The evolution of Batman costumes began within his first year of life. The first things to change were the ears on the costume- they became longer. In July 1939 the utility belt was introduced to his outfit. Despite some minor changes the Batman costumes remained pretty much the same then until 1964. They were just basic, Grey figure-clinging suits with a cape and mask. At one point, D. C. were actually starting to give serious consideration to dropping Batman completely due to sales of the comic slumping so drastically. Something had to be done and some changes were made to several things in the comic including the Batman costumes. The bat symbol on the costumes' chest was given a yellow background the shape of the cape was changed.
1966 brought the TV series of 'Batman' to our screens. The batman costumes during this period stayed pretty much the same. With the show finally being axed in 1968, after 120 episodes, D. C. tried to re-establish the darker side of Batman. This was merely evident in comic form until 1989 when Tim Burton introduced his 'Batman' video. It was at this point that batman costumes began to become far more 'body-armour' orientated. The other difference was the loss of the yellow and black symbol on the chest.
With 'Batman Returns' in 1992 and 1995's 'Batman Forever' the batman fancy dress remained virtually identical, the emphasis still remaining on armor rather than fabric and also a mid-section complete with abdominal muscle that harked back to the natural physique featured in the comics of the past. This makes Batman look tough but the only drawback is a severe restriction of movement. The Batman costumes in the recent movies must hamper the hero with his movements in the same way to the knights of old in their metal armour. In the comic, Batman's movement was very fluid, graceful and acrobatic. When you are decked out in Teflon, Kevlar or the like this isn't going to be happening.
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The next evolution in costume design came in 1997 with 'Batman and Robin'. If you talk to any loyal fan of Batman then you will find that this is a touchy subject... All of the outfits in this movie, not just Batman's, verge on being fetish clothing. It was even more armoured and, to add insult to injury, it highlighted prominent 'bat-nipples'.
Fans were compensated in 2005 with 'Batman Begins' when costume design reverted back to a more 1989 'Batman' feel. By now, the suit was basically black apart from Batman's utility belt. This style then continued into 'The Dark Knight' in 2008.
Most followers of Batman would probably say that they are reasonably satisfied with the Bat-suit at present but what direction costume designers will take next is anyone's guess.
