Goth

For kinksters into Goth

Can I go to a BDSM club in my Goth clothes?

For kinksters into Goth

Gothic culture is primarily about fashion and music, but it crosses over with the fetish scene in a few ways. For one thing, gothic dress and fetish wear can be quite similar; many people who are a member of both subcultures wear the same outfit to events on either side, and it's not always possible to spot the difference!

Another link comes from the way that social subcultures tend to work. If someone is already perceived as being a little unusual in one way - because they're a goth, because they're kinky or because they're queer, for example - they're more likely to be open to the idea of exploring other unusual hobbies and cultures. This means that your local goth club and your local munch probably have a broadly similar clientele!

What is Goth

The goth movement started in the 1980’s inspired by a type of music known as Gothic rock. The music is at the heart of the subculture, as is the clothing which is often dark (mostly black) influenced by gothic fashions of bygone eras and coupled with dark, dramatic make up.

Is Goth a fetish?

No, it’s a subculture deeply influenced by music but there is a big crossover in the Goth and fetish communities.

Why are many Goths kinky?

There is a lot of crossover between the alternative lifestyles because there is more tolerance of different ways of doing things. When you’re seen as being a bit weird already, it’s easy to embrace more alternative and ‘weird’ things. Goths are often attracted to the darker side of things too, that can definitely include BDSM.

Can I go to a BDSM club in my Goth clothes?

Generally yes, Goth clothes often fit into BDSM dress code but it is worth checking the dress code of the venue you’re planning to visit just to be sure.

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For all fetish wear lovers

Pretty much everyone has some kind of clothing that they're turned on by, whether when worn by them or when worn by someone else. For a lot of people that clothing is a little risque: maid-style outfits, or pleated schoolgirl skirts, or stockings and suspenders. For some it's a whole other fetish in its own right, such as PVC corset and latex catsuits. Whatever your preference, there will be something out there that turns you on - so get shopping! Our magazine section has plenty of articles on how to find clothes you love, even in sizes that are sometimes difficult to track down or styles that aren't always super common.

Torture, S&M and other bondage ideas

Bondage is one of the most famous and best known aspects of S&M and BDSM play, and not without reason. Being tied up is a glorious sensation for the right person, and the control inherent in being the person doing the tying can give a dominant partner a heady rush. Ball gags are also commonly used. Sometimes bondage is there primarily to enhance a roleplay scenario; sometimes it's almost an art form, especially when it comes to rope bondage. Other times it's just to make clear the dynamic and have some fun with each other. Whatever your reasons for indulging, make sure you're doing so safely. Learn some knots that don't tighten under pressure and always keep a pair of shears to hand in case you need to release your partner in a hurry.

Not to be taken lightly...

For some, it's important to find ways to represent their social and emotional relationships as an inherent part of their physical form. This can be a key part in a BDSM dynamic, and for a certain kind of submissive - usually one who is highly masochistic - there's an irresistible appeal to being branded. Branding a human is much like branding an animal: a piece of sterilised metal is held in a fire till it's glowing hot, and then placed quickly onto the skin to leave a permanent scar. Many of these scars are intricate and beautiful, just like tattoos. Our one word of caution is this: don't take branding lightly, and only ever experiment with it in the company of someone who has training, experience and preferably some kind of qualification. It can be highly dangerous, and it isn't something to go into without forethought and planning. Image: Michael Hemmingsson. Flickr Creative Commons license.