Why Did Anakin’s, Luke’s & Now Rey’s Clothing Got Gradually Darker in Each of the Trilogies?

Star Wars is famous for its intricate attention to detail, which helps create an immersive world for fans. 

Subtle elements, like the dianoga in the Death Star’s trash compactor or the taxidermic wampa in The Empire Strikes Back, enhance the depth of the universe. 

This same level of detail is reflected in character wardrobes, especially for Anakin, Luke, and Rey. 

Their clothing darkens across the trilogies, symbolizing their internal battles with the Force. 

Let’s delve into how these changes mirror their journeys from light to dark and beyond.

Anakin Skywalker’s Descent into Darkness

When you look at Anakin’s clothing throughout the prequels, you can see his inner turmoil reflected in what he wears. 

In The Phantom Menace, he’s an innocent child in lighter colors, symbolizing his purity and hope for the future. 

By Attack of the Clones, his tunic gets darker, showing his growing frustration with the Jedi Order and the tragic losses he faces. 

In Revenge of the Sith, his transformation is complete. His dark brown robes signify his full descent into darkness. 

When he finally dons the black armor of Darth Vader, it marks his total submission to the dark side. 

Anakin’s journey into darker attire foreshadows his tragic fate, showing how his inner struggle manifests outwardly.

Luke Skywalker’s Temptation with the Dark Side

Similarly, Luke’s wardrobe changes across the original trilogy signal his growth and his own flirtation with the dark side.

In A New Hope, he starts with a white tunic, representing his innocence and newfound connection to the Force. 

In The Empire Strikes Back, his clothes darken to grey tones, reflecting the internal conflict he feels after discovering Darth Vader is his father. 

In Return of the Jedi, Luke wears all black, mirroring his fear of becoming like Vader. 

His darker appearance symbolizes the risk of falling into the dark side, especially during his emotional confrontation with the Emperor. 

However, in a key moment, the flap of his tunic opens, revealing a white interior underneath, signifying his ultimate rejection of the dark side and his choice to embrace the light.

Rey’s Struggle with Identity and Darkness

The last Skywalker, Rey, also experiences a journey reflected in her clothing, symbolizing her internal battle with darkness. 

In The Force Awakens, Rey’s light-colored robes reflect her innocence and hope as she searches for her identity. 

Her attire begins to darken in The Last Jedi, where her struggles with her place in the galaxy and her temptations toward the dark side—especially during her interactions with Kylo Ren—are mirrored in her costume. 

In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey’s robes take on a darker shade as she grapples with her lineage as Emperor Palpatine’s granddaughter and the pull toward the dark side. 

Her darker clothing reflects her uncertainty and the burden of her identity. 

But like Luke, Rey ultimately chooses the light, casting aside the shadow of her lineage to embrace her destiny as a Jedi.

The Symbolism of Darker Attire in the Skywalker Saga

Throughout the Star Wars saga, have you noticed how only the Skywalkers seem to have this dramatic change in their clothing? 

The darkening of Anakin, Luke, and Rey’s attire isn’t just a shift in fashion—it’s a visual metaphor for their inner struggles with the Force. 

As their clothing grows darker, so do their temptations, fears, and uncertainties. 

These wardrobe changes serve as a powerful tool for illustrating their personal journeys, showing how each character navigates the delicate balance between light and dark.