Iwata or Tozando Hakama

If you had to pick between the following which one would it be:

1. http://www.tozandoshop.com/Tozando_Cotton_Aikido_Hakama_p/183-ah900[235b].htm

or

2. http://www.masamune-store.com/iwata-cotton-black,fr,4,HA_HI_COB_xxx.cfm

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.

Well I wouldn't by the Iwata from that site. That costs a fortune. If you are going to get an Iwata hakama, get it from the manufacturer at the site below.

http://www.alpha-net.ne.jp/users2/iwataco/frame2e.html

In all honesty though, I don't think there is much of a difference. If the Tozando one is cheaper then I would get that. Having said that, I own 2 Iwata hakamas and I am very happy with them. I got them because the Iwata shop was closer to where I was living (Iwata is based in Tokyo, and Tozando is in Kyoto, I think.)

Both are excellent quality. I ended up buying the Tozando because their website and ordering process was far easier for one who doesn't speak Japanese. It is top quality and has worn very well.

I've ordered from Tozando a number of times (gi's, hakama, and weapons) and always been impressed with their quality and service.

I own a Tozando polyester hakama and it's the I've ever owned. Not sure about their cotton hakama but judging by the quality of their other products I would not hesitate to try it.

You could also check on www.e-bogu.com, which might offer a less expensive and still acceptable quality option.

I've got a Tozando cotton hakama - it's really nice though it does wrinkle a lot.

I guess my next hakama will be a Tozando with a different fabric. Probably a Cotton / Polyester blend

Jørgen Jakob Friis wrote: I've got a Tozando cotton hakama - it's really nice though it does wrinkle a lot. I guess my next hakama will be a Tozando with a different fabric. Probably a Cotton / Polyester blend

If your looking for the non cotton, I have their deluxe polyester "cashmire feel" hakama with stitched pleats (stitches on the inside can't be seen). This doesn't wrinkle, holds its pleats, and folds easily. Best hakama I own.

I had an indigo Iwata hakama that lasted from early 2005 to early 2010, at which time the knees had thinned out a lot and it tore when somebody stepped on it whilst throwing me. I patched it but the patch material is too thick for it to be comfortable in the warm months.

So I got a black cotton Tozando aikido hakama at the end of 2010. It is really nice but I get threads coming out of it all the time. I'd go with Iwata if trying to choose between the two. But FWIW next hakama I purchase will be a bujin one from aikido24.com.