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Ninja style

The jet-black ninja outfit—seductive as it may be—is more myth than reality. The truth is that ninja wore whatever it took to unobtrusively blend in—think “plainclothes.” And though records do exist of dark outfits being employed in cases that required stealth, they were usually shades of blue, gray, or brown rather than black. Perhaps most common was indigo, similar to blue jeans, for it was believed that the dye helped repel insects and venomous snakes. Occasionally, reversible clothing was used, with a darker color on one side and a lighter on the other, allowing for on-the-spot adjustments to ambient light conditions, or a quick color-change to help mask one’s appearance—helpful for getaways.

Zukin: A single sheet of cloth thirty centimeters wide and two meters long, wrapped around the head to cover the face and mask the human silhouette.

Uwagi: Based on a farmer’s shirt, the ninja version featured extra pockets for secreting away various implements of mayhem.

Fundoshi: The loincloth was the typical underwear of the period, a version of which is still seen on sumo wrestlers. It consisted of a long cloth folded and wrapped around the crotch area and, in a pinch, it could be unwound and used as a makeshift rope—or garrote.

Hakama: This lower-wear consisted of two independent leggings cinched together at top and ankles, allowing the wearer to easily create an opening for relieving themselves without having to fully disrobe—handy for long stakeouts.

Teko: Distinctive cloth gauntlets that covered the back of the hands for added protection, and coverage of otherwise light-colored skin.

Tabi: Traditional two-toed socks dyed an appropriately dark color. Often cushioned to help mask noise.

Waraji: Traditional straw sandals, sometimes dyed a darker color. Occasionally, spikes or other means of improving traction were woven into the soles.

Seoi: Essentially, a cloth purse. Slung over the shoulder as a backpack.