Hakama is...

Hakama is a type of traditional Japanese clothing.
It covers the lower body and resemble a wide, pleated skirt.
Hakama were originally worn by only men, but today they are worn (albeit slightly differently) by both men and women.
Women wear a Hakama at college or university graduation ceremony.
Hakama is tied at the waist and fall approximately to the ankles.

There are two types of hakama, divided (umanori , horse-riding hakama) and undivided (gyoto hakama).

The umanori type are divided like trousers, but nearer the bottom of the garment.
This type of hakama are often called "divided skirts". Both types are identical in outside appearance.
A third type, called "mountain" or "field" hakama, were traditionally worn by field or forest workers.
They are looser in the waist and narrower in the leg.

Hakama is worn over a kimono.
There are four straps, a long one on either side of the front of the garment, and a short one on either side of the rear.
The rear of the garment has a rigid board-like section and a toggle which is tucked into the rear of the obi,
and helps to keep the hakama in place.
Hakama was originally worn by samurai;
it is often mistakenly said that they used it to disguise their footwork and stances from an enemy,
however in reality the warrior would tuck the hakama up through the belt when a confrontation was imminent,
just as the sleeves of the kimono were tied back with cord.

Later on, hakama were also used to protect clothing from dirt and tearing.
Hakama has seven deep pleats, two on the back and five on the front.
The pleats are supposed to represent the virtues considered essential by the samurai.
Many martial artists continue this tradition, but different sources give different meaning to these pleats.