30 Types of Goth & Goth Fashion Basics

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Gothic blogger Cordelia Frost shares some of the most popular goth fashion aesthetics

Co-authored by Cordelia Frost and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: September 2, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Types of Goth
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• What is goth?
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• Goth Fashion Basics
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You probably know goths are known for wearing black clothing and dark makeup, but did you know there are actually many different goth subtypes? We interviewed a gothic blogger to compile a list of some of the most popular types of goth. We’ll also explain what goth is and the basics of goth fashion.

Popular Goth Styles

Gothic blogger Cordelia Frost says there are many types of goth, including Victorian Goth, Romantic goth, punk goth, vampire goth, and cybergoth. Trad goth refers to the original goth fashion of the 70s and 80s, while some aesthetics, like pastel goth, borrow from goth fashion but aren’t a traditional substyle.

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Section 1 of 3:

Types of Goth

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   Traditional Goth Also known as trad goth, this style is based on the original fashion of the goth subculture, beginning in the late 70s and early 80s. Trad goth fashion often features band T-shirts, thrifted black clothing, fishnets, and leather. Trad goths also typically wear expressive makeup (with a big focus on the eyes) and backcomb their hair.

   • Outfit idea: Rock a T-shirt of your favorite goth band, like Bauhaus, and pair it with a pair of black trousers or a black, flowy skirt. Add a leather jacket and some silver jewelry, and don’t forget to backcomb your hair!

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Cordelia Frost is a gothic blogger and makeup artist. She is the creator of Phyrra.net and PhyrraNyx, where she shares beauty and fashion tips and tricks..
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   Victorian Goth Victorian goth is a common subcategory of goth fashion, notes Frost. As the name suggests, the Victorian goth aesthetic is inspired by the fashion of the Victorian era, especially mourning dress. The clothing is tailored and features fabrics like velvet and lace, as well as long silhouettes and high collars. Corsets are common for women, while coats and vests are common for men. The look isn’t meant to be historically accurate, but instead a modern interpretation.

   • Outfit idea: For a feminine look, choose a long dress with full skirts, a high collar, and a corset waist. For a masculine look, pair dark trousers with a button-up shirt, vest, and coat. Don’t forget the top hat!
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   Mall Goth The term “mall goth” was once a dismissive label for late 90s and early 2000s alternative style, but many have since reclaimed it. Traditionally, mall goth refers to people who bought their alternative clothing from stores like Hot Topic rather than thrifting and DIYing it. The style often consists of band tees and wide-leg black trousers.

   • Outfit idea: Layer an oversized band T-shirt over a striped long-sleeve shirt, and pair it with some wide-legged trousers (like Tripp pants). Rock some chains and dark makeup.
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   Gothic Lolita Gothic lolita combines elements of Victorian goth fashion and Japanese lolita fashion. This aesthetic typically features structured dresses and petticoats with modest silhouettes. Common accessories may include knee-high stockings, Mary Janes, and lace parasols.

   • Outfit idea: Pair a black petticoat skirt with a black ruffled blouse. Add some knee-high stockings, a pair of lace gloves, and a pair of Mary Jane shoes.
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   Nu Goth Nu goth is a “new goth” aesthetic that gained popularity online in the early 2010s. It combines traditional goth style with 90s grunge and modern, minimalist streetwear. A lot of nu goth fashion features celestial and occult symbols.

   • Outfit idea: Throw an oversized black tee over a sheer layer and fitted bottoms or a long skirt. Add some platform boots, and wear a harness, a choker, and silver jewelry for accessories.
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   Romantic Goth According to Frost, Romantic goth is another popular goth aesthetic. While Victorian goth is inspired by Victorian fashion, Romantic goth is inspired by the Romanticism movement of the 19th century. It typically features fabrics like lace and velvet, along with corsets and dramatic silhouettes. Romantic goths are often interested in Gothic literature.

   • Outfit idea: Pair a velvet top with a long skirt, or rock a poet shirt and a pair of tailored trousers. Add some jewel tones to your ensemble, along with antique-style jewelry.
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   Cybergoth Cybergoth is another popular goth style, says Frost. Cybergoth is a blend of goth fashion, rave culture, and the cyberpunk aesthetic. The style includes black and neon clothing, platform boots, goggles, and perhaps most notably, cyberlox—brightly colored synthetic hair pieces made of foam or plastic tubing.

