Project: The modern superhero outfit

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fade

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The first superhero costumes were products of their times, modeled after strongman outfits of the day. This made sense because the heroes were literal strongmen oftentimes. But what if the superhero was not invented until today. What outfit would he or she wear? Let's consider a simple hero with great physical strength to begin with. What would the modern day equivalent of the strongman leotard be?

I thought this might be kind of fun to brainstorm.
 
The first superhero costumes were products of their times, modeled after strongman outfits of the day. This made sense because the heroes were literal strongmen oftentimes. But what if the superhero was not invented until today. What outfit would he or she wear? Let's consider a simple hero with great physical strength to begin with. What would the modern day equivalent of the strongman leotard be?

I thought this might be kind of fun to brainstorm.
I guess the best modernization would be compression shirts/shorts. I don't know that it would look all that different from unitard/leotard. As long as it isn't leather (I'm looking at you Xmen).
 
Well, the guys on the World's Strongest Man competitions and Olympic weightlifters usually unitards/leotards, maybe with a short-sleeved shirt underneath to prevent chafing.
 
I would guess they would dress like soldiers or riot police depending on their gig (obviously, someone who needs to move quickly and fluidly might not choose riot armor). Gear to protect themselves.
 

Dave

Staff member
Women would probably not be wearing skirts or show massive amounts of cleavage.

Personally, I think everyone would be dressed jeans/t-shirt style more than anything, unless it's more of a Captain America-type outfit. I have always marveled (no pun intended) at the illogic of the superhero outfits. I mean, they all wear these outfits that are painted on, yet that never plays into anything in the storyline. Clark Kent always wore his Superman uniform under his clothes, but what if he had to pee? Spider-Man also wore his clothes over his uniform, but what about gym class?

To me, Captain America, Iron Man and their type are the perfect modern-day superhero. They are well known and their suits are iconic. Cap pretty much always wears his while Tony has to get into his armor to be even remotely heroic. The idea of an alter ego just seems so impossible in today's society.
 
Clark Kent always wore his Superman uniform under his clothes, but what if he had to pee? Spider-Man also wore his clothes over his uniform, but what about gym class?
I can't find it now, but it seems like there was a joking series of pictures release of Marc Webb trying to figure out how to use a urinal with the costume on.
 

Zappit

Staff member
The Flash would keep his costume squished into a ring. How did the damn thing never wrinkle, and how much a a hassle would it be to stuff it back in?

Modern look? I'd say we'd never see a cape, there would be a bit of Kevlar, and it would likely be monochromatic. Anybody watch WWE? I'm thinking it would be in line with what the Shield wears, but with sleeves, gloves, and masks.
 
Doesn't Kick-Ass answer some of these questions? For that matter, Mystery Men touches on it a bit, as well.

As for my personal opinion, I believe costume choice would most depend on the personality, ability, and needs of the person. After all, do you remember Spider-Man's first costume? You know, the one he wore for the prize match the fateful day his uncle was killed? Look it up, if you haven't.

--Patrick
 
Hmm... my thoughts?

- Definitely function over form. It would be about a practical use, not an iconic design.
- This tells me your going to see a lot of form fitting body suits, with zippered boots/shoes.
- Heroes without invulnerability are likely going to incorporate body armor in some way, but you want to stay away from bulky pads and rigid plates unless your going for a military/knight look. Think flexible, like this.

- You will ether have to go fully masked or be willing to give up your secret identity and go maskless. There is simply too many cameras and facial recognition software is pretty good now. If you can't conceal your face fully, don't bother, because someone will find you.
- On that note, the best way to conceal your identity is probably something like a motorcycle helmet or something similar. It's practical, easy to modify, easy to acquire, and it completely obscures the shape of your head. Another option would be something like a ballistic mask, which does the same job and is bulletproof.
- Gloves are going to be necessary to protect your identity. Get something with material on the fingers that will let you use touchscreens like on an iPhone.
- Utility Belt is a must. Your going to need space for zipcuffs, lockpicks, a camera, etc. Don't try to carry a cellphone unless it's a cheap disposable one.
- Capes are out, backpacks are in. Single strap, tightly wrapped messenger packs are light weight and don't get in the way, yet provide more space for gear. Think Faith from Mirror's Edge or Cole from Infamous. Great for stowing your grappling gun or files from a corrupt banker.

Cosmetically, it really doesn't matter. You can go with whatever color you like but dark greys with a splitter pattern would be the most practical for stealth in an urban area. I suspect you'd be seeing a lot of two-tone looks though, because they carry the modern style sensibility: minimalist, yet eye catching. Probably glossy finish to the suit unless it's stealth wear, in which case it will be matte.
 
MINOR THREAD RESURRECTION!

I saw this redesign of a modern (and sensible) Wonder Woman outfit and thought of this thread. It actually looks pretty cool.

spoilered for size

 
Along the same lines is a redesign of Stephanie Brown's Robin costume, assuming an older, more modern Stephanie.

Again, spoilered for size

 

fade

Staff member
Wonder Woman's outfit is nice. Robin... well male, female, whatever--that outfit was never great.
 
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