So many factors come into play when a Marvel movie is in production — there’s all the crazy fan theories, equally crazy special effects, and the behind-the-scene drama. But one of the most important parts of an MCU movie is the costume — here’s everything you didn’t know about the superhero costumes and everyday clothing that we see on our big screens.
1. Talking about her Avenger costume in a 2018 interview, actress and feminist Elizabeth Olson complained to the publication that her outfit was “just a cleavage corset”. Well, the costume department heard, because she helped design her new Scarlet Witch look for the finale of WandaVision.
2. Wanda’s wedding dress was a tribute to the Audrey Hepburn wedding dress worn in Funny Face. The version worn by Vision was a favorite amongst fans, especially since it was made completely from scratch.
3. When Sophia Di Martino started working on Loki, she had recently given birth to a baby. That’s why wardrobe cleverly designed the costume with strategic zippers — so that she could pump and breastfeed easily without needing to take off her whole outfit between takes.
4. While playing his role in Loki, Tom Hiddleston wore those insane TVA pants. The material that they were made from? Sharkskin fabric! This fabric is notoriously hard to stretch and very easy to rip, so it’s shocking that Hiddleston made it through without revealing his tighty whities!
5. Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel suit was an inspiring and empowering look that really showcased her strength. The suit was custom-made for her specific body and how she moved, but since she buffed up significantly while preparing for the role, there were many costume tweaks along the way.
6. John Walker’s suit in Captain America was designed so that he would feel more threatening, with darker overtones than the previous Captain America.
7. Sam Wilson’s suit, on the other hand, in The Falcon and the Winter Solder, was mostly white, so that he would stand out as a “ray of light” and a completely new kind of Captain America.
8. The team making costumes for Avengers: Endgame involved 120 employees, which included the individuals actually making the clothes, technicians, dyers, agers, and of course, specialty costume leather makers. The head costume designer called it the biggest crew he’s ever had.
9. The materials on most of the superhero costumes appear like leather or spandex, but they’re usually made with stretch cotton instead! Apparently, this is done because cotton is easier to dye, print on, and add texture to make it look like something else. Oh, cotton, you chameleon!
10. Spider Man is evidently the most difficult Avenger to dress. But why? Haven’t a million people dressed up like him on Halloween? Short answer — no. In the film, his suit has to fit without indicating any wrinkles or seams, which seems pretty impossible for an always-moving superhero whose costume fits over his head as well.
11. The embroidery on T’Challa’s royal palace get-up in Black Panther was used from authentic Nigerian embroidered tops that the costume department were able to get their hands on.
12. Shuri’s lab costume in Black Panther was inspired by designer Stella McCartney and her power to recycle fabrics, creating new materials out of recycled ones.
13. Although Tony Stark is one of the wealthiest characters in the MCU, his wardrobe from Avengers: Age of Ultron wasn’t all designer. According to the costume department, his shoes and clothes were from all over the place to accomplish the perfect blend of practical and flamboyant.
14. How exactly did they think up those super cool white outfits that Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova wore in Black Widow? It was inspired by photos of Norwegian and Russian soldiers wearing white in the snow. The looks were also coordinated to show differences between US and Russia.
15. That old-school helmet worn by the Red Guardian? It looked familiar, but we couldn’t pinpoint it exactly. Until we found out that it was inspired by “those guys who are shot out of cannons” like they used to do at traditional circuses. It had a slightly comical effect that totally worked for David Harbour.
16. Before the costume designers on any MCU movie can even start their work, Marvel’s conceptual artist team must first work with the company president to come up with a strong concept for every hero’s onscreen superhero suit.
17. Once every Marvel movie wraps, the costumes are sent to a secret warehouse, and are then transported to exhibitions and museums all over the world.
