Introduction
A specific style within the goth subculture that emphasizes both gothic aspects and an embracing of body positivity is referred to as “Big Titty Goth” informally. Social media platforms have helped this aesthetic gain traction, and it is now a lively and powerful form of self-expression.
1. Origins and Development: The Big Titty Goth look combined dark, alternative clothing with an appreciation of a variety of body types, and it arose as a lighthearted and welcoming branch of traditional goth society. It defies traditional notions of beauty, giving those who embrace it a sense of empowerment and self-assurance.
2. Big Titty: Fashion Elements Dark and edgy clothing styles, such as leather, lace, and other materials, that are often associated with classic goth aesthetics are incorporated into goth fashion.as well as platform shoes. It does, however, have a distinct concentration on fashions like corsets and low-cut shirts that accentuate and celebrate a curvier body silhouette.
3. Body Positivity and Empowerment: The Big Titty Goth aesthetic is distinguished by its emphasis on these two concepts. This movement aims to defy the constrictive standards of beauty by empowering people to accept their bodies and express their individuality without having to live up to social conventions.
4. Social Media Influence: Social media platforms have had a significant impact on the emergence of the Big Titty Goth aesthetic. People who share their versions of this aesthetic, which has gained popularity through hashtags, influencers, and online groups, add to a supportive and diverse online community.
5. Obstacles and Rebuttals: Although the Major Titty Although the gothic look has becoming increasingly fashionable, there has been some debate around it. While some view it as an uplifting and freeing movement, others claim that it just serves to reinforce stereotypes and objectification. Having candid conversations regarding these viewpoints adds to the ongoing discourse within the goth community.
6. Inclusivity and variety: At its core, the Big Titty Goth look encourages variety and inclusivity within the goth population. By showcasing a wider variety of body shapes, nationalities, and gender identities, it dispels stereotypes and creates a more accepting atmosphere for everyone who identifies as goth.
7. Personal Expression and Identity: In the end, the Big Titty Goth look is a way for people to express themselves and find their identities. People who adopt this approach experience empowerment and a sense of belonging. inside a group that respects individuality and questions conventional wisdom.
History of Modern Gothic
Despite the fact that the Gothic style appeared in the Middle Ages, the main features of its modern reincarnation established in the 1970s. At that time, punk music with its rebellious philosophy and the “live fast – die young” slogan gained tremendous popularity. However, the rise was followed by sharp a decline and decisive actions gave way to decadent moods. The riot was replaced with depressive decadence.
Initially, the new, or neo-Goths, were not much different from the punks of the 1970s and 1980s. They also rocked black clothes embellished with myriads of metal accessories and leather inserts. However, gradually the Gothic style had been acquiring its individual features. A pivotal role in the development of the neo-Gothic subculture was played by the legendary band Joy Division.
Modern Goths are young romantics detached from life. They are more interested in afterlife, vampires, and cemeteries. They learn life through pain and suffering, including physical. Hence the attributes of BDSM are normal among Gothic enthusiasts.
In the early 2000s, the Gothic style made its way into fashion shows. The first world-renowned designer to worship Gothic aesthetic was Alexander McQueen. Fashion critics described his Birds, Hunger, and Shining collections as “the return of Victorian drama.” The collections were bristling with black lace, puffy skirts, and ruffled blouses.
Myths and Truth about the Gothic Fashion
One of the main misconceptions is that gothic clothing must be black. Indeed, black color prevails in the Gothic style but it is totally wrong to believe that this is the only shade Gothic accepts. There are many examples where a completely white outfit could be attributed to the Gothic style, whereas a complex black dress can remain just a black dress. In this regard, it is important to know which features make fashion Gothic. Let’s try to figure it out.
Gothic style appeals to the past or future
Long vintage gowns, hats with feathers, and corsets are one of the main attributes of the antique Gothic style. It is a no-brainer to understand that they draw inspiration from fashion trends of the past. On the other hand, protective masks and goggles, massive chunk-soled shoes worn by cyber Goths are an appeal to the post-apocalyptic future of our world.
Gothic style does not tolerate warm colors
Gothic fashion is cool and aristocratic. As they position themselves as “children of the night,” Goths do not wear pastel or ablaze colors with rare exceptions. They do not sunbath to remain pale and prefer accessories made of white metals such as silver, white gold, or, most often, low-cost metal alloys. Traditionally, white color symbolizes the cold deadly light of the Moon. It perfectly emphasizes the mourning Gothic attire and pallor of their faces.
