Lacquer-Dyed Matagi Field Pants

The Matagi field pants, beloved by the ultimate mountain experts, the Matagi hunters

The Matagi are people who specialized in hunting large animals like bears, using advanced techniques and organized systems. While they are often associated with hunting, the Matagi were also skilled in foraging for wild plants, mushrooms, and fishing, making full use of the resources the mountains provided. They lived in close harmony with nature.

Ani Town in Akita Prefecture is the birthplace of the Matagi culture, where unique beliefs and mountain skills have been passed down through generations, preserving the Matagi traditions to this day.

The Matagi once relied on field pants known as Matagi Monpe. In an era with limited resources and no high-tech materials, these pants were designed with ingenious features to ensure comfort in the harsh wilderness.

As inexpensive workwear became widespread, the valuable Matagi clothing culture was at risk of fading from history. However, through research and development with the Matagi community, we’ve revived these pants to be as comfortable and practical for modern use as they were in the past.

Large pleats that follow significant movements

The Matagi Field Pants features large pleats at the hip, its most distinctive characteristic. After multiple prototypes, we’ve achieved a design that offers ample freedom of movement while maintaining a sleek, non-bulky fit.

Like the traditional Matagi Monpe, these field pants are designed for ease of movement in mountain work and outdoor tasks.

A relaxed waistband

The waistband is made with extra room for comfort, just like the original design. Six pleats are arranged in an accordion style on both sides, offering a relaxed fit while maintaining a sharp, clean silhouette.

The relaxed waistband allows for comfortable movement, including bending and stretching of the legs.

Gusset extending from the inseam to the hem

The gusset extending from the inseam to the hem follows the same shape as the traditional Matagi Monpe. It is crafted to be three-dimensional, offering a comfortable fit that contours to the legs.

The gusset, made from a single piece of fabric from the inseam to the hem, eliminates seam stress when spreading the legs, resulting in a more durable construction. Additionally, the increased fabric stretch enhances the range of motion, providing greater flexibility.

A slimmer shape below the knee

The shape below the knee is designed slimmer than the traditional Matagi Monpe. This narrower fit improves mobility and reduces snags on branches or other obstacles during mountain work or gardening.

The pants can be worn neatly with gaiters or boots.

Adjustable Waistband with Elastic and Drawstring

The waistband features both elastic and a drawstring. Unlike the traditional Matagi Monpe, which used separate front and back panels tied with a cord, this modern design offers a more convenient fit for today's lifestyle.

To make it easier to put on and take off, the waistband features elastic with an adjustable drawstring.

Mid-weight cotton-linen fabric with quick-drying properties

While traditional Matagi Monpe was made from cotton, research shows that they were often crafted from hemp. In the cold climate of the Tohoku region, cotton was valuable, so most clothing was made from locally sourced hemp.

For the new Matagi Field Pants, we’ve chosen a durable yet breathable and quick-drying mid-weight cotton-linen fabric. The cotton-linen blend offers a comfortable fit and sturdy thickness, making these pants both practical and long-lasting.

The cotton-linen fabric, with its hemp blend, has a smooth texture that keeps you comfortable even in summer, offering good breathability. Hemp is highly absorbent and quick-drying, so this fabric dries faster and feels less sticky when wet compared to cotton.

• Please note that slight variations may occur between products.

• Waist measurements are taken with the elastic stretched.

Cotton-Linen Canvas Fabric (85% Cotton, 15% Linen)