The Season Of The Witch: Unpacking Gen Z’s Relationship With Goth Fashion

They latched onto Wednesday and The Cure. They went feral for Nosferatu. Yep, the Zs have successfully brought goth back. Like any subculture, it hinges on the rejection of societal norms, (as well as, you know, the fascination with death) and in turn it has forged a strong sense of community. The revival began in the pandemic and is still going strong in 2025; it’s safe to say this is more than a passing craze. Let’s dissect the driving forces behind Gen Z’s love of darkness, and how this influences their fashion choices.

The Comfort of the Macabre

The younger generation face a challenging future – it’s no wonder they’re experiencing higher levels of stress than anyone alive. Horror releases pre-existing anxieties stemming from everyday life. Sure, watching someone be slaughtered isn’t comfy, but it can serve as a distraction from our personal fears, providing a temporary sense of relief. It’s comforting to embody this through clothing too, particularly with horror film T-shirts or jumpers.

The Value of Authenticity

In a society that celebrates superficiality, many young people crave experiences or outlets that feel real and human. Wednesday Addams doesn’t smile simply because it’s expected of her as a female. She doesn’t dress like the other girls and she’s unapologetic about it. The goth world is the perfect space to dismiss peer pressure and express your darker side.

The Romance of Mystery

Dark romance appeals to young women. The online response to Robert Eggers’ 2024 remake of Nosferatu is testament to this. The intensity, the desire wrapped in danger… It’s no different from your stereotypical bad boy, if you can look past the rotting flesh and gingivitis.

The Power Of Social Media

Like many trends, it’s been further popularised by social media platforms such as TikTok, which has generated content like #gothgirl. Users share outfit of the day videos and makeup tutorials, introducing the aesthetic to those who otherwise may have been unfamiliar.

2025 Goth Fashion

The core fashion hasn’t changed much from its conception in the late ‘70s. It’s still focused on Victorian-style detailing, corsets, flowing silhouettes, leather jackets and chunky boots, and this is known as ‘trad goth’. However, it has splintered off into several sub-categories, including nu-goth and cybergoth, the former incorporating street style and the latter blending classic goth with futuristic elements.

Some purists – we’ll call them ‘hardcore goths’ – disapprove of the current wave, characterizing it as a watered-down version of previous generations. Some listen to Panic! At The Disco rather than Black Sabbath for example, or perhaps don’t listen to ‘alt’ music at all. It’s normal to feel protective of something that carries meaning, but it’s also natural for fashion aesthetics to sever from their original contexts, and not everyone has an ’all-or-nothing’ mindset.

While the overall ethos embraces darkness and melancholy, there’s a distinct beauty in the camaraderie, and embracing your true self rather than following the crowd can be the true recipe for happiness.