略装(りゃくそう)

りゃくそう
noun
informal dress; semi-formal attire
formalclothing
1. informal dress; semi-formal attire
Clothing that is less formal than full formal dress but still appropriate for the occasion. Used when an event or situation does not require full ceremonial or business attire.
略装(りゃくそう)でお越(こ)しください。
Please come in informal attire.
式(しき)は略装(りゃくそう)でも構(かま)いません。
Semi-formal dress is fine for the ceremony.
招待状(しょうたいじょう)に「略装(りゃくそう)にて」と書(か)いてあったので、スーツにネクタイなしで出席(しゅっせき)した。
The invitation said 'semi-formal attire,' so I attended in a suit without a tie.

Composed of 略(りゃく) (abbreviation; simplification) and 装(そう) (clothing; outfit). Commonly appears on invitations and event notices as a dress code indicator. In Japanese etiquette, 略装(りゃくそう) means the attendee need not wear the most formal version of attire — for men, this typically means a dark business suit rather than a morning coat or tuxedo; for women, a smart outfit that is not a full formal gown.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 正装(せいそう): full formal dress — the most formal level of attire for ceremonies
  • 平服(へいふく): smart casual — despite its literal meaning of 'everyday clothes,' on invitations it indicates business-appropriate dress rather than truly casual wear
  • カジュアル: casual — the most relaxed dress code, borrowed from English

Related Words

Compare: 正装(せいそう) (full formal dress)
Compare: カジュアル (casual)
general
Added 2026.4.27 22:15 · Revised 2026.10.2 9:20
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