But look at the difference between Bucky’s Winter Soldier outfits!
With HYDRA, it was all about being restrained. The straps across his chest resembled a 1940s straightjacket. He had a muzzle to hide his expression and was weighed down with every type of weapon strapped to his body, a constant reminder of his purpose. A leather jacket isn’t very forgiving for movement (nor are kneepads), and the black cargo pants look standard, nothing special.
But on his own? The Winter Soldier outfit is less elaborate and very modest. Bucky’s wearing jeans: no knee pads, nothing that would hinder his movement. Gone is the straightjacket appearance, leaving him less restrained; Bucky’s replaced it with some sort of breathable material that’s easily layered and easily removed. No muzzle, no goggles, and he’s added a glove to his right hand for his personal protection. He’s limited his weapons to personal preference. He’s brushed the hair out of his face, and removed anything from around his neck.
Bucky’s no longer a weapon, meant to look threatening – he’s added comfort and personality to his appearance. The outfit is suited to his needs, not HYDRAs.
Tag: costume design
Captain America: The Winter Soldier Audio Commentary:
“We stripped a lot of the color out of this film and out of the Marvel Universe. And it is all a choice that is a set up leading to that exact moment. When he returns to the uniform, he returns to his principles. The stealth outfit, the design of SHIELD headquarters The Triskelion – the grey and beige and sort of neutral colors that exist throughout the movie, the cold blues – are all there to serve in contrast and to represent the institutional nature of the organization and of the world that Cap is living in. And when he makes this choice to don his uniform, it’s the one real piece of color in the movie.”



