light summer kimono; unlined hemp or silk kimono
A traditional single-layer kimono, typically made of hemp or raw silk, worn in summer. Historical and cultural term; not everyday modern clothing.
On hot summer days, a hemp katabira was cool and comfortable.
single-layer absorbent bathrobe
white burial kimono; shroud
chain mail
Standard kanji spelling for this traditional garment and its related senses.
Kana spelling is practical for learners and in contexts where the kanji are obscure.
Historically かたひら, generally explained as 片枚 “a single layer,” referring to an unlined garment made from one layer of cloth. The medial consonant later became voiced, producing かたびら.