Melissa Benoist swaps mini-skirt for trousers in new series of 'Supergirl'

Supergirl has swapped her mini-skirt for some practical pants in the latest series of the hit television show.

Kara Danvers - aka the Girl of Steel - has traditionally sported a skimpy red skirt with her trademark thigh high boots, gold belt and cape.

But images from the upcoming fifth series of The CW’s Supergirl show that she has traded it in for something rather more fitting of a superhero.

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Supergirl’s top is much the same, deep blue with her eye-catching logo on the front. And her belt, cape and boots are still present.

But she now wears fitted blue trousers that should make those leaps and high-kicks a little easier.

Melissa Benoist, who plays the character, recently revealed that a wardrobe update had been on the cards for some time.

She told Entertainment Weekly: “We’ve been talking about pants since season one.

“Every time a writer from the show has come up, and it’s freezing cold in Vancouver, I’m like, ‘Guys, please can I not wear tights?’

“I love [Kara’s old costume]. I haven’t changed it because it so works, and I think it is very Kara. I’ve always felt that - until recently, I’m like, ‘Something’s gotta give’.”

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Jessica Queller, who is one of the showrunners, said many people were “passionate” about getting rid of the short skirt and that changing the superhero’s outfit was a “powerful move” for the programme.

Supergirl started in 2015 and has aired for four seasons, with the fifth set to be unveiled later this year.

Benoist will make her directorial debut in the new series, stepping behind the camera in episode 17.

The actress told Entertainment Weekly she had “felt really drawn” to directing for some time.