I'm gonna say pseudo-military, and I'm not ashamed of that.
Pouches can be cool.
I've got two guns pointed west and a broken compass.I wanna say Space Age jumpsuit, but it really all depends on the hero in question. Dressing up in normal jeans and a black, skull-faced shirt is a much better look for The Punisher than his traditional bodysuit and gloves, for example.
I think it depends on the hero, and how the look is drawn.
Anyone of them can work in the right circumstances.
One Strip! One Strip!Another vote for pseudo-military. I'm also rather fond of whatever style Johnny Alpha wears.
Ukrainian Red CrossI don't care so much about style as about how practical costumes are.
First, costumes need to work with the character's powers. At the very least, they need to resist their user's powers and/or get out of the way of their use. Superspeedsters need clothes that resist friction, people like Rogue need gloves that can be easily removed, etc. Capes rarely are practical (as seen in The Incredibles) and should only be worn if they are useful accessories (eg. Doctor Strange's cloak that allows him to fly.)
Also, if the character has secret identity, gloves (to avoid leaving fingerprints) and masks (full-face ones, not silly things like Green Arrow's) are obligatory.
Characters without invulnerability or other such protective powers NEED bulletproof costumes, period.
As for the actual design, if you're a stealth-based hero (like Batman) bright colors should be avoided. On the other hand, if quick recognition is important eg. a hero who works WITH the law, big easy-to-recognize insignias (eg, Superman's) are useful.
Finally, any symbols, patterns etc. should reflect the user's beliefs or personality (assuming they made their own costumes.) Most people aren't exhibitionists so skin-tight suits (except again, for stealthy people) and exposed flesh would rarely apply.
edited 16th Apr '12 7:55:04 PM by Sijo
That depends. In real life, combat armor weighs a ton to even stop light ordinance. Depending on the hero's abilities, mobility/stealth might be far more effective means of avoiding gunfire.
Again, it depends. If celebrity is part of a superhero's weapon, they might want a flashy/skintight costume for PR events.
In fact, I came to the conclusion a while back that a superhero would need several costumes tailored to different physical and social functions.
edited 17th Apr '12 6:46:45 AM by KingZeal
Zeal speaks truth.
Regarding bulletproof costumes, the rise of guns in real life is actually why fighters stopped wearing metal armour; what protection a suit of plate or chainmail offers is more than offset by the restrictions on speed and excessive heat that goes with armour, not to mention the hygiene problems (you can't take off the armour to go to the bathroom). That's why knights wore metal for the when fighting the Mongols, but soldiers wore snazzy cloth uniforms when up against Napoleon's French. It wasn't until about World War I and the rise of shrapnel that armour made a comeback.
So while I can see a superhero wearing a kevlar vest or something like SWAT gear, there are likely to be some quite good reasons to refrain from armour even if their enemies use guns.
As for skintight costumes, again, there are other reasons than stealth and celebrity. Spider-Man, for example, seems to rely quite little on punches and a lot on agility and dodging. In his case, any fold is something that can snag on a loose nail, or that a villain can grab. Hence, a skintight costume is only logical.
EDIT: Was ninjaed by Furball.
edited 17th Apr '12 8:31:14 AM by VampireBuddha
Ukrainian Red CrossHistorically, those fancy suits of full-plate armor were used more for showy court appearances than for combat. Mediaeval chronicles mention that even heavy mounted knights would tend to suit up only partially, or would put on older, less cool-looking helmets that were lighter and could be seen out of. So even before gunpowder, staying alive was tied more to mobility and visibility than to impenetrability.
So the "Doctor Fate" look is probably a non-starter.
edited 17th Apr '12 10:27:19 AM by Jhimmibhob
Pseudo-military, with a caveat that they have to look practical. Examples of impractical, cluttered, and ridiculous looking paramilitary superhero costumes can be seen in most of the New 52 books and 90's Image comics. Good examples of the approach include the Ultimates, the 2001 X-Men, some of the Authority members, and the Ryan Bodenheim designs for the Image book Halcyon.
We Are The Wyrecats Needs Tropes!I know it's not american comics, but I like the style of suits worn by Heisei era - Kamen Rider : skintight + pieces of armour here and there (predominantly on the chest) + full helmet. Seems like a compromise between protection and ability to move somewhat freely.
Depends on the character, but in general, spandex. But no capes. Capes are idiotic ideas. Seriously, they're a terrible idea in every single way, from a combat standpoint. They can move unpredictably, they're easy to grab, they can get snagged on things, and they provide absolutely no benefit beyond looking kinda cool. Only villains should ever wear capes. Batman gets a pass because his cape actually does have some practical applications.
Anyway, spandex is best, for most characters.
X-Men X-Pert, my blog where I talk about X-Men comics.I really love the Golden Age costumes. They looked as if they were hand made out of real materials.
And pseudo-military, a hero's gotta have pockets (or pouches), as well as Not Wearing Tights. But in the end a hero has to be distinctive and their costume needs to represent them.
I like combinations personally, which is why the uniforms worn by the Ultimates are among my all time favourite costumes. I do have a weakness for Golden Age style though. You're gonna laugh, but Aquaman's costume is also in my favourite list.
Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.

Put simply, which "category" of costume style will you never get tired of? Some examples of categories:
Personally, for me, it's a tie between the Militant and Space Age jumpsuit styles.
Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.