noun
shoulder pad; shoulder reinforcement; epaulet
A pad or reinforcement attached to the shoulder area of clothing, armor, or bags. Also used for decorative epaulets on uniforms.
このジャケットには肩当てが入っている。
This jacket has shoulder pads.
制服の肩当てに階級章がついている。
Rank insignia are attached to the epaulets of the uniform.
noun
bed cloak; shoulder wrap for bed
A short cloak or wrap worn over the shoulders while sitting up in bed, traditionally used for warmth. Rare in modern daily life.
昔の人は寝るときに肩当てを羽織った。
People in the past wore a bed cloak when sleeping.
肩パッド is a more specific loanword for shoulder pads in modern clothing, while 肩当て covers a broader range including traditional and functional uses.
Compound of 肩 (かた, 'shoulder') and 当て (あて, 'pad, reinforcement'). The second sense likely derives from the idea of something placed against the shoulders for warmth.