The word Goblincore was first invented by an anonymous 4chan user in 2010.

It is a hybrid of goblin and hardcore and describes a subculture strongly influenced by medieval Europe and traditional Japanese culture. 

Goblincore has its roots in medievalism and neo-Medievalism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

In particular, it draws inspiration from J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and the works of William Morris and other Arts and Crafts Movement artists. 

The Goblincore aesthetic focuses on celebrating the beauty of unconventional items that are otherwise considered ugly, like dirt, mushrooms, and bugs.

Lifestyle-wise, it focuses on natural materials, hand-crafted items, and a DIY ethic. It is often associated with the neo-pagan and Wiccan communities and the punk and goth subcultures. 

Goblincore fans are often called goblins. This refers to the creatures from medieval folklore that were said to live in caves and forests.

Goblincore is mainly prevalent in Europe and North America but has been adopted by people worldwide.

History of Goblincore Aesthetic

The Goblincore aesthetic first emerged in the late 19th century, with the rise of the Arts and Crafts Movement. 

This was a reaction against the mass-produced, machine-made items that were becoming increasingly common in Victorian society. 

This culture rejected that idea and favored hand-crafted items made from natural materials. This DIY ethic was later adopted by the punk and goth subcultures, who used it as a way to rebel against the mainstream. 

In the early 21st century, the Goblincore aesthetic began to gain popularity online, particularly among the members of the 4chan community. 

The reason behind its success was mainly due to the popularity of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Another reason for its prevalence was the increasing availability of handmade and vintage items on sites like Etsy. 

The Goblincore aesthetic has also been adopted by the Cottagecore and Fairycore subcultures. These both share a similar focus on nature, nostalgia, and simplicity. 

Different Aspects of Goblincore

There are many different aspects to the Goblincore aesthetic. Here are some of the most common ones.

  • A focus on natural materials – This includes items like wood, stone, and wool. 
  • A focus on hand-crafted items – This can include anything from handmade clothes to furniture and pottery. 
  • A DIY ethic – This is a vital part of the Goblincore aesthetic. People who dress in this style typically make their own clothes and accessories or buy them from independent designers. 
  • A love of nostalgia – Many people who dress in a Goblincore style are attracted to the nostalgia of medieval Europe. 
  • A love of nature – This is another common theme in this aesthetic. People dressing as goblins often enjoy spending time outdoors, in places like forests and meadows and are not afraid of getting their clothes dirty. 
  • A love of simplicity – This is another significant part of this aesthetic that focuses on giving preference to simple, hand-crafted items over mass-produced ones. 

What is Goblincore Fashion?

There are two types of Goblincore fashion, i.e., rustic and ornate. Rustic fashion is inspired by the everyday clothing of medieval peasants. It typically features rough, natural fabrics like wool and linen. 

On the other hand, ornate fashion is inspired by the clothing of the nobility. It is often made from luxurious materials like silk and velvet and decorated with intricate embroidery. However, it is not very widely used.

Goblincore fashion usually entails any type of apparel that can be used for outdoor adventures. Most of the Goblincore fashion enthusiasts prefer clothing that has contrasting shades and patterns. 

Goblincore has no specific color palette. However, natural colors are often used, as well as jewel tones. The most favored shades by Goblins revolve around deep green to brownish hues. Black and white are also popular choices. 

Goblincore fashion often includes oversized sweaters, dirty boots, worn-out pants, and more. Accessories like leather belts and wooden jewelry are also pretty common.

What is the difference between Goblincore and Cottagecore?

Goblincore and Cottagecore share many similarities but also have some prominent differences. Cottagecore is primarily concerned with rural living and a simple, rustic lifestyle. 

Goblincore, on the other hand, has an urban focus and is more influenced by the medieval style and Japanese ethos.

While both styles favor natural materials and handmade items, Goblincore fashion is more forest-themed and considers ugly and worn-out stuff beautiful. 

Conversely, the Cottagecore aesthetic typically includes floral prints, loose-fitting clothing, and natural materials like linen and cotton. It is also common to see items with a vintage or handmade look in this aesthetic. 

Cottagecore is frequently associated with baking, gardening, and foraging. The fashion of this culture is usually comfortable and relaxed, with an emphasis on functionality over style. 

What is the difference between Goblincore and Fairycore?

While Goblincore and Fairycore are similar in the way they appreciate nature, there are some important distinctions between them. 

Fairycore is an aesthetic that is inspired by fairytales and folklore. It often features romantic, dreamlike imagery and emphasizes the natural world. 

