Batman Is Getting a New Costume: These Are the Greatest Batsuits of All Time

In September, DC Comics is relaunching its flagship Batman series with a brand-new look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. This new Batsuit brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, a refreshing change after nearly 90 years of variations on the Dark Knight's iconic costume.

But how does this new design stack up against the classics? To answer that, we've compiled a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age suit to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Read on to see our picks!

And for those who prefer the silver screen, be sure to check out our ranking of all the movie Batsuits!

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

12 Images10. '90s Batman

The 1989 Batman film introduced a revolutionary all-black Batsuit, instantly iconic. While DC didn't fully adapt this look to the comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman '89), a movie-inspired suit appeared in the 1995 "Troika" storyline. This version maintained the all-black body but kept the traditional blue cape and cowl, adding bolder elements like spiked boots (later toned down). The result was a stealthier, more intimidating look that defined the Caped Crusader throughout the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis ushered in Batman Incorporated, a new series featuring a new costume by David Finch. This suit notably revived the classic yellow oval Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. It successfully blended function and aesthetics, presenting the Batsuit less as spandex and more as armor, without cluttering the design. The visual distinction from Dick Grayson's Batman was also a welcome improvement. The only minor drawback? Perhaps the slightly unusual armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

A recent addition to this list, the Absolute Batman suit makes a powerful statement. This Batman is imposing, reflecting a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual advantages. Yet, he crafts an impressive arsenal. The suit itself is practically weaponized, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem doubling as a battle axe. Even the cape is redesigned into flexible, arm-like tendrils. The sheer size and imposing physique of this Batman truly set this suit apart.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the Flashpoint alternate timeline, a different tragedy results in Thomas Wayne becoming Batman. This darker Batman demands a darker suit. This version replaces the traditional yellow with bold red accents on the emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape and the use of guns and a sword further enhance this alternate universe Batman's visually striking appearance.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive style has graced numerous Batman projects. His Batsuit is far from typical spandex; it's pure armor, emphasizing function. However, it's not simply realistic; it's haunting, imbued with a Gothic quality and grime. This design notably influenced Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The DC multiverse offers countless Batsuit variations, but Gotham by Gaslight's stands out. The steampunk Victorian setting is perfectly complemented by a suit that trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's artwork further solidifies this iconic design, presenting a Batman shrouded in shadow and possessing a granite-like presence. This design continues to influence subsequent stories, like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design's enduring appeal speaks volumes. Its iconic elements have survived for nearly 90 years with only minor refinements. Beyond its foundational role, this suit boasts unique features: curved cowl ears, purple gloves adding a pop of color, and a cape resembling actual bat wings. Its enduring influence is consistently seen in modern reinterpretations.

3. Batman Rebirth

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's celebrated Batman run initially focused on the New 52 suit. However, Capullo's Rebirth redesign surpasses it. It retains the tactical feel while streamlining the design, incorporating the yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining (a nod to the Golden Age). Its relatively short lifespan is a shame, as it stands as a superior modern redesign.

2. Bronze Age Batman

The late '60s and '70s saw a shift in Batman's portrayal, moving away from camp. Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined the character's look during this era. While the core elements remained (blue cape, cowl, yellow oval emblem), these artists emphasized a leaner, more agile physique, reflecting Batman's ninja-like skills. García-López's art, in particular, became deeply ingrained in Batman's visual identity.

1. Batman: Hush

Hush, by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, is often considered the start of modern Batman comics. Lee's Batsuit redesign is a key factor. This version features a sleek, black emblem, replacing the yellow oval. Lee's depiction of a powerful, dynamic Batman solidified the suit's iconic status. It became the standard, influencing artists like Andy Kubert and Tony Daniel. Even after the New 52 and Rebirth eras, DC returned to this design, highlighting its effectiveness.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in DC's relaunched Batman series (September 2025), isn't a drastic departure from the Hush design. However, it features interesting additions. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating contrast reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue, larger, and more angular. Whether this new design will achieve the same lasting impact remains to be seen.