A guide to the Perfect Batman Halloween Costume

Batman makes an excellent Halloween costume no matter what age you are. As the caped crusader, you are sure to be a hit at any Halloween party. This guide will help you to transform yourself into one of the greatest heroes of all time, no matter which version you choose. Be sure to click on the blue links for more information.

Created as a comic book hero in 1966, Batman has worn many different costumes since then. He has also had a variety of "wonderful toys." Following a description of the essential elements of a Batman costume are links to Batman costumes and accessories sold online. You may also be able to find these same items at a retailer in your city or region. If you are handy with a needle and thread, there are also links to patterns so you can make your own. Before making your costume, you should search the web for pictures of Batman to provide inspiration. No matter which route you choose, have a happy Halloween!

Batman Costume Essentials

The first thing you will need for your costume is grey or black tights for both your torso and legs. The original Batman wore grey, while recent versions have worn black. If you cannot find tights or want to add a little warmth to your costume, consider using sweatpants and a sweatshirt. You probably want to avoid baggy clothing. Be sure to make a Batman logo, and sew it to the chest of your top. The logo varies, so check which version your chosen Batman wears.

Next, you will need a pair of shorts to wear over your tights, if you choose grey. Here again, you will have to decide on the color you want to wear. The first version of Batman wore blue shorts over his tights, while newer comic versions can be seen in black shorts. The shorts look like women's underwear, not knee length Bermuda shorts.

Once you have your tops and bottoms, you will need a belt. Batman's belt is yellow or gold. Again, the older versions wore a yellow belt, while newer incarnations wear gold. Either way, this is an essential element to your costume, as it is where Batman keeps his tools.

After you have tied your clothing together with a belt, add a pair of boots or shoes and gloves to match your shorts. Ideally, you will have a tall pair of boots and mid-forearm length gloves, but use what is convenient. You will also want to wear a cape that matches the color of your shorts. You can add accessories such as a Bat-light and grappling hook. After you have added these items, there is just one piece left.

Batman's distinctive mask is essential. The mask should match the color of shorts you wear over your tights, or should be black if you choose black clothing. If you choose to make rather than buy your Batman mask, you should look at several pictures to ensure you get the details right.

Purchase a Batman costume, mask and accessories online at the following retailers.

Buy Costumes

Costume Express

Costume Selection

Purchase Batman costume patterns at the following retailer.

Patterns from the Past offers a couple of Batman costume patterns. Click on the link provided to go to the order form. You can view the two patterns by clicking on the following links and scrolling down. When ordering, you will need to enter the pattern number.

1989 Butterick 4201 Blue and Grey Batman

1992 Butterick 4938/6377 Batman Returns