The suit worn by Superman is one of the most iconic and unchanging costumes not only in cinema but throughout pop culture as a whole. It features a blue body with an immediately recognizable “S” emblem, red boots, briefs, and a long, flowing red cape. Many people have a set idea of what Superman’s suit should look like when they see it on the screen, much like the actor beneath it. Designing a costume that pays tribute to the nearly century-old history while still adding one’s own unique touch is an enormous challenge for any costume designer, and not an easy task to accomplish. With all of this in mind, we have ranked the best movie Superman costumes from worst to best below.
5) The George Reeves Suit
Prior to becoming a TV icon as Superman, George Reeves first donned the cape in “Superman and the Mole Men,” released in 1951. The costume used in this film was still in its early stages, and it lacked the structure and support one would hope for. To make matters worse, both his cape and boots were an ill-fitting length. Despite these costume flaws, Reeves’ captivating portrayal of Superman helped the movie find success and paved the way for the “Adventures of Superman” TV series, a role that has made him more famous.
4) The Superman Returns Suit
In the movie “Superman Returns,” Brandon Routh put forth a commendable performance, but the film itself has several points that could be improved upon, one being the costume design by Louise Mingenbach. Changing the color shade of Superman’s costume to a deeper burgundy red was an attempt at modernization, however, it fell short of providing the necessary update for the 2006 film. This color adjustment stands out noticeably, particularly when contrasted with the specific blue tone Mingenbach selected, as the costume appears very similar to Christopher Reeve’s suit from the ’70s and ’80s “Superman” films.
3) The Snyderverse Suit
When James Acheson and Michael Wilkinson decided to eliminate Superman’s briefs from his suit for the 2013 film “Man of Steel,” it caused quite a stir among fans. While this change was indeed a significant modification to the costume, we appreciate their boldness. This particular design might not have been suitable for other Superman movies, but it seemed perfectly aligned with Zack Snyder’s darker and grittier vision for the character.
As a movie enthusiast, I find it intriguing how Acheson and Wilkinson deviated from Mingenbach’s strategy of color modernization in costumes. Instead, they toned down the vibrant hues that are synonymous with our hero, giving the costume a more subdued look. Moreover, they reshaped and redesigned the suit to align with the 21st century’s superhero film trends. With superhero movies now a distinct sub-genre, audiences anticipate practical costumes for the action-packed spectacles our heroes deliver.
2) The Christopher Reeve Suit
In the 1978 film “Superman”, Reeves’ costume serves as a benchmark against which other portrayals are measured. Costume designer Yvonne Blake significantly improved the suit’s cape, proportions, and colors compared to George Reeve’s previous less impressive one. Although the technology of the time didn’t allow for the built-in structure found in later costumes, the Superman shield on the costume was designed to better accentuate the actor’s broad chest. Moreover, the vibrant nature of the costume made Superman stand out against the gritty backdrop of Metropolis in Richard Donner’s masterpiece, enabling Reeve to fully embody the symbol of truth, justice, and the American way that he is still remembered for today.
1) The DCU Suit
Stepping into the role of a movie critic, I must say that the task of designing Superman’s iconic suit is no small feat, given the numerous reboots and adaptations across various media platforms. Yet, in the latest blockbuster, Superman (2025), costume designer Judianna Makovsky has truly outdone herself. The costume worn by Corenswet seamlessly blends the timeless elements of Superman’s suit – the distinctive colors, the cape, and the shield – with contemporary fashion sensibilities, creating a look that feels fresh yet authentically Superman for 2025.
Makovsky’s modifications to Superman’s attire are subtle enhancements rather than drastic alterations. The costume is transformed, not by significant overhauls, but by a collective effort that breathes new life into the hero’s appearance. For instance, she converts the briefs into trunks and redesigns the “S” on the shield to be more graphic and rectangular. Additionally, she adds textured lines to the blue suit, creating an illusion of depth and defining specific areas of Tyler Hoechlin’s superhero physique subtly. The revamped costume complements the vibrant, grandiose universe that James Gunn has crafted in the film, making Makovsky’s design stand out as our top pick on the list.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Microsoft has a new way to use AI in OneNote — but a “dumb” feature excites me more
- ETH PREDICTION. ETH cryptocurrency
- Tokyo Game Show 2025 exhibitors list and main visual announced
- Anime’s Greatest Summer 2024 Shonen Hit Drops New Look Ahead of Season 2
- Jeffrey Epstein’s “Client List” Doesn’t Exist, Justice Department Says
- Bill Gates says AI will replace humans for most things — but coding will remain “a 100% human profession” centuries later
- Narcos: Mexico’s Manuel Masalva Details Being “Reborn” After Coma
- Why Stephen Baldwin Is “Blessed” By Justin & Hailey Bieber’s Marriage
- Report: Microsoft’s 2025 layoffs revolve around its desperate $80 billion AI infrastructure investment
2025-07-16 01:41