   • Outfit idea: Choose black base clothing that allows you to move freely. Add some neon accessories with a mesh or reflective texture, and opt for comfortable shoes. Add some cyberlox, goggles, or a stylized gas mask to complete the look.
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   Vampire Goth Frost also lists vampire goth as a common goth subtype. Vampire goth is often similar to Victorian or Romantic goth, but it heavily draws inspiration from vampires in literature and film. Black and red are the most common colors, and outfits frequently feature velvet, high collars, long coats, and lace.

   • Outfit idea: Pair a black, lace-trimmed gown with a corset, or opt for black leather pants and a high-collared shirt and long overcoat. Add a velvet cape, a lace choker, accessories with religious imagery, and if you’re up for it, a pair of cosmetic fangs.
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   Military Goth Military goth style is inspired by military uniforms. It often features officer jackets, epaulettes, and military-style hats. However, it’s important to do your research when choosing military symbols, as they have important meanings outside of fashion.

   • Outfit idea: Choose a tailored shirt and tailored trousers or skirt and pair them with a structured, military-style coat. Go for sturdy boots and an officer-style cap. Avoid using any symbols you are unfamiliar with.
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    Steampunk Goth Steampunk goth blends Victorian goth fashion with retro-futuristic steampunk fashion. While traditional steampunk features brassy and brown tones, steampunk goth includes black and jewel tones. The style has a dark fantasy vibe and typically includes gears and other machine-like accessories.

    • Outfit idea: Think corsets and petticoats or tailcoats and top hats. Once you’ve got your Victorian-inspired base, add Steampunk accessories, like goggles, pocket watches, and accessories with gears.
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    Deathrock/Punk Goth While the punk and goth subcultures are distinct, there is sometimes overlap in the fashion, resulting in the deathrock goth aesthetic. The deathrock goth style often features DIY elements, horror imagery, and ripped layers. Fishnets, leather, and studs are common, as are dramatic hairstyles.

    • Outfit idea: Thrift some dark clothing and add patches to represent your favorite bands or interests. Distress the clothes so they look lived in, and add layers like fishnets and leather.
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    Industrial Goth/Rivethead Inspired by industrial music, industrial goth (also known as rivethead) has a dystopian vibe. It often features military-inspired fashion with PVC components and leather and latex fabrics. Metallic accessories and accents are a prominent feature.

    • Outfit idea: Pair a military jacket with cargo pants and a tactical harness. Rock some combat boots, and opt for accessories like chains and riveted belts.
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    Glam Goth Glam goth is a combination of the goth and glam rock aesthetics. It features dark clothing with theatrical elements, including sequins, metallic accents, and exaggerated makeup.

    • Outfit idea: Start with a black top and bottoms, then add a dramatic statement piece, like a glittery jacket or studded, platform boots. Add some glittery, neon face paint or makeup.
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    Aristocrat Goth Aristocrat goth is actually a Japanese street fashion aesthetic. It’s based on the fashion of 19th-century European aristocrats and features a mature, tailored silhouette. The aesthetic is typically androgynous and often includes garments like poet shirts, waistcoats, and cravats.

    • Outfit idea: Opt for a straight, floor-length skirt or tailored trousers and pair them with a ruffled poet shirt or corset. Add a waistcoat or tailcoat, and complete the look with a top hat, lace-up boots, and a walking stick.
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    Soft Goth Soft goth refers to an aesthetic that is loosely inspired by traditional goth clothing but is more understated and comfortable to wear in everyday life. Soft goth clothing is typically subtle and may feature jewel tones, grays, and even white in addition to black.

    • Outfit idea: Pair a casual black T-shirt or dress with an oversized black cardigan. Opt for comfortable boots or sneakers in a dark color, and keep your jewelry simple. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, throw on some sheer tights or fishnets.
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    Boho Goth Also known as hippie goth, boho goth combines traditional goth and bohemian fashion. Typically, the aesthetic features the colors of goth fashion (black and jewel tones) with the silhouettes of bohemian fashion (like maxi skirts and bell sleeves). The style is often worn to festivals.

