Alternative fashion aficionados searching for fresh brands will find this roundup invaluable. We’re exploring exciting online stores with counterculture styles similar to popular retailer Dolls Kill.
While Dolls Kill has its merits, consumers also seek alternatives for various reasons. This article reveals hidden gems to expand your edgy wardrobe. We summarize why Dolls Kill shoppers look elsewhere then suggest five compelling doppelgangers with distinct identities.
After briefly introducing Dolls Kill itself, we explain common motivations driving customers to competitors. Next we reveal our handpicked list of top five Dolls Kill lookalikes. Later sections provide an in-depth examination of each recommended brand’s background, strengths and ideal target audience.
What is Dolls Kill?
Dolls Kill is an e-commerce fashion brand launched in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco. This online boutique offers counterculture and streetwear styles for men and women. Their target demographic is young adults interested in edgy, underground looks.
Dolls Kill has become a leading destination for punk, goth, festival and rave-inspired clothing. The company ships worldwide and also operates brick-and-mortar stores. They’re especially popular on social media with a combined following surpassing four million.
Some unique selling points that set Dolls Kill apart include:
- Constantly updated selections of affordable indie fashions not found elsewhere
- Mix of well-known and up-and-coming underground brands
- Strong youth culture and music festival aesthetic
- Robust ecommerce functionality and user experience
- Massive social media presence and influence
Why To Look For Dolls Kill Alternatives?
Even with a strong brand identity, Dolls Kill shoppers still seek alternative stores for certain reasons. Some motivations for finding similar sites include:
- Seeking lower prices – While Dolls Kill is relatively affordable, some consumers want even cheaper options. Competitors may offer greater sales and discounts.
- Product availability – Due to high demand, popular or limited-run Dolls Kill items can quickly sell out. Rival retailers provide more chances to purchase sought-after styles.
- Poor shipping experience – International customers may encounter high Dolls Kill shipping fees or delays. Comparable brands could offer faster, cheaper global delivery.
- Desire for diversity – Fashion fans crave variety and new discoveries beyond one label. Rotating selections at competitor sites prevents style ruts.
- Ethical concerns – Controversies regarding Dolls Kill’s founders and advertising tactics have turned some shoppers away. Alternative brands provide guilt-free substitutes.
TOP 5 Sites Exactly Like Dolls Kill
Seeking fresh fashion picks similar to Dolls Kill? We recommend exploring these five standout alternative stores:
- Killstar: Established in 2010. Gothic, occult-themed attire. Over 500K Instagram followers. Worldwide shipping. Offers clothing, accessories, home decor.
- BlackMilk Clothing: Australian brand since 2009. Known for unique leggings and pop culture collabs. Over 800K social media fans. Ships globally.
- Tripp NYC: Originated in 1980s. Punk and gothic styles. Pioneered iconic bondage pants. Stocked in major retailers and own site.
- Disturbia: UK-based. Alternative streetwear since 2003. Mixes grunge, punk, and modern styles. Over 200K Instagram followers. Worldwide shipping.
- Iron Fist: Launched in 2001. Combines skate, punk rock, and streetwear. Known for bold graphics and offbeat designs. Distributed globally.
We’ll now profile each recommended Dolls Kill alternative in-depth highlighting key background, strengths and target consumers.
Killstar
Emerging from London in 2010, Killstar embodies sinister streetwear and a darkly occult lifestyle brand. The label’s name references notorious 1970s serial killer Charles Manson. Killstar retails alternative menswear, womenswear, accessories and home goods channeling horror, mysticism and the macabre.
This niche fashion destination carries original branded apparel along with select third party labels catering to punk, goth and metal aesthetics. Killstar products exhibit occult symbols, mystical motifs and horror references conveying the brand’s spooky identity.
Killstar has cultivated an international cult following, particularly on social media with over 550,000 Instagram devotees. The brand celebrates inclusivity in subculture fashion while rejecting mainstream styles. Kilstar operates its own webstore providing worldwide delivery alongside a London brick-and-mortar boutique.
Compared to Dolls Kill, Killstar offers several advantages including:
- Darker, horror-centric brand identity lacking in Dolls Kill
- Greater selection of gothic and punk men’s fashion
- Higher quality materials and construction for longer lasting garments
However, Dolls Kill maintains a few edges over its British counterpart:
- More affordable price points on average
- Larger product range beyond just apparel and accessories
- Stronger omnichannel presence with more physical stores
Ideal Killstar customers include goths, punks, metalheads and anyone seeking sinister streetwear. Fans of macabre themes will feel right at home with Killstar’s selection. Seek this Dolls Kill alternative for premium dark fashion essentials.
