Why Do Goths Wear Black?

Black is a preference among the members of the Goth scene, as well as in the Punk scene. But one doesn’t need to wear black all the time to be Goth. However, every Goth you meet will probably have a different answer to this question, ranging from “Because it expresses how I feel…” to “Because I like it.”, “Because I’m in mourning …” Really, there isn’t a concrete answer for this question. However, black symbolizes many things, such as death, the night, and the unknown, which are common themes in Goth music, art and literature.

Black has a historical meaning, back in the Disco/Hippie era back in 70s and 80s, the first Goths/Punks wore black in retaliation against the bright colours. And quoting a good answer from someone from Quora: “Black was already the color that punks mainly wore. Goth developed from punk, in fact if you look up the earlier goth outfits from the 80’s they’ll seem like punks but with more PVC and makeup. Apart from that, black is mostly associated with rebelliousness, melancholy, and, at least in Western countries, death and funerals.”

Nowadays wearing black has become the easiest way to mark one as a member of the goth subculture. And by choosing to “look Goth”, thereby setting oneself apart from the mainstream normative fashion/style. Literally, is showing the “dark side” of the often hypocritical and bigoted society that Goths often feel alienated from.

Gothic Lolitas at the Leizpig Gothic Festival

If you would like find out more, I highly suggest to read the book “The goth Bible, a Compedium of the Darkly Inclined.” by Nancy Kilpatrick.

Some good information if you’re more interested: Goth FAQ, Veracious Goth – Why do Goths Wear Black