A thread on all the different sub-styles of Goth and what makes them unique!
TRAD GOTH
The earliest iteration of Goth fashion, evolved from punk.
Fashion is characterized by the use of heavy makeup and teased hair. Fishnets and leather jackets are also common.
Trad Goths are fans of original Goth bands from the 80s such as The Cure and Bauhaus.
The earliest iteration of Goth fashion, evolved from punk.
Fashion is characterized by the use of heavy makeup and teased hair. Fishnets and leather jackets are also common.
Trad Goths are fans of original Goth bands from the 80s such as The Cure and Bauhaus.
METALHEAD
It is often debated whether or not metal subculture can actually be considered a subset of Goth.
This subculture is mostly based around music alone but shares many similarities with Goth such as anti-authority mindset and the use of leather, chains, and black.
It is often debated whether or not metal subculture can actually be considered a subset of Goth.
This subculture is mostly based around music alone but shares many similarities with Goth such as anti-authority mindset and the use of leather, chains, and black.
GOTHIC LOLITA
A subset of the Japanese Lolita subculture, influenced by Victorian clothing and characterized by voluminous skirts.
The style was popularized by Japanese musician and fashion designer Mana (pictured, first).
Religious motifs such as crosses are often used.
A subset of the Japanese Lolita subculture, influenced by Victorian clothing and characterized by voluminous skirts.
The style was popularized by Japanese musician and fashion designer Mana (pictured, first).
Religious motifs such as crosses are often used.
FETISH GOTH
A style characterized by the use of form-fitting clothing, latex or PVC, corsets, high heels, and/or harnesses.
Though a common theme within this subculture is comfort in one's sexuality, one dressing in fetish Goth does not necessarily mean they enjoy BDSM.
A style characterized by the use of form-fitting clothing, latex or PVC, corsets, high heels, and/or harnesses.
Though a common theme within this subculture is comfort in one's sexuality, one dressing in fetish Goth does not necessarily mean they enjoy BDSM.
PASTEL GOTH
A newer form of Goth intended to be ironic by mixing macabre and morbid imagery with pastel color schemes, most notably baby pink, lavender, and mint green.
Pastel Goth also borrows from modern fashion trends, such as leggings and cropped shorts.
A newer form of Goth intended to be ironic by mixing macabre and morbid imagery with pastel color schemes, most notably baby pink, lavender, and mint green.
Pastel Goth also borrows from modern fashion trends, such as leggings and cropped shorts.
CORPORATE GOTH
Often shortened to "corp" Goth, this style originated from Goths who grew up and found office jobs, and aimed to find a style that was appropriate for a professional environment, while still keeping their Goth-ness.
Dark suits, velvet and brocades are common.
Often shortened to "corp" Goth, this style originated from Goths who grew up and found office jobs, and aimed to find a style that was appropriate for a professional environment, while still keeping their Goth-ness.
Dark suits, velvet and brocades are common.
HIPPY GOTH
This style relies on adding Goth elements to stereotypical hippy fashion. Long, flowy dresses and tops are common.
Like their hippy cousins, hippy Goths care about protecting the environment.
An interest in magick, Wicca, and the occult is also customary.
This style relies on adding Goth elements to stereotypical hippy fashion. Long, flowy dresses and tops are common.
Like their hippy cousins, hippy Goths care about protecting the environment.
An interest in magick, Wicca, and the occult is also customary.
DEATHROCKER
Often seen as the "missing link" between Goth and Punk, containing elements of both styles.
Shares many aesthetic similarities to trad Goths. However, while trad Goths tend to regard Goth as "dead," deathrockers believe it is very much still alive.
Often seen as the "missing link" between Goth and Punk, containing elements of both styles.
Shares many aesthetic similarities to trad Goths. However, while trad Goths tend to regard Goth as "dead," deathrockers believe it is very much still alive.
NU GOTH
Sometimes referred to as "hipster Goth," this is one of the newest incarnations of Goth fashion, hence its name.
Overlaps classic Goth motifs such as religious/occult symbols and black color schemes with contemporary fashion trends. Vintage pieces are not uncommon.
