5 Best Batgirl Costumes in 60 Years of DC Comics Lore, Ranked

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As a movie and comic book fan, I’ve always thought Batgirl is one of Gotham’s best heroes, no matter who’s wearing the suit. Whether it’s Barbara Gordon out there fighting crime or helping from the computer, or someone like Cassandra Cain showing off incredible fighting skills, or even Stephanie Brown truly connecting with people and being a hero they can relate to, the Batgirl role is just so well-respected. And she’s had some amazing costumes over the years! While Stephanie and Cassandra haven’t had *tons* of different looks, the ones they *do* have are instantly recognizable and iconic.

Batgirl has gone through several different looks, and each one has been well-received. Regardless of your favorite Batgirl, it’s clear she’s been a fantastic partner to Batman throughout the years. With her constantly evolving costumes, she’ll always be remembered as one of the greatest to wear the bat symbol.

5) First Appearance

As a film fan, I’ve always loved Batgirl’s original costume – it really set the standard for everything she wore after that. It was a sleek, black suit with yellow highlights, and I thought letting her red hair flow *outside* the cowl was a brilliant touch. It instantly made the Batman and Robin pairing feel like a proper team, a dynamic trio. What I appreciated most was how each character felt unique, and Batgirl’s identity really shone through. They subtly darkened her suit over time and gave her more gadgets, which helped her stand out even more. Looking back, it might seem a little old-fashioned now, but it’s still a fantastic debut costume, in my opinion.

4) New 52

The New 52 era had its ups and downs, but bringing Barbara Gordon back as Batgirl after decades was a major success. Gail Simone’s run with the character is considered one of her best, and the updated costume-featuring gold and a darker black instead of yellow-was a fantastic improvement, making her return truly special.

This Batgirl costume is a fantastic return to form for the character, and really shines. Even though she’s currently operating as Oracle, this suit was a perfect fit, especially with the striking combination of purple and gold. While she would eventually adopt a new look, this design was truly memorable and complemented the excellent comic book series it appeared in.

3) Stephanie Brown’s Batsuit

Although Stephanie Brown might not be the most obvious choice to take over as Batman, she’s arguably the most complete and balanced member of the Bat-family. Her Batgirl suit, which included purple details referencing her earlier identity as Spoiler, was a standout design. It was sadly short-lived, but fondly remembered. While the suit itself was great, what truly made it special was how Stephanie brought the character to life.

Stephanie Brown’s Batgirl is generally more cheerful and approachable than Cassandra Cain or Barbara Gordon. This version of the suit feels like the most lighthearted of the three. With a bit more purple coloring, it could have been considered the definitive Batgirl costume.

2) Batgirl of Burnside

The Burnside Batgirl suit is considered one of Barbara’s best, marked by a subtle shift in color when she returns to her civilian identity. Debuting in 2014, it quickly became a fan favorite and signaled a fresh, exciting direction for the character. Though she didn’t initially wear it against Killer Moth, it would have been a perfect fit for that fight. While her previous costume represented a new beginning, this suit has become her signature look. The switch from a purple cape and suit to a black cape and purple suit created a truly iconic design for Barbara.

Initially, the costume had a classic, colorful look, and sticking with that design with just a few changes has worked really well for the character. It even influenced the design for the cancelled Batgirl movie! It’s easily Barbara Gordon’s best costume, even though she doesn’t use the Batgirl name while wearing it. I always find it strange seeing her fight crime in the suit and then answer the phone as Oracle – it’s a really odd contrast.

1) Cassandra Cain’s Batsuit

Cassandra Cain is arguably the best Batgirl, inheriting the role from Barbara Gordon and truly making it her own. Born to two of DC’s most dangerous assassins, Cass is a stealthy and intimidating hero. Her all-black suit, with just a few yellow details, perfectly complements her quiet personality and exceptional skills, making her a formidable presence in Gotham. Driven to be a true hero, she excels in stealth and surpasses expectations as Batgirl.

Cass is back as Batgirl in her own new comic series, and fans are thrilled! Her classic costume remains unchanged, making it ideal for cosplay. Because she operates so stealthily, Cass is arguably the most mysterious Batgirl, and definitely the one criminals would fear the most.

Which Batgirl outfit is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-09-24 02:10