1.
tomesode; formal kimono for married women
The most formal type of kimono worn by married women, characterized by a solid-color upper body and decorative patterns only along the hem. The black version (黒留袖) is worn at weddings and the most formal occasions.
母は留袖を着て結婚式に出席した。
My mother wore a tomesode to attend the wedding.
留袖は既婚女性の第一礼装とされている。
The tomesode is considered the most formal attire for married women.
息子の結婚式のために、黒留袖を新調した。
I had a new black tomesode made for my son's wedding.
From 留める (to fix, to keep) + 袖 (sleeve). Historically, the sleeves of a young woman's furisode were shortened ('fixed' shorter) upon marriage to produce the tomesode style.
TYPES:
- 黒留袖: black tomesode — worn by mothers of the bride/groom; the most formal
- 色留袖: colored tomesode — worn by married women or unmarried relatives at formal events
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 留袖を着る: to wear a tomesode
- 留袖姿: figure in a tomesode
- 留袖を借りる: to rent a tomesode
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Most commonly seen at weddings, worn by the bride's and groom's mothers. The patterns are concentrated at the hem so that they appear elegant when seated, with the upper body remaining a dignified solid color.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 振袖: furisode — long-sleeved kimono for unmarried women
- 訪問着: hōmongi — semi-formal kimono with patterns flowing across the whole garment