It began in the early 90s and is beloved to have been started by Babes in Toyland's lead singer Kat Bjelland.

It's a feminist grunge movement that takes traditionally "good-girl" feminine clothing and makes it not that. Singers who dress in the Kinderwhore style are usually very aggressive on-stage, doing traditionally masculine things like jumping around and throwing guitars around.

Baby doll dresses (often ripped or tight), knee high socks, mary janes, and combat boots were commonly worn.