As an immortal God of Thunder, Marvel Comics’ Thor has sported countless designs, looks, and costumes throughout his millenia of heroism. From the more traditional Asgardian Viking clothing, to cosmically powered threads, to futuristic armor, Thor Odinson is always dressed to impress when he's prepating to defend the realm of Midgard.

But with so many different suits, outfits, and costumes to choose from, some of Thor’s countless wardrobe choices work better than others. In making sure the current King of Asgard and All-Father looks the part, we're breaking down the best Thor costumes in Marvel Comics history.

10 "The Crossing" (1996)

First Appearance: Thor #502 (1996) by William Messner-Loebs, Mike Deodato Jr., Marie Javins

This controversial Thor design squarely entrenched the God of Thunder as one of the '90s’ most infamously derisive fashion choices. Introduced as a signifier of the son of Odin’s return to godhood – up until this point, Thor had been temporarily rendered powerless – this suit indulges many iconic aspects of this specific era of comics.

With massive shoulder pads, an exorbitant number of straps, and a fancy new chain attached to Mjolnir, this suit was unlike anything readers had seen on Thor before. And with his exposed midriff, it soon came to be known as “Crop-Top Thor.” Overall, was this wardrobe change well-received by longtime Thor fans? Certainly not. Is this outfit too iconic to be left out of a “Best Thor Costumes” list? Abs-olutely.

9 The "Unworthy" Non-Costume (2016)

First Appearance: The Unworthy Thor by Jason Aaron, Olivier Coipel, Matthew Wilson

Speaking of abs, the Prince of Asgard is well-known for his incredible physique, but even when stripped of his mantle as Thor, the Odinson is still built like a god and not afraid to show it. Having been found unworthy of wielding Mjolnir after the events of Original Sin by Jason Aaron and Mike Deodato Jr., a disgraced Thor continues the good fight wielding the Celestial-killing axe known as Jarnbjorn, a new arm made of Black Uru, and no shirt.

Though it’s not the most traditional look for Thor, this unorthodox outfit change was a great signifier for the then-former Thunder God’s psychological mindset at the time. Stripped of his name, his hammer, and much of his power, the Odinson was more vulnerable than ever, and an equally exposing design perfectly reflects just how isolated Odin’s son truly felt.

8 Odin’s "Fear Itself" Battle Armor (2011)

First Appearance: Fear Itself #6 by Matt Fraction, Stuart Immonen, Wade von Grawbadger, Laura Martin

Family squabbles are a major part of Thor’s character history, but potentially the greatest battle he ever faced was the war against his uncle, the Serpent, Cul Borson, in the event miniseries Fear Itself by Matt Fraction, Stuart Immonen, and Wade von Grawbadger. Against a being of such unimaginable power, even the God of Thunder needed an extra advantage or two and dons the enchanted battle armor of the All-Father Odin himself, along with the all-powerful Odinsword called Ragnarok.

A much more armored and defensive look than fans would normally expect to see from such a naturally durable character like Thor, this design went to show both how dangerous the threat Thor faced truly was as well as how far the God of Thunder will go to protect his worlds by using any available tools at hand.

7 The "Lord of Asgard" Armor (1998)

First Appearance: Thor #44 by Dan Jurgens, Stuart Immonen, Scott Koblish, Dave Kemp

Taking the throne following the death of Odin in Thor #44 by Dan Jurgens, Stuart Immonen, and Scott Koblish, the new ruler of Asgard dons a new look fit for a king. Leaning deeper into the Viking aesthetic than more traditional Thor designs, this Asgardian Armor struck an intriguing middle ground between the more marital, warrior-like nature of Thor and the more colorful superheroic designs with which he was most frequently associated.

With blue chainmail, a thick beard, and his traditional royal cloak now draped in thick, red fur, this more regal God of Thunder genuinely looked as if he’d stepped right out of Norse mythology and into the pages of a modern Marvel Comic. And though this wardrobe change was short-lived and ultimately outgrown, the impact it had on Thor’s overall aesthetic is eternal.

6 The Ultimate Universe Thor (2002)

First Appearance: The Ultimates #4 by Mark Millar, Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie, Paul Mounts

The original Ultimate Marvel Universe had its fair share of controversies when it came to character adaptations, but the Odinson of Earth-1610 is by far one of the variant universe’s most beloved aspects. With the truth of his Asgardian heritage initially portrayed as an ongoing mystery, this version of Thor opted for a more modern and borderline militaristic design as opposed to his traditional crimson cape and winged helmet.