You can rarely see precious stones in Gothic accessories. Perhaps, this is due to the fact that most jewelry adorned with jewels is made of gold and this metal is unacceptable for Goths. Moreover, in terms of color, gemstones are not suitable for gothic attire either. The only exception is sapphires and diamonds.
This said, semiprecious stones are a popular choice for Gothic jewelry. Cold-colored topaz, black opal, agate, jade, and other gems of black and white colors are welcome. You will also notice many accessories embellished with pearls, both natural (sea and river perals) and artificial ones.
The most popular color choice of Gothic fashion is all shades of black. The black color symbolized mourning for a life imbued with pain and suffering. Gothic clothing is normally made of velvet, satin and other materials that emphasize dark hues and make them look deep, noble, and dramatic. Gothic attire is frequently adorned with lace and light transparent materials as well as leather that is often used in accessories.
Gothic style is romantic and promotes individualism
For the followers of Gothic, this style is more than a set of clichés that associate Gothic with spikes, rivets, skulls, and vampire symbolism. For them, Gothic is foremost a way of self-expression. Hence any Goth has a huge number of homemade, handmade and bespoke-crafted items in his or her wardrobe. Gothic clothes act as a visual label via which people with a certain emotional mood can tell the other members of their community who they are. Through this peculiar and out of the ordinary style, Goths simultaneously assert themselves and “cure” their own sense of alienation.
Gothic style is tough and revolutionary
According to Valery Steele, an American fashion historian, the word “Gothic” is an epithet historically associated with images of death, destruction, and decay. This word was abusive in its nature, implying something dark, barbaric, gloomy, and creepy. Ironically, such negative interpretations made it an ideally suited symbol of rebellion. Therefore, it is a perfect fit to describe this gloomy and rebellious subculture.
Gothic style is artistic
Gothic fashion attracts artistic, free-spirited, and open-minded individuals. The gothic community, in fact, consists of creative people – artists, dancers, musicians, designers, actors, etc. This is the reason for certain pomp of the Gothic fashion, its courtly mannerism, excessiveness and theatricality, as well as a scornful attitude towards naturalness and simplicity. Gothic clothing is complex in cut, replete with details and embellishment. Gothic hairstyles are like works of art, be it the fountain of the Louis XIV era, the combed lilac mohawk or a bush of green cyber gothic dreadlocks.
Gothic style appeals to mourning
The Gothic community is curious about the death, or rather, the philosophical and socio-cultural aspects of this phenomenon. Hence, the constant appeal of Gothic fashion to mourning motifs and black colors. Gothic style is panache and decadence of Dracula. Just like Dracula is considered to be both a dandy and a dark prince of elegance, so is a gothic person carries an image of a dandy and a vampire aristocrat. The image of the vampire introduces the idea of “erotic Macabre” into gothic fashion. There are stunning examples of the vampire sex appeal of modern fashion, for instance, John Galliano’s voluminous blood-red robe created for Dior.
Features of gothic fashion
The Middle Ages left an imprint on the appearance of these gloomy melancholic fatalists. For the most part, they adopted only a narrow, laced waist; otherwise the fashionable trends of that time have little in common with the appearance of modern Goths.
These grotesque personalities rather accept the role of Inquisition victims. They came to our world with a reminder of eternal grief, mourning, and frailty of being. But believe me, they are not going to die today. For them, the exquisite beauty of death is the way to present themselves to the world and be noticed.
So, how to recognize a Goth in the crowd? The Gothic fashion style has these features:
- the predominance of black with contrasting accents, for example, white or red inserts, inlays, or elements of clothing;
- other than black, Goths rock outfits of deep dark colors — purple, burgundy, green, blue, etc.;
- clear silhouettes, straight or flowing lines prevail in clothes;
- their clothes are eccentric, with a hint of 18+ fashion;
- Gothesses wear vintage or, on the contrary, super modern dresses with a complex cut;
- They rock voluminous skirts, both mini and maxi;
- Their clothes include jabot, lace, and mesh elements;
- They flaunt corsets and harness belts, mostly on top of their outfits;
- The main materials for Gothic clothing are silk, velvet, denim, leather, lace. Organza, brocade, taffeta are also widely used. Their brilliance and radiance serve as a spectacular embellishment for Gothic costumes. Another essential element of Gothic attire is mesh, which can be seen in stockings, sleeves, shirts, etc.