    • Outfit idea: Choose black clothing with a loose, flowing silhouette. Elevate your outfit with a shawl, some boots, and a wide-brimmed hat.
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    Pastel Goth Pastel goth isn’t traditionally part of the goth subculture, but it borrows many elements from goth fashion and puts a lighter spin on them. This style combines black clothing and dark symbols, like skulls and bats, with pastel colors and cutesy accessories. It also has a kawaii influence and originated in online spaces, like Tumblr, in the early 2010s.

    • Outfit idea: Pair a black top with a pastel pink skirt or shorts (or vice versa). Rock some fishnets and a studded belt, and throw on some platform shoes or boots.
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    Whimsigoth Whimsigoth isn’t a traditional goth subcategory, but it has gothic undertones. It’s more of a dark, witchy, romantic aesthetic, featuring lots of celestial motifs. Think Practical Magic and Stevie Nicks—lots of bell sleeves, velvet, and jewel tones.

    • Outfit idea: Instead of black, opt for jewel tones like midnight blue, emerald green, or plum. Pick a top with bell sleeves and pair it with a long, flowing skirt. Add a shawl and some moon- or sun-themed accessories.
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    Fairy/Faegoth Fairy or faegoth is often similar to whimsigoth, but it specifically draws on the aesthetic of fairies from folklore and fantasy. The clothing features dark colors as well as jewel tones and earth tones, and consists of bohemian and Renaissance-style silhouettes. Those with this aesthetic may also wear elf ears, wings, or tiaras.

    • Outfit idea: Layer some loose, flowing skirts and distress them so they appear tattered. Wear a corset top, and pair it with elf ears and sheer wings. Choose mushroom or bone jewelry for accessories.
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    Haute/Avant-garde Goth Haute goth, or avant-garde goth, refers to a high-fashion, goth-inspired style. It involves luxury tailoring, expensive fabrics, and avant-garde silhouettes, and is typically designed for the runway rather than everyday wear. Because the designers may not participate in goth culture, this style isn’t considered a traditional goth subculture.

    • Outfit idea: Opt for sleek, black clothing, typically from high-end brands. Play with the silhouette by wearing an asymmetric coat.
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    Perky Goth Perky goth typically describes someone who wears dark clothing but has an upbeat personality. Perky goth clothing is mostly black but often has some splashes of bright color. It may feature cartoon characters or intentionally cheerful accessories.

    • Outfit idea: Start with black clothing as your base, then add some bright accessories of your choosing. This could be a T-shirt with a black and hot pink pattern, some neon leg warmers, or some colorful jewelry. If you have long hair, consider wearing pigtails, or if you want to go all out, dye your hair a bright color.
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    Health Goth Health goth is essentially goth-inspired workout gear. The term gained popularity in the early 2010s as artists and musicians were spotted wearing dark, monochromatic sportswear. Health goth is not a historical goth subcategory. Anyone can rock this aesthetic regardless of their body type or how athletic they are.

    • Outfit idea: Pair a black sports bra, tank top, or T-shirt with black leggings, shorts, or sweatpants. Wear comfortable sneakers or other shoes you could work out in.
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    Emo Goth Emo and goth are two separate subcultures and music styles, but there can be overlap in the fashion. The emo goth style often features early 2000’s-style emo clothing with goth-influenced makeup. Think band tees with expressive eyeliner. Because these subcultures are different, it’s important to credit both influences, as they aren’t interchangeable. Emo goth is not a historic goth subculture.

    • Outfit idea: Pair a band tee featuring your favorite goth or emo band with dark bottoms. Add a studded belt and some layered sleeves, and rock some expressive eyeliner.
    • Are you more goth or emo? Take our quiz to find out!
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    Gothabilly Gothabilly is a mix of goth fashion and the rockabilly aesthetic, which is inspired by 50s fashion. It’s essentially pin-up fashion with swing dresses, pencil skirts, and high-waisted pants, but with a darker color scheme. This aesthetic also often features horror motifs.