Streamlining his iconic discs and belt onto a sleek black ensemble, along with a striking new hammer design that MCU fans may recognize as the inspiration behind Stormbreaker, this God of Thunder looked right at home alongside his fellow Ultimates without losing too much of his traditional Asgardian iconography – and it seems to have been a major influence on the overall design for the new Ultimate Thor of Earth-6160.

5 Old King Thor (2012)

First Appearance: Thor: God of Thunder #1 by Jason Aaron, Esad Ribić, Dean White

A major aspect of Jason Aaron’s seven-year run on the Thor corner of the Marvel Universe was the inclusion of various Thors from across different points in the Asgardian prince’s life. One of the most beloved of these chronological variants was King Thor, the Odinson of the far future who’d long since ascended to the throne of Asgard – and had quite a lot in common with his father Odin.

Sporting a far more armored look in his old age, Thor’s more alloyed attire goes hand-in-hand with his prosthetic arm taken straight from the mighty Destroyer armor. Along with his greyed hair and missing eye, the Thunder God is the spitting image of the previous All-Father, to the point that modern Thor mistakes his own future self for his father – and proves that the cutting edge of Asgardian fashion runs in the family.

4 The "Marvel Now" Thor (2012)

First Appearance: Thor: God of Thunder #1 by Jason Aaron, Esad Ribić, Dean White

With “Marvel Now” providing fans old and new a perfect jumping-on point for the mainstream Marvel Universe, the accompanying Thor design is one of the God of Thunder’s best modern looks. Sported by the Odinson in his self-titled Thor series by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribić, this look balances the more minimalist and sleek sensibilities of his Ultimate attire with some of the classic aspects typically associated with Thor’s overall look while paying homage to his Viking roots.

Darker than his usual attire, save for his trademark red cloak and silver helmet and accents, this design has a far more practical aesthetic for Thor than fans typically see. And his overall lack of armor or chainmail emphasizes the Thunder God’s own innate power and durability, reminding readers that there’s very little that Thor cannot withstand.

3 The "Herald of Thunder" Design (2020)

First Appearance: Thor #1 by Donny Cates, Nic Klein, Matthew Wilson

Thor is already one of Marvel Comics’ most powerful heroes, but after becoming a Herald of Galactus himself, his own considerable strength – as well as his wardrobe – got a major upgrade thanks to the Power Cosmic. Leaning into this interstellar influence, the minute stars spread throughout his tunic speak to the newfound cosmic nature of Thor’s abilities while also balancing his Asgardian ancestry with the clever inclusion of the giant Nordic rune emblazoned on his chest.

Unfortunately, this look wouldn’t last too long, as it was soon replaced by a more traditional design that maintained certain of its predecessor’s unique aspects, but it still stands as one of the Mightiest Avenger’s most daring wardrobe changes to date. And like the Power Cosmic, it’s undeniable that this more space-based Thor design is out of this world.

2 The Classic Kirby Thor (1962)

First Appearance: Journey into Mystery #83 by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott, Stan Goldberg

When fans think of Thor, this is most likely the design that first springs to mind. An indelible classic that still maintains influence over practically every Thor design – most especially his current look in the pages of Immortal Thor – this Jack Kirby-created classic is the root of any Thor ensemble and one of his longest-running choices of attire.

The striking primary colors pop like that of a traditional superhero while his signature helmet, belt, and battle-laced boots serve as unique nods to his own mythological nature. To this day, this remains the default Thor costume in the hearts and minds of many of Asgard’s greatest fans, and it’s ultimately hard not to see why. This look inseparable from the God of Thunder in a way that hardly any other designs for the Odinson can beat.

1 The "Modern" Thor (2007)

First Appearance: Thor #1 by J. Michael Straczynski, Olivier Coipel, Mark Morales, Laura Martin

When Thor was reborn alongside his fellow Asgardians following the events of Ragnarok, he does so with arguably the greatest costume he’s ever worn. Debuting in Thor #1 this more muted design quickly became one of the God of Thunder’s go-to looks as a modern variation of his original Kirby attire.

Adding chainmail sleaves and pants to his otherwise classic look, this newer iteration of the Odinson quickly became one of his most widely adapted outfits. From animation to merchandising and even to the silver screen in Thor’s MCU debut, the impact of Coipel’s design is sured only by that of King Kirby himself. To this day, this costume remains the best Thor design of the modern age, and ultimately, Thor’s greatest design of all time.