- As for footwear, besides traditional heavy unisex boots, Goth girls often flaunt in boots with lace, massive platform or high heels (Grinders, Dr. Martens boots, etc.). You can often see Goths in army boots or shoes with wide and fairly high heels. For solemn occasions, the Gothesses prefer shoes with a sky-high stiletto. A stout platform, an abundance of metal and leather inserts as well as embellishment and, of course, dark colors are the hallmarks of Gothic shoes.
- Goths are very fond of accessories, such as eccentric hats with a veil and long gloves. Instead of handbags, Goths flaunt large black backpacks or elegant mini valises. Original Gothic accessories are latex, leather or metal chokers. Another remarkable accessory is a lace or velvet umbrella to protect their pale skin against the burning sun.
- Goths adore massive white metal jewelry (silver, white gold or platinum). Yellow metals are absolutely unacceptable. Gothic jewelry is rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, etc. emblazoned with Celtic crosses, dragons, bats, black cats, roses, skulls, etc.
- Goths pull off expressive contrasts of dark hair and pale face. Classic Gothic hair style is straight black hair. A slightly dirty look is considered to be elegant. Such a hairstyle is common for both boys and girls who do not try to emphasize their belonging to a certain gender.
- Romantic Goths, on the contrary, gravitate to curls and lush hairstyles. Many Goths prefer to dye their hair in vibrant red or ashy colors.
- Gothic makeup is a thick layer of white powder on the face, black eyeliner, intense eye shadows, and a dark or blood-red matte lipstick. Nails are covered with red nailpolish as well.
Types of Gothic Fashion
Goths are divided into many subtypes: antique, renaissance, Victorian, cyber Goths, glittergoths, corporate goths, vampires, and many others. Most of these types are united by accented aristocratic style, craving for art, and general depressive moods, although some Gothic styles deviate from the canonical Gothic images.
Traditional Goths. Imagine a black-haired girl or a guy dressed in unisex outfits, flaunting a mesh top, leather pants or a tight skirt, torn black tights and shoes with a huge platform. Pale skin, piercing, eye-catching make-up – this is a common portrait of a traditional Goth.
Antique Goth. This style includes outfits stylized to resemble fashion trends of the 18-19 centuries. The main features of antique Goths are lace, elbows-length gloves, long dresses reaching the floor, corsets, and veils. Men rock cylinders and tailcoats. This style reflects the elements of romanticism and neo-gothic.
Victorian Gothic style is one of the varieties of the antique Gothic. Such outfits are suitable for Gothic balls, Victorian picnics, or photo shoots rather than for everyday wear. Nevertheless, the Victorian style or its individual elements occupy one of the most important places in Gothic fashion.
Gypsy Goths are exciting and beautiful in their own way. This style of clothing is characterized by wide maxi skirts and flamenco dresses with a complex structure. Gothic girls flaunt in blouses with wide sleeves and leather corsets. Common fabrics are velvet and lace. Preferred colors are dark blue, scarlet, burgundy, purple, dark green, and black. All the clothes are rather baggy.
One of the most famous and recognizable is the Vampire style. These Goths emulate popular movie “vampires”, such as Lestat de Lioncourt and Dracula. Vampire Gothesses tend to emphasize their sexuality and give their images a touch of drama. They achieve this with immaculately white skin and vibrant red shades in lipstick, manicure, and accessories. Men dress in camisoles, white shirts with ruffles, raincoats, and leather pants. The emphasis is placed on a juxtaposition of black and rich red colors symbolizing blood.
Cyber Gothic is a peculiar and quirky Gothic trend. This style harmoniously combines traditional Gothic and industrial elements in their outfits. The clothes are dominated by artificial fabrics, most often of bright acidic or fluorescent colors, over knee boots with extremely high platforms, and elements of cyberpunk culture. The most popular hair styles are dreadlocks or Mohawks. Girls prefer vinyl miniskirts, vibrant pantyhose and stockings, as well as tops revealing the back and belly. Both men and women rock tight pants (leggings) made of vinyl, leather or latex, T-shirts with thematic prints, mesh waistcoats with zippers, one-piece latex or PU suits.
Steam-punk Gothic. There is an opinion that Steam-punk does not belong to the Gothic at all but a lot of Goths wear these outfits and Gothic designers create pieces of clothing with the influence of this style, that’s why we should mention it in this post. Steam punk fashion differs from other styles of gothic clothing because it didn’t arise from the musical preferences of its wearers, rather, it emerged from their tastes in literature. Nevertheless, the Goths warmly and enthusiastically accepted Steam-punk into their community and now this style is very popular.