Sometimes referred to as "hipster Goth," this is one of the newest incarnations of Goth fashion, hence its name.
Overlaps classic Goth motifs such as religious/occult symbols and black color schemes with contemporary fashion trends. Vintage pieces are not uncommon.
MOPEY GOTH
Mopey Goths tend to feed into the stereotype that being Goth can be conflated with unhappiness. They often enjoy music that discusses dark themes.
Mopey Goths seldom wear colors other than black. Use of makeup to create the illusion of tears is common as well.
Mopey Goths tend to feed into the stereotype that being Goth can be conflated with unhappiness. They often enjoy music that discusses dark themes.
Mopey Goths seldom wear colors other than black. Use of makeup to create the illusion of tears is common as well.
VICTORIAN GOTH
Victorian Goths derive much of their inspiration from Gothic literature of the Victorian era, such as Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker.
The dark imagery of modern Goth is combined with clothing similar to that worn by aristocrats in Victorian England.
Victorian Goths derive much of their inspiration from Gothic literature of the Victorian era, such as Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker.
The dark imagery of modern Goth is combined with clothing similar to that worn by aristocrats in Victorian England.
ICE GOTH
Sometimes referred to as negative Goth or simply white Goth, ice Goth is a subculture of Goth that utilizes subversion (as all Goth styles do) and uses a primarily white color scheme as opposed to traditional black.
Common among faerie, cyber, and romantic Goths.
Sometimes referred to as negative Goth or simply white Goth, ice Goth is a subculture of Goth that utilizes subversion (as all Goth styles do) and uses a primarily white color scheme as opposed to traditional black.
Common among faerie, cyber, and romantic Goths.
TRIBAL GOTH
Many elements of this style are borrowed from the Visigoth tribe, from which the Goth subculture gets its name.
Known for its sensual nature, tribal Goth emphasizes heavy body modification, braids, and bone jewelry.
It is often linked with Goddess worship.
Many elements of this style are borrowed from the Visigoth tribe, from which the Goth subculture gets its name.
Known for its sensual nature, tribal Goth emphasizes heavy body modification, braids, and bone jewelry.
It is often linked with Goddess worship.
GOTHABILLY
A portmanteau of "Goth" and "rockabilly," Gothabilly hails most of its influence from the rock n' roll "rockabilly" culture of the 1950s. The style puts a dark twist on retro imagery and is often meant to be cheesy.
Brightly colored tattoos are a staple.
A portmanteau of "Goth" and "rockabilly," Gothabilly hails most of its influence from the rock n' roll "rockabilly" culture of the 1950s. The style puts a dark twist on retro imagery and is often meant to be cheesy.
Brightly colored tattoos are a staple.
VAMPIRE GOTH
As their name suggests, these Goths have an affinity for vampires and incorporate vampire-themed motifs into their wardrobes.
They may take it as far as donning capes and parasols when going out on a sunny day, or acquiring "fangs" via body modification.
As their name suggests, these Goths have an affinity for vampires and incorporate vampire-themed motifs into their wardrobes.
They may take it as far as donning capes and parasols when going out on a sunny day, or acquiring "fangs" via body modification.
HAUTE GOTH
Seldom considered an actual subculture of Goth, haute Goth is Goth's reciprocal link to the world of high fashion.
Haute Goth can mostly be seen on runways and in fashion magazines, using Goth elements such as mesh and studs as inspiration for luxury brands.
Seldom considered an actual subculture of Goth, haute Goth is Goth's reciprocal link to the world of high fashion.
Haute Goth can mostly be seen on runways and in fashion magazines, using Goth elements such as mesh and studs as inspiration for luxury brands.
PERKY GOTH
These Goths completely reject the "gloomy and miserable" stereotype, and instead are upbeat and positive.
They embrace the cheesy aspects of Goth.
Bright, neon colors - particularly hot pink - striped tights, and short skirts are all staples of perky goth.
These Goths completely reject the "gloomy and miserable" stereotype, and instead are upbeat and positive.
They embrace the cheesy aspects of Goth.
Bright, neon colors - particularly hot pink - striped tights, and short skirts are all staples of perky goth.
