Clark's Costume

Clark in his Superman costume

Tempus: "Why tights? Why a cape? You're a grown man, don't you feel ridiculous?"
Superman: "My Mother made it for me."

—Superman when asked about his costume

Clark's Costume was created as a disguise so that Clark could lead a normal life but also use his superpowers to help others without being recognized.

The costume consisted of a form fitting body suit with tights, briefs, a belt, boots and a cape in combined colors of blue, red and yellow. It was also decorated on the chest and the back of the cape with the House of El shield that symbolized Clark's Kryptonian heritage. The shield symbol also resembled an "S" giving Clark the super hero alias, Superman. Martha made this costume specially for him and he is extremely proud of it.

Clark kept his costume hidden under his civilian clothes so he could quickly change when he was needed in action. When it is worn, it is a part of him and is just as indestructible due to his body containing an aura that extends a few millimeters from his skin, protecting anything that is close to him. However it was once damaged due a bullet made of Kryptonite hitting him on the side of the chest, due to it being his main weakness (Madame Ex). It is also indeed shown to be destructible when Clark isn't wearing it, such as when his father Jonathan accidentally burnt the cape when he was ironing it for him and a whole array of them were damaged from an attack organized by the Lakes (Chi of Steel), (Don't Tug on Superman's Cape).

Creation

After arriving in Metropolis and using his superpowers to help people in trouble, Clark decided that he needed another identity so he could help others in need but not give away his true identity so he asked his mother to help him design a special costume as an effective disguise.

Martha sets to work in designing and making the costume.

Clark is then measured for the design and build of it.

Clark went through several designs to pick out the best.

Clark and Martha both agree that this is the right design.

Martha decides to use the House of El shield symbol they found in Clark's spaceship as the finishing touch.

Clark then removes his glasses to further effect.

Clark's identity as Superman begins.

Later on Clark gelled his hair to further complete his disguise and Martha redesigned the costume, changing the House of El shield and making it bigger on the chest and the back of the cape. The boots were also changed from laced to strong leather. Martha made several of them for Clark to keep in a hidden area at his apartment and later on in a secret compartment at his and Lois' house.

The original House of El shield that appeared on the first costume design

Close up of the redesigned House of El shield on the chest

Close up of the redesigned House of El shield on the back of the cape

Styles

The costume was redesigned during the show's run with three different styles:

The very first style of the costume that debuted in the pilot.

The second and original style through out the entire show's run. The House of El shield was redesigned and made bigger and Clark was now sporting a gelled hairstyle.

Another style appearing only twice on the show and in promotional material, which had a plunging neckline, a different shaped House of El shield and a redesign of the cape.

Others

When travelling to take his position as ruler of New Krypton, Clark was given a uniform composed of blue and black with the House of El shield decorated in the same way.

Clark's Kryptonian Uniform

Worn by other characters

Other characters have been shown wearing a version of Clark's Superman costume either in dreams, fantasies or just because they are fans:

Lois wearing the costume in Clark's nightmare

Jimmy, Perry and Cat wearing the costume in Clark's nightmare

Lex as his own variation of Superman in a Virtual Reality programme

Spencer Spencer's portrait of his head on Superman's body

Jesse in a play-suit version of the costume

Trivia

• According to the original comics and other related media, the House of El shield on the chest and back of the cape also represents the Kryptonian symbol for hope. Coincidentally Mr. Mxyzptlk makes a comment on how Superman is the symbol of hope.
• Clark wasn't sure about the cape at first, but Martha assured him that it would look great when he flew.
• Martha also helped design Lois' costume when she temporarily had Superman's powers and took on the identity of Ultra Woman.
• In an alternate universe, Lois designed it's Clark Kent's costume as Clark's parents had died when he was just a child.