35 Superhero Costume Ideas to Fight Crime Like a Badass
Have you ever wanted to swing through the streets like Spiderman or fight crime like Wonder Woman? Then you’re going to need the perfect super-suit! Here you can find 35 superhero costume ideas, ranging from low to high difficulty! If you’re still waiting for your superpowers to emerge, then these superhero costumes will put you on the right track to fighting villains and stopping crime in its tracks!
1. Green Lantern
Shout out to: Lachlan Wright
DC Universe’s Green Lantern fights crime in New York City using his green ring, which gives him various powers like flight and the ability to use forces in the Universe for his benefit. The ring also allows Green Lantern to conjure up green objects that help him in battle using telekinesis.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
2. Wonder Woman
Shout out to: Olivia
Wonder Woman, aka the Amazon Princess, aka Diana Prince, was sculpted from clay by her mother, Hippolyta, then raised on the island of Themyscira. She is often seen with her lasso of truth and tiara. In her fight for peace, she uses magical weapons, and her powers range from superhuman strength to flight. Wonder Woman is one of the most common female superhero costume ideas.
◊ Difficulty: Low
3. Aquaman
Shout out to: Robin
DC superhero Aquaman, aka Arthur Curry, and member of the Justice League is the King of Atlantis and the Seven Seas. Aquaman can control sea life, breathe underwater, and uses his super strength to defend his kingdom.
◊ Difficulty: High
4. Catwoman
Shout out to: Selene
Initially a villain, Catwoman (Selina Kyle) is an expert thief who can often be seen in her black suit with a whip. Eventually, she changes her ways and allies with Batman. Catwoman’s strengths include acrobatics, seduction, weaponry, and stealth. In films, both Halley Berry and Ann Hathaway have portrayed her character. If you’re looking for badass woman superhero costume ideas, Catwoman should be high up on your list.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
5. Black Widow
Shout out to: Mina Kess Shadrick
Black Widow is both an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D and a member of the Avengers. While she doesn’t have any superhuman abilities, Black Widow is a skilled hacker and is both strong and agile. She uses weapons like batons and firearms, and the Widow’s Bite, which discharges electricity. In the upcoming 2020 film, Scarlett Johansson will play Black Widow.
◊ Difficulty: Low
6. Dr. Strange
Shout out to: Jedimanda
After being in a car crash, which damages his hands, Dr. Strange, a neurosurgeon, travels around the world searching for the Ancient One who is his only hope to fix his hands. His suit includes a cloak that allows him to levitate, along with the Eye of Agamotto. His goal is to defend the world as the Sorcerer Supreme.
◊ Difficulty: Low
7. Wolverine
Shout out to: Mark RoBards
Best known for his role in X-Men, Wolverine is a mutant with animal-like abilities and senses, and healing powers. His most noteworthy power is his retractable claws on each hand. Wolverine might not be an easy superhero costume to replicate, but it is a memorable one.
◊ Difficulty: Medium to High
8. Batwoman
Shout out to: Sylvia Slays
Similarly to Batman, Batwoman, aka Katherine Kane, uses her money and resources as a wealthy heiress to help fight crime in Gotham. She is openly gay and uses her intelligence and combat skills to fight the villains of Gotham City.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
9. Captain America
Shout out to: Iron Topher
After receiving the Super-Soldier Serum, Captain America fights to protect the country and becomes the leader of the Avengers. Along with his speed and agility, Captain America uses his shield for both defense and as a weapon against his enemies in combat.
◊ Difficulty: Low
10. Supergirl
Shout out to: Kirstin
There are a ton of origin stories for Supergirl. Some say she’s a villain, while others portray her as a heroine. Regardless of her origin, Supergirl can fly as well as emit heat vision from her eyes! Supergirl is one of the best quick superhero costume ideas if you’re willing to purchase her suit ready-made.
◊ Difficulty: Low
11. Iron Man
Shout out to: Taya
After getting kidnapped and seriously injured, Tony Stark creates his suit of armor (instead of the weapon of mass destruction his captors wanted) to save himself and escape from his kidnappers. As time goes on, he improves his suit as he fights to protect the world.
