What is Trad Goth?
Few have been as influential as trad goth in the realm of gothic subcultures. Ask anyone outside of alternative culture to picture a goth; the trad style is probably what springs to mind.
Inspired by the original music movement in the ‘70s, trad goth culture stands firm in the 21st century, inspiring the plethora of new subcultures and styles that have emerged since. Whether you are unfamiliar with the traditional goth movement or want to learn more about the roots of gothic culture, you have come to the right place.
TLDR: Trad Goth (Traditional Goth) is the original gothic subculture, inspired by the early 1970s gothic music movement (bands like Siouxsie, The Banshees and The Cure) and ’80s clubs like The Batcave. The aesthetic emphasises a DIY attitude and is characterised by:
- Mostly black clothing
- Victorian/Edwardian influences (lace, velvet, ruffles)
- Leather and fishnets
- High-volume hairstyles
- Dramatic makeup with precise, graphic eyeliner
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What is trad goth?
Also known as traditional goth, trad goth stems from the early emergence of gothic music in the late 1970s. Bands like Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Cure and Sisters of Mercy were rising and are widely considered the main inspirations behind the aesthetic. The early gothic scene and the birth of the trad goth aesthetic can be traced back to underground clubs like The Batcave.
The Batcave was a club night that circulated in London’s Soho in the 1980s. It played host to various arthouse films, cabaret and live music nights. The decor featured cobwebs, black bin liners and an actual coffin that you had to walk through to enter. The Batcave was frequented by gothic icons like Marc Almond of Soft Cell, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Nick Cave.
This strong sense of place is what helped the trad goth movement begin. It forged identities and a sense of belonging and community that remains a key part of alternative culture and is what allowed it to grow and develop over the years.
How to dress trad goth
Like so much of trad goth culture, The Batcave had a massive influence on the culture’s fashion. A do-it-yourself attitude is at the heart of all gothic style. This started out of necessity. In the ‘80s, goth fashion wasn’t the mainstream yet, so it wasn’t easily accessible, and anything available was expensive.
Fashion is a huge part of any subculture, so people got creative and made their own outfits at home. Because of the eclectic nature of trad goth fashion, a hand-crafted outfit looked just as authentic as anything in the shops. Plus, this eradicated financial barriers to feeling part of the community, ensuring revolutionary inclusivity and individuality.
As with any subculture, key elements make up the core look, and they are a great place to start if you want to experiment with the style.
Black clothing: Not to state the obvious, but black clothing is a key component of all goth looks.
Vintage influences: You may notice Victorian and Edwardian influences in trad goth looks. Flowing fabrics, lace, velvet and ruffles are prevalent within the style.
Leather and fishnets: These add edge to your look, reflecting the subculture’s punk origins.
Layers: Mix and layer textures and materials for a look with many dimensions.
Accessories: Jewellery and accessories are vital for a trad goth look. Chunky rings, necklaces and bracelets add an extra edge to your style.
How to do trad goth hair
Hairstyles have always been a key part of the gothic look. You may think achieving an authentic trad goth hairstyle requires hair dye, but this isn’t the case. Of course, if you want to dye your hair – go for it! But there are many ways to achieve a gothic hairstyle with your natural locks.
Trad goth hairstyles generally require a lot of volume, so you’ll need your teasing comb at the ready and extra-strong hairspray to lock it in.
Once you have the desired volume, you can get creative with your hair. Leave it as is for a traditional look reminiscent of The Batcave, or add a modern twist by putting it into space buns.
Get creative with hair accessories (black ones, of course) like claw clips, grips and hair sticks for a stylish, gothic updo.
If you want to go the whole way and dye your hair, our range of hair dye products has gorgeous colours from leading alternative brands like Lunar Tides, Directions and Crazy Color.
How to do trad goth makeup
Trad goth makeup is what most people imagine when they think about gothic glam. Big, graphic eyeliner, bold lipstick and dark brows are the keys to trad goth makeup.
Goths choose this dramatic makeup style to solidify their community further. It stands out and rejects societal norms, a sentiment at the heart of all alternative subcultures.
Graphic eyeliner differentiates trad goth makeup from other alternative styles like emo or nu goth. Rather than piling on the black eyeliner and shadow with reckless abandon, there is more precision to trad goth eyeliner.
Our collection of alternative cosmetics has everything you need to create a classic trad goth look. From black makeup of every kind to tools and accessories for the perfect razor-sharp eyeliner, you will find it at Attitude Clothing.
Get the trad goth look with Attitude Clothing
Now that we’ve given you the rundown of the trad goth culture, why not try it yourself? We have everything you need to get the look. From men’s and women’s clothing from leading alternative brands to the all-important accessories. If you’re already a dedicated trad goth, why not check out our home and lifestyle range to bring the gothic love to your abode?
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