What are goths?

Goths come in many different forms. There are allot of goth 'hybrids'.  Example of these are      


    Lolita Goth -  Lolita Goths take inspiration from victorian and sometimes anime styles.This is often linked to Japanese people (in particular people based in Harajuku ). The clothing that Lolita Goths wear is often nostalgic and references fashion popular in the 19th century. Lolita Goths are often seen wearing Lace dresses , corsets and usually have a monochromatic colour pallet  that was popular to the era they are referencing. Lolitas often carry unique accessories such as lace parasols.

Cyber Goths - Think of Cyber Goths as Goths from the future. Their imagery is inspired by the industrial and techno music scene. They take their main influences from Rave fashion and standard Goth style. This style is highly influenced by music.

Vampire Goth - Vampire goths are a subculture of goths that reference vampires through their  clothing and lifestyle. Vampire goths typically wear Victorian or Edwardian styled clothing. This may be viewed as the most 'extream' of the Goth hybrid cultures as there is a lot of body modification and extreme lifestyle choices such as drinking blood and sleeping in coffins.

Transgoth - Transgoth are people who have an aesthetic appreciation for an androgynous look. This is normally seen with men wearing heavy dark eye makeup and pale facial makeup. This hybrid combines the feminine and masculine aspects of style. Followers of this subculture are people such as Marilyn Manson.

Pastel Goth - Pastel Goths are a fairy newly developed hybrid on the Goth scene. They combine Gothic fashion with pastel colours to create a more 'socially friendly' style. This look also combines some Anime aspects. This style was first established on popular networking site Tumblr.  This is considered a 'glamourized' version of goth by 'typical' goths. Many believe that because this style was developed online that it does not exists and therefore is not viewed as a recognised subculture.


Gothic Glamour - Goth glamour is a hybrid of goth that is considered 'glamourized' by the fashion industry and the media. This can be seen on runways , typically in A/W collections, with many designers making reference to goth culture  but to appeal to a more commercial audience. Designers such as Gareth Pugh often  reference goth culture in his work. People who are considered 'Glamour Goth' tend to wear trendy items of clothing , normally in black. Such as lace dresses , heeled boots , leather jackets and crucifix jewellery.


Goth is often confused to be a 'style' however many people who follow gothic culture believe this to be a lifestyle choice that they have chosen to express themselves.