Fairycore fashion often includes delicate materials like tulle and lace. Floral prints and pastel colors are also standard. Accessories like wings and wands are sometimes used to add a touch of magic. 

On the other hand, Goblincore stresses the appreciation of unappealing aspects of nature, like moss, snails, frogs, and more. Where Fairycore is all about pretty things, Goblincore is the opposite for advocating nature’s obnoxiousness as alluring. 

There are many popular clothing items and brands associated with the Fairycore aesthetic. Some of the most popular items include dresses, skirts, and blouses. Popular brands include Alice in Wonderland, Banned, and Black Milk.

How do you dress a Goblincore?

There is no one way to dress in a Goblincore style. However, some common elements of this fashion include hooded cloaks, tunics, and corsets that are usually made of natural fabrics.

Goblincore fashion is all about comfort and practicality. Clothing should be made from natural materials like wool, linen, and cotton.

For women, dresses are a staple of the Goblincore wardrobe. They can be worn in various ways, including tops, skirts, or even robes. Men’s clothing is also relatively simple. Common choices include shirts, trousers, and cloaks. 

As for accessories, leather belts and wooden jewelry are often seen in this fashion. Metal armor is also sometimes worn for decoration. Makeup is usually kept to a minimum, and hair is often left unstyled. 

The Goblincore aesthetic stresses accepting nature as it is. This means there is no need to try to meet society’s beauty standards. Instead, focus on being comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Tips for Dressing in a Goblincore Style

If you’re interested in dressing in a Goblincore style, there are many ways to do so. Here are some tips that will help you follow the trend correctly.

  • Start with the basics

Goblincore stresses the beauty of the simpler things in life, so don’t go overboard with anything. A simple dress or shirt, a pair of trousers, and a cardigan would be a good start.

 Also, keep everything plain, and don’t be tempted to add unnecessary patterns or embellishments.

  • Look for natural materials

Since it is all about nature, you’d want to avoid synthetic fabrics. Instead, give preference to wool, cotton, linen, and leather.

  • Choose hand-crafted items

Machine sewed, or fast fashion clothing items are a big no. If you genuinely want to become a goblin, you must look for handmade or vintage clothes. 

  • Accessorize with DIY items

Top everything off with some handmade accessories. Watch some tutorials, and you’ll be able to make your own jewelry or hats. 

If it’s too hard for you, you can buy them from independent designers. However, make sure they are handmade. 

  • Add touches of nature

Don’t forget to add a hint of nature to your overall look. There are many ways you can do it. The easiest and most accessible choices would be flowers, leaves, and twigs. Style them the way you want.

However, if you have something else in mind, by all means, go ahead and incorporate it into your outfit. Let your creativity guide you. 

Goblincore in Popular Culture

The Goblincore aesthetic has been gaining popularity in recent years. This is primarily due to the rise of social media platforms like Tumblr and Instagram. These platforms have given goblins a place to share their love for all things nature. 

Goblincore has also been gaining popularity in the fashion world. This is evident in the number of fashion brands that have been releasing Goblincore-inspired collections. Some of these brands include ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and Free People. 

Conclusion

The Goblincore aesthetic is a relatively new style but has already gained a devoted following. People following this culture value natural materials, hand-crafted items, and a slow, simple lifestyle.

The aesthetic is all about embracing your natural self. That’s why it purely focuses on natural fabrics and materials and allows you to style yourself in different ways using DIY techniques and more.

With brands also turning toward this aesthetic, it is safe to say that the Goblincore is here to stay. So if you’re looking for a way to embrace and celebrate your love for nature, this might be the perfect aesthetic for you.

Author

I am the founder of In The Fashion Jungle, A site that aims to bring the latest trends and fashion news to our readers. I have extensive experience in the fashion industry, having worked in fashion manufacturing, production, and quality control for many years. My passion for fashion began at a young age, and I pursued a degree in fashion design to further hone my skills. After graduation, I worked with several well-known fashion brands, where I gained valuable experience in all aspects of fashion production. Over the years, I have developed a keen eye for fashion trends and have a deep understanding of the manufacturing process. This has allowed me to successfully launch my own fashion site, where I can share my knowledge and expertise with others who are passionate about fashion. Through my site, I hope to inspire others to express themselves through fashion, whether it be through clothing, jewelry, or accessories. I believe that fashion is a form of self-expression and that everyone should have the opportunity to feel confident and stylish. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my passion for fashion. I look forward to sharing my insights with you through my site.