Growing up in the 80s I didn't think too much of Cap's costume either. I'm sure in the early 40's & then with the character's revival in the 1960s by Stan Lee that costume really popped out at a kid buying it from the newstand or 7-11, but for my era I wasn't impressed. I always thought that the look was not practical. Then I got back into comics in '08 thanks to you guys here. It's amazing how a few tweaks can update something & give it a bit of much needed verisimilitude. Artist, Steve Epting (As you'll find out if you d/l that shit above) made Cap's look more utilitarian & believable & less blue tights & buccaneer boots. He gave the super soldier an combat field belt, made the chainmail armor around the torso & shoulders actually look real & made the pants look like pants (albeit blue ones) & less like tights with blue underwear on the outside.
Even after Bucky took the mantle for about 2 years, his version was still practical looking with the bulletproof teflon, black camo pants & gun & knife holsters. Shit is mad real.
1941 Debut

1963 Revival


2005-present


Bucky as Cap

