Goth, punk, emo or grunge: which choker is which
The four styles, and what separates them
They share a shape and differ in material. A gothic choker is velvet or lace, often with a cross or a teardrop pendant. A punk choker is hardware first: studs, spikes, chain, sometimes a padlock. An emo choker is narrow and plain, usually black rubber or a thin band. A grunge choker is the thin black tattoo style that came back from the nineties.
| Style | Material | Width | Signature detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gothic | Velvet, lace | Wide | Cross, cameo, O-ring |
| Punk | PU, chain, metal | Medium | Studs, spikes, padlock |
| Emo | Rubber, plain band | Narrow | No pendant |
| Grunge | Stretch cord | Very narrow | Tattoo weave |
Fit
Chokers are meant to sit at the base of the neck without pressing on the throat. Measure your neck with a tape held snug, then add two centimetres. Most PunkRave chokers close with a lobster clasp and an extender chain that gives a few centimetres either way.
Frequently asked
- How tight should a choker be?
- Snug enough to stay at the base of the neck, loose enough to slide a finger underneath. Measure your neck and add two centimetres.
- What is the difference between a goth choker and a punk choker?
- Material. Gothic chokers are velvet or lace with a pendant. Punk chokers are PU, chain or metal with studs and spikes.
- Can you wash a velvet choker?
- No. Wipe the velvet with a dry cloth and keep it away from water, which marks the pile permanently.
- Do chokers come with an adjustable chain?
- Most close with a lobster clasp and an extender chain giving a few centimetres of adjustment. The stretch styles have none.