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What comes to mind when I say gothic fashion, particularly gothic lingerie? Perhaps, you can imagine something with a dark, mysterious theme or something that’s predominantly black. Well, that’s only a small part of what gothic fashion is.
To better understand where gothic lingerie comes from, let’s take a quick look at the goth subculture, which is mainly inspired by gothic rock and post-punk music. Goth fashion draws on influences ranging from the New Romantic to Victorian and Belle Époque eras. Some styles even incorporate cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic elements.
So, it’s not uncommon to see clothing or lingerie that mix lace, silk, leather, velvet, mesh, intricate details, ruffles, spikes, metal, latex or vinyl, chains, and even dainty prints featuring stars, spider webs, skulls, and yes, even roses.
Over the years, the goth fashion movement has evolved to encompass offshoots, like pastel goths, the gothic Lolita, and cyber goths. Nowadays, goth fashion, including gothic lingerie, comes in a bevy of styles and colors that range from black and blood red to vibrant, pastel hues.
The Case for Gothic Lingerie
When I think of gothic lingerie, it’s not something that’s just “sexy.” I think that it lets you embrace the dark and the exotic. Underneath the dark and morbid themes that have become associated with gothic lingerie, you’ll find that it makes a powerful statement—one that lets you embrace your weird, kooky self. Gothic lingerie is also designed to make you feel more confident, beautiful, and empowered, whether you’re petite or plus-sized.
Simply put, gothic fashion, including lingerie, gives you the freedom to be you because the gothic movement itself shatters conventions and isn’t defined by norms. So, don’t be afraid to let your freak flag fly with gothic lingerie!
The Best Gothic Lingerie Shops on Etsy
We’ve rounded up the 10 best gothic lingerie shops on Etsy, showcasing everything from alternative clothing and fetishwear to handmade gothic clothing and custom latex accessories.
1. Agoraphobix
Agoraphobix is an independent designer clothing line that specializes in handmade alternative clothing. Based in Haifa, Israel, the brand has been around since 2003. The owner, Romi Eff Maor, is self-taught and runs Agoraphobix as a one-man operation. Maor does everything, from designing to modeling.
You can find almost everything in this Etsy shop, from faux leather bras and panties or custom denim jackets to cyberpunk-inspired streetwear. The shop’s gothic lingerie range features handmade lingerie pieces and sets made from materials like velvet and faux leather. Aside from being comfortable and flattering, Agoraphobix’s lingerie collection is designed to make wearers feel confident and edgy.
2. Clearmilkdesign
Want to complete your gothic ensemble? Clearmilkdesign offers a range of handmade gothic and alternative clothing and accessories. Here, you can find holographic rave chokers, chainmail bikinis, and vinyl harnesses. You can also find a range of fetish lingerie, like a PVC open-bust top and PVC panties. Each piece is handcrafted and made to order to ensure you get the best fit.
3. InkedStaind
Embrace the darkness with InkedStaind’s eclectic, gothic-inspired lingerie line. You’ll get a bit of everything, from cosplay lingerie to open-crotch fishnet leggings and rhinestone bodysuits. InkedStaind is based in New York and specializes in 3D subliminal printing and body harnesses.
4. SeseBDSM
SeseBDSM is an Etsy shop that focuses on anything and everything BDSM. Here, you’ll find a mix of costumes and lingerie featuring a wide variety of materials, from white lace to latex. Aside from a focus on fetishwear and BDSM accessories, the shop also carries an array of lingerie including bralettes, panties, garter belts, body stockings, and corsets.
5. BlackBatcaveStore
Inspired by dark independent culture and retro vibes, Black Batcave’s pieces evoke a mix of influences including alternative, rave, cyber, and gothic movements. From bat-inspired accessories and rubber harnesses to sheer lingerie and gothic or holographic lingerie sets, you’ll find a quirky mix of out-of-the-box handmade items. Black Batcave’s lingerie pieces are all handcrafted using materials like sheer mesh, flower lace, and rubber.
The owner, Alice X Glazier, is a fashion designer, stylist, and tailor who also accepts commissions and custom orders. So, if you’re looking for a piece that’s uniquely you, then this shop is definitely worth looking into.
6. SweetArrogance
Sweet Arrogance is based in Paris, France. The owner, Evie, creates one-of-a-kind costumes, accessories, and jewelry. Aside from the items featured on the Sweet Arrogance Etsy shop, Evie also accepts made-to-measure orders and rentals.
In Sweet Arrogance, you can find custom pieces such as corsets and loincloths made from imitation leather to elaborate headdresses that showcase flowers, horns, cat ears, and 1920s aesthetics. You’ll also find a range of handcrafted nippies made of materials like brass, mesh, rhinestones, and leather. If you’re looking for intricate body jewelry and avant-garde harnesses, then you’re in luck! Sweet Arrogance also offers custom lace harnesses to complete your gothic lingerie ensemble.
7. RaptureandRepent
Rapture and Repent features pieces that are designed and crafted by Monika Leokadija. This Etsy shop specializes in lingerie, fetishwear, and accessories that evoke dark and mysterious moods. Browsing the shop, you’ll see bralettes, thongs, garter belts, and body suits—all of which are custom-made. You can purchase pieces like panties, thongs, bralettes, and garter belts separately so you can mix and match them or buy them as a set. As of writing, the shop offers the following collections: Saleos, Lilin, Orias, and Ose.
8. MalaNocheStore
Mala Noche might mean “bad night” but that’s certainly not the case with the handmade dark clothing from this Etsy store. Aside from dresses, swimwear, crop tops, and accessories, you’ll also find made-to-order corsets, bodysuits, and lingerie like bras, garter belts, and panties, which are made with materials like studs, rings, lace, and mesh. True to its gothic origins, you’ll also see pieces featuring skulls, bats, pentagrams, and yes, even black cats.
The owner, Elizabeth Puentes, takes inspiration from rock, metal, punk, and horror.
9. ExoLatex
ExoLatex is your go-to Etsy shop for all things latex. Whether you’re looking for accessories or clothing, this store specializes in latex. Aside from the gothic staple black, you’ll also find latex items like ruffled collars, circle skirts, and gloves in mannequin pink and transparent or natural colors. All the items are handmade and made to measure to ensure a perfect fit. The thickness of the latex can range from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, depending on the item you order. For example, a circle skirt may use a latex sheet that’s between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, while a corset or bustier top may use a sheet that’s 0.8 mm thick.
10. AnNoirShop
AnNoir celebrates fetishwear but adds a touch of elegance to it. Yes, you’ll find harnesses, collars, cuffs, and bondage kits but these pieces are accentuated by tasteful details. Anna Tsymbaliuk’s Etsy shop showcases pieces that are made of soft genuine leather complemented by durable metal hardware.
What sets these pieces apart is that they’re designed to frame your body and all of its curves. For example, this body harness set is made of thick leather that conforms to your body’s shape, while its metal hardware is designed to highlight your form.
The Bold and the Gothic
Whether you’re a true-blue goth or you’re simply looking for something that’s out-of-the-box, you’ll definitely find pieces from these Etsy shops that will make you feel empowered, glamorous, and confident. These Gothic lingerie shops cater to diverse individuals with equally diverse fashion tastes and preferences.
Gothic lingerie is all about being bold and making bolder choices. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
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