In case you missed it, Bruce Wayne is getting a stylish update when DC Comics relaunches its flagship Batman series this September. Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a new Batsuit, bringing the classic blue cape and cowl back into the spotlight. After nearly 90 years, DC continues to refine the Dark Knight's iconic look.
But how does this new suit stack up against the classics? What are the greatest Batman costumes of all time? We've chosen our top 10, from the original Golden Age suit to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Read on to see them all!
And for movie fans, don't miss our ranking of all the cinematic Batsuits!
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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10. '90s Batman
1989's Batman film introduced a revolutionary all-black Batsuit, instantly iconic. While DC didn't fully adapt it to the comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman '89), a movie-inspired suit appeared in the 1995 "Troika" storyline. This version retained the classic blue cape and cowl, adding elements like spiked boots (later toned down). The result? A stealthier, more intimidating Batsuit, the Caped Crusader's default look for the rest of the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis launched Batman Incorporated, and with it, a new David Finch-designed costume. This suit notably revived the classic yellow oval Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. It felt like a refined version of the New 52 suit, offering a functional, armored look without overly complex details. It also visually distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only minor drawback? A slightly unusual armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
This recent addition makes a powerful statement. This Batman is imposing. In a rebooted DCU, Bruce lacks his usual advantages (mansion, billions). Yet, his crime-fighting arsenal is impressive. Almost every part of this Batsuit is a weapon: razor-sharp ear daggers, a removable Bat emblem doubling as a battle-axe, and a redesigned cape with flexible, arm-like tendrils. The suit's sheer size is striking; Scott Snyder jokingly called him "the Batman who lifts."
Flashpoint Batman
Flashpoint's alternate timeline saw a different Batman: Thomas Wayne, grieving for his son Bruce. This darker Batman needed a darker suit. This version replaces the traditional yellow with bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape add to the visual impact. Coupled with his use of guns and a sword, it's a visually arresting design.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive style has shaped many Batman depictions, from Batman/Deathblow to Batman: Damned. His Batsuit is far from typical spandex; it's pure armor, prioritizing function. However, it’s not purely realistic; it’s haunting, gritty, and Gothic. This suit significantly influenced Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
The DC multiverse offers countless Batsuits, but Gotham by Gaslight's is exceptional. It perfectly fits the steampunk Victorian setting, replacing spandex with stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's art (creator of Hellboy) is iconic, portraying a shadowy, granite-like Batman. This design continues to influence follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger Batsuit has endured with minimal changes for almost 90 years. It had all the right elements from the start. Beyond its influence on subsequent suits, it features unique aspects: curved cowl ears, purple gloves, and a cape resembling actual bat wings. It's exciting to see modern artists reinterpret this design.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's popular run initially focused on the New 52 costume. However, Capullo's redesign for DC Rebirth was superior. It retained the tactical look while streamlining details. The yellow outline around the Bat emblem and purple cape lining (a Golden Age throwback) added color. It's a shame it was phased out quickly; it's a top modern redesign.
Bronze Age Batman
The late '60s and '70s saw a shift in Batman comics, moving away from camp. Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined the look. While the core elements remained (blue cape, cowl, yellow oval), these artists emphasized physicality. Batman became leaner, more like a ninja. García-López's art, in particular, has adorned countless Batman merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked a modern era for Batman comics. Lee's Batsuit redesign was instantly iconic. It featured a sleek, black emblem, replacing the yellow oval. Lee's art showcased a powerful physique, making this Batman believable against his greatest foes, including Superman. This design became the standard, influencing subsequent artists. After experimenting with armored suits, DC returned to the Hush design – it simply works.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez, debuting a new suit with writer Matt Fraction for DC's relaunched Batman series in September 2025, isn't drastically changing the Hush design. However, he's bringing back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating contrast and evoking Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. It's exciting to see Batman evolve, but will this redesign achieve lasting icon status? Only time will tell.
