Goth clubs are fun spaces for those who don’t necessarily fit in the everyday moniker of “normal” that play a variety of genres and different energies from slow and brooding to fast and heavy. You are likely to be in a space with many people, and depending on the amount of people, in close proximity to them. Personal hygiene is very important in these spaces, and there are just a few things you should know to do before heading out for a night of darkness and debauchery.

Plan your outfit Ahead of the Event.

Do this first. It doesn’t matter whether you do it an hour ahead of time or a week ahead of time. But regardless of how early you do it, figure out what you want to wear before you start to get ready. Look up the event for the venue on Facebook or Eventbrite or their own website and see if there is a particular genre and theme. Sometimes there will be a contest and the more time you have to prepare gives you a better chance to work on the fine details.

At QXT’s Nightclub in Newark, there are 3 dance floors – the main floor (which carries the main event for the evening), Area 51 (which plays mostly Industrial, EBM, Electro, Techno and more heavier music, and The Crypt (which plays usually what is opposite of upstairs). Dress for the one you like the most! Nobody will really care if you decide to dress for the fetish night and visit the 70s disco party in Area 51, or put on your heavy industrial gear for Area 51 and dance to some Siouxsie and the Banshees or The Sisters of Mercy at a gothic rock\post punk event upstairs or in the Crypt.

Whatever you plan to wear though, set it out beforehand so you can visualize it. If you need to try it on early to work out any accessories that don’t fit the aesthetic, do that too. That way you’re not in a scramble at the last minute.

Eat Food.

Nobody has fun on an empty stomach especially when alcohol is involved. Drinking on an empty stomach can definitely put a damper on your night and cause you to to feel the effects of alcohol much quicker, leading to a possibly early end for your evening.

Also, believe it or not, an empty stomach can lead to bad breath! If you’re eating regularly and have good dental hygiene, this is less of a concern. When you’re out at a goth club, or any club for that matter, people will know if you have bad breath because you’re always talking closely to someone.

The 3 S’s.

You know what they are – basically you’re starting your morning routine, but for fun! If you don’t shave, then don’t worry about it too much, just trim what you have to if needed. If you need to remove body hair, give yourself ample time.

And of course, probably the most important one, shower. Long day at work and running late? Too bad – shower anyway. It’s in your and others’ best interest (unless you REALLY want people to avoid you) to make sure you’re freshly showered before going out to the goth club. Use your favorite and best smelling soaps and shampoos, and wash EVERYWHERE! Every pit, every crack, every inch of skin.

Immediately after you shower…

Apply antiperspirant.

I can’t stress this one enough. Unless you’re going out in full Latex which can be damaged by antiperspirants, remember to hit those pits. Make sure it’s a strong enough Antiperspirant for those sweaty dance floor nights. You want to make sure you have one that has strong protection and works well with your body, and is cleanly scented. If you’ve got hairy pits, make sure that it is making some kind of contact with the skin. Hair full of antiperspirant stick isn’t going to help you. Close your pits and rub them against themselves for an even spread if you’re not sure.

This goes for both the mascs and the femmes and the they and thems! EVERYBODY SWEATS, and if you dance a lot, it can prevent you from people you might like avoiding getting near you.

And lastly…

Brush your teeth.

Brush your teeth or at least use some kind of mouthwash solution prior to leaving. Fresh breath is much more pleasant especially if you plan on talking to people in a loud environment.

And a bonus point…

Make sure you have everything you need.

Your phone, your spending money, your wallet, your ID, your self defense spray, your hearing protection, and of course your shoes if they’re too clunky or delicate to drive in. If you’re driving, wear some shoes that are safer to drive in such as sneakers, and make sure you take the boots or heels with you. Throw them in the back seat and change out of your driving shoes when you get parking by the venue.

If you need something to touch up your makeup, take it. Your lipstick? Take it. Make sure it is all with you however you usually carry your things. If you tend to be sweatier, it may actually help to bring a travel pack of baby wipes and a mini antiperspirant stick that matches what you put on at home – hit the bathroom if you need to and refresh it!

I didn’t list some of the more obvious things that we all expect each other to do before hitting the club, such as putting on clothes (to some extent) and makeup if you do that. But some of these things, from personal experience, tend to be missed. I hope this serves as a reminder or inspiration to not forget these sometimes overlooked details.