tucking up the hem of one's garments
Describes the action of tucking up the bottom of one's clothes, especially to free the legs for movement or work. Often associated with traditional Japanese clothing like kimono. Can be used adverbially.
He tucked up the hem of his kimono to cross the river.
When doing farm work, they tuck up their clothes and go into the rice paddy.
Alternate kanji spelling using 紮 (bind/tie); less common.
Compound of 尻 (buttocks) and からげ (tucking up, from verb からげる). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term vividly describes the action of tucking up clothing around the hips.