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Compound of 小(ko, “small”) + 袖(sode, “sleeve”). Named in contrast to 大袖(ōsode, literally “large sleeve”), a type of formal robe (reifuku) worn in the Imperial court or during ceremonies.[1]
In reference under-clothing, 小袖 is attested from the Heian period. It originally referred to white silk robes worn by women or men in layers, with dyed colors and other decoration developing later. By the Azuchi–Momoyama period, it was common for women and men to wear an 帯(obi) sash over the outermost kosode, leading to development of the contemporary 着物(kimono).[1]
