Batmans Suit

Batmans costume is one of the focal points of the character and as such deserves a name of its own. Thus was born the Batsuit. This suit has been portrayed in many different ways by the various artists that drew for DC comics over the years and even the story line has Batman modifying his suit as his needs change over time. The most common incarnation is depicted as having a scalloped cape, a sinister looking bat like cowl, gloves, boots, the famous yellow utility belt, and dark briefs over a tight-fitting body suit. The image of a bat on the chest of the suit is widely known.

Batman doesn’t wear this suit for fashion points as it serves multiple purposes. He wears this costume to conceal his identity, offer himself a level of protection and of course to strike fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere. Most versions of the Batsuit incorporate some form of body armor and an array of “gadgets” that might include night-vision, gas filters, and a number of other high tech aids that either offer him protection or firepower. All versions of the outfit incorporate the famous utility belt containing a number of crime fighting options.

Origin of the Batsuit

It is widely accepted that the concept of the Batsuit came to Bruce Wayne while he was deep in thought one night in his study. Bruce Wayne saw a bat come through his window and perch on the bust of his father. Realizing that criminals are typically a cowardly lot, Bruce adopts the persona of a bat in order to both conceal his identity AND strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.

A few versions of the story including one of the earlier Batman movies portrayed Bruce as terrified by bats as a child and observing a bat costume worn by his father at a costume ball. The more widely accepted version has always been the bat visiting him in his study.

Batsuit Color scheme

Having been created in comic book format the conventions required there were to have a highlight color that would show off the detail of the character and give a 3d effect on the comic book page. The movie versions of the suit do not have that same requirement and an all black armored costume has become the standard.

In Batman: The Dark Knight Returns it is revealed that the yellow ellipse design was deliberately meant as a target, attracting a potential gunman's aim to the heavily armored chest plate , and away from Batman's unarmored face.

The latest incarnation of the suit is much more high tech than early versions and is constructed from Kevlar thread and carbon nanotube fibers. This imparts it with a unique sheen and makes it heavily resistant to tearing. The basic version of the Batsuit is insulated against electricity and is mildly fire resistant.

Batman utilizes many different body armor designs, some of which are constructed into his Batsuits, and others which are separate. In its most basic version, the suit is bulletproof around the upper torso and back and can withstand a point blank range blast from a 12-gauge shotgun. Other versions are entirely bullet proof to small arms fire, and have advanced flexible armor plating made from Carbon composites and lightweight metal polymers.