As an aside. My girlfriend just made me a hakama from the pattern at
Round Earth Publishing. She modified it so the koshi-ita insert is removable through a slit on the inside which is closed with velcro. Now it can be taken out for washing and easily replaced if need be. She also replaced the plastic "spoon" with two tabs of fabric that velcro around the belt. It's pretty cool. If you sew, or have a sewing type person who'd be willing to help I'd recommend making one at home.
Bronson