Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, featuring a stunning new Batsuit designed by artist Jorge Jiménez. This fresh take brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, adding a new dimension to the Dark Knight's iconic appearance. After nearly 90 years, DC continues to innovate and refine Batman's look, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what's next.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time, from the original Golden Age suit to contemporary designs like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive into the gallery below to explore these legendary Batsuits.
For fans of Batman on the big screen, 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
The 1989 Batman movie introduced a groundbreaking all-black Batsuit, which became one of the Dark Knight's most iconic looks. While DC didn't fully adopt this costume in the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they drew inspiration from it for the 1995 storyline "Troika." This new Batsuit combined the all-black body with a traditional blue cape and cowl, adding edgy elements like boot spikes for a more intimidating and stealthy appearance that defined Batman throughout the ‘90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit revived the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. The Batman Inc. suit successfully merged functionality with aesthetics, presenting a more armored look without overwhelming the design. It also helped distinguish Bruce Wayne's Batman from Dick Grayson's, who was also serving as Batman at the time. The only minor flaw is the somewhat quirky armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
The most recent addition to our list, the Absolute Batman Batsuit, makes a powerful statement. In this rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources but still crafts an impressive arsenal. Every part of this suit is a weapon, from the razor-sharp ear daggers to the detachable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe. The cape, redesigned into flexible tendrils, adds to its menacing appeal. Its sheer size, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, makes it truly stand out.
Flashpoint Batman
In the Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce Wayne's murder. This alternate Batman's costume swaps the traditional yellow for striking red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Combined with dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and swords, this suit creates a visually striking and unique take on an alternate universe Batman.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on the Batsuit, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and the infamous Batman: Damned, emphasizes armor over spandex. Bermejo's Batman is as much about function as form, with a gritty, Gothic aesthetic that inspired Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman. This haunting figure is a testament to Bermejo's unique vision.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
The DC multiverse offers many Batsuit variations, but none quite like Gotham by Gaslight's steampunk Victorian design. Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, perfectly fitting the era. This iconic look, enhanced by Mignola's shadowy style, continues to inspire through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
The original Batsuit designed by Bob Kane and Bill Finger has remained largely unchanged for nearly 90 years, showcasing its timeless appeal. Its unique features, like curved ears and purple gloves, add a menacing and colorful flair. The cape, resembling bat wings, adds a playful twist. Modern artists often revisit this classic design, celebrating its enduring legacy.
Batman Rebirth
During their acclaimed run on DC's flagship Batman series, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo introduced the New 52 costume, which aimed to modernize Batman's look. However, their subsequent Rebirth costume truly excelled, refining the tactical design and reintroducing vibrant colors like the yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining, a nod to the Golden Age. Despite its short run, this suit remains a standout among modern redesigns.
Bronze Age Batman
The late '60s and '70s marked a shift towards more serious Batman stories, with artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defining the era's look. Their work maintained the classic blue cape and cowl but emphasized Batman's physicality, portraying him as a lean, agile ninja rather than a bulky brawler. This period's influence endures, especially through García-López's iconic artwork on various Batman merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline is often seen as the start of the modern Batman era, thanks in part to Lee's iconic Batsuit redesign. The Hush costume streamlined the look, eliminating the yellow oval for a sleek, black emblem that highlighted Batman's powerful physique. This design became the standard for subsequent artists and has been revisited by DC after experimenting with more armored looks, proving its lasting appeal.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez, no stranger to Batman, will debut a new Batsuit in the relaunched Batman series with writer Matt Fraction in September 2025. While it echoes the Hush costume, it introduces a few unique touches, such as bringing back the blue cape and cowl with heavy shading that evokes Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The blue, more angular Bat emblem adds to its distinctiveness. As Batman continues to evolve, will this latest redesign stand the test of time alongside his most iconic suits? Only time will tell.
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