Hakama (Trousers)

An ordinary hakama may be used instead of kobakama; it looks better when you remove the dou. In this case the koshi-ita will be turned downwards. Some poeple say that for those who are not frequently going out to fight, such as kiujuu or koshou (attendents of a Marshall), it is desirable to have many tabs at the lower edge of the hakama, so that it can be worn in the oridnary way in camp, and be readily bundled up when going out for fighting. But of course this garment is not used by regular officers and soldiers who are in fighting trim. Kobakama are warn over the shitagi, and matabiki (another form of trousers) under shitagi; the former are recommended for cavalry and the latter for infantry. They may be made for both uses in one. They best material is silk damask lined with cotton cloth, and they should be made rather loose. Regular kobakama are not good for foot soldiers.