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Neal Earhart · 08-21-2012, 08:35 PM

I wear cotton indigo dyed Hakama. For years, I've only worn Iwata brand. However, last year I bought a Tozando indigo dyed Hakama. I feel that lately the Tozando quality has been superior to Iwata. I see this in both the Tozando indigo dyed Hakama and their gi. Also, the Tozando prices are a bit lower.

That being said, I bought the black cotton Tozando Hakama that you linked as a gift for one of our students after passing his Shodan exam (he is 73 years old BTW) last year. I have also seen the similar Iwata black cotton Hakama. Although I haven't worn it or folded it, visually the Iwata brand looks 'better' in terms of the fabric and pleating than the Tozando.

Another comment, the size of the kanji/katakana (if you choose to have embroidery) on the Iwata is larger than the Tozando. Although, Tozando has more color and style choices.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice.

08-21-2012, 08:35 PM	#2
Neal Earhart Dojo: New York Aikikai / Aikido of Westchester Location: New York City Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 93 Offline	Re: Iwata or Tozando Hakama I wear cotton indigo dyed Hakama. For years, I've only worn Iwata brand. However, last year I bought a Tozando indigo dyed Hakama. I feel that lately the Tozando quality has been superior to Iwata. I see this in both the Tozando indigo dyed Hakama and their gi. Also, the Tozando prices are a bit lower. That being said, I bought the black cotton Tozando Hakama that you linked as a gift for one of our students after passing his Shodan exam (he is 73 years old BTW) last year. I have also seen the similar Iwata black cotton Hakama. Although I haven't worn it or folded it, visually the Iwata brand looks 'better' in terms of the fabric and pleating than the Tozando. Another comment, the size of the kanji/katakana (if you choose to have embroidery) on the Iwata is larger than the Tozando. Although, Tozando has more color and style choices. I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice.