sleeveless ceremonial robe for samurai
Historical term for a sleeveless robe worn by samurai, replacing the suō (素襖) from the Muromachi period onward.
See also: 素襖
short sleeveless robe for commoners
Archaic term for a short, sleeveless robe worn by commoners in earlier periods. Not used in modern Japanese.
Samurai of the Warring States period wore the kataginu as formal attire.
Before the Edo period, commoners sometimes wore a short sleeveless robe called kataginu.
Compound of 肩 (kata, 'shoulder') and 衣 (kinu, 'robe'), referring to a garment that covers the shoulders. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.