The Cape

Batman's cape was also developed by the Applied Science Division of Wayne Enterprises. Based on a nylon derivative, the special memory fiber, can billow and flow like any fabric -- but when an electric charge is applied to the fiber, it becomes stiff and takes on a distinctive shape. For instance, Batman's cape has been sculpted into a kind of glider than can slow his falls or even allow for short flights.

Courtesy Warner Bros.; Photo: David James

Courtesy Warner Bros.; Photo: David James The memory fiber that makes up Batman's cape allows for short, glider-like flight.

"Batman Begins" Production Notes The real costuming challenge was creating a Batman cape with the right look and movement on screen. To accomplish this, the crew got help from the British Ministry of Defense. Ministry technicians taught the crew a technique that is used on police gear to lower night-vision detection, called electrostatic flocking. The crew brushed nylon parachute fabric with glue and dropped a very fine, hair-like material onto it. Then an electrostatic charge was run under the fabric. This process gave the cape a seamless look and a distinctive, velvety sheen. The idea was to make the cape in the film look more like what we've seen in the comic book.