Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and with it comes a fresh look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. The new Batsuit reintroduces the classic blue cape and cowl, a nod to Batman's storied history. Even after nearly 90 years, DC continues to innovate the Dark Knight's iconic costume.
But how does this new design stack up against the classics? Let's explore the greatest Batman costumes of all time. We've curated a list of our top 10 favorite Batsuits, from the original Golden Age design to contemporary takes like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in and see which ones make the cut.
For those more inclined towards the cinematic universe, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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10. ‘90s Batman
Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film introduced a striking all-black Batsuit that became iconic across all media. While DC Comics didn't fully adopt this design outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, the 1995 storyline "Troika" brought a similar all-black suit to the comics, complete with a traditional blue cape and cowl. This suit added edgy elements like boot spikes, enhancing Batman's intimidating and stealthy persona throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's dramatic return after the events of 2008's Final Crisis, DC introduced Batman Incorporated with a new suit designed by David Finch. This costume revived the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and removed the traditional black trunks, offering a sleeker, more armor-like appearance. While it successfully differentiated Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also donning the Batman mantle, the suit's armored codpiece remains a point of contention.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, a recent addition to this list, stands out for its imposing design. Set in a rebooted DC Universe, this Batsuit turns Bruce Wayne into a formidable force despite lacking his usual resources. With every part of the suit doubling as a weapon—from ear daggers to a battle-axe Bat emblem—and a revamped, tendril-like cape, Absolute Batman exemplifies a darker, more aggressive take on the character.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after his son's murder. This darker Batman sports a Batsuit with bold red accents, a crimson Bat emblem, and dramatic shoulder spikes. Known for using guns and swords, this version of Batman offers a visually striking and unique alternate universe costume.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on Batman moves away from traditional spandex, focusing on a gritty, armored look. His Batsuit emphasizes function over form, reflecting Batman's gritty and Gothic essence. Bermejo's design notably influenced Robert Pattinson's Batsuit in the 2022 film The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Set in a steampunk Victorian world, Gotham by Gaslight Batman embodies the perfect blend of classic elements and new aesthetics. With a stitched leather suit and billowing cloak, this version, illustrated by Mike Mignola, stands out for its dark, shadowy presence. The character's enduring appeal continues in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit remains a cornerstone of Batman's iconic image. With its curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape, the Golden Age design set a high standard that has endured for nearly a century. It's always thrilling to see contemporary artists pay homage to this classic look.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improved upon the New 52 design, blending tactical elements with classic colors. The yellow outline around the Bat emblem and purple inner cape lining hark back to Batman's Golden Age roots, creating a balanced and visually appealing suit that unfortunately had a short run.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's costume evolved under the influence of artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. Maintaining the classic blue cape and yellow oval, these artists emphasized Batman's physicality, presenting him as a more agile and ninja-like figure. This era's design remains a benchmark for many fans and has been widely used in merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline brought a sleek, modern redesign to Batman, removing the yellow oval and introducing a simple black emblem. Lee's dynamic and powerful depiction of Batman's physique helped cement this as a fan-favorite and the go-to look for subsequent artists. The Hush suit's influence persisted through the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras, eventually reverting to this timeless design.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit for the upcoming relaunch of DC's Batman series in September 2025 brings back the classic blue elements. The heavily shaded cape and blue Bat emblem give a nod to Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series, offering a fresh yet familiar look. It remains to be seen if this latest redesign will achieve the same iconic status as Batman's most celebrated suits.
