ZooBoo Mens Kendo Aikido Hapkido Martial Arts Sportswear Hakama (S/165, Dark Blue)

OK... so here's my review...FITTING:I ran a Tape Measure up the side of a wall and had my wife mark my top of head line on the wall. Measured in at 67 inches tall or 170.18 centimeters after Metric Conversion. I ordered a Medium as advised from their Sizing Chart.Most Westerners should know that the traditional "fit" of the Hakama is supposed to be tied above the fold/crease of the waist line at the abdomen. It's also not uncommon for the Hakama to be worn as high as the belly button.After trying on the Hakama, upon arrival... I tied it up at a level I was comfortable with. IMHO it was a bit long in the leg/inseam, even considering the recommendations of the Sizing Chart.I likely do a bit of a Gaijin no-no. I prefer to wear/tie my himo at the fold of my waist. Or just a little slightly above the waist line. I know that traditionally hakama are worn a bit above the waist line. It's just something I cannot bring myself to do. Feels "high water" and unnatural. Back himo I can ride up a bit, and angle forward.Note: I've seen Judoka, Aikidoka, and Kendoka sometimes with the bottom Hem of the Hakama sometimes as high over the ankle bone or higher.I decided to bring the Medium into a local tailor and had the default Hem taken up likely up 4-6 inches for a number of reasons. I can crouch into lower stances and advance my feet without my feet getting trapped by the hakama inseam being tooooooooooo long. The current Hem of my Hakama rides at a Length I'm comfortable with. To me, comfort and usability are the most important factors, regardless of how much "tradition" I'm adhering to.I'm not Japanese. The Hakama I ordered is intended for Cosplay and Sith Robe wear, while I duel with lightsabers, saberstaff, and light pike.COMPARISON TO OTHER/PAST HAKAMAMy first Hakama (going back over 20 years ago) was a Century Martial Arts Hakama, small. It was fine then, as is, for my Height. I never had to have my Century Hakama hemmed or tailored.If I were to order this Hakama again, I would likely order the Small. And would likely save the additional $20 I had to pay a tailor for hemming. I was originally going to return this Hakama, however, I needed this specific Hakama tailored and fitted by a certain date, and didn't want to hassle with Returns or wait times.FABRIC and COSTThe Century Hakama that I had a long time ago was 100% Cotton. It was very heavy. Much heavier than the Zooboo Hakama. About twice the weight at least. After enough times of Drying/Washing... the color in my Century Hakama did fade some.While I'm not the biggest fan of poly/cotton blends... I believe that the Zooboo Hakama I purchased will keep its Color longer, and will not require as much upkeep, maintenance, or ironing that my prior Century Hakama did. These days for me, it's a big plus.This is a great Hakama. Choose these guys before other similar Tetron Hakama!The Zooboo Hakama I purchased was much more affordable and exactly what I was looking for.I mainly purchase this ZooBoo Mens Kendo Aikido Hapkido Martial Arts Hakama to accompany the lower half of my leggings and my Sith Robes. To my delight, the fabric of this Hakama (75% Poly 25% Cotton Blend) matches well with my Sith Robes. It really looks like they do "go together".The Himo in the front and the back are ok lengths and tie well either way, despite having a 36-38" waist (as of this posting/review). This is also my first Hakama that has a hera. (spoon-shaped component -which is tucked into the obi or himo at the rear, and helps to keep the hakama in place.)If I were to order this Hakama again, as stated I would likely order the Small. Do you best to research your Fitting/Size. When it arrives, play around with it. Tie it. See how it fits. Would definitely recommend to Dark Lords, everywhere.

These Hakama are not not built for a man of wider proportions. My waist, hip, and thigh measurements are such that the garment is straining at the pleats and leg side seams. Nowhere in this listing does it go into waist size. these where a great buy but I sadly have to return them as they do not fit.

Really comfortable after their first wash. They are pretty long though. I had them hemmed and they become my favorite pair.I’ve been training in them a few weeks now and the stitching and material are holding well.

Initially it was good at first, but back plate is now a little curved and has hurt my back body... I don't think I'll ever buy again. (Selling on Ebay). NOT FOR IAIDO

Got the product almost a week early. Big plus.Like the quality and the fabric. Well sewed. Looks very nice for the price.Picked up a large. Once unpacked and fitted it was a little long. Drops below my ankles a bit, no real issue though as it does not reach below my feet so I am not stepping on it. If I wanted it tailored it would only be about half a inch or so. No worries. I will be ordering another one in the future.