Daichi Hakama - White

大地 (daichi): "the earth, the ground underfoot."

Kimono follow a calendar. Lined awase are worn from October to May, unlined hitoe in June and September, and in July and August the sheer weaves called ro and sha come out. The switch even has a name, koromogae, the change of clothes, and on June 1 many Japanese schools still move their students into summer uniforms, then back again on October 1.

The white is what Japanese calls kinari, the warm off-white of cloth before any dye goes in, and the cotton-linen shows a light slub. Under a flat knot of tie belt the pleats open deep, and standing still the legs hang so wide they read almost as a skirt.

This is the pair for the hot months on that calendar: a July garden wedding, a summer festival, a long lunch outside. A black tee gives it the contrast in these photos. When October 1 comes, fold them away and reach for the black or navy among the hakama pants.

• Fabric: cotton-linen blend, light and breathable
• Waist: elastic with a long wrap tie belt
• Front: deep pleats
• Leg: very wide, relaxed through the hip; ankle length on most heights
• Sizes: jeans-style waist sizes 30 to 48 (10 sizes)
• Size reference: 6 ft 2 in, 172 lb wears 32; 5 ft 11 in, 198 lb wears 34

Measurements for every size are in the size guide.