BlackMilk Clothing
Founded in 2009, Australian label BlackMilk Clothing pioneered unique, eye-catching leggings fusing pop culture themes with striking designs. Their signature stretch-fit printed pants place fictional characters and iconic imagery against dazzling patterns. Beyond statement leggings, the brand also produces apparel, swimwear and accessories.
BlackMilk’s groundbreaking approach to leggings attracted a massive social media audience, amassing over 800,000 dedicated followers across platforms like Instagram. The company operates its own webstore shipping items globally while partnering with select retailers. Limited-edition releases drive demand by selling out quickly.
Offering advantages compared to Dolls Kill, BlackMilk Clothing provides:
- Greater range of original and novelty leggings unavailable elsewhere
- Licenses pop culture and fandom IP for unique mashup designs
- Caters more specifically to female consumers
However, Dolls Kill maintains edges in some areas like:
- More diverse product selection spanning multiple styles and categories
- Lower price points on average for most items
- Greater omnichannel presence through more physical stores
BlackMilk Clothing best serves stylish fangirls and pop culture devotees seeking distinctive leggings and apparel. The brand’s novel themes and exclusivity attract those wanting to stand out from the crowd.
Tripp NYC
Tripp NYC originated from the 1980s punk scene in New York City and quickly influenced gothic streetwear aesthetics. The label pioneered the iconic gothic bondage pants adorned with chains, straps, and zippers which became a subcultural staple. Beyond bottoms, Tripp also produces tees, outerwear and accessories.
In addition to their own direct-to-consumer ecommerce site, major retailers like Zumiez, Tilly’s and Hot Topic have carried Tripp NYC for decades demonstrating the brand’s lasting relevance. While mainly focused on bottoms, Tripp also offers selected tops, dresses, outerwear and accessories.
Compared to Dolls Kill, advantages of Tripp NYC include:
- Originator of bondage pants and early gothic streetwear trailblazer
- Consistent quality and construction optimal for long-term wear
- Established brand recognition and credibility within subcultures
However, Dolls Kill exceeds Tripp NYC in areas like:
- More expansive women’s selection beyond mostly unisex styles
- Greater range of accessory products beyond mainly clothes
- More affordable average price point
Tripp NYC best suits goths, punks, skaters and anyone who loves the brand’s iconic bondage pants. For authentic gothic bottoms from the subculture source, Tripp delivers.
Disturbia
Founded in 2003, Disturbia embodies British streetwear with a dash of punk, goth and modern edge. The retailer curates hip alternative menswear and womenswear collections laced with floral, vampire and rock & roll motifs. Disturbia communicates an air of darkness and rebellion while incorporating current trends.
In addition to operating its own ecommerce store with global delivery, Disturbia clothing is stocked by over 200 brick-and-mortar retailers. The brand has garnered more than 230,000 Instagram followers highlighting its strong social presence. Disturbia offers a balanced mix of original branded apparel and third party labels.
Key strengths Disturbia holds over Dolls Kill include:
- More premium quality clothing and fabrics
- Greater incorporation of floral details in women’s fashions
- Consistent balance between punk throwbacks and current looks
However, Dolls Kill maintains advantages in certain areas like:
- Lower average price points for most products
- Broader range of styles and categories beyond just clothes
- Much larger social media audience and influence
Disturbia best suits punks, goths and alternative fashion fans wanting contemporary underground styles. The brand artfully modernizes throwback subcultural elements for everyday wear.
Iron Fist
Founded in 2001, Australian label Iron Fist originally targeted skaters by fusing skatewear with the punk rock aesthetic. Bold graphic prints featuring flames, skulls and eccentric designs became the label’s hallmark. Iron Fist apparel, shoes and accessories integrate influences from music, tattoos and action sports into standout streetwear.
Iron Fist is carried globally by specialty retailers focused on skate/surf gear, streetwear, punk fashion and related lifestyles. Their products also appear in major department stores. Collaborations with bands, artists and other brands further showcase Iron Fist’s creative spirit.
Compared with Dolls Kill, Iron Fist offers advantages like:
- Signature graphic prints not prominently featured by competitors
- Closer ties to skate and punk rock cultures
- More footwear options including sneakers and boots
However, Dolls Kill maintains edges in areas such as:
- More extensive selections for women
- Lower average prices across apparel categories
- Greater omnichannel presence through additional stores
Iron Fist best serves punks, skaters, musicians and anyone craving the label’s daring designs. For bold alternative streetwear styles, Iron Fist delivers.
