Review: The Dark Knight Rises Catwoman Costume

September is here, girls and boys, and we all know what that means – we’re going back to Hogwarts! Incidentally, it also means that it’s now socially acceptable to begin discussing Halloween costumes.Thank goodness, because some of us have been pondering what to wear on the big day since June. Unlimited options – only one weekend in which to wear them all.

Luckily I got some help from our friends over at the Costume SuperCenter, gave me this awesome costume to review. (You see that, FTC? Regulations met. Don’t sue me.)

The Dark Knight Rises inspired costume by Secret Wishes is modeled after the costume worn by Anne Hathaway in the aforementioned film. It comes with a bodysuit that includes attached boot covers, a belt, gloves, eye mask and headpiece. Here’s the low-down on each costume piece…

1. The Bodysuit

Usually, being a petite sort of girl, I have a hard time finding costumes that fit, even in size extra small. The bodysuit actually fits okay.  It’s a little big in the waist for me but fit my hips and booty just fine. My biggest fit problem was in the legs, but let’s face it – I have the calves of a chicken.

Most importantly for a night of Halloween fun, the bodysuit is darn comfortable. The material is lightweight and breathes well, which means you can dance the night away without feeling like you’re roasting alive. You will probably need to wear something underneath it, though, or you’ll have a serious panty outline.

Pros: Lightweight, easy to move in, comfortable.

Cons: A bit sheer, won’t accommodate all body types.

2. The Belt

The belt is made of padded sateen fabric and a light, flexible polyurethane. Because it’s made of PU, it has that plastic-y smell. The pouches on it aren’t real, of course, but it looks  pretty good from a distance. I’d like it a lot more if it was adjustable. The belt is meant to be worn lower on the hips, and it doesn’t quite fit around mine where I’d like it to sit (not without some serious sucking it in, at least). Not a bad piece for generic costume gear, though.

Pros: Looks good with the costume.

Cons: One size fits all as long as you have the hips of a twelve-year-old boy.

3. The Gloves

These gloves. I do not understand these gloves. My biggest complaint with this costume is definitely the gloves. There are several issues with them.

Firstly, they are too short. They should be over the elbow yet barely manage to reach mine, leaving a definite gap between the end of the bodysuit and the beginning of the glove. They’re also incredibly loose, so instead of the smooth, sleek look of Catwoman, you get a bunched up mess.

Lastly, I’m not sure whose hand they used for these, but that person must have a very bulbous middle finger. 3/5 fingers had a snug fit for me but for some reason there was a huge excess amount of material on the middle finger. I cannot find a logical explanation for this. I will be purchasing another pair of gloves to wear with this costume.

Pros:  Nope.

Cons: Everything.

4. Eye Mask

The eye mask is made of the same PU material used for the belt. I’m starting to get while polyurethane is called PU – it stinks like heck. Luckily the smell has begun to wear off mine after about a week of the costume being open. The shape and detail work on the mask is pretty nice, but it will work better on some face shapes than others. This mask is definitely friendlier towards smaller noses. The eye holes weren’t perfect either, but it won’t be hard for me to go back and widen them a bit using an Xacto knife. Overall, a good costume piece and probably my favorite to run around in.

Pros: Nice detailing, easy to wear.

Cons: Can get a little sweaty, that PU smell tho.

5. The Headpiece

The headpiece is just that – a headpiece. It’s a plastic headband with some faux goggles attached so that it creates a cat ear shape. No, these goggles don’t more, unfortunately. Even though they are made with the proper joints, the faux goggles are attached in the center. It would be wise to not attempt to make the goggles move, or else you might inadvertently snap the piece and have to hastily glue it back together so that you can take a picture. No, I am not speaking from experience – why ever would you think that?

Pros: Easy to wear.

Cons: Doesn’t move, flimsy.

Overall…

This is a decent costume for the price point. While it’s not theatrical quality, it gives you a foundation to work with if you’re looking to portray your favorite feline femme fatale this Halloween. It will require some alterations in order to get the super-sleek look of Catwoman (not to mention a whole new pair of gloves). If want to channel your inner Anne Hathaway without breaking the bank, this is a good option for you.

Like this costume? Purchase it from Costume SuperCenter here. Or check out their other superhero and comic costumes here.