Goth on a Budget: Thrift Tips and Easy DIY Ideas

Going goth on a budget isn't a compromise. It's basically how goth started. The early scene was full of people raiding thrift stores, dyeing things black and cutting up old clothes, and that DIY spirit is still the best way to build a wardrobe. Here's how to do it without spending much at all.

Start with what you own

Before you buy anything, pull every black item out of your closet. You probably have more than you think: jeans, tees, a hoodie, a skirt, a work blazer. Lay them out and you've got the start of a few outfits.

Then look at what's almost there. A faded gray tee can be dyed black. A plain skirt can get a lace trim. A boring jacket can get patches.

Thrifting like a pro

Thrift stores, charity shops and flea markets are where cheap goth clothes live. A few tricks make a big difference.

What to look for

Black blazers and coats: easy to find, instantly elegant.
Long black skirts: maxi skirts and A-line skirts work for romantic or whimsigoth looks.
Velvet and lace: check the formal and evening wear racks.
Button-up shirts: especially ones with ruffles or big collars.
Black jeans and trousers.
Leather or faux leather jackets.
Old band tees.
Jewelry: silver rings, brooches, chains and crosses often hide in the jewelry case.
Home items: candlesticks, old frames and lace tablecloths for your room.

Where to look in the shop

Every section. The men's racks have bigger shirts and coats. The kids' section sometimes has cute small accessories. Formalwear has the velvet.
Costume and seasonal racks, especially right after Halloween.
Bridal and evening wear, for lace, gloves and veils you can dye.

Timing

Visit often. Stock changes fast.
Weekdays are usually less picked over than weekends.
Shops in different neighborhoods carry very different stuff, so try a few.

Online secondhand

Secondhand apps and sites are great for specific pieces. Search terms that work: "black lace", "velvet maxi", "goth", "corset top", "mesh", "platform boots", "90s". Set alerts for your size.

Easy DIY goth projects

You don't need sewing skills for most of these.

Dye it black

Faded or light clothes can become new black clothes with fabric dye. A few tips:

Natural fibers like cotton, linen and rayon take dye best.
Polyester needs a special synthetic-fiber dye.
Stitching thread is often polyester, so seams might stay a lighter color. Many people think that looks cool.
Wear gloves and protect your surfaces.

Safety pins and studs

Line a jacket lapel with safety pins, pin up the hem of a skirt, or push studs through the collar of a denim jacket. Instantly more punk.

Patches

Sew or iron patches onto jackets, bags and jeans. You can also make your own from fabric scraps and fabric paint.

Cutting and cropping

Crop a tee.
Cut slits into the sleeves.
Cut the neck off a band tee for a wider neckline.
Rip the knees of old black jeans.

Lace trims

Sew a strip of cheap black lace onto the bottom of a skirt, a sleeve or a collar. Even messy stitches look fine.

Bleach designs

On black cotton, a bleach pen or a spray bottle with diluted bleach makes splatter, stripes or simple symbols. Do it outside, wear gloves, and rinse well.

Fishnet sleeves

Cut the legs off old fishnet tights and wear them as arm sleeves under a tee. Cheap and very goth.

Thrift-store red flags

Cheap is only a bargain if it lasts. Before you buy, check:

Armpits and seams for holes and loose threads.
Zips and buttons, which are annoying to replace.
Pilling on knits and fleece.
Stretch: give tights, mesh and elastic waistbands a gentle pull.
Smell: most things wash out, but some don't.
Boot soles: cracked or peeling soles are hard to fix.

Small rips and missing buttons are easy DIY fixes. Big stains and broken zips usually aren't worth it. And if something is almost right but a bit too big, a cheap tailor or a belt can save it.

Build a capsule wardrobe

A small set of basics you can mix creates loads of outfits:

Two pairs of black bottoms (jeans and a skirt or trousers)
Three black tops (a tee, a long sleeve, something with lace or mesh)
One band tee
One jacket or coat
One pair of good boots
A handful of accessories: belt, choker, rings, fishnets

That's enough for a different look every day of the week. For combinations, see our goth outfit ideas.

Cheap accessories that do a lot

Fishnet tights: cheap and they change any outfit.
Chokers: velvet ribbon from a craft store, cut to size, with a clasp.
Rings: thrifted, stacked.
Belts: studded or O-ring belts.
Eyeliner: a drugstore kohl pencil is the cheapest goth upgrade there is.

Our goth jewelry guide has more ideas.

What's actually worth spending on

Some things are worth saving for:

Boots. Cheap boots fall apart and hurt. One good pair of Dr. Martens, Demonia or similar can last for years. Check our platform boots guide.
A warm coat, if you live somewhere cold.
Band merch, because it supports the musicians you love.

Swap with friends

Clothing swaps are free and fun. Get a few friends together, everyone brings things they don't wear, and you all leave with something new. Pick a time, put on a playlist and you've got a night in.

If you don't have many alt friends nearby yet, Alt Chat has groups and live chat rooms where people trade thrift finds and DIY tips. And for more ways to mix styles, our alt fashion guide covers the full family of looks.

Goth was never about money. It's about taste, a bit of creativity and a lot of black dye.

FAQ

How can I dress goth with no money?

Start with black clothes you already own, then thrift basics like black jeans, blazers and skirts. Simple DIY, like dyeing faded clothes black or adding safety pins and patches, does the rest.

Where can I buy cheap goth clothes?

Thrift stores, charity shops, flea markets and secondhand apps are the best places. Clothing swaps with friends are free and a lot of fun.

What goth pieces are worth spending money on?

Good boots are the main one, because cheap boots fall apart and hurt your feet. A well-made coat is also worth it if you live somewhere cold.

Can you dye clothes black at home?

Yes. Fabric dye works best on natural fibers like cotton, linen and rayon. Polyester needs a special dye for synthetics, so check the label first.