Summary
According to a theory on Reddit, Superman wears his trunks on the outside because they are made of an indestructible fabric, unlike the rest of his suit.
The theory posits that the discrepancies in Superman's suit durability across different media versions can be attributed to the possibility that Martha Kent utilized a "super strong human fabric" for the majority of the suit. If validated, this theory could offer a pragmatic explanation for Superman's exterior trunks and could potentially rationalize their reintroduction in recent Superman comics. Additionally, it would introduce a distinctive element to the forthcoming Superman: Legacy movie.
A new theory has emerged explaining why Superman wears his trunks on the outside of his costume. Superman has been a beloved superhero for many years, garnering a large fanbase worldwide. However, discussions and debates arise over various aspects of his character, including his costume and the placement of his trunks. These debates have even influenced the design of James Gunn's Superman: Legacy costume. Reddit user Jetsam5 has put forth a clever theory that delves into the origins of Superman's costume, which is often made by Martha Kent, and the circumstances surrounding Kal-El's arrival on Earth.
Superman's Trunks Actually Make Sense After New DC Theory
: JetSam5 posits that in order for the fabric in which Martha and Jonathan discovered him wrapped to be cut through, it would have had to possess remarkable size and consist of three distinct colors. Contrary to the notion that the entire suit was fashioned from this fabric, they surmise that its size was small enough to create only the trunks, thus accounting for their indestructible nature. Jetsam5 further speculates that Martha might have affixed the fabric by either gluing it together or weaving it onto the suit, using "super strong human fabric" for the majority of the ensemble, with the trunks serving as the sole indestructible component.
While not officially recognized, this theory provides a plausible explanation for the durability of Superman's suit in both the comic books and various media adaptations. Jetsam5 raised an interesting point, suggesting that Clark might have acquired the knowledge to create more resilient Kryptonian fabric, particularly following The Death of Superman. This would account for why the rest of his costume is significantly harder to tear, especially in more recent interpretations. Depending on the version one is consuming, there have been instances where Superman's attire is easily destroyed, while in other incarnations, it remains virtually unscathed. This theory serves to further elucidate this inconsistency.
If this is indeed the reasoning behind DC's decision, it would provide further justification for those who support the idea of Superman wearing trunks on the outside, as it would then become a more practical choice. If the trunks serve a purpose, it would explain why recent Superman comics have brought back this look. However, whether or not this theory is true remains uncertain until DC creatives have the opportunity to examine it themselves.
For Superman: Legacy, it would be interesting if Gunn's DC Universe explores this concept, adding a unique aspect that previous live-action projects may not have focused on. It is unclear whether David Corenswet's Superman will actually wear the trunks, as DC Studios co-CEO Gunn has been vague when responding to questions about the suit. Nevertheless, this in-depth Superman theory certainly offers a new perspective on the trunks.
Source: Reddit
