A LACK OF UNIFORMITY

 

There are many people in fandom who own a Star Trek costume, and they have, no doubt, long since discovered some of the more impractical aspects of these clothes. Things like the lack of pockets for one, the different types of material used (most being quite unsuitable in a colder environment) for another, and more specifically the style and fit, which can either be complementary or embarrassing to one's physique.

In this three part article, we shall delve a little deeper and take a look at how the Star Trek uniform compares to those used today. After all. Is it the kind of thing people will actually wear three hundred years from now?

 

CLASSIC TREK

 

The Classic Trek uniform, now over 25 years old, isn't as dated as you would first think. The. basic design of being in two parts (tunic and trousers for the male) is a very practical and logical one, enabling him to change into and out of it without hindrance, also allowing him to toilet without the need of having to undress completely. This might not sound like, any big revelation, but you would be surprised how many other Sci-Fi costumes do not take these simple factors into consideration.

 

The female skirt uniform though, is another matter. I imagine there are many women who find this piece of clothing rather sexist and would refuse to wear something so skimpy. If a woman has a. complex about the look of her legs, then this could make her feel very uncomfortable, which would not help with her morale. (ironically in the films, the skirt length actually increased) Since many women in the military services today have the option of wearing either a skirt or trousers, this choice should also apply to the Starfleet uniform. It is unclear why it was made so short in the first place. Maybe it reflected the female mini-skirt dress sense of the 1960's? One thing is for sure, however, you won't find any woman in the services today wearing something so 'revealing'. It maybe a sexist comment to add that it would be a distraction to the men, the trouble is though, it would.

 

The use of alternate colours for the different departments of the Starfleet uniform is a good one, as is the variation of the chest insignia. It provides some variety to the uniform, even if it does make them look 'pretty', something modern day military organisations do not concern themselves with. Also, having the stripes of an officer displayed on the lower sleeves is unwise, distinguishing someone's rank could be difficult if their arms are moving about (it is interesting to note though, that the Classic Trek uniform is the only one with the rank worn in this position). However, the contrast of their striking gold colour, sort of makes up for this problem.

 

One thing that does cause some concern, is the type of material the uniform is made of. Although the temperatures on a starship are no doubt very comfortable, the surface of many planets are not. The cloth used in these garments would offer no protection to the individual at all (funny enough though, nearly all the planets visited in the show always seemed to be places with very moderate climates}. Maybe that was deliberate on the part of the writers, to save money in the costuming department budget by not having to design and make some sort of special landing party gear. It is something that should have been looked into though, if only to prove that they were aware of the potential hazards of beaming people down to remote planets without any protective clothing.

 

One thing worth mentioning, is the absence of a gun holster. In Star Trek, phasors simply 'stick' to the uniforms (yet careful viewing will show that communicators are attached to a brown belt hidden under the tunic, which seems to be only carried on the landing parties). The concept of a gun just attaching itself to something is a dicey one. It would be subject to easy theft, being accidentally knocked off or discharging without being drawn. All of these views would suggest that a holster to be the logical solution. Clearly the costume designers tried to make the uniform look futuristic by omitting any need for a holster. The sticking gun is cute, but is not a good idea, and certainly not very safe.

 

There is one important element of the Starfleet uniform that does not get looked at properly, and that is the dress uniform. For hundreds of years, this particular item of clothing has always had the most splendorabout it. Its very title suggesting a particular air of prestige surrounds it. Traditionally, these uniforms have been adorned with brass buttons, sashes or lanyards, various decorations the wearer would have accumulated over his career, and often complemented with a sword. Symbolizing the pride the officer has for his service and country. Star Trek dress uniforms, as seen in a couple of episodes are abysmal. They lack any feeling of prestige and honour. Surely someone with the career history of Captain Kirk, would deserve something more magnificent. Right through Star Trek's history, has this lack of sensitivity been apparent. I for one, do not believe that all the values associated with these uniforms will change in the future. Admittedly though, the Classic series dress uniforms did at least have some sparkle in them by the choice of cloth used, but all of the Glamour and detailing was noticeably absent. Which I feel was bad judgment on the part of the creators. Perhaps, as suggested earlier, the budget of the show did not allow the making of such a garment. Which was a real shame, if that being the case.

 

As Science Fiction TV shows go, the Star Trek Classic uniform is neither the best or worst of what's around. It is practical and well thought out, yet could've done with some extra work making it more interesting to look at. As a garment to be worn on comfortable federation starships though, it serves its purpose well and should not be looked upon as being completely outdated.

 

D. Maxwell

 

 

 

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