Stereotypes. We all hate them. They cause evil! But... in order to describe in generic terms what the various subcultures I talk about look like then I have to rely on them! There are many people who may fit these descriptions and not be a member of the subculture listed. Likewise there are many who consider themselves part of the subculture but who do not fit my description. I try to be inclusive here, but also I am trying to be specific in order to allow people to spot and name members of subcultures more effectively so have to (to an extent) go a little towards legalism and stereotyping. Sorry! Just note that there are exceptions to everything I say below (people are not easy to put into boxes and they never fit).
- Goths: Traditional goths & Cyber goths
- Punks
- Furries
- Metallers
- Nu-metallers
- Hippies
- Trendies / Mundanes / Casuals / Normal people (for comparison sake!)
Goths
Traditional goths
Trad goths will wear blacks, dark blues, dark purples. Velvet, crushed velvet, corsets, frilly shirts, large skirts, gothic ballroom clothes, corsets, sometime fishnet. Hair will be varied but will not generally contain any illuminous parts. Makeup will be dark or black, with no illuminous elements. Trad goths wont generally wear any raver gear. Piercings and tattoos are popular.
Will incorporate gothic raver gear. Clothes will frequently be skin tight. Large boots up to knee height (most popular make of boots are New Rocks which have some easily recognizable metal tubes and a circular logo) or big chunky trainers (i.e., Swear make). Piercings and tattoos are popular.
Cyber goths have a greater color range, from blues and purples (sometimes quite bright) to orange, bright green and white. Lots of illuminous elements or makeup. Will wear logos and patterns that look alien in design, or look like electronic circuit boards or wires.
An immense range of hair extensions, plastic hair, hair in tubes, illuminous hair, hair shaved (frequently shaved sides of varying width).
Punks
Traditionally punks have ripped clothes, tartan trousers, ankle boots, army surplus boots. Colors are varied but there's not many strong colors, mostly faded colors and gray. A lot of piercings and tattoos. Punks are probably older than many others on this page.Furries
Furries are one of the more discreet subcultures and there is no sure-fire why of identifying furries. Some will wear collars (sometimes with name tags). Some will wear kitty ears or a tail. Some will wear badges that look like a paw print. People wearing full fursuits (like mascots) may be furries.
Furries cross over most with the goth scene (I know plenty of goth furries, but no punk ones or metallers). Most furries look normal. Not many piercings or tattoos. The most dressed up furries will be wearing full fur suits (like mascots) or improvised, imaginative make-up and clothes such as Fish the Cat is, photoed on the right.
Metallers
Leather jackets, ankle boots (New Rocks are also popular), some chains. Simple hair (no hair extensions or varied colors like the Cybergoths). Generally black or gray clothing. Lots of tattoos and some piercings.
Nu-metal kids
Similar to metallers or goths, but younger. Will wear band t-shirts, loose or baggy trousers (not much leather or PVC). Will have long chains on their pockets. Some New Rock boots, some trainers, ankle boots, etc. Will mostly wear black. Not many piercings or tattoos on account of generally being quite young.
Hippies
Long flowing dresses, flower patters, pastel colors, long hair (generally undyed). Some piercings and tattoos.Trendies / Mundanes / Casuals / Normal people
Will wear pure, pastel or bright colors (blue, multicolored clothes). Will wear jeans or trousers; shoes, trainers or ankle boots. T-shirts, shirts or jumpers. Will frequently wear popular brands such as Ralph Lauren, Nike. Lots of sports wear. Some piercing.No hair extensions. Males never dye their hair and rarely have long hair.