21 Types of Goth: The Ultimate Guide 2025

Goth isn’t just one look, it’s a layered aesthetic, a fashion language, and a living, breathing subculture with over 40 years of history. In 2025, goth is more alive than ever, with new and classic styles trending across platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram. Whether you're new to the scene or refining your dark aesthetic, here's your go-to guide for understanding the types of goth styles, from Traditional Goth to Cyber Goth and everything in between.

1. Traditional Goth (Old School Goth)

What is Traditional Goth?
The foundational goth subculture from the 1980s, born from post-punk music scenes.

How to Be a Traditional Goth
Embrace classic goth bands, poetry, and old-school fashion aesthetics.

Colors: Black, deep purple, maroon
Clothing: Leather jackets, lace tops, fishnets, long skirts
Accessories: Cross pendants, ankhs, spikes
Makeup: Pale foundation, black eyeliner, dark lipstick
Hair: Teased, crimped, liberty spikes

2. Romantic Goth

What is Romantic Goth?
A poetic, Victorian-inspired style that channels elegance and melancholy.

How to Be a Romantic Goth
Wear historical silhouettes and evoke timeless sorrow with soft glamour.

Colors: Black, royal blue, wine red
Clothing: Corsets, velvet gowns, ruffles
Accessories: Chokers, lace gloves, parasols
Makeup: Soft smoky eyes, deep lipstick
Hair: Long, wavy, often adorned with florals or veils

3. Deathrock / Punk Goth

What is Deathrock Goth?
A punk-rooted goth style focused on rebellion, music, and DIY fashion.

How to Be a Deathrock Goth
Hit the punk shows, customize your clothes, and be unapologetically raw.

Colors: Black, red, neon green
Clothing: Ripped jeans, horror tees, fishnets
Accessories: Spikes, patches, band pins
Makeup: Face paint, raccoon eyes
Hair: Deathhawks, mohawks, bold colors

4. Horror Goth

What is Horror Goth?
A style based on gore, monsters, and all things terrifying.

How to Be a Horror Goth
Celebrate Halloween all year with bloody, theatrical fashion.

Colors: Black, blood red, white
Clothing: Shredded outfits, horror references
Accessories: Monster rings, fake blood
Makeup: Gore effects, smeared lipstick
Hair: Wild, streaked with gray or red

5. Victorian Goth

What is Victorian Goth?
A tribute to 19th-century mourning fashion and aristocratic gloom.

How to Be a Victorian Goth
Study historical fashion and dress like a gothic novel character.

Colors: Black, gray, burgundy
Clothing: Bustle skirts, frock coats, high collars
Accessories: Cameos, veils, gloves
Makeup: Matte skin, berry lips
Hair: Ringlets, buns, under elegant hats

6. Occult Goth

What is Occult Goth?
A mystical style embracing rituals, symbols, and esotericism.

How to Be an Occult Goth
Blend fashion with spiritual practices and mysterious energy.

Colors: Black, silver, purple
Clothing: Robes, layered dresses
Accessories: Pentagrams, sigils, crystals
Makeup: Smoky eyes, metallic accents
Hair: Long, loose, with charms or beads

7. Casual Goth (Soft Goth)

What is Casual Goth?
Everyday goth — easy, minimalist, but still dark.

How to Be a Casual Goth
Stick to black basics and subtle edge. Less is more.

Colors: Black, gray, white
Clothing: Hoodies, joggers, basics
Accessories: Chain necklaces, caps
Makeup: Light eyeliner, nude lips
Hair: Natural or dyed black, simple styling

8. Cyber Goth

What is Cyber Goth?
A high-energy, industrial, futuristic aesthetic.

How to Be a Cyber Goth
Hit the rave scene with UV gear and neon techwear.

Colors: Black + neon (green, pink)
Clothing: PVC, mesh, gas masks
Accessories: LED gear, goggles
Makeup: Neon accents, geometric shapes
Hair: Cyberlox, dreadfalls, synthetic styles

9. Pastel Goth

What is Pastel Goth?
Kawaii meets goth — soft colors with dark symbols.

How to Be a Pastel Goth
Wear playful cuts and colors, but add spooky elements.

Colors: Lavender, pink, mint, black
Clothing: Skater skirts, graphic tees
Accessories: Bows, pastel pentagrams
Makeup: Pink blush, dramatic lashes
Hair: Pastel dyes, pigtails, curls

10. Gothabilly

What is Gothabilly?
1950s pin-up meets dark alternative fashion.

How to Be a Gothabilly
Pair retro glam with skulls, leather, and psychobilly tunes.

Colors: Black, red, leopard print
Clothing: Pencil skirts, fitted tops
Accessories: Bandanas, dice earrings
Makeup: Winged liner, red lips
Hair: Victory rolls, pompadours

11. Grunge Goth (Gothgrunge)

What is Grunge Goth?
A 90s-inspired goth blend that’s messy and emotional.

How to Be a Grunge Goth
Rip your tights, thrift your fits, and live in the shadows.

