wearing position and body proportions may also affect the choice.

Should children buy a much larger Hakama to grow into?

Avoid buying one so long that it creates a tripping hazard. Some room for growth is reasonable, but the Hakama still needs to allow safe Kendo footwork now.

Is the size number the actual length in centimetres?

No. Treat the size number as a traditional Hakama size designation. Use the garment-length measurement shown in the chart rather than trying to convert the size number directly into centimetres.

Still Not Sure Which Hakama Size?

Send us your height, waist measurement and a link to the Hakama you want to order. If you already own a Hakama that fits well, also send us its front garment length.

View all Bogushop size charts · Contact Bogushop for sizing help