In the early Heian period, those of Ikai (court rank) or higher rank could wear hoeki no ho except for while on guard and those in Sanmi (Third Rank) or higher could wear hoeki no ho even while on guard.
平安時代初期に位階以上の者は警衛の時以外は縫腋袍を用いてもよくなり、また三位以上は警衛にあたっても縫腋袍を用いることになった。