1.
to wear out (clothing), to wear until shabby
To wear a piece of clothing so much over time that it becomes old, faded, or worn out. A compound of 着る (to wear) and 古す (to make old through use).
着古したシャツを捨てた。
I threw away a worn-out shirt.
着古したジーンズが一番楽だ。
Worn-in jeans are the most comfortable.
セーターを着古して毛玉だらけになったが、愛着があって手放せない。
The sweater is worn out and covered in pilling, but I'm too attached to it to let it go.
USAGE:
Most commonly used in the past participle form 着古した as an adjective modifying clothing. Can have either a negative connotation (shabby, ready to throw out) or a positive one (well-loved, comfortable through years of use).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 着古したシャツ: a worn-out shirt
- 着古したコート: a well-worn coat
- 着古した服: worn-out clothes
- 着古してよれよれ: worn out and limp