The main elements of the garment has a simple sewing pattern, sometimes described as a four-panel hakama, again owing to similar origins. It is made up of a front and back panel, and two side panels. There is an open side on each hip, and a total of four straps at the corners of the hips, almost identical to ones used for securing Hakama, himo, which are used to fasten around the waist in a knot. Traditionally, there is no elastic added at the ankle, but today, variations of monpe are sometimes made with elastic on the hip and ankles for added comfort and flexibility. The production of traditional monpe today continues to be labour intensive, but it has become mechanised in some parts of the process, such as weaving the fabric, and making the dye.