Colors: Washed black, green, gray
Clothing: Flannel, oversized knits
Accessories: Safety pins, worn boots
Makeup: Smudged liner, matte lips
Hair: Messy, dyed, or left natural

12. Boho Goth

What is Boho Goth?
Earthy witch vibes blended with free-spirited fashion.

How to Be a Boho Goth
Live close to nature with an alt, relaxed style.

Colors: Earth tones, black, olive
Clothing: Fringe, flowing skirts
Accessories: Crystals, feathers
Makeup: Bronze tones, dark lips
Hair: Braids, waves, adorned

13. Nu Goth

What is Nu Goth?
A minimalist, urban goth style made for the internet age.

How to Be a Nu Goth
Combine sleek silhouettes with occult details.

Colors: Black, white, muted neutrals
Clothing: Mesh, crop tops, joggers
Accessories: Geometric pendants, chokers
Makeup: Sharp eyeliner, matte lips
Hair: Sleek, center-parted, undercut

14. Post-Punk Goth

What is Post-Punk Goth?
An artistic, clean version of goth rooted in its musical past.

How to Be a Post-Punk Goth
Channel existential energy through fashion and lyrics.

Colors: Black, steel blue, gray
Clothing: Long coats, slim pants
Accessories: Minimalist jewelry
Makeup: Defined eyes, soft lips
Hair: Asymmetrical cuts, slicked back

15. Dark Academia / Academic Goth

What is Academic Goth?
A cerebral goth style based on literature and academia.

How to Be an Academic Goth
Live among books, wear tweed, and romanticize rainy libraries.

Colors: Brown, black, forest green
Clothing: Blazers, loafers, turtlenecks
Accessories: Satchels, glasses
Makeup: Earth tones, subtle shadow
Hair: Neatly parted, tied back

16. Corp Goth

What is Corp Goth?
A professional goth look for office life.

How to Be a Corp Goth
Wear sleek businesswear with dark elegance.

Colors: Black, navy, charcoal
Clothing: Blazers, pencil skirts
Accessories: Subtle chokers, earrings
Makeup: Matte skin, red or dark lipstick
Hair: Clean and corporate, with goth flair

17. Witchy Goth

What is Witchy Goth?
Spiritual and earthy, Witchy Goth celebrates rituals and femininity.

How to Be a Witchy Goth
Harness moon energy and wear magick-infused fashion.

Colors: Black, gold, emerald
Clothing: Cloaks, maxi skirts
Accessories: Crystals, moons, herbs
Makeup: Smoky, enchanted
Hair: Wild, natural, or with braids

18. Vampire Goth

What is Vampire Goth?
Sultry, immortal fashion inspired by vampire legends.

How to Be a Vampire Goth
Dress like you’ve lived centuries in luxury and secrecy.

Colors: Black, crimson, silver
Clothing: Capes, corsets, Victorian attire
Accessories: Fangs, red jewels
Makeup: Pale skin, blood-red lips
Hair: Glossy black, old-world styles

19. Apocalyptic Goth

What is Apocalyptic Goth?
A survivalist look from a dystopian future.

How to Be an Apocalyptic Goth
Think wasteland warrior — distressed and fierce.

Colors: Dusty black, khaki, ash gray
Clothing: Tactical gear, worn layers
Accessories: Goggles, belts, chains
Makeup: War paint, weathered skin
Hair: Messy, shaved, or under hoods

20. Tribal / Ethno Goth

What is Tribal Goth?
A performance-heavy style blending global influences.

How to Be a Tribal Goth
Dance, fuse cultures respectfully, and accessorize richly.

Colors: Earth tones, black
Clothing: Draped layers, dance skirts
Accessories: Beads, ethnic jewelry
Makeup: Bold eyeliner, face paint
Hair: Braids, dreadlocks, adorned

21. E-Girl Goth / TikTok Goth

What is E-Girl Goth?
An internet-born goth style rooted in meme culture and hyper-aestheticism.

How to Be a TikTok Goth
Play with trends. Be goth but make it viral.

Colors: Black, pink, purple
Clothing: Mini skirts, striped tops
Accessories: Hearts, piercings
Makeup: Blush-heavy, graphic eyeliner
Hair: Dyed front strands, space buns

Conclusion: Embrace the Darkness, Your Way

The beauty of the goth subculture lies in its diversity, self-expression, and evolution. Whether you identify with the elegance of Romantic Goth, the edge of Cyber Goth, or the minimalist energy of Nu Goth, each style reflects a personal journey into identity and artistry.

In 2025, gothic fashion and lifestyle have never been more dynamic — breaking boundaries across gender, race, and class, and adapting to the digital age without losing their soul. These 21 gothic styles aren’t just fashion aesthetics; they’re subcultures, communities, and lifelines for countless people around the world.

You don’t have to fit perfectly into one box.
Mix styles. Switch vibes. Be soft one day and apocalyptic the next.

At the end of the day, goth is not a trend — it’s a state of mind.

So explore, experiment, and most importantly, stay unapologetically you.