The Goths Can’t Decide What to Wear to the Gym

I still don't understand how I came across TikTok's “Halara Goth”, but the algorithm works in mysterious ways. In case our FYPs don't match, a Halar Goth is someone from the Goth subculture who often wears gym and goth clothing (whether they're working out or just trying to feel comfortable). To those outside the goth community, this may not seem like a major oversight. But for a goth guy, it's definitely up for debate.

“There is no such thing as ugly goth/alternative clothing,” begins video from TikTok creator Shaezilla. But then a clip pops up with the words “Goth Athletics” and “Halar Outfits,” as if to prove the original statement wrong. In the comments, hundreds of people defend their love of gothic, saying that it is more functional, comfortable and practical (even if not to everyone's taste). In the end, Shaezilla edits the caption: “Wear what you want, I wear really crazy stupid things,” she writes. “But I’m not a fan of the gothic leisure style, no matter how comfortable it is.”

In August TikTok creator Smokey DeLite offers an alternative point of view. [“I work a physical job where I'm lifting things constantly, pushing things around — a very physical [type of] work,” she says. “That’s why I wear sporty black clothes every day. And I’m sorry if that’s not enough for you.”

Shaezilla's video focused on personal preferences, but the mention of goth clothing (and Halara as a brand) clearly sparked a much larger conversation. “Halara is a fast fashion brand, and goth has always been a DIY subculture of taking things and sewing different bits of lace or trim or beads onto them, or putting them together with safety pins, ruining them, throwing them on the lawn,” DeLite tells POPSUGAR. “I think a lot of goths felt attacked because they sell a lot of basic black things that you can just throw on.”

The question on our mind is: if gothic clothing is so controversial. . . What do goths wear to work out? Read our full investigation.

Gothic ethos

For goths like Shaezilla, the problem with being a Halar goth isn't the clothing itself, but the corporatization and commodification of goth culture. “I have nothing against wearing comfortable athletics” she tells POPSUGAR. Her main point is that companies will “put on the tackiest pumpkin print” just to capitalize on the goth subculture. DeLite disagrees.

“I think Halala is a fast fashion brand that we're not crazy about,” she says, referring to the goth community. “It’s everywhere, so it’s not exclusive or special.” At the same time, she acknowledges that brands like Halara can be more accessible to people who can't afford expensive goth clothing. “I don't have many of their clothes, but I have a couple [Halara] pants, they’re stretchy and comfortable,” DeLite says. “I feel like they create comfortable, functional basics that some people can buy if they're on a budget.”

Content Creator Kayla Grijalva She has some advice when it comes to avoiding brands that commodify goth culture: Don't buy clothes exclusively from companies that label themselves as “alternative/goth,” she says. “I think you can find clothes that suit your aesthetic anywhere these days, especially when the basis of all alternative/goth style is just black/dark colored clothing.”

Of course, it's not always possible to appear in full gothic attire all the time. When DeLight worked for a fashion company, she often wore full gothic makeup, big flowing skirts, and platforms as high as she wanted. Now that she's doing more physical work, her style has changed. “It's just not practical. And I would really get hurt,” DeLite says. “I wear platform boots to work, but I had to mellow out. I only wear trousers. I don't wear a lot of jewelry because it can get caught on things, and I have to wear a radio, so I can't wear a lot of earrings.” For DeLight, gothic clothing is a matter of practicality, but that doesn't make it any less gothic.

So what do goths wear to work out?

While the Goth debate is alive and well in Halar, there is no set of rules that defines what Goths should wear in training. On TikTok, gothic gym chicks are offering everything from oversized tees to patterned sets. “My workout clothes range from cute matching sets to shirts that I cut into muscle pieces. I change it depending on the workout,” Grijalva says. “I usually go for black biker shorts and a sports bra or tank top.” And yes, he is 99 percent black.

Shaezilla prefers to do cardio during long walks. “I actually wear my four- or five-inch Demonia platform sneakers,” she says, “but she will also wear black Nikes (if she really needs them). Strappy T-Shirts and Sweatpants from Dead Man Co. – a few more basic things for Shaezilla's training.

“Aesthetically, [to be your] Living a completely gothic lifestyle is a lot of work,” explains DeLight. “It's time consuming and it's not always convenient or conducive to what you do day to day.” What happens when you look just like the gym goer who happened to be wearing all black that day?

This is something Grijalva can relate to. “It's difficult when the alt/goth community has little to no overlap with the fitness world,” she tells PS. But clothes should serve a purpose, especially when working out. “I draw the line at wearing uncomfortable clothing that matches the aesthetic,” Grijalva says. “My running clothes are a far cry from the typical alternative/goth aesthetic, but I can guarantee you that the last thing I worry about during a half marathon is whether I'll look a certain way while doing it.”

When it comes to functionality, Shaezilla has mixed feelings. “I mean, I can tell you right now: I'm sitting in black sweatpants and a black T-shirt and working from home,” she says. But does she wear tall shoes and buy chains from Home Depot to wear around her waist? Absolutely. “I only have one life, and I just really dreamed of doing it all,” she says. “I definitely encourage everyone to be comfortable, but personally, I need an excuse to be able to get dressed.”

Bottom line

From its origins as a literary genre to its modern roots in music and fashion, Gothic goes far beyond aesthetics—which is what makes the conversation about Halar Gothic so nuanced. Critics of Halara's gothic style may point to the brand's fast fashion practices or decry its lack of DIY. Others might just call it ugly. But at the same time, Halara offers affordable and capable base models that actually make sense (no disrespect to those five-inch platforms). “The best thing about being an adult is that you can dress the way you want,” says Shaezilla. “The Gothic scene is not something exclusive.”

DeLite understands that it can be difficult to wear workout clothes when everyone else in your FYP is dressed in their full goth outfits every single day. “I completely understand when people feel like they're missing out or that they're not doing their best,” she says. “But that's not real life.”

The truth is, you can't always work (let alone workout) in full goth attire. While we admire this commitment, we don't necessarily recommend running in corsets and platforms (even Lenny Kravitz leather pants are risky). “I think there's a common misconception that if you identify as 'alternative' or 'goth,' you have to dress according to that aesthetic all the time,” Grijalva says. “It’s a lot of unnecessary pressure, especially when fitness is just about taking care of yourself and your health.”

Bottom line: Goth clothing may not be to everyone's taste, but as long as it's safe and functional, we're here for it. “I have to remind myself that the gym doesn't always have to be a fashion show, and no one will question that I'm a 'poser' for wearing a hot pink sports bra,” Grijalva says. “Life is too short not to wear what you want.”

Chandler Plant (she/her) is a social producer and staff writer for the health and fitness department at Popsugar. She has over five years of experience in the industry, having previously worked as an assistant editor at People magazine, social media manager at Millie magazine and a contributor at Bustle Digital Group. She earned a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and lives in Los Angeles.