Since the first action comics, superheroes have worn different types of costumes. However, all of these outfits tend to be tighter than regular clothes. Besides, some of these costumes could be described as tights.
Now the question comes – why do superheroes wear tights? Does wearing tight costumes increase their powers? Is there a secret code that forces them to wear such clothes?
If you are curious about the reasons why these characters wear these costumes, then read further.
Although several characters prefer freer clothing, many superheroes feel comfortable with tights. Now here are the top reasons why superheroes prefer such outfits to relaxed clothing.
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1. They are Easy to Draw
According to some comic fans, early comic artists preferred drawing superheroes in tights because they were easy to sketch. Although they started drawing the heroes with regular free-flowing clothes, the stress of adding folds and wrinkles pushed them to stick with tighter costumes. As time passed, this practice became a tradition amongst the comic artist community.
2. They Allow Easy Movement and Flexibility
Since these tight clothes are made from light materials, it allows the hero to move freely. Thanks to this feature, the character could maneuver easily on the battlefield or respond quickly to distress calls.
3. They Save Time
Imagine Superman and Spiderman wearing a pair of jeans and with full-body armor as their costumes? They would have to spend several minutes changing from their civilian clothes to their outfits. But as they wear tights, these heroes could slip them under their clothes and quickly get them out.
4. Comic Artists Got the Idea from Acrobats
In the early days, comic artists got the idea of tight clothing from circus performers. These acrobats wore tight clothing that allowed them to perform stunts without any problems. As superheroes also performed special moves, tighter clothing came as the right choice for them.
5. They Make the Character Stand Out
Tight clothing has a way of improving the features of a character. When worn, it allows the smallest muscles to pop out thereby adding to their presence on the pages or screen.
6. Real-Life Strong Men Wore Tight Clothing
The first artist who drew Superman based his costume on the outfits of real-life entertainers with incredible strength. As time passed, other artists adopted this style of art.
Who Was the First Superhero to Wear Tights?
The Phantom was the first character to wear tights as his outfit. Although he did not have any special powers, this character used his skills and costume to fight and defeat many villains.
Are there Superheroes that Do Not Wear Tights or Tight Clothes?
Tight outfits might be the right choice for many superheroes, but many characters choose freer forms of clothing. Now here are some of the superheroes that do not wear tights:
1. The Green Hornet
Known as one of the earliest superheroes, the Green Hornet did not use tight clothing. Instead, he fought crime with a green fedora, overcoat, and pair of traditional trousers. Without the mask, you might even mistake him for a regular guy.
2. The Question
This mysterious character sports a simple outfit of hats, business suits, and ties. Although the clothing might look much, they served him well in his various adventures. Also, John coats his outfit with a special formula for camouflage purposes.
3. Luke Cage
After starting his career in a tight yellow outfit, Luke Cage decided to change his crime-fighting costume into regular clothing. Nowadays, you could find him in a shirt and jeans.
4. Professor X
Charles Xavier is another character that does not bother with tight outfits. For most of his career, you could find him in a suit and tie.
5. John Constantine
Even if his adventures might be strange, John Constantine wears pretty regular clothing. You could find him in a white shirt, a pair of slacks, and a tie. Also, he covers these articles of clothing in a trench coat.
