Dress Code-Geisha

Geisha literally means a person that specializes in performing arts. However geishas were constantly perceived as courtesans. Geishas were dressed in kimono.

Although most of the women then, wore apparels known as kimonos,
theirs were slightly different as compared to those that belong to the geishas. The kimonos worn by geishas expose their neckline. This is because the Japanese considered the neckline as the most attractive part of their body. Geishas’ kimonos were simple and had sleeves of considerable length.

Kimonos worn by a maiko (trainee, waiting to be a geisha), were slightly different from the adult geisha. The kimonos had very long sleeves that will normally touch the ground. The maiko’s kimono will also have a red collar. This is to allow people to identify and differentiate between a trainee and a professional geisha.

Geisha’s footwear was different from other people. Traditional Japanese footwear is called geta. A geta can be described as sandals in modern day. Geisha’s geta had heels made of wood. Unlike a normal geta, the geishas’ geta had no “teeth” (refer below for picture of geta with “teeth”). It is called okubu. A maiko’s okubu is a bit taller than those that belongs to a geisha. This is to train the maiko to walk without tripping.