How to Dress Goth in Summertime

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

If you naturally trend toward heavy fabrics and darker colors as an expression of your personality and feelings, it can be difficult to find an alternative style in the summer. To be comfortable as a goth in the summer, you will want to choose soft, light fabrics. Be very selective with your accessories and only wear those items that will hold up well in the heat. Shield yourself from the sun by wearing a retro-style hat or using a parasol.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Appropriate Fabrics and Cuts

1
Wear breathable fabrics. Stick with clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton. They will circulate air more and lower your skin temperature. Silk is another good option. The fabric gaps in lace also remove heat. If a fabric feels heavy in your hands, odds are it will trap heat against your skin.^{[1]
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- Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, as they are heavy-knit. As such, they will keep heat close to you and can even lead to overheating.^{[2]
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- For example, you could choose a dark cotton t-shirt. Glance through your wardrobe and select a special band shirt. Or, perhaps one with a basic logo or quote.^{[3]
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2
Select intimates-inspired pieces. Goth fashion often involves layering. For the summer, your layers need to be light and airy. Look for slip dresses or romper-style outfits. If your initial layer is quite thin, then you can add to it without being too hot.^{[4]
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- For example, you might layer a light lace cardigan over a cotton slip dress. Or, you could go for a lace tank under a cotton-blend military-style jacket.
3
Go for loose-fitting clothing. Choose clothing pieces that skim your skin, instead of clinging to it. Or, mix-and-match tight and loose items. This will lessen the possibility of sweat stains showing and will allow air to circulate against your skin. Loose clothing will also prevent chafing.
- For example, darker maxi dresses are a great way to stay cool and offer a blank canvas for accessorizing. You can also go with a looser fitting cotton t-shirt, as opposed to one that hugs you closely.
4
Experiment with off-beat prints. Move away from a basic black and white palette. Look for tropical prints that incorporate black and white, but with touches of yellow or red as well. Swirls or straight-edge designs are also eye-catching and unique. Don't feel as if you have to select a “cheery” pattern for summer, instead look for one that captures the season and your style.
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Incorporate a bit of fringe. This can be a bit much if you overdo it. So, stick with one item that contains a complimentary amount of fringe. Fringe can be used to both darken or lighten up an outfit.^{[5]
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- You could choose a beach cover-up with fringes at the edges. Or, a black maxi skirt with a fringe trim in a lighter color.
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Find a unique bathing suit. Many goths feel out of place looking for swimwear, as they feel as if they have to go with a bright, summer print. This is simply not the case. There are some stunning and unique black bathing suits available for sale. Search online and look at specialty clothing stores for the best options.^{[6]
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- For example, some websites sell suits in unusual patterns, such as a pentagram-design bikini.
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Wear a health goth outfit. This is a relatively new trend for those persons looking to combine sportswear with a gothic outlook. To achieve this look, you'll want to wear gym gear, such as track pants, in all black. The weave of the fabric will repel sweat while allowing you to keep to your goth style.^{[7]
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- Some brands of health goth have even replaced standard symbols, such as Nike, with new ones that are a bit more subversive.
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Try out ice packs and bodice chillers. If you decide to dress in a traditional goth style and wear heavy finery, then it might be a good idea to freeze a few ice packs before you head outside. You can then add these ice packs to your corset area or against your waistcoat to prevent overheating. This is obviously not a permanent solution, but it may provide temporary relief.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Selecting Heat-Friendly Accessories

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Minimize your accessories. Instead of wearing multiple bracelets, just choose one that appeals to you. The same goes with necklaces, rings, and earrings. The more items that you wear, the more you'll be wiping off sweat. Also, nix any heavy accessories, such as scarves or heavy gloves.^{[9]
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Experiment with fans and handkerchiefs. A metal folding fan can be concealed easily and pulled out if you feel hot. You can even match it to the lace of your outfit. A handkerchief can be easily tucked into a shirt or pants pocket and used to dab or wipe away any accumulating sweat. You can match a handkerchief to your outfit as well.^{[10]
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- If the heat is simply too oppressive, you can also dip your handkerchief in cold water and place it against your neck or pressure points, like your wrist.
3
Go with a very sheer stocking. Look for a stocking that is the lightest weight available, it is often called a “sheer.” You can choose a textured print, such as feathered lace, or something simpler, like a single calf line. Fishnets are another option as they circulate air well due to their many holes.^{[11]
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- Because they are lighter, be warned that sheer stockings are more likely to catch or tear.
4
Wear breathable shoes. The shoes of preference for goths are often combat boots, but these can suffocate your feet in the summer and lead to painful blisters. Instead, consider chunky platform sandals or dark, thin loafers as an alternative. Even a retro men's dress shoe can look right and hold up well in the heat.^{[12]
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- You could also go with black ballet flats or dark grey ankle boots.
5
Go for large, unusual sunglasses. These will serve a dual purpose of protecting your eyes and giving you another chance to express your style. Look for ones that have a funkier vibe, such as Ouija patterns on the rim. Or, perhaps a perfectly round shape with colored lenses if that suits your taste.^{[13]
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- This is a chance to provide a pop of color into your wardrobe, if you wish. Go with a 1950s bright pink or perhaps a sparkly purple.
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Use a parasol. This is a fancy, lighter version of an umbrella, often made with intricate fabrics. A lace parasol is easy to carry and can provide a degree of protection from the sun. You can find quite elaborate ones online, made with ruffles and even feathers. If you choose a darker shade, this will not impact its ability to keep you cool too.^{[14]
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Consider a large hat. A traditional top hat is likely to focus more heat onto your head. Instead, look for a hat made of a lighter fabric with a wide brim. If it is plain, you can then adorn it with extra items of your choosing, such as metal elements or black tulle.^{[15]
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- For example, the black panama hat is a type that is worn by many goths during the summer. You can also choose a simple, wide cotton floppy hat and personalize it with a few well-placed dark ribbons.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing Makeup and Hairstyles

1
Stick with a simpler hairstyle. If you add too much hairspray or product, there is a good possibility that your hair will transform into a sweaty blob under the sun's rays. Save yourself the hassle and try out a softer look with less product. Maybe go for some loose curls or more of a bed-head look.^{[16]
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- If you do try a more elaborate style, make sure to travel with product, bobby pins, or whatever else you'll need to respond to a hair emergency in progress.
- Some goths prefer to avoid the hair hassle by getting an undercut at the start of the summer. This is a haircut that lightens your hair by cutting out a layer.^{[17]
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- The pixie cut is another preferred goth hairstyle as it can be styled in a wide variety of ways and it suitable for all seasons.
2
Wear waterproof makeup. Almost all major brands of makeup offer products specifically designed to withstand sweat, water, and sun. Look for a product that is advertised this way, but that also feels light against your skin.
- For example, purchase a light, waterproof powder instead of a heavy liquid foundation.
- You can also go with a makeup that contains a built-in SPF for protection from the sun.
3
Go minimal with makeup. Instead of wearing layers of makeup, opt for a single layer that provides adequate coverage. You can also carry blotting papers with you. If you apply these papers to your face, you can remove excess perspiration without ruining your makeup job.^{[18]
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Try out dark shades of lipstick and nail polish. These are two areas where you can go as dark as you like without worrying about the heat consequences. In fact, many in the fashion world are now considering dark colors, such as deep green, to be neutrals as they can match almost any outfit. Try out a few different dark tones of the same product until you find one that you like.^{[19]
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Warnings

Be sure to watch for signs of heatstroke, such as dizziness or headaches, and seek medical attention immediately.

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