They were once worn as yamabakama over a kimono for works and daily activities in the regions like Tohoku, but during the Pacific War, Ministry of Health and Welfare started 'Monpe promotion activity' and they were encouraged by Women's Club and such.
古くは東北地方などで着物の上に纏う山袴として労働、日常生活の作業に用いられていたものであったが、太平洋戦争中に、厚生省によって「モンペ普及運動」として婦人会などで奨励された。