Alright, so I wasn't entirely sure about what kind of costume I will want, as I am currently on the go with moving and other things I won't start patrolling until I am more comfortable with my new destination, so I have some time to come up with a costume. Here is a rough draft of an idea of mine. Feel free to pick it apart, and also assist me come up with what I can use to make it.

Sorry, this is it

http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/15/28/55/09/hm3-be11.jpg

There is supposed to be a belt that you can't see, which would hold my supplies; although, I am unsure how much I can fit into a utility belt...

....Quick advice, loose the hood, remove the skirt, and change the cloths to actual arm guards.

So basically all black? I mean its good advice though. Not a big fan of skirts. Hoods are ok, and in some places they are useful, especially if you are somewhere that gets a lot of rain or snow.

Just an idea...

Hoods can be a good thing. I use a hood from time to time to hide the fact I'm wearing a mask or goggles and it helps to obscure the face when your patrolling and want to keep a low profile.

As for the kilt, sorry, can't call it a skirt when a guy wears it, I say lose it. You'll find that it will get more in the way then anything. Take it from someone who has tried the skirt thing, it does not work unless it's a short thing like Supergirl wears. You being a guy, I don't think that would work.

Fair enough, it does rain a lot where I'm going, and I'm thinking I can either just not have the hood on if I don't need it, or I could have an outfit without the hood. Yeah, I wasn't too sure about the kilt/skirt either. Alright, any other comments, or how about what this should be made of? Also, should I wear my protection underneath or over the clothing?

I'm the kind for hiding the protection underneath if you are able to. It's been pointed out before that wearing it over will just tell the bad guy to shoot or stab you in a place that is not protected.

As for making this. I would go with something that is pretty resilient but flexible. Not really sure what to suggest. Myself I have a new suit in the works that is made of leather but that is me. Maybe going that route, but it gets really got so you know.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

Do you guys get tailors or something like that or just put it together yourselves?

I try to make or mod all my own stuff but Jack of hero-gear.org does fantastic work. Just. Ask RazorHawk he can tell you Jack does great work.

Okay, so here is an update, ditched the kilt/skirt, but I like the hood and think I can just pull it down when I don't need it/it gets in the way. I don't know how to make designs with hero machine 3 alpha, but I'm not sure what I would do anyways

http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/15/28/55/09/hm3-be12.jpg

If you're set on the hood, I'd at least suggest one that isn't so loose.

You're going for a pretty simple look when you think about it. I wouldn't get too complicated with tailoring and such. You could easy create a base outfit of all black with some gloves, a form-fitting shirt (like Under Armor, a long underwear top, a wetsuit top [although Neoprene starts to chafe after a while]), and a lightweight balaclava for your face (with a mask, tactical goggles, whatever). I would definitely go with black pants for the bottom, because the smuggling plum effect is pretty ridiculous in real life. There are a couple of places that would customize designs for you, but there's not much point to buying a solid color as a customized item.

Then you just have to accessorize and buy the accessories in whatever you want the second color to be. Gray? Or is this just a black and white picture? Anyway, pick up accessories in the color you want, bearing in mind you can paint some things if you need to.

Also for your hood idea you could just get a black hoodie. Another option is if you can find a black version of the old army field jacket, because there's a zipper in the collar that has a lightweight hood inside it.

I like Razorhawk's design a lot, the only problem with it being where would you put stuff? And I echo pretty much everything Sleepless said.

And finally I would consider adding in some color to your outfit. Black is kind of a cliche, I guess. I find myself using black as one of the base colors in the outfit I'm putting together (I kind of have this thing for black and red), but still...

I'd ditch the utility belt. I used to use one but switched to a ranger vest years ago.

Yeah, in regards to planning, I am thinking that I will use under armour for the top, I hadn't thought of a wetsuit top, I don't think I'd be too fond of that. For the hood/shoulder cover I can just sew some fabric to the shirt, and with the hood I was thinking of sewing the fabric around poster paper - or whatever it is they put in new dress shirts to give the collars their shape - to keep the hood somewhat open and doesn't flop around or get in my face, either that or just have a normal hood from a hoodie.

Indeed, grey is the colour I was going for, I'm not sure if I want real colour in my outfit. I'm a shadow, and although not literally of course, I believe I would like to keep that idea in mind while I design my costume.

A question though, what kind of pants should I have? Since under armour would be a little bit - restraining and less comfortable - should I just get some running pants? What would you suggest?

How about "Ultra Force Black Rip-Stop BDU Pants 5923"?

They have cargo pockets and if you're going with a tighter shirt, then fashion-wise (), looser fitting pants make sense.

Another option is "Kung Fu (Kungfu) Uniform 100% Cotton (Pants Only)"...

A higher end option is "Xelement Men's Tri-Tex™ Fabric and Leather Motorcycle Racing Pants with Level-3 Advanced Armor," which have pockets you can put knee and shin guards into.

You can find all of these on Amazon or equivalents at army surplus/sporting goods stores.

Thank you kindly for the prompt and informative response.

I know hoods are an attractive costume element, and are handy for those rainy patrol nights, but if you get in a fight, it's like having loooong hair or a cape. It can make you vulnerable. My two cents would be to make sure the hood you choose will break away when pulled, and be sure to test it before you patrol with it. Hoods also limit your field of vision, especially peripheral vision. Of course, the main thing is to be safe no matter what your costume choice is.

Well said, If I ever faced a confrontation I would definitely pull the hood down, and will be sure that it will be able to come off if necessary.