    • Outfit idea: Rock a 50s-style swing dress in a black, red, and white color scheme. Pair it with some Mary Janes, a wide waist-cinching belt, and accessories featuring skulls, bats, or cherries. To complete the look, style your hair into victory rolls or Bettie bangs.
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    Corporate Goth Corporate goth was created so goths can still express themselves while wearing work-appropriate outfits. This aesthetic features typical business wear, like blazers and fitted trousers, in black and jewel tones. Many people also wear subtle gothic accessories, like vintage-inspired jewelry or dainty spider motifs.

    • Outfit idea: Pair a black button-down shirt with a matching blazer, and throw on some fitted trousers or a pencil skirt. Choose materials like velvet or lace, which are common in goth attire. Add a goth statement ring or necklace to complete the look.
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    Shock Goth Shock goth is an intentionally unsettling aesthetic intended to shock people. It often combines fetish gear with horror imagery and theatrical makeup (think Marilyn Manson). Many shock goths even incorporate fake blood into their outfits.

    • Outfit idea: Go for an all-black outfit made from synthetic materials, like latex or faux leather. Add some controversial accessories like pentagrams and bone jewelry, and pair your outfit with some chunky platform boots. Go all out with your makeup.
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    Darkwave/EBM Goth Darkwave or EMB goth is inspired by darkwave music and EBM (electronic body music). The aesthetic is often similar to industrial goth, as it often includes military surplus clothing and materials like leather and PVC. However, it can also include romantic elements like lace and mesh.

    • Outfit idea: Mix flowing, sheer fabrics with more utilitarian styles, like a heavy leather jacket or PVC accessories. Opt for minimal jewelry, and backcomb your hair as a nod to traditional goth style.
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    Fetish Goth Fetish goth is a goth substyle that heavily features clothing and accessories inspired by the BDSM and kink communities. Corsets and body harnesses are common, as are materials such as latex and leather. Having this aesthetic does not necessarily mean someone participates in the BDSM community, and you shouldn’t ask them any inappropriate questions without their consent.

    • Outfit idea: Wear a latex bodysuit or dress, paired with fishnets and platform boots. For accessories, consider a spiked or studded choker and chains.
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    Medieval Goth Medieval goth is inspired by medieval and fantasy fashion. Medieval goth clothing often features rich textures and regal silhouettes. While the main color is black, medieval goth outfits also sometimes incorporate earthy tones.

    • Outfit idea: Opt for a dress or a tunic and trousers made from natural materials. Pair them with a cloak, leather boots, and other medieval-inspired accessories. Incorporate Celtic knotwork and runes into your outfit.
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    Ambient/Ethereal Goth Ambient, or ethereal, goth focuses on softness and dreamlike qualities. This aesthetic features flowing fabrics, soft textures, and gentle silhouettes rather than sharp lines and heavy materials. It can sometimes resemble Romantic goth outfits.

    • Outfit idea: Opt for a long black skirt or dress and layer it with sheer, lightweight fabrics like chiffon or lace. Go for delicate shoes, like ballet flats or strappy sandals, and add delicate silvery jewelry. Keep your hair loose and natural.
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Section 2 of 3:

What is goth?

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1. Goth is a music-based subculture that began in the 1970s. The subculture developed from the post-punk scene and focused on bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Cure. While the music is the focus of this subculture, goth fashion developed as a way for goths to express their community, interests, and alternative lifestyle.

   • Many goths, especially in the early days, developed their style using thrifted outfits that they DIY’d to fit their aesthetic.

Section 3 of 3:

The Basics of Goth Fashion

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1. 
   Goth fashion is very personalized, but often centers on the color black. The goth subculture is focused on music, not fashion, so at the end of the day, you can be goth and dress however you want. Still, many goths are drawn to dark fashion that allows them to express themselves and their interests. Here are some common elements you’ll often find in goth fashion:

   • Black, other dark colors, and jewel tones
   • Fabrics like velvet, lace, mesh, and leather, often layered together
   • Band T-shirts, corsets, long coats, and flowing skirts
   • Religious and occult imagery
   • Silvery jewelry, handmade accessories, and choker necklaces
   • Platform shoes, boots, and creepers
   • Dramatic hair and makeup, often with pale foundation and black eyeliner and lipstick
   • According to Frost, “Gothic fashion often features iconic symbols like skulls, bats, stars, moons, deadhead moths, ravens, crows, ankhs, cats, snakes, and spiders.”
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