Bringing the Elegance of Japanese Tradition into Modern Fashion — KUON’s “Hakama Trousers”
Hi, this is Taku.
Thank you so much to everyone who came out for the farewell party of our former store manager, Shohei! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. For this blog — my first in quite a while — I’m starting it off in a way that feels like Shohei, as a little tribute.
Since our founding, KUON has been dedicated to reinterpreting traditional Japanese techniques, textiles, and materials for contemporary fashion and lifestyles.
A lookbook photo from our debut collection
In recent years, our focus has expanded beyond techniques and fabrics to include reimagining traditional “styles” — like Noragi, Kimono, and Hakama — through a modern lens. The embodiment of this approach is our signature Hakama Trousers. Have you tried a pair yet?
These trousers take the wide, flowing silhouette of traditional hakama, but fuse it with careful material selection, dyeing, and Western-style pattern making to create something new.
More than just a pair of wide pants, they’re garments with a story — pieces that reflect the individuality of the wearer while connecting to tradition. They’ve become a favorite among many of our customers for exactly that reason.
Fun Fact: They Didn’t Start Out as Hakama
Looking back, the first iteration of these trousers appeared in our Spring/Summer 2022 collection.
At the time, while the convertible tuck waist detail was already there, the silhouette was a bit slimmer compared to the fuller, more traditional look of our current models.
Since then, we’ve refined the pattern, gradually moving toward the bold, generous silhouette you see today — one that truly captures the essence of traditional hakama.
Why KUON’s Hakama Trousers Are So Well Loved
Elegant Silhouette, Effortless Comfort
Customers who’ve tried them on often say things like, “They’re wide and make a statement, but surprisingly easy to wear — and the proportions look great.”
Our Hakama Trousers incorporate the spacious silhouette of traditional hakama while adjusting the shape to suit modern lifestyles and trends. The secret lies in our tailoring-inspired pattern cutting. The elastic waistband ensures easy, comfortable wear while preserving the structure and balance of the garment.
The front tucks — a nod to traditional Japanese clothing — have been especially well received. Personally, I find the back view particularly striking, with a clean, refined beauty that captures the stoic elegance of classic Japanese attire.
Japanese Craftsmanship and Materials
Another reason these trousers have earned a following is the careful selection of materials that reflect KUON’s philosophy.
We’ve worked with basic chinos and denim, but our collections truly shine with textiles dyed using natural indigo, mud, and sumi ink, as well as sashiko weaving — each one showcasing the hands of skilled artisans. The beauty of these fabrics is that they grow richer with age and wear, offering unique character through natural fading.
Let me go slightly off-topic for a moment.
The other day, an overseas customer asked me, “How do you keep the color in indigo-dyed garments from fading?”
I showed them photos of beautifully faded pieces and a Boro jacket we had in-store, and passionately explained that the beauty lies in the way these garments age and change over time.
I realized then that while this concept feels natural to us, it’s not always an intuitive idea to those unfamiliar with natural dyes and traditional technics.
Meet the Lineup
Indigo Denim Hakama Trousers
Our best-selling, most reissued model. The deep, layered indigo hue works with casual and dressed-down styles alike. Naturally, they age beautifully too.
Black Denim Hakama Trousers
Woven with black yarns for both warp and weft, this deep, elegant black denim offers a sleek, modern look. Ideal for everyday wear or business-casual styles alike.
Seersucker Hakama Trousers
Perfect for summer, this lightweight seersucker model blends traditional Japanese clothing with functional modern fabrics. Breathable and smooth against the skin — a comfortable option for hot, humid seasons.
Aizome Sashiko Hakama Trousers
The newest addition to our collection, made from sashiko fabric dyed in natural indigo by artisan Mr. Tsujimura. Its textured, dimensional look and rich character make this a standout piece.
Sumizome Hakama Trousers
Featuring sumizome(soot dyed) fabric with natural irregularities, this model offers a quiet, commanding presence. Pair it with minimalist tops for an elevated look. It’s also a great option for those hesitant about super-wide trousers, as this version comes in a more tapered silhouette.
A Garment to Be Worn and Remembered
KUON’s Hakama Trousers are more than just fashion items. They’re pieces through which you can experience the timeless value of tradition and artisan craftsmanship. From time-honored roots to future classics — we hope you’ll find a pair to make your own.
