Goth Types

Before I start I want to make clear that Gothic people are the reflection of darkness in the world so there are many kinds of individuals within the Gothic subculture. With this post I pretend to give a perspective of those different types, not to label or stereotype but showing off the different ways to define the gothic world. And it’s okay to feel related with a set of people with distinct behaviour and beliefs and to feel inspired by them.

Firstly, I think it's important to give you guys the definition of Goth. Although it is a very controversial definition, I guess it’s a matter of self opinion and view.

Most Goth people have:

1-A strong interest by the dark: Goths are interested in the dark side of life, just like dark art visions, Gothic literature or graveyards and creepy houses.

2-A predominance of black: And yes, there are exceptions, but most Goths do wear a large amount of black. Even the Cyber Goths (which incorporate a lot of bright colours in their outfits) like to match them with black.

3-An alternative lifestyle: Just like not entering the usual expected path in most societies.

4-A love for "dark" music: which means that Goths, whether they listen to Deathrock or Darkwave or Gothic Metal, all these kinds of music are considered "dark" for their lyrics or for the sound itself.

There are way too many different types of Gothic, so I chose 10 of the most interesting groups, in my opinion.

Cyber Goth

The “cybergoth” term might be used to describe their “dark future”. These characters worship futurism and technology, they adore bright colours and they listen to dance music. As you can see, they seem to be the opposite of a typical Goth so why are they still included in the Gothic world? It could be because their music (Electronic Body Music being one of their music choices) are commonly too depressing and too deep for other dance fans. It could be because their style derives from Goth elements.

You can usually find Cybergoths wearing crazy pony falls, goggles and futuristic rave-inspired clothing.

Deathrocker

These are considerate as the “missing link” between Goths and Punks. Deathrockers are huge music geeks and lovers of obscure bands and horror movies. They’re also known to have a very satirical sense of humour.

In style matters, they’re easily recognised by the abundant use of ripped fishnets, huge Mohawks and strong make-ups. Deathrock bands, (for example Anorexic Dread and The Last Day of Jesus) are their main music influences.

Gothabilly

Gothabilly is a rare breed of Goth with particular tastes in music and wardrobe.

Visually, they’re seen as “brighter Goths” with glammy make-ups, vivid tattoos, bats, skulls or cherry accessories, all combined with polka dot clothing.

Gothabilly bands have horror, monsters, ghosts, paranormal and vampires music themes. They’re also themes of sadness and aggressive behaviours. Some bands are Cult Of The Psychic Fetus or Vampire Beach Babes.

Mopey Goth

Mopey Goths represent the most common stereotype of our society, related with any people in the Gothic world. Our society tends to relate anyone dressed in black to depression and sadness which is, obviously, completely wrong. However, the Mopey Goths regard all those who actually take the whole “dark” aspect of Goth far too seriously. They’re depressed and angsty persons with anti social tendencies. Their music is anything sad and they’re also known by wearing full black.

Romantic Goth

The romantic Goths embrace the view that darkness and beauty are one in the same. They’re very sentimental, creative and dreamy persons with a love of literature and poetry. They find beauty in dead nature, skulls, the night and graveyards.

In their wardrobe you might find Victorian or Medieval inspired clothes with a lot of black and occasional deep red, purple and green.

Vampire Goth

There are Goths who set vampires as the centre of their worlds. This people have pale skin, they avoid the sunlight and they’re inspired by dark period clothing. They might love red wine and wear black capes and sunglasses when going out during the day. They’re obviously huge fans of Dracula movies and Anne Rice books and their chosen songs are about vampires.

Victorian Goth

Victorian Goths are classic individuals, very spiritual and not so aggressive like the other Goth types. Edgar Allan Poe may be a great passion of these Goths as well as theatres, masquerades, poetry and tea parties. Their musical preferences are Opera and Classical and Victorian-inspired bands. They can be recognized by their dark Victorian style with long lacy dresses, gloves, corsets, hats and canes.

Corp Goth

Goths grew up and started to work in big corporations. This branch is the result of the attempt of creating a certain style that could give them a real job while not totally sacrificing their dark and morbid fashion sense. Kinda like a balance between personal taste and “professional” look.

So how do they look like? They can be found wearing dark suits, velvet, spiders/crosses shaped jewellery, hats and a few more dark accessories. There are more and more people adopting this style for working.

Metalhead

Do Metalheads fit in the Gothic world? This is a very controversial question and I personally think that the answer depends on your definition of Goth.

There are 2 different opinions. Some Goths and Metalheads believe that both groups have different origins and musical tastes as well as in clothing choices. However, some individuals agree that both types have a lot of similarities just like the black clothing preferences and the love for dark things.

Metalheads can be identified by the Band t-shirts, long hair (specially on guys), black leather and studs and a pair of combat boots.

Trad goth

This is the original Goth, developed in the 70/80’s. They’re very found of certain Goth bands like Siouxsie And The Banshees, The Sisters of Mercy or Bauhaus. Their look was highly influenced by Punk, so you could find them wearing fishnet shirts, vinyl pants, funerary clothes, leather skirts and fishnet stockings all combined with heavy make-up and huge backcombed dark hair.

As certain branches, like Cyber Goth, are growing, Trads believe that Goth is dead. They’re seen by many as the most respectful type of Goth ever.

Do you guys have any favourite Goth type? Feel related with it? Give us your opinion!