Comparing the belly-wrapping pants of 226 (Tsutsumu).

These pants from 226 (Tsutsumu) came from the idea of combining a haramaki (belly warmer) with relaxed-fit pants, transforming what was once seen as something only middle-aged men would wear into a modern staple. Thanks to their non-restrictive stretch fit, they're a perennial favorite—both as something to wear yourself and as a gift for expectant mothers.

As eco-friendly practices continue to spread, these pants are also drawing attention as an item that efficiently warms the body using your own body heat—and they're the star of this feature.

Why 226 is Good for Cold Sensitivity

・Combines the body-friendly benefits of a haramaki

It's often said that being cold is the root of all illness, and warming the belly is a way of caring for your body. Incorporating a haramaki into your daily life is said to warm the belly, which promotes gut bacteria activity and boosts immunity—and by raising your basal metabolic rate, it can even support weight loss.

226 (Tsutsumu) is what happens when that kind of haramaki is combined with a pair of pants. It's an ally for women who care about both their health and their style.

・Pants you can wear even for a quick trip out

Even if you don't normally use a haramaki, these pants are easy to adopt because you can wear them as-is for a quick errand nearby. They're comfortable enough to wear out to take out the trash or run to the convenience store or supermarket, and they're even more relaxed than pants with a waist elastic—so much so that some staff members say that once they've worn a pair, they can't go back.

On days when you're not feeling well, or during your period, even the slightest tightness can feel unbearable—but that's exactly when 226 offers a moment of relief. With no seam allowance, there's no bunching or stiffness even when lying down.

・The waist stretches generously, fitting anyone
These pants feature a waistband that stretches remarkably well. To see just how far the haramaki portion could stretch, a staff member with a 66cm waist actually put them on and stretched them out.

Thanks to the soft knit construction, they stretch far more than you'd expect from typical pants, offering a comfortable, non-restrictive fit. They can stretch up to about 110cm, making them especially ideal for those who normally wear larger sizes, as well as for expectant mothers. Being free-size also makes them an easy choice for gifts.

Six Types to Choose From, Based on Feel and Design

226's belly-wrapping pants come in two materials—wool and organic cotton—each available in three styles. For those wondering exactly how the two differ, we had our staff compare the wearing experience of each.

▶︎ Wool Pants

First up is the basic type of 226's belly-warming pants. With wool blended in, these pants offer confidence in warmth retention.

We had a staff member with sensitive skin, who normally struggles with wool against bare skin, try these on.

Onaka wo Tsutsumu Stretch Knit Pants, Leggings

156cm / 48kg

I really can't tolerate wool—even the slightest contact usually leaves me feeling itchy—but these pants were so smooth to wear that I found myself wondering if they were really wool-blended.

For me, the leggings fit closely against the body without any tightness anywhere, which made them feel the warmest of all. They have the feel of slim knit pants, and bending and stretching my knees was easy, so I think they'd also work well for stretching or yoga.

Onaka wo Tsutsumu Stretch Knit Pants, Regular

156cm / 48kg

This style can be worn just like a pair of comfortable tapered pants. Being the "regular" option, I think it's the pair most people would reach for first if they're unsure which to choose. The ones I wore today were gray, but the brown version would be especially easy to wear for a quick trip out as well.

Onaka wo Tsutsumu Stretch Knit Pants, Wide

156cm / 48kg

These are most recommended for those who really dislike any sense of tightness. With no constriction at the waist and fabric that doesn't cling to the skin, I had the strange sensation of almost forgetting I was wearing them at all. While they have a relaxed mood, they don't feel too much like loungewear, so they'd also work well as casual outerwear.

▶︎ Organic Cotton Pants

Next up are the belly-wrapping pants made from organic cotton. There are two major differences from the pants introduced above.

1. Material
Wool 68%, Polyester 31%, Polyurethane 1% (Wool)
Cotton 96%, Polyester 3%, Polyurethane 1% (Organic Cotton)

2. Length
There's some variation from washing, but comparing brand-new Regular pairs in each material, the organic cotton version runs slightly shorter. Both are wearable year-round, but if you tend to run warm, the organic cotton option is more recommended. It's also nice that the wool version can be washed at home in a laundry net.

Onaka wo Tsutsumu Organic Cotton Knit Pants, Leggings

156cm / 48kg

For a light, breathable feel compared to the fluffy wool blend, this material is the one to choose. It has just the right amount of thickness and substance, so it keeps you warm in winter. If you have sensitive skin, this is the safe choice.

▲Both the cotton and wool versions stretch about the same amount at the waist.

Onaka wo Tsutsumu Organic Cotton Knit Pants Regular

156cm / 48kg

Like the wool blend, this is a basic style that works well for one-mile wear too. The waist of the 226 pants is designed to be supported at the haramaki (belly band) section, which is a special feature that lets you wear them high on the waist or lower on the hips. Beyond adjusting for waist size, this design also accommodates leg length, making them a wonderfully flexible fit for anyone.

▲By folding the waistband over three times, you can also wear them like an ordinary elastic-waist pair of pants.

Onaka wo Tsutsumu Organic Cotton Knit Pants Middle

156cm / 48kg

The Middle length is wide-cut and comes down to about calf length, making it shorter than the Regular. If you're looking for something cooler for spring, summer, or autumn, this is the better choice. Since your belly stays warm, it's reassuring even if you're prone to feeling cold.

226 (Tsutsumu) is made by Saifuku, a knitwear manufacturer known for its reassuring after-care support—happy to help with snags or small holes from insects so that you can enjoy your purchase for a long time to come. These gentle pants keep you warm and comfortable no matter how you're feeling that day, making them a wonderful choice not just for yourself but as a gift as well.

▼Full lineup of 226 (Tsutsumu) brand products