There is something so appealing about all things dark and mysterious, whether it be in terms of gothic fiction, villain-origin stories, or—fashion. The rise of goth has been one of the most liberating and radical changes in the fashion industry, and to think it’s not very recent at all!
The term ‘goth’ and the ideas and approaches behind it emerged when the young bloods were influenced by dark rock music bands like Sioux sie, the Banshees, and others during the 1980s. At the same time, gothic literature and cinema, which used Gothic architecture in their work, also garnered interest. There were also the Punks and the rebels embracing the dark in their quest to change the existing world and speak out.
So then, Gothic Fashion emerged from the commingled inspirations of Victorian architecture, Goth literature and cinema, plus the style of the rock musicians and punks of the time. It was considered ‘positive punk’ as it held less of a political ideology and focused more on individual expression and creativity.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best affordable and sustainable goth brands, which will aid you in all your everyday outfit formations, Halloween costumes, and more.
Void Clothing
Void Clothing’s journey began in the 1980s—during the rise of Goth fashion itself—when it was just a market stall often referred to as ‘the red shop on the corner’. They have progressed much in the field of alternative clothing and are now a flourishing store in Nottingham. Their store is open seven days a week, and the in-store experiences are always better—if you’re nearby, of course. If not, their online store ships to almost all parts of the world.
They are featured on this list because of their complete dedication to alternative clothing. Their website has a level of personal touch, advice, and information the likes of which you’d expect to find in an excellent in-store shopping experience. A great feature of this store is that they provide gothic products from a wide variety of brands as well. Brands like Darkside, Banned Apparel, Gaslight Jewellery and many many more.
But the best part hasn’t even been mentioned yet. Void Clothing is a store that values the environment and understands the importance of sustainability in fashion. Many of their products are packaged using recycled plastic, and they endeavor to be as environmentally friendly as possible. On their website, they are very open about their ethics, the measures taken, and those they wish to take. They are open to suggestions of alternatives and ideas as to how to achieve 100 percent sustainability.
Overall, they sell a wide range of products—accessories, cosmetics, footwear, clothing, piercings, brand merch, etc.—at affordable prices for men, women, as well as children.
Disturbia Clothing
Disturbia Clothing was started in 2003 by two Fashion and Photography graduates who wanted to provide and promote unconventional attire and ‘disturb the suburbs’, so to speak. They believe that the term ‘alternative clothing’ has long dried up and that non-conformist clothing is now a mainstream fashion style.
They sell gothic clothes, accessories, footwear, furnishings, ceramics, and more at affordable prices in various designs. They are aware of the global environmental crisis and are actively working to be sustainable and to play no part in the destruction of the planet. No animals are harmed during production, and they use faux or recycled fur and leather. Their values include inclusivity and worker welfare.
Disturbia Clothing is perfect for those with a love for goth and rebellion, those who want to stand out from the monotony of the normal, and especially those who want to be sustainable in their fashion choices.
Foxblood
Foxblood is a completely women-owned and run brand that delights in appearing dark and mysterious. Their brand is UK-based and started in 2015 by the red-carpet stylist and designer Lindsay Hearts. It runs from the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is entirely online. They sell all-black apparel, footwear, and accessories. They even have a sister brand called My Violet, which is the Enid Sinclair to the Wednesday of Foxblood. Which is to say, it sells all pastels and rainbow-colored apparel, while Foxblood is all black.
Foxblood is all about gothic and dark fashion for women and queer communities. Their products come in all sizes and are entirely environmentally friendly.
Their price range is a tad bit higher than the others mentioned in the article, but they are still cheap compared to what the designer clothes cost.
Killstar
Killstar calls itself a ‘dark and edgy lifestyle cult’. They embrace and promote individuality, creativity, and non-conformity. Their whole stock is filled with apparel and accessories of the most dark and edgy kind—as they promise. Their brands are Kihilist, which offers everyday essentials; Coven Cosmetics, which is beauty for souls seeking daring looks; Kreeptures, which offers plushies for all ages; and The Vampire, which meets personality.
Their unique approach to Gothic fashion and their innovative taglines and prints have definitely caught the attention of many individuals looking for a more pronounced and dark fashion. Their prices are pretty affordable, and the products are of good quality and durability.
They haven’t fully turned sustainable but are desirous and are making efforts towards the same. They have begun packaging made of 100% recycled plastic and are more mindful of textile sourcing.
Blackwood Castle
Blackwood Castle is a small site that sells sustainable, cheap goth dresses and attire. It’s wholly based on the essence of individuality and liberation from set norms. With aesthetically pleasing styles and no carbon footprint, this site is all ready for growth. It just needs a little support through purchases.
They have limited design options and are quickly out of stock, but they are working on making the site more accessible and user-friendly.
Banned Alternative
Banned Alternative is a sister company of Banned Apparel and is exclusive to goth and grunge. What’s special about it is its extremely affordable pricing and unique style set. They have a ‘classics’ section, which is separate for those who are nostalgic about what goth was before it turned into what it is now.
They are also sustainable and are moving towards a goal of no carbon footprint. They are the only apparel brand, which makes their style more niche than others. The style of the clothes is also akin to that seen in rock concerts and movies.
It’ll be the perfect brand for those looking to get into goth and those who are nostalgic for the goth of yore.
The Gothic Ideology
Many people have adopted goth as a personal style in search of individuality and a streak of difference. Clothes are considered a window to a person’s personality, and goth is definitely an indication of an innovative and creative mind.
The whole Goth ideology is based on the fact that there is darkness in the world and inside each one of us, and we accept that darkness. We embrace it and openly consider it a part of ourselves. The concept of the Good and the Dark side of life that Hermann Hesse talks about in Demian is akin to what Gothic fashion wishes to portray.
Most people just look at the surface idea of wearing all black with hipster accessories and consider it ‘a phase’ or something ‘simply to appear cool’. Many who adopt the Gothic fashion are also unaware of the deeply philosophical ideology that underlines the style. Its mixture of romanticism and horror is not to create some statement but simply to embrace the fact that there are a lot of horrific elements in this world, and yet, we find romance amidst it. And romance here is not simply in the sense of its current definition—love and heart-eyes. Romance is adventure; it’s curiosity and discovery. The combination of hope and reality, of horror and passion…that’s what goth is. That’s what we want to convey when we wear a Gothic outfit.
Then there are obviously the many other elements that are included: individuality, creativity, and a new culture. Culture, yes. Because what is culture, after all? A custom, habit, or way of life followed by a community or a group of people. In that sense, goth has been a part of the culture for quite a few decades now.
Conclusion
This article attempted to define goth in words, which is quite a complex feat and is not to be considered the definition. The article also listed brands catering specifically to goth fashion, which are sustainable as well as cheap. Then finally, it described what Gothic Ideology really is and what it initially signified. There are many who are unaware of this, and this article humbly attempted to remedy that.
More than anything, goth is an emotion. One that has been a factor in the emotional, cultural and societal wellbeing of thousands of individuals worldwide.