MEDIEVAL GOTH
These Goths naturally draw inspiration from the fashion of medieval times, though it's not rare to find Celtic or Tudor elements incorporated into their attire as well.
They often have an extensive knowledge of history and take interest in Gothic architecture.
These Goths naturally draw inspiration from the fashion of medieval times, though it's not rare to find Celtic or Tudor elements incorporated into their attire as well.
They often have an extensive knowledge of history and take interest in Gothic architecture.
ROMANTIC GOTH
These Goths enjoy focusing on the "beauty" of the Goth world, especially that emphasized by the literature of the Victorian era.
Identifying features include velvet, lace, and long, flowy clothing. Dead roses, skulls, and headstones are habitual motifs.
These Goths enjoy focusing on the "beauty" of the Goth world, especially that emphasized by the literature of the Victorian era.
Identifying features include velvet, lace, and long, flowy clothing. Dead roses, skulls, and headstones are habitual motifs.
FAERIE GOTH
As the name suggests, these Goths are absolutely enamored with all things fae.
Drawn to the magical, mysterious world of fantasy and folklore, it's not rare to see these Goths sporting a pair of handmade wings.
Often seen as a mix of hippy and romantic Goth.
As the name suggests, these Goths are absolutely enamored with all things fae.
Drawn to the magical, mysterious world of fantasy and folklore, it's not rare to see these Goths sporting a pair of handmade wings.
Often seen as a mix of hippy and romantic Goth.
VISUAL KEI
A movement among Japanese musicians inspired by Western glam rock, this style is characterized by elaborate hairstyles, showy outfits, and androgynous aesthetics.
Though not a music genre in itself, many visual kei bands play sounds reminiscent of punk and metal.
A movement among Japanese musicians inspired by Western glam rock, this style is characterized by elaborate hairstyles, showy outfits, and androgynous aesthetics.
Though not a music genre in itself, many visual kei bands play sounds reminiscent of punk and metal.
BABYDOLL GOTH
As their name suggests, these Goths use makeup and clothing to achieve the look of a creepy doll. It couples creepy looks with childlike, innocent themes.
Though commonly compared to Gothic Lolita, babydoll Goth differs in that the outfits are less elaborate.
As their name suggests, these Goths use makeup and clothing to achieve the look of a creepy doll. It couples creepy looks with childlike, innocent themes.
Though commonly compared to Gothic Lolita, babydoll Goth differs in that the outfits are less elaborate.
RIVETHEAD
Sometimes referred to as "industrial Goth," this subculture is mostly linked to the industrial music scene.
Identifying features include trenchcoats, combat boots, shaved hair, and jewelry that uses industrial motifs such as nails, cogs, and screws.
Sometimes referred to as "industrial Goth," this subculture is mostly linked to the industrial music scene.
Identifying features include trenchcoats, combat boots, shaved hair, and jewelry that uses industrial motifs such as nails, cogs, and screws.
EMO
Though originally considered a style completely of its own, many followers of the emo subculture have crossed over into the Goth spectrum.
Elements that link it to Goth include teased or dyed hair, piercings, thick eyeliner, black nail polish, and use of skull motifs.
Though originally considered a style completely of its own, many followers of the emo subculture have crossed over into the Goth spectrum.
Elements that link it to Goth include teased or dyed hair, piercings, thick eyeliner, black nail polish, and use of skull motifs.
CYBER GOTH
Characterized by neon colors, faux dreads, fluffy leg warmers, goggles, and many glow-in-the-dark pieces, these Goths enjoy raving.
Despite its divergence from the traditional Goth scene, cyber Goth is still considered Goth due to its evolution from industrial.
Characterized by neon colors, faux dreads, fluffy leg warmers, goggles, and many glow-in-the-dark pieces, these Goths enjoy raving.
Despite its divergence from the traditional Goth scene, cyber Goth is still considered Goth due to its evolution from industrial.
CARNIVAL GOTH
This style of Goth fully utilizes the bizarre, outrageous theatrics of carnivals and circuses, and aims for the "creepy clown" look.
Common motifs are black and white stripes, top hats, corsets, heavy makeup, and props such as accordions and handheld fans.
