Each type of goth has its own unique influences and aesthetics, but they all share a common love for dark, alternative fashion and music. These variations highlight the adaptability and creativity within the goth subculture, allowing individuals to express their unique identities while still embracing the core elements of goth fashion and music.
Here are some of the different types of goth:
Rooted in the late 1970s and early 1980s, this style is heavily influenced by bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure. Fashion typically includes black clothing, leather, lace, and a general Victorian-inspired look.
Combining elements of goth with rave culture, cyber goths often wear brightly colored clothing, cyberlox (synthetic hair extensions), and futuristic accessories. The music associated with this style includes industrial and electronic dance music.
This style emphasizes a more elegant and Victorian aesthetic, with lots of lace, velvet, corsets, and flowing skirts. It's inspired by 19th-century fashion and often incorporates a love for poetry and classical literature.
Also known as Deathrock, this style mixes punk influences with goth. It features torn clothing, fishnets, band shirts, and bold makeup. The music is a blend of punk and early goth rock.
Popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, mall goths were influenced by mainstream alternative bands like Marilyn Manson and Korn. Their fashion includes baggy pants, band shirts, and lots of black.
Originating in Japan, this style combines gothic elements with the Lolita fashion, which features frilly dresses, petticoats, and a doll-like appearance.
Similar to Romantic Goth but with a stricter adherence to authentic Victorian fashion. This includes top hats, waistcoats, long dresses, and parasols.
Pastel goth blends goth elements with pastel colors like pink and lavender, featuring chokers, platform boots, and makeup combining dark and pastel shades for a whimsical, approachable look.
This style blends gothic fashion with the steampunk aesthetic, which includes Victorian-inspired clothing with mechanical and industrial elements like gears and goggles.
This style combines traditional goth aesthetics with a more cheerful, colorful twist. Perky goths often wear bright colors, whimsical accessories, and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude.
Inspired by vampire literature and media, this style features dark, elegant clothing, often with a historical twist. Fangs, capes, and other vampire-related accessories are common.
This style adapts goth fashion for the workplace. It includes more subdued and professional clothing in dark colors, often with subtle gothic accessories.
Though often considered a separate subculture, it overlaps with goth. Rivetheads focus on industrial music and fashion, with a military or utilitarian style, including combat boots, camouflage, and industrial accessories.
Combining gothic elements with bohemian fashion, boho goths often wear flowing, relaxed clothing, with an emphasis on natural fabrics and earthy tones, but with a dark twist.
A fusion of goth and rockabilly, this style incorporates elements of 1950s fashion with a dark twist. Think of retro dresses, pin-up hairstyles, and horror-themed accessories.
This type emphasizes BDSM and fetish fashion, including leather, latex, corsets, and other provocative attire. The music associated with this style often includes industrial and darkwave.
Inspired by cabaret and burlesque, this style includes theatrical, vintage-inspired clothing, such as corsets, fishnets, and top hats, often with an extravagant flair.
Also known as Militaristic Goth, this style features military-inspired clothing such as uniforms, combat boots, and accessories like dog tags and medals.
This type blends gothic fashion with geek culture, incorporating elements from fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming. Outfits might include gothic takes on costumes or geeky t-shirts with a dark twist.
A more recent development, health goth combines goth aesthetics with athletic wear. This includes black sportswear, high-tech fabrics, and a focus on fitness.
This type emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices, with fashion often including upcycled or handmade clothing and accessories, maintaining a dark, gothic style.
The goth subculture thrives on diversity, from Traditional to Cyber and beyond. Embracing dark fashion and music, each style offers a unique avenue for creative expression. Explore these vibrant variations and find the goth that resonates with you -- there's a style for every dark-hearted soul to embrace and make their own.