◊ Difficulty: High
12. Captain Marvel
Shout out to: Lexus
Captain Marvel gets her powers after being exposed to the Tesseract energy while she was an Air Force pilot. Not only can Captain Marvel fly, but she also uses her stamina, agility, and strength when fighting.
◊ Difficulty: Low
13. Superman
Shout out to: Shane
Probably one of the most well-known superheroes in history, Superman utilizes heat and X-ray vision, and of course, his super-speed and flight in his quest for justice. An easy superhero costume for adults, you can find Superman’s suit available for purchase online.
◊ Difficulty: Low
14. The Flash
Shout out to: Ben Harland
Known as the “fastest man alive,” the Flash wears his red suit and uses his superhuman speed to save those who can’t protect themselves. The Flash is also able to use his speed to travel through time and other dimensions.
◊ Difficulty: Low
15. Robin
Shout out to: Marco Tilly
Best known as Batman’s sidekick, Robin trains under Batman after a gangster kills his parents. Robin is skilled in martial arts, acrobatics, and combat from his upbringing in the circus.
◊ Difficulty: Low
16. Green Arrow
Shout out to: Iron Sharpens Iron Creations
After being abandoned on an island, Oliver Queen learns how to use a bow and arrow (his signature weapons) and helps lead the island’s locals to rebellion against the corporation enslaving them. After returning to civilization, he fights crime using his arrows, which can shoot gas, nets, and smoke, disabling his opponents.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
17. Black Canary
Shout out to: Charlotte
Often fighting alongside Green Arrow, Black Canary is skilled in martial arts and uses the supersonic Canary Cry against her opponents. This is an easy DIY superhero costume that will turn heads at any party.
◊ Difficulty: Low
18. Mr. Incredible
Shout out to: Charlotte
Best known from the Incredibles, Mr. Incredible is most famous for using his super strength when fighting super-villains. He teams up with his wife, Elasti-Girl (see below), and later with his children.
◊ Difficulty: Low
19. Elasti-Girl (Incredibles)
Shout out to: Anastasiia
Elasti-Girl’s unique skill is precisely what you’d expect: elasticity! She can stretch her body to great lengths as well as change her body shape when needed. Elasti-Girl teams up with her husband, Mr. Incredible, as well as their children.
◊ Difficulty: Low
20. Power Rangers
Shout out to: Caitlin Christine
The Power Rangers are a group of 5 teenagers who are recruited to fight crime. Each wears a different color (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, and Pink) suit and helmet. Their skills range from psychic abilities to super speed, invisibility, manipulation, and more. They each have a unique weapon that they use as well.
◊ Difficulty: Low
21. She-Hulk
Shout out to: Hillary Laine
She-Hulk gains her powers after receiving a blood transfusion from, you guessed it, The Hulk, aka Bruce Banner. Her power is obviously her strength, which she uses in her quest for justice.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
22. Shuri
Shout out to: CutiePieSensei
Shuri is Black Panther’s sister and Wakanda’s lead science officer. She comes up with several inventions, like Black Panther’s suit and a car she can control from Wakanda. In combat, Shuri uses vibranium gauntlets, which blast her enemies with energy.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
23. Clint Barton aka Hawkeye
Shout out to: Guibi_Cosplay
Clint Barton is the chief archer for the Avengers. He is best known for his archery skills but is skilled in combat as well as strategy, making him a valuable asset to the Avengers.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
24. Kate Bishop aka Hawkeye
Shout out to: Starkid
Similar to Clint Barton’s Hawkeye, Kate Bishop shares not only the superhero name but also his archery skills. She is also skilled in martial arts, making her a powerful threat in hand-to-hand combat.
◊ Difficulty: Low
25. Ant Man
Shout out to: Matt
Ant Man uses the power of Pym Particles to shrink down to ant size or grow to tall heights in battle. He has a cybernetic helmet, which allows him to communicate with insects and, of course, ants. As a former convict, Ant Man uses his thievery skills when breaking into enemy bases, and is a skilled hacker. His suit protects him during his shifts in size, as well as from temperature changes and attacks.
◊ Difficulty: High
26. Wasp
Shout out to: Madison Murrah
Like Ant Man, the Wasp can shrink down to the size of an insect and can fly at high speeds in her shrunken state. Her signature move is the “wasp sting,” which are releases of electric energy. She and Ant Man frequently partner up to fight crime. When looking for cool superhero costume ideas, you can’t get better than Wasp.
