I would definitely play around with the airbrush on some old shirts or cardboard. Experiment with the different settings for the nozzle and distances from what you're painting. When it comes to paint, it's always easier to spray more onto something than it is to take it off. You probably know this, and there are more experienced painters out there than me, but remember several light coats is better than one thick coat.
As far as wear, you may want to put the suit on, notice where the high spots are when you bend and move and then lighten them with either paint or sandpaper. What I have used as a highlight color for black is charcoal gray or light gray. Be patient, persistent and please post pix.
