Kote (sleeves)

Of these there are many varieties such as ubu-dzutsu, bishamon, shino-odatsugi, ainaka-gote, and others. The shino, odawara-inari, and aigote have more advantages than the others named, especially for officers. If you have aigote (in which the two sleeves are connected) put on the left first, and when both are on pull the twisted cords forward and tie them firmly on you breast. The small cords attached to the gauntlets should be left loose until all the other arrangements are completed, as you arms and hands will be a little stiffer when these cords are tied fast.

Do not pull the laces of the kote too tightly or the movement of the arm will be hampered. Leave them rather loose and tie them at the wrist. Kote with hooks are very uncomfortable. The right kote must always be left until all other parts of your equipment are completed. Kigote is a general term for the kote extended or completed by the addition of erisuwari (padded collar), kara-ate, shoulder pads and wakabiki (armpit protectors). There are several kinds. When shooting, take off your right kote.

Garbutt adds: These sleeves are usually of textile material, often silk brocade, padded, laced with the small cords upon the inside of the arm and covered with mail, small metal plates, or quilting having small plates of metal or hide sewn inside each quilt. Gauntlets, or covers of metal plates for the back of the hand, are attached to the kote.