This style of Goth fully utilizes the bizarre, outrageous theatrics of carnivals and circuses, and aims for the "creepy clown" look.
Common motifs are black and white stripes, top hats, corsets, heavy makeup, and props such as accordions and handheld fans.
CABARET GOTH
This style places emphasis on the links between Goth and the extravagant world of burlesque and pin-up. It is important for cabaret Goth to be as classy as it is sexy.
Utilizes classic Goth staples such as corsets, garters, fishnets, and black suits.
This style places emphasis on the links between Goth and the extravagant world of burlesque and pin-up. It is important for cabaret Goth to be as classy as it is sexy.
Utilizes classic Goth staples such as corsets, garters, fishnets, and black suits.
STEAMPUNK
Often looked to as a marriage of Victorian Goth and Rivethead.
Clocks, keys, cogs, and gears are all elements you’ll find within steampunk attire. Top hats and goggles are common as well.
Unlike the traditional black, brown and gold are staple steampunk colors.
Often looked to as a marriage of Victorian Goth and Rivethead.
Clocks, keys, cogs, and gears are all elements you’ll find within steampunk attire. Top hats and goggles are common as well.
Unlike the traditional black, brown and gold are staple steampunk colors.
BABY BAT
Baby bats are newer to the Goth scene, and tend to be regarded with disdain by older Goths for not being old enough to remember traditional Goth bands or able to afford to dress “properly” Goth.
These Goths, however, are redefining what we view as Goth these days.
Baby bats are newer to the Goth scene, and tend to be regarded with disdain by older Goths for not being old enough to remember traditional Goth bands or able to afford to dress “properly” Goth.
These Goths, however, are redefining what we view as Goth these days.
CASUAL GOTH
As the name suggests, casual Goth is the least extravagant and flashy of all Goth substyles.
However, casual Goths can still be identified as Goth thanks to their use of primarily dark colors.
T-shirts donning the logo of a Goth band are also recurrent.
As the name suggests, casual Goth is the least extravagant and flashy of all Goth substyles.
However, casual Goths can still be identified as Goth thanks to their use of primarily dark colors.
T-shirts donning the logo of a Goth band are also recurrent.
BUBBLE GOTH
Coined by Estonian singer Kerli (pictured, first) after being described as “bubblegum goth.” Kerli explains it as “putting together elements that feel opposite.”
Shares many elements with pastel goth, ice goth, and cyber goth, especially the use of gas masks.
Coined by Estonian singer Kerli (pictured, first) after being described as “bubblegum goth.” Kerli explains it as “putting together elements that feel opposite.”
Shares many elements with pastel goth, ice goth, and cyber goth, especially the use of gas masks.
DARK MORI
A subset of Japanese “mori kei” fashion, meaning “forest style,” that utilizes a dark color palette.
Not an “official” subset of Goth, but can easily pass as such.
Emphasis on loose-fitting clothing, natural fabrics such as linen and wool, and floral patterns.
A subset of Japanese “mori kei” fashion, meaning “forest style,” that utilizes a dark color palette.
Not an “official” subset of Goth, but can easily pass as such.
Emphasis on loose-fitting clothing, natural fabrics such as linen and wool, and floral patterns.
GEEK GOTH
As their name suggests, these Goths love all things that intersect Goth with geek culture.
Bears many stylistic similarities to casual Goths, as these Goths are less interested in Goth as an aesthetic as they are in horror, dark fantasy, and sci-fi.
As their name suggests, these Goths love all things that intersect Goth with geek culture.
Bears many stylistic similarities to casual Goths, as these Goths are less interested in Goth as an aesthetic as they are in horror, dark fantasy, and sci-fi.
STREET GOTH
Street Goth is one of the most minimalistic Goth styles, and couples it with the 90’s R&B urban look; has more ties to hip-hop culture than the traditional Goth scene.
Key aspects are multiple layering, skirt-length shirts, and slim-fitting pants.
Street Goth is one of the most minimalistic Goth styles, and couples it with the 90’s R&B urban look; has more ties to hip-hop culture than the traditional Goth scene.
Key aspects are multiple layering, skirt-length shirts, and slim-fitting pants.