The Bat-Family all started with the Caped Crusader himself, who boasts an iconic costume. However, as Bruce Wayne’s vigilante team has grown, the new heroes have been defined by their own unique looks. There’s now an impressive array of suits for the Bat-Family to don in battle.
Some of the Bat-Family costumes use the original Batman costume as inspiration. Others, like Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson, have gone in a completely different direction and are all the better for it. These armors and suits help to identify the personality of each individual hero and are an integral part of their respective narratives. Although there might be variations thanks to the artists behind them, each costume has a definitive look that readers will recognize.
10 Azrael
Azrael has always been an unpredictable force whose links to the Order of St. Dumas have hugely influenced his ideology. The costume that Azrael wears has always reflected those links to the cult. Azrael looks as if he is a warrior embarking on a bold crusade with the garment taking its cues from historical imagery.
While Azrael’s hood might keep in line with other Bat-Family members, the rest of the costume is very different. It’s incredibly practical in its design and contains elements that are reminiscent of ancient knights. The blood-red color scheme matches the team well, and the golden accents ensure that Azrael looks like a fiery blaze come to life. The golden metals add a regality to the piece.
9 Red Robin
The Red Robin name has been repurposed in DC history, but fans are most likely to associate Tim Drake with the moniker. The costume had to be designed to stand out from the rest of the Bat-Family, especially the other Robins on the scene. The most famous suit does a good job of this.
Red Robin’s uniform does go for an all-red and-black color scheme, with a few standout gold features. Proudly featuring a logo on the torso and belt of the piece, Red Robin’s most prominent feature is the new cowl. Rather than the classic Robin eye mask, the face covering is much closer to the Dark Knight’s choice.
8 Red Hood
Red Hood is a complex character whose costume had to reflect Jason Todd’s journey. From Robin to this new, harsher vigilante, the Red Hood uniform moves away from the classic superhero imagery. For starters, it famously includes body armor that looks as if Red Hood is about to enter a war zone.
Red Hood has used a brown leather jacket throughout his career, which adds a bit of edge to the look. The Red Hood mask is an all-in-one helmet that hides Jason Todd’s identity perfectly while giving a good level of protection. The suit is combat-ready and is complete with a unique Bat-Family logo that brings him into the team.
7 Spoiler
Stephanie Brown has been both Batgirl and the vigilante Spoiler, and she has brought her fun purple color scheme to both. The character is a scrappy fighter, whose uniform usually sticks a little closer to the Batman costumes readers will be most familiar with. But the youthful adjustments to the uniform speak to Brown’s role as one of the younger members of the team.
Brown’s Spoiler uniform is heavily armored and incorporates a hood and mask combo that gives the character a distinctly mysterious appearance. The classic cape is in full effect, and the costume is personalized with many different pockets, pouches, and other practical storage spaces. Even Brown’s Batman costume is a great combination of vibrant and gritty.
6 Batwing
Batwing is one of DC’s most popular and intelligent characters. Whether it’s David Zavimbe or Luke Fox beneath the suit, the Batwing costume has consistently utilized the same features in its design. It’s a well-fortified piece of armor, which heavily relies on advanced technology.
The Batwing costume contains glowing blue elements which speaks to that tech influence. It follows the shape of a traditional Batman costume but has a full cowl and metallic plating. Instead of a cape, the Batwing armor usually has strengthened wings used for gliding. It’s a fearsome design that reflects its wearer well. Luke’s suit is the most defined by its technology, with specific features such as advanced cloaking built in.
5 Batman Beyond
Terry McGinnis masquerades as Batman Beyond, a character famed for his graphic and detailed appearances in the world of animation. That costume might have been perfected on screen, but the comics have replicated that cartoon success and made it their own in a few areas.
Batman Beyond’s red and black combination has always been striking. The futuristic and sleek look speaks to the time period the costume was designed in. The updated logo is certainly unique and there’s a simplicity to the design. What’s more, the anonymity provided by the all-in-one mask certainly inspires fear in Terry’s enemies.
4 Batwoman
The Bat-Family has always been Batman’s greatest secret weapon and Batwoman is one of his strongest allies. Kate Kane has adapted the classic Batman look to suit her own personality and the end result is spectacular. It’s a design that has really stood the test of time and has been applied to live-action too!
Batwoman’s bright red hair complements the darker tones of the suit well. The uniquely designed red bat logo brings further cohesion to the look. The mask is completely different as well, with the face and hair uncovered but a bat-like silhouette rising from the top of the piece. Complete with a gliding cape, the costume is both familiar and fresh.
3 Batgirl
Batgirl has been a moniker used by a variety of characters. The Cassandra Cain version of the suit is a little darker and more menacing. While it’s a clever design, the Barbara Gordon iteration of Batgirl probably has the standout costume. It pays homage to classic Bat lore and integrates the design with Gordon’s own personality.
The Batgirl costume worn by Barbara Gordon is fun, bright, and the anthesis of Batman’s suit. It’s purple with a yellow cape and inspires hope far more than it does fear. It’s still practical and geared up with a variety of gadgets. But the leather jacket inclusion modernizes the garment.
2 Nightwing
Dick Grayson has been Robin and even suited up as Batman in his powerful suits. But the character’s identity crisis has led him to the Nightwing moniker. Grayson has switched up his look as Nightwing over the years, but there is one consistent costume that prevails.
Nightwing’s black and blue uniform is the most well-known iteration. With the broad logo going across the shoulders, chest, and arms, Grayson’s heroic symbol becomes the staple of the suit. The rest of the costume is sleek in its design and the eye mask is a great homage to his time as Robin.
1 Batman
Bruce Wayne might have passed on the Batman mantle to a few different characters, but the billionaire will always be the classic example of the character. As one of DC’s biggest heroes, it makes sense that his look has evolved throughout his storied history.
Batman’s color scheme of black, blue, gray, and yellow has been used in various forms. The mouthless cowl creates a bold silhouette and Batman’s utility belt has become just as famous as the cape he glides on. The costume is equal parts designed to be menacing and practical. It’s one of the greatest designs in the comic industry.