are cloth leggings which were worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan.[1] In Japanese, the word is also used for Western soldiers' gaiters.
were worn as padding underneath the samurai greaves . Some types of could be covered with mail armour (or); these were worn by foot soldiers or by samurai as protection.[2] were worn by ordinary travelers as protection from cold, insects and underbrush.[3]
were often made of linen, but other materials such as cotton were also used. components depended on the season. When tying, the inner cords are shorter than the outer ones; the cords are typically tied on the inner side of the legs instead of on the front or outer area, preventing discomfort when the stiff greaves are placed over the .