noun
black formal kimono with hem designs; married woman's ceremonial kimono
A formal black kimono worn by married women at ceremonies such as weddings. It features five family crests and a design along the hem.
結婚式では、新郎新婦の母親は黒留袖を着ることが多い。
At weddings, the mothers of the bride and groom often wear a kurotomesode.
黒留袖は既婚女性の第一礼装です。
The kurotomesode is the most formal attire for married women.
Long-sleeved kimono for unmarried women; kurotomesode has shorter sleeves and is for married women.
Compound of 黒 (kuro, 'black') + 留袖 (tomesode, 'a kimono with shortened sleeves'). The term tomesode refers to the style where the sleeves are sewn shorter, indicating a married woman.