Why do superheroes dress so strangely?

Question

underwear on the outside? capes? tights?

Superman was created in, what, the 30s? Where on earth did the idea for his costume come from?

This is a semi-serious question; I'd love to know.

Answer 1

There's nothing strange about our dress.

Answer 2

1. Because they can get away with it. You don't see a normal guy with underwear over tights every day, do you?

2. Because it gets them noticed. Thats why people go, "Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's superman!"

3. So that civilians can tell the difference between the good and bad guys. Good guys (except for batman, the coolest of all) wear blue, red, orange, yelow, or some other bright color. Bad guys wear black, grey, or brown.

4. So that comic book nerds can tell the difference between who is drawig what. Think about it. Every time Marvel or DC gets a new artist or inker or color person, they re-vamp the series with new costumes or new charectors.

5. Capes are cool. They go like, "WHOOSH!" when you fly around the city, and some dudes put fire/ chemical/ other stuff proof stuff in their capes. Plus, most of them are machine washable. ^-^

Answer 3

Go and see the film,'The Incredibles' - the scene where Mr. Incredible goes to see the costume designer to the Superheroes. You will hear and appreciate the thinking, reasons and science that goes into the creation and choice of our 'costumes'.

Saving the world is serious business!!!! But as you can see we still take time out to attend to 'semi-serious' business too!!! And you should see what I am wearing (hey, don't laugh).

I have arranged for you to visit us on the eve of 31st October, when there will be so many of us at work. Lucky You!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

This always make me wonder too. Their costumes is very-very weird. So far, Batman had already wear a better looking costume in his latest movie. But I was amaze when Superman in his latest movie still wearing underwear outside.

Wonder woman costume even make me embarrassed. She looked half naked, immodest, not decent. May be I feel this because I always wear conservative as traditional teen girl. But anyway, she is a superhero, who suppose to fight injustice not a model to show off her body. To be honest, she look more a s**** than a super hero.

Answer 5

superman was the first real superhero. when drawing the human form, it has just been easier to draw a bare figure with a few lines to indicate underwear, gloves, boots, etc. simon and schuster started this tradition when they created superman. they wanted to play up the strongman side of him by putting him in tights like many strong men at circuses wore at the time. the cape was thrown in for flare and theatric effect.

Answer 6

I believe the primary reason is simply to make them look unique (not everyone wears underwear outside!).
Furthermore, the strange dresses attract viewers regardless of the age. Without their 'fashion senses' the cartoons/superheroes would be just another 'grown-up=boring' series.

Answer 7

Wll the first time super heroes appeared was in comics , it was like a business , in order to sell more copies you need this hero to look more interesting , so all this cape thing and tights didn't have any purpose but to get more customers.

Answer 8

haha, thats hilarious!! good thinking, i've never thought about it
i guess they just wanted to make it easier for him to fly so the tights are ideal there. the underwear is just odd. and the cape... well it's a super hero's trademark - practical or not.
it's probably just a way to identify superman. something that stands out and is his signature outfit.

Answer 9

Probably inspired by the circus costumes

Answer 10

I think because some things look way better on paper versus in real life.
Comics are highly stylized.

Answer 11

Superman's came from a blanket from Krypton.
Going superspeed, he cannot have loose clothing or it will flap.