◊ Difficulty: High
27. Black Panther
Shout out to: Lovie Lee
Black Panther is the King of Wakanda. He protects his people using his skills in hand-to-hand combat and his bulletproof suit. Shuri (see above), his genius sister, designed the suit. It features retractable claws, and the power to absorb and release energy more effectively.
◊ Difficulty: High
28. Batman
Shout out to: fmjbatman
Batman’s initiation into superhero life started like that of most, avenging his murdered parents. His billionaire status provides him access to advanced weapons and technology for him to use in his fight for justice. He is skilled in combat and martial arts and his wealth allows him to update his suit and have other hi-tech items like the Batmobile. A simple superhero costume, Batman will never go out of style.
◊ Difficulty: Low
29. He-Man
Shout out to: Deacon Frost
He-Man protects his homeland, Eternia, as well as Castle Grayskull (the source of his power) from his greatest enemy, Skeletor. When he transforms from his true identity, Prince Adam, he rides around on and fights alongside Battle Cat, his armored green tiger. His most exceptional skill is super strength, which is enhanced when he wears his harness.
◊ Difficulty: High
30. Cyclops
Shout out to: Dan Morash
Cyclops is a human-mutant who helped found the X-Men. He can shoot blasts from his eyes and is immune to his brother’s powers. Cyclops wears a visor, which allows him to see without sending out his signature optic blasts. He’s also a skilled strategist.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
31. Spiderman
Shout out to: ultimatespideyy
After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker develops spider-like abilities, which he uses to fight the Green Goblin and other enemies. He can shoot spider webs out of his hands, which let him travel quickly through the air. He is also agile and uses his “spidey sense” to make himself aware of impending danger.
◊ Difficulty: Low
32. Hulk
Shout out to: Roger P
After exposure to gamma radiation, Bruce Banner changes into the Hulk. The Hulk is incredibly strong, and he can lift heavy objects and break through almost anything. He can also jump great distances and restore energy quickly. His signature move, the Hulk Smash, does considerable damage.
◊ Difficulty: Medium
33. Cyborg
Shout out to: daywalkerxknight
After a terrible accident, Vic Stone’s father saved his life by turning him into Cyborg. Being part machine gave him his super strength, making him a powerful fighter, and also allowed him to interfere with and hack computers.
◊ Difficulty: High
34. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Shout out to: Brett Martin
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael are anthropomorphic turtles living in the sewers of New York City. They are trained in ninjitsu, and each turtle uses a different weapon, like nunchucks, a staff, baton, or swords. They each wear a different colored eye mask as well.
◊ Difficulty: High
35. Jessica Jones
Shout out to: Star Nacho Cosplay
After being exposed to chemicals while in a coma, Jessica Jones awakens with superpowers. She develops superhuman strength, the ability to fly, and can fight against mind control. She is also resilient to injury during fights with her opponents.
◊ Difficulty: Low
Conclusion
So, there you have it, superheroes! Thirty-five amazing superhero costume ideas that are guaranteed to have you fighting crime in no time. Whether you want to try your hand at a DIY superhero costume or are merely looking for inspiration, you can’t go wrong with any of the costumes above.
As someone who has never done cosplay or is extremely familiar with superheroes, I can honestly say I was shocked at how intricate these homemade superhero costumes can get!
Have you ever created a cosplay? Is there a superhero character, TV show, or movie that I should check out? Let me know on Instagram, Twitter, or in the comments below!
Megan Subsick
Contributor
Hi all, I’m Meg and I first fell in love with the Harry Potter Universe when my third grade teacher began reading it aloud in class. That day after school I got home, snuck into my older brother Alex’s room, and stole his copy of Sorcerer’s Stone. It was the first chapter book that I ever read in a single day. The rest is history (of magic).
Each year I counted down the days for the next film or book to come out in an effort to rejoin the magic of the wizarding world. When the series ended, I thought that the magic was over. Fast forward to July 30th 2016. I had been studying Shakespeare abroad in London for a few weeks when I realized I would still be in the city for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (which I have since seen 4 times and counting). Despite being a huge fan of the series, I had never been to a midnight release and this was my chance!
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