The fetish Gothic style has also found its way into Goth’s wardrobes. Most often, clothes are made from artificial materials such as latex, vinyl, faux leather, less often you can see genuine leather. All outfits are tightly fitting and sexy. Gothesses flaunt jumpsuits, mini dresses, corsets, crop tops, tight pants, etc. This style is characterized by an abundance of accessories with fetish aesthetics, for instance, collars, bondages, handcuffs, and chains.
Western Goths. This is an exclusive trend of the Gothic fashion generated by the band “Fields of the Nephilim”. Both men and women prefer wide-brimmed hats, cowboy-style leather pants with fringe and lacing, as well as leather jackets and vests. Common accessories are whips and revolvers.
One of the curious sub-styles of Gothic is the tribal Goth, which aesthetics is close to the modern primitives. The highlight of this style is abundant piercings (nose rings, pierced lips, nipples), scars or brands. Tribal Goths wear various clothes but often you can see them rocking net sweaters or fetish outfits. Sometimes they look like some kind of shamans. Jewelry-wise, they prefer heavy metal or silver chains, necklaces, and bracelets.
Glittergoths (faerie Goths) is a kitsch mix of different styles and colors. Initially, it referred to girls who incorporated fairy attributes into their clothes but now it is more often implied as glam-style. Girl Goths wear tops, skirts and dresses (normally, mini) of various colors (pink, light green, etc.), although black clothing combined with ablaze tights is also common. You can often see these delightful glittergoths rocking tutu skirts. Some girls finish their look with long wigs of bright colors. The overall hair style emulates that of Betty Page, a bondage 1960s model. This style of clothing is not popular among men.
Not so long ago, J-Gothic style has burst into the world gothic fashion. The letter J implies Japan. J-Goths strive to look like anime characters but with strict observance of the Gothic rules, i.e. they wear dark clothes and contrasting makeup.
Gothic Lolita is another trend originated in Japan. This style exploits the image of a gloomy girl dressed in gothic-style knee-length dresses adorned with frills, laces, crinolines, or pantaloons. Lolita Goths do not want to look vulgar. On the contrary, they look elegant and at ease. In their clothes, the black color is actively diluted with blue, purple, red details. Lolita Goths are no strangers to white clothes and accessories. The widespread accessories are decorative umbrellas, hats, and platform shoes with rounded noses.
The so-called Military style in Gothic fashion has been conquering more and more Gothic fashionistas. On the other hand, military Gothic is one of the most controversial trends. First of all, unlike most other styles, it does not appeal to mysticism and the transcendental. Secondly, it cultivates the aesthetics of power and authority, which, on the whole, doesn’t blend with an individualistic and tolerant gothic philosophy. People who call themselves military Goths sport knee-high military boots, peg-top trousers, wide at the hips and narrow at the calves, tunics or jackets resembling a military uniform, military caps. On top of that, for obvious reasons, military Goths are not indifferent to such gothic accessories as protective masks and gas masks, which are much loved by cyber Goths and steam-punk enthusiasts. For many people, this style is shocking and controversial, largely due to the fact that the aesthetics of Nazi Germany are often used in clothes and accessories, for example, ornaments with a swastika, Iron crosses, Imperial Eagle (The Reichsadler), etc.
Goths working in offices with a dress code have no chance to wear Gothic-themed clothing in all their glory. In this regard, so called Corporate Goth trend has emerged. This style reduces the amount of makeup and accessories. Instead of startling gothic outfits, corporate Goths wear strict midi black dresses and black pencil skirts along with white lace shirts, whereas men dress in business suits of dark shades.
Androgynous Goths are not a specific style, rather a general aesthetics of certain individuals. Androgyny implies sexlessness but not asexuality. Androgynous Goths look the way that it is hard to understand which gender they represent. Males often wear skirts and outfits with fetish aesthetics. In general, the dominating pieces of clothes are skirts (both long and short), mesh tops, as well as various latex and vinyl items.
In general, the gothic image is unique and original. It is chosen by flamboyant personalities who enjoy challenging the prim society. Not every person is courageous enough to pull off Gothic fashion. If you like this style but are not ready to dive into it, you can start with adding a little accent to your regular wardrobe such as a Gothic ring, necklace, or earrings.
