Summary

• The Black Panther suit is both culturally significant and iconic, representing T'Challa's power, legacy, and Wakandan history.
• T'Challa has had multiple versions of the Black Panther suit throughout the MCU, each reflecting different designs and characteristics.
• Shuri's suit as the new Black Panther is the most distinctive yet, with gold and blue embellishments and a feline and feminine design that showcases her unique role and attributes.

Black Panther is one of the most popular characters in the MCU, and it's easy to see why. T'Challa is characterized with great strength, but also defined by his desire to care for those dear to him above all else - something reflected in his version of the Black Panther suit, which is both culturally significant and iconic. Black Panther is the MCU's first hero to have inherited his powers and legacy, and to have a suit that does not only represent him and his actions but also the history and prosperity of his people. It is covered in adornments that are uniquely Wakandan and perfectly displays just how powerful vibranium is and why the country strived so hard to keep it hidden for so long.

There have been various Black Panther suits in the MCU since the character was first introduced in 2016, as multiple people have taken up the mantle, necessitating different designs. The primary wearer of the suit is T'Challa, whose origin story and journey as the Black Panther is explored throughout Phase 3 in MCU releases. Throughout this time, the MCU has shown 7 versions of the suit, some of which are more impressive than others.

7 T'Challa Chases Bucky Barnes In His First Appearance As Black Panther

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The Black Panther is first seen in the MCU in Captain America: Civil War, when Prince T'Challa dons it to avenge his recently murdered father. T'Challa is led to believe that Bucky Barnes is behind his father's attack, so there's an extended, action-packed scene in which T'Challa chases Bucky down a highway. This scene displays just how well the Black Panther thrives in action. T'Challa is able to keep up with Bucky as he speeds away on his motorcycle, all the while looking mysterious and intimidating. Overall, the suit is fine, just a bit bulky and with a more simplistic design than other suits shown later.

6 T'Challa's Animated Black Panther Suit Seamlessly Blends Old And New

What If...? (2021-present)

The suit T'Challa wears in What If...? appears to be a slightly updated version of his Civil War suit. It has the facial adornments of the live-action, notable the parallel stripes up both sides of the head and the necklace hanging higher on his neck, but the design has the sleeker fit of later iterations. The suit in general looks more smooth, like it could be made out of a soft fabric instead of one of the strongest metals in the MCU, which translates well in an animated version. Beyond these changes, it still keeps the basic design of the Civil War suit, making it not as distinctive.

5 Killmonger Suited Up To Battle T'Challa

Black Panther (2018)

When deg upgraded suits for T'Challa in Black Panther, Shuri notably shows him two designs, one with a bold, gold necklace and another with a subtle, silver necklace. T'Challa chooses the silver one, leaving the gold one up for grabs for when Killmonger arrives and overthrows T'Challa. This suit works precisely because it mirrors Killmonger's personality and character motivations. Killmonger is very bold and egotistical, even going as far as to destroy the Heart Shaped Herb so no one else could become Black Panther after him. The gaudy, gold design of this suit reflects his lust for power and prestige, making him a formidable foe for T'Challa, who's more humble.

4 T'Challa's Warrior Suit When He's Challenged For The Throne

Black Panther (2018)

Before T’Challa can become king and Black Panther, he must defeat any challengers from other Wakandan tribes for the throne. Jabari tribe leader M'Baku challenges him, and T’Challa wears traditional attire during the duel. The warrior garb evokes a lot of Wakandan history and culture, as it looks ancient compared to the modernized, tech-based suits the Black Panthers wear. The mask stands out in particular, as it looks more animal-like with its pronounced ears, ridges, and teeth, marrying well with panther spots painted across T'Challa's chest. The garb and its attention to detail performs a lot of visual world-building, making it one of the more notable costumes in the roster.

3 Shuri's Suit Makes The Black Panther Mantle Her Own

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

After T'Challa's sudden and tragic death, Shuri initially refuses to take up the Black Panther mantle as she no longer believes in it. It's only when underwater ruler Namor attacks Wakanda that Shuri decides to ingest her synthesized version of the Heart Shaped Herb and don a new suit, becoming the next Black Panther. Visually, Shuri's Black Panther suit is the most distinctive yet, as it is covered with gold and blue embellishments. The suit also feels more feline and feminine, being well-fitted to Shuri's smaller frame, while also displaying many sharp lines that make Shuri's suit especially eye-catching and unique. The blue spots are also a nice touch, as they evoke panther imagery, adding another layer to the design.

2 T'Chaka Looks Regal And Dignified In His Black Panther Suit

Black Panther (2018)

Though it's only seen briefly, King T'Chaka's Black Panther suit stands out as its design looks fitting for a monarch. Its gold embellishments are subtle, yet impactful, especially its menacing, gold eyeholes. The stripes on the head are also gold, adorning T'Chaka's head the way a crown might. Despite the suit being older, it still looks modern, reflecting how advanced Wakandan technology is. T'Chaka also wears a traditional scarf wrapped around his body to signify his royal status, something not typically seen, but which blends together the Black Panther and monarch roles well.

1 T'Challa's Ultimate Suit Designed By Shuri

Black Panther (2018)

The silver necklace-based suit that Shuri designs for T'Challa in Black Panther is by far the most iconic. After he first puts it on in Black Panther, he wears it for the rest of his live action MCU appearances, including Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and it is easy to see why. While his Civil War suit had its strengths, its design was comparatively not as imaginative, and it looked more bulky on T'Challa's frame. His new suit is streamlined and well-fitting, reflecting the advanced nanotechnology Shuri developed it with that allows it collapse into his necklace when not in use.

This Black Panther suit also has the purple, kinetic energy-absorbing technology that activates whenever T'Challa experiences impact. The color combination of purple, silver, and black works comes alive during action scenes. Whenever T'Challa is hit, viewers can watch the suit power up and can eagerly anticipate the next strike, knowing how forceful the blow will be. The eyes of the suit are more attention-grabbing as well, upgraded to a silver hue, giving the mask a fierce, panther-like expression, intensified by the silver lines on the forehead and cheekbones. With all the suits’ uses and upgrades, it's easy to see why it is the one most seen in the MCU.