Goths along with their fashion style, music, and literature have become some of the most noticeable individuals around. Although some people see their gothic fashion style as just a big pile of black clothing, it’s much more than that.
There are various fashion styles within the Goth subculture depending on each person’s unique fashion style, musical choice, and personal taste. The typical fashion style includes gothic clothing and dark makeup, which is worn by both men and women. Goths can be creative, intelligent, and socially comfortable within their circle of friends but quiet around others.
Goth history
Gothic fashion, being a clothing style defined by dark, antiquated, mysterious, and homogeneous features, is usually worn by members of the Goth subculture. This fashion style emerged from the post-punk music scene in the early 80s in London. The name Goth was derived from gothic rock and influenced by 19th-century horror movies and fiction like Frankenstein and Dracula. As time went on, the gothic subculture further defined itself with features like black dyed hair, dark eyeliner, dark lipstick, and dark nail polish.
Traditional gothic clothing style was defined by wearing leather, fishnets, and a lot of piercings. Some of its style icons include Robert Smith from The Cure, Siouxsie Sioux, Elvira, just to name a few. The Goth subculture is usually prevalent in music and film, most commonly in movies by Tim Burton, which are well-received by all, and music like Bauhaus and The Cure.
Goth clothing
Over the years, Goths have created hundreds of different branches of gothic fashion, including Elizabethan, Victorian, Medieval, Pastel, Lolita, and Cyber Goth. The style’s preferred color is black, but some highlight it with inserts of red and red hues. Goths usually have pale skin, and to emphasize this, they choose the appropriate materials for the outfits.
The men’s gothic fashion style is characterized by pronounced femininity, being similar to the ladies’ outfits in many ways. Some of the basic items include black shirts, tight leather pants, hats, and shapeless hoodies. They can also be seen rocking a long black coat which is made from thick fabric or leather. When it comes to shoes, the most popular choice is Dr. Martens, creepers, or grinders with massive soles.
Jewelry and makeup
Accessories made of silver are the typical companions of Goths, because the silvery color is a symbol of the cold moon, and it emphasizes the contrast of pale face and dark jewelry. Other popular accessories include leather collars, bracelets, and necklaces. The most common motifs for gothic rings and necklaces are skulls, crosses, and bats. Some punk goths prefer metal bracelets, chains, and spikes and men’s goth charms are often a great way to amp up an outfit.
Although a Goth’s makeup usually consists of pale skin and dark eyes and lips, it is not a requirement for being defined as Goth. Using makeup such as eyeliners and lipstick is the most common element of style for both men and women. Some Goths who don’t like wearing makeup usually complement the look with dark nail polish and sometimes by dying their hair black.
Goth music
Defining one’s fashion styles is closely connected to their music taste. The gothic music scene was fueled by two sources, namely a club in London where bands like The Cure and Joy Division played, and the music scene in California where deathrock had its roots. In the 90s, these genres morphed into others like ambient, EBM, experimental, darkwave, neoclassical, and many more.
Although death metal is not commonly considered gothic, some Goths may listen to it. But the thing is, a person doesn’t necessarily have to listen to gothic music to be defined as Goth. The point is to listen to whatever they find enjoyable, whatever genre that is.
Final thoughts
Goths are often seen as outsiders, having a very unique sense of fashion style, which some people don’t understand and think of as strange. The fact is, Goths are often sensitive and thoughtful, and the reason for their unique fashion style is expressing themselves creatively. Not only the fashion style, but also poetry, art, and movies are a big source of creativity for most Goths.
For those men who are not ready to go full-Goth, they can use the corporate Goth style, which includes wearing discreet gothic pendants and rings, as well as black business clothes. Both gloomy and fascinating, the gothic fashion style has even become an inspiration for many famous fashion designers.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
6 Fashion Subcultures You Should Know about
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