Who doesn't love walking into a fight with the coolest and most stylish armor there? Talk about a confidence booster. But sometimes, armor that focuses on style isn't always the most practical. Style over function is a very true issue in the fashion world and many anime characters, heroes and villains alike, have to deal with this frustrating conundrum.
From being too clunky or not actually protecting the wearer, it's a significant tradeoff. There's also armor that doesn't seem to be worth the trouble wearing. It's almost as if it's a fashion piece instead of a form of protection.
10 A Bear Suit As Armor (Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear)
Yuna, in Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, wears a bear suit as armor. Yes, a full-body bear suit that looks like a onesie you would sleep in. When drawn into her video game, this suit gives her special power.
Imagine walking into a fight dressed like a bear. In terms of practicality, it's going to get her some looks and stares. But Yuna's suit does give her additional strength and powers that help her.
9 Fighting Demons with A Few Pieces Of Armor (Inuyasha)
Sango, from Inuyasha, has a very stylish combat suit. As the strongest demon slayer from her village, does she even need armor to fight? While it would be beneficial, her armor doesn't have much in terms of protection.
Sango's armor is a black bodysuit with a few pieces of armor plates. These plates help, but it doesn't seem like it would be enough to keep her safe fighting with demons of all calibers. It's a good thing she's skilled with her Hiraikotsu.
8 Barely There Armor (Kill la Kill)
Senketsu from Kill la Kill is an interesting form of armor. Style-wise, he has the everyday mode of looking like a flashy school uniform and transforming into a battle suit when needed.
In battle mode, there's a lack of armor physically on the body. And to fight, he needs to consume blood from the wearer. The blood draw can cause all sorts of issues, like the wearer using too much when fighting or Senketsu losing control from intaking too much blood.
7 How To Protect Yourself In A Dungeon (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon)
Ais Wallenstein is a strong fighter. And it's a good thing, too, because her armor is more stylish than practical. Ais's combat outfit consists of a short white dress with a cut-off breastplate and a few pieces of arm gear.
Though she does wear a metal headband, it's still not protecting that much. Ais's armor is stylish, but when fighting in a dungeon, there are definitely better armor pieces out there to defend yourself with.
6 Customize Your Avatar With A Few Pieces Of Armor (Sword Art Online)
When fighting for your like, one would usually try to have a little extra protection. But for Kirito in Sword Art Online, the only pieces of armor he has are shin guards and a small plate over his left chest.
Besides that, his outfit is definitely created for more of a style approach. Consisting of all black, he gains a reputation and is known as the Black Swordsman.
5 Golden Armor For A Golden Hero (She-Ra and the Princess of Power)
In She-Ra and the Princess of Power, Adora transforms into She-Ra, along with apparel. She gains golden armor on a white dress and boots. This armor is stylish, easy to maneuver, and visually stunning.
In practicality, it doesn't protect her much when fighting. She's still very vulnerable and has many openings for someone to attack. Even powerful fighters need a little extra protection just to keep themselves safe, but She-Ra's armor doesn't cover that.
4 A Leader Wears Little To No Armor (The Seven Deadly Sins)
As the leader of the ten commandments in The Seven Deadly Sins, Meliodas had a stylish outfit but little to no armor. He wore a white tunic with white pants under and boots made of armor covering up to his knees. But that's it.
Though he does look cool with this outfit, there's no real defense here for when in battle. And though he doesn't really need any defense because of his powers, it would still be reassuring to have more than just a pair of armored boots.
3 Strong People Need Armor Too (Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic)
In Magi- The Labyrinth of Magic, Masrur is a tough-looking character. And with golden armor, it only adds to the aesthetic. But what exactly does his armor do?
He has a full chest plate, a single shoulder plate, and a front hanging plate. In terms of practical protection, his armor doesn't quite do the job.
2 Stylish Hero Suits With Little Protection (My Hero Academia)
Kirishima in My Hero Academia is one character who doesn't seem to really need armor since he can become the armor himself. But his hero suit does contain enough to be noticeable and to give off a tough style.
With armored jaw protection and red gears as shoulder pads, it's a unique look. Kirishima's armor physically may not be much, but his hardening quirk is enough for most fights.
1 Top Armor Seems To Be A Trend (Re:Zero)
In Re:Zero, Crusch Karsten is another character with top armor and little to no bottom protection. Compared to those she fights alongside, she does seem the most prepared for battle. But her armor isn't much.
Though she is covered from one hand to the other and has armored boots, it's a stylistic choice. With a long red cape and her work uniform still underneath, a feeling of power comes from this outfit.