How to Be Cyber Goth

Co-authored by Joanne Gruber

Last Updated: May 25, 2023 References

Cyber Goth is quite the opposite of some other gothic styles, which focus on the past. Cyber is more a look toward the future, where UV, progressive fashions, huge shoes and boots, wild hair extensions, goggles, cybernetics, and body modification are the way forward. It could be (poorly) described as goths of the future - today. There are no 'rules' and there are by no means only two 'types' of goth - goth culture is not an either/or thing, but we are looking at this specific subculture.

Be aware that becoming a Cyber Goth is not always an easy progress and can require a lot of money and research. Cyber Goth is a complicated style, but if done right, can look absolutely amazing and out of this world. It is a relatively new style, and is still underground, although the style has gained popularity recently. Have fun with this style, and enjoy being the envy of the goth scene!

Steps

Don't feel that because you are male you can't be Cyber Goth. Nor do you have to be white. Cyber Goth is a multi-ethnic style, and there are many, many black, Hispanic, and Japanese Cyber Goths.
In Europe and Japan, Cyber Goths seem to lean heavily towards Raver and are usually incredibly colorful. In America and Australia, Cyber Goths lean heavily towards the military side, known as Rivethead. Edit: You don't have to dress a certain way in a certain country. If you like the darker side of Cyber Goth and you live in Japan, that's fine. Likewise, there are a lot of people in America and Australia who dress like Japanese Cyber Goths
Do not do anything you do not want to do or you do not like or feel comfortable with, there are no rules, therefore you should feel free to be yourself. Most makeup of cyber goths is quite complex and is color-coordinated with the rest of their outfit. You should devote a lot of practice towards applying your makeup before taking it out for a spin, to avoid those facepalm moments.^{[1]
X
Research source}
Use a foundation that is a few shades lighter than your regular skin tone. Manic Panic sells the type Marilyn Manson uses, do not go too over the top with the paleness, to begin with- just gradually get paler.
Choose to wear wacky colored lipsticks, be it black, blue or even pink, just wear what you're comfortable with.
Wear it as you please, and some Cyber Goths choose to wear it heavy. You may use black eye shadow, however, Cyber Goths tend to wear bright neon-colored eyeshadow with a thin layer of eyeliner, and brightly colored false eyelashes amongst females. It doesn't matter, whatever floats your boat.
Sometimes female Cyber Goths shave their eyebrows off and then draw them back on. This allows them to draw their eyebrows to fit their incredible eyeshadow. Some Cyber Goth makeup does resemble drag queen make up.
In Europe, some females wear brightly colored face gems stuck around the eyes. This is very common in Sweden, Finland, and Japan.^{[2]
X
Research source}
. It's either dyed and styled real hair or more commonly, elaborate extensions or wigs either braided or somewhat resembling dreadlocks known as 'dread falls'. Falls can be made out of synthetic hair, thick plastic ribbon, yarn, or more exotic materials such as computer cables, foam strips, and tubular Crin (known as Cyber Lox); as cyber goth fashions typically aim for an artificial or heavily stylized look, materials that are very obviously not real hair are particularly common. Dread falls made from synthetic hair can be made in many styles, such as candy cane swirls (two colors together to look like a candy cane) and transistor dreads (one color turning into another). Dread extensions are also used for a more permanent "Dread Falls" look.
Try to get Cyberlox that are very thick, full, and colorful. UV is even better. Even if you can't find cyberlox that fit your budget, you can easily find cheap materials for cyberlox like foam, yarn, and kanekalon hair that you can dread yourself. When you wear them, wear a thick headband to cover your hair, as this also comforts the pressure of all that weight on your forehead.
Remember that your hair can be multi-colored, black tends to be the popular base color, and most neon colors are good.^{[3]
X
Research source} Manic Panic has great neon dyes, but you'll most likely need to bleach your hair first. Some Cyber Goths just color their hair rainbow without a hint of black in it. You don't have to go through the trouble of dying it though, this is what cyberlox is for. You can wear wigs too.
It can be almost anything latex, PVC, or Lycra. The colors are usually a mixture of neon colors and white and/or black, the colors usually contrast well. Clothing with reflector panels or circuitry designs are very popular. Neon colored fishnets worn over plain black tights are popular with females, and they look cool. Try to find clothing with radioactive or bio-hazard symbols as well. PVC chokers and bracelets with colored spikes are popular. Those that glow in the dark are even better. Try to find a decent PVC Gas Mask, as they seem to be a popular accessory for some reason.^{[4]
X
Research source}
In England, many Cyber Goths buy colorful tights and fishnets and rip them up to become sleeves, layering different colors on top of each other. This is primarily borrowed from Deathrock, but as long as it's colorful, it's Cyber Goth.
Be aware that these can hurt after a few hours of wear, so a headband will comfort your head slightly.
If you're old enough you should visit some Industrial/Cyber Goth clubs, as that's where a lot of the older Cyber Goths tend to hang out. Many Cyber Goths are also seen at Anime/Comic conventions, as well as the yearly Wave Gotik Treffen and M'era Luna music festivals in Germany, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Platform boots and shoes are extremely popular once again, so you should definitely look into buying some of those. Transmuter, Swear Alternative, and Demonia seem to be very popular. Also, faux fur leg warmers are popular among female cyber goths.
"Tattoos are generally Kanji, or based on Japanese designs." Edit: Great example of someone talking out of their behind. If one prefers Kanji, one gets Kanji. There is NO GENERAL RULE OF THUMB that comes with cyber goth tattoos.^{[5]
X
Research source} Also, please don't feel pressured to chop/dye yourself as it is not a requirement.
The music is heavily electronic in nature, covering both alternative electronic genres such as EBM, industrial music, futurepop and power noise and club-oriented dance music styles such as trance and hard dance, and other electronic genres including drum and bass, synthpop, gabber, and intelligent dance music. It is advised not to go into this style without knowing at least some of the more popular cybergoth bands, such as VNV Nation and Icon Of Coil, otherwise, you will be labeled a poseur. Cyber Goth music is a range of genres. Industrial, EBM (Electronic Body Music), Futurepop, Synthpop, Techno, Noize, Aggrotech are just a few of them. Make sure you know the difference between them all, and yes there is actually a difference. Some lean more towards a Rammstein-esque sound, and some lean more towards a rave/club sound.

Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Do not go into this trend too quickly or you will be called a "poseur".^{[6]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Be creative and make your own outfit. DIY is appreciated and is a lot cheaper.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you need to look to others for style inspiration, try to develop your own style later on anyway.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Warnings

Some Cyber Goths seem to hold an "elitist" attitude, especially females, and will most likely put you down if you're new to the style, or trying too hard.

Thanks
Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1
This style is expensive to follow, so it may be a while before you gain a decent pile of outfits, however, you can find a way to make it cheaper by finding things at thrift stores and making them yourself.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
You might have many emos/Mall Goths stopping you to ask you where you got your clothes/shoes/hair from, and although this may seem fun, the novelty soon wears off, and it becomes annoying. This is just the price of looking amazing.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 7
Avoid trying too hard or basing your style on Marilyn Manson, otherwise you may be heavily ridiculed.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 5
You may be judged as to how you look or dress, but as long as you're happy with yourself that's all that matters.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0