Fashion From My Perspective: The Traditional Goth

Hey everyone,

As you've probably noticed, I've had a poll going on about what my next Fashion From My Perspective post should be about. Most people voted for Traditional Goth, so here's my new post!

The Traditional Goth. Whether they were actually around in the 80s or not, the Traditonal Goth most values the traditional scene from its earliest days, when it began to evolve from Punk. 

Trad Goths venerate those original Goth bands - Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Birthday Party, The Sisters of Mercy and anything played in the infamous Batcave club. Other influential bands (e.g. The Velvet Underground) may also be revered as minor deities.

Fashion is, naturally, based on the look from the period, which itself was heavily influenced by Punk - fishnets, leather jackets, piercings - in addition to heavy make-up, HUGE hair and the occassional bit of bondage gear. And, of course, lots of black. When not listening to their extensive record collection, TradGoths may be found enjoying a snakebite & black and a clove cigarette at the local “goth” pub or club.

Sadly, Trad Goths often believe that Goth is, appropriately, dead, and the modern scene offers little consolation. New “goth” music genres such as EBM are perhaps their biggest pet peeve.

Personally, I really like the Traditional Goths. I mean, they're the ones that started the whole subculture, and they did a pretty good job. I also really like the music: Bauhaus, Siouxie And The Banshees, The Cure, Velvet Underground, The Clash... I like them. 

If you want to look like a Trad Goth, you need to look for clothes from the 80's in second hand or charity shops. Of course Trad Goths wore lots of black, but I've also seen pictures of Trad Goths wearing red, blue, green, pink, yellow or any other colour, and rocking it. Whatever colour you choose, add some accessories like fishnets, spiked wristbands, necklages with bats, ankhs or a Pentagram, belts, gloves and so on. 

Something else is the big hair. I'm pretty sure everyone has teased their hair once, but doing it like the Trad Goths takes lots of effort, and lots of hairspray. And it's not very healthy for your hair, too. If you want to try it anyway, I've found an article on www.hairboutique.com about 'Backombed Hairstyling Tips', with teasing (backombing) instructions:

1.   Begin by making sure that super curly or wavy tresses are flat ironed or blow dried straight.  Although curls and waves will create major height and volume, they will also have a tendency to be more easily damaged.  Avoid backcombing hair that has any natural texture to prevent excessive tangling. 
2.   If hair is flat ironed before it is backcombed, be sure that the strands are 100% cool before teasing.  Strands that are still warm or hot will break or rip  easier. 
3.   Begin by using a soft boar’s head brush or similar natural bristle brush to make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed from all strands before backcombing.  Never backcomb strands that are not first detangled completely.
4.   Using a rattail or metal comb or teasing brush, part off a section of hair from the rest of the strands. Clip the remaining hair out of the way.
5.   Using your hands in conjunction with a comb or brush, gather a small section of hair approximately 1-2 inches in thickness.

Note: Use smaller strands for tighter results or larger strands for looser results.


6.   Hold the ends of the new section straight up and out from the scalp with one hand.  In essence you will be backcombing your strands in the opposite direction from its natural growth pattern.
7.   With the other hand, run the comb down the length of the hair from the end towards the base of the scalp in short, sharp and uniform strokes.  
8.  If you don't achieve enough teased hair or height in the first pass, repeat the process until the hair has the right fullness, height and texture.
9.   Spray newly teased sections with a firm hold hairspray.
10. Once the first section is completely teased, pick up the next section of hair and repeat the process until all of the desired sections of hair have been completely backcombed. 
11.   Use a firm hairspray to completely spray all of the teased hair when the backcombing is complete.  
12.   Using both hands carefully smooth the teased hair back in the opposite direction making sure there is a lot of height in the desired area of the hair.  


(read the full article here)


Lots of Trad Goths also used loads of make-up, like black lipstick and heavy eyeliner, but that's not something necessary. Something that was populair amongst the scene was to look pale. And even now most Goths like to. This isn't very hard, I mean, Manic Panic (you probably know the brand because of it's hairdye) has a range of make-up products which also includes pressed powder in very light shades, ranging from pale flesh to white. You can buy this powder in some alt shops, or on the internet. 


So, I think I've now told you everything I know about the Traditional Goth. I hope this was interesting, and I wish all of you good luck with making your own Trad Goth outfit :)
See you next time!


♣ Gasoline Diamond ♣ 


With special thanks to http://blackwaterfall.com/1trad.php 
Source of the pictures in this post: http://nowthisisgothic.tumblr.com/
Don't forget you check http://www.manicpanic.com/

Don't know where I got this GIF from Gerard from, but it is damn funny ;)