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Wardrobe Secrets From Behind The Scenes Of 'Star Trek'

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Wardrobe Secrets From Behind The Scenes Of 'Star Trek'

Hannah Collins

From the unfortunate "Red Shirts" to the revealing unitard of  Deanna Troi , Star Trek 's   uniforms are arguably the most recognizable outfits in science fiction. They're an essential element of both Starfleet and the franchise as a whole, and behind every interesting costume is an even more fascinating backstory. 

Throughout the history of  Star Trek , the wardrobe department was often asked to boldly go where no wardrobe department had ever gone before. As in the Star Trek  props department, innovation was routinely in demand. For example, the skintight catsuit that Seven of Nine wears in  Voyager  may appear to be a simple, stretchy fabric that Jeri Ryan slid into with ease, but it was actually a complex construction hiding beneath its Borg design features. It was also - like many Starfleet outfits - remarkably unpleasant to wear.

Wardrobe-related discomfort has plagued cast members of multiple Star Trek  shows for years. From the bizarre to the painful to the downright gross, here are some Star Trek wardrobe secrets you probably never knew.

The Original Uniforms In 'TNG' Stank

The Original Uniforms In 'TNG' Stank

Spandex, the preferred material for all Golden Age superhero costumes, was also the fabric of the future for the  Star Trek  universe. Creator Gene Roddenberry was completely sold on it. However, according to costume designer Robert Blackman, the material had some pretty icky side effects:

Spandex retains odor, so there is a certain part where if you’re wearing them for a long period of time, you can’t really clean all the smell out, and it becomes a little bit annoying. And it also retains the odor of the dry cleaning fluid. It is, on a day-to-day basis, unpleasant.

Some Men Wore Skirts In 'TNG' To Reflect Gender Equality

Some Men Wore Skirts In 'TNG' To Reflect Gender Equality

Eagle-eyed fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation  may have spotted male crew members strolling around the ship waering miniskirts early in the show's run. Considering that female crew members, like Natasha Yar, were often seen sporting trousers, fan theories speculated that Starfleet uniforms were all unisex, with the choice of skirt or pants coming down to personal preference.

This theory was confirmed  in The Art of Star Trek   by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens . The skirt/pants combo was dubbed a "skant" and considered "a logical development, given the total equality of the sexes presumed to exist in the 24th century," the book states.

The 'TNG' Uniforms Nearly Caused Permanent Damage To The Cast

The 'TNG' Uniforms Nearly Caused Permanent Damage To The Cast

To an observer, spandex may seem like the world's easiest garment to wear. Super stretchy, light, and form-fitting, it looks like it should be comfortable. But looks can be deceiving, according to designer  Robert Blackman :

Jumbo, or Super Spandex, whatever you want to call that heavier weight stretch, will stretch from side to side or top to bottom, depending on how you cut the garment. So the costume would dig into the actors’ shoulders, wearing them 12 or 15 hours a day.

Blackman explained that pressure from the spandex led to back problems among the cast. Patrick Stewart, who starred as Captain Jean-Luc Picard,  was told by his chiropractor  that he should sue Paramount for the "lasting damage done to [his] spine."

Star Trek Is Brimming With Fake Busts

Star Trek Is Brimming With Fake Busts

Possibly one of the biggest wardrobe secrets in Star Trek  is that most of its space women have artificially augmented chests. Not in the surgically enhanced way, but rather in the padded bra kind of way. The built-in support for female crew members runs through most of the TV franchise, from  T he   Original Series to  Enterprise .

Nicknamed the "Industrial Strength Starfleet Brassiere," it was praised  by cast members like Marina Sirtis, who played Deanna Troi. "I used to take it off at night and go, 'Oh blimey, where did they go?'" she told fans in 2010. However, others allegedly rejected the extra padding. Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager , is rumored to have thrown hers on a producer's desk and refused to wear it.  

Jeri Ryan's Full Borg Costume Made Her Pass Out

Jeri Ryan's Full Borg Costume Made Her Pass Out

In her first appearance on Voyager,  Seven of Nine was outfitted in a full Borg drone costume. This proved incredibly dangerous for actor Jeri Ryan. 

Unfortunately, the designers failed to consider the practicalities of actually wearing the complicated suit. The collar pressed repeatedly into Ryan's carotid artery and the reduced blood flow to her brain caused her to become lightheaded.

Things only improved slightly for Ryan after she was de-Borged. Her famous silver catsuit was so tight, the actor  once joked , "If I got goosebumps, you could see them." 

Patrick Stewart Had A Special Move To Deal With Embarrassing Ride-Ups

Patrick Stewart Had A Special Move To Deal With Embarrassing Ride-Ups

The spandex uniforms on  The Next Generation  were stinky, sweaty, painfully uncomfortable, and judging by Patrick Stewart's infamous compulsion for tugging on his costume, they rode up into some awkward places. In order to prevent this, the Enterprise 's Captain Jean-Luc Picard was continually caught on camera trying to pull the material down.

The gesture is affectionately known to fans as the " Picard Maneuver ." Though it's really just a wardrobe malfunction, it became an accepted quirk of his character.

Marina Sirtis Thinks Her Cleavage Changed Her Character (For The Worse)

Marina Sirtis Thinks Her Cleavage Changed Her Character (For The Worse)

Next Generation  fans will be familiar with Deanna Troi's collection of multicolored unitards that she wears throughout the show's early seasons. During an appearance at DragonCon in 2010, Marina Sirtis said she felt the lowered neckline of the garment  affected her character's intelligence :

There are certain rules in Hollywood. One of the rules is... if the chick has cleavage, she cannot have a brain. So, [after wearing a standard uniform in the pilot] I got cleavage, and all my gray matter departed. Which was sad, because originally - I know this is gonna shock you - Troi was supposed to be the brains of the Enterprise .

This all changed in the episode "Chain of Command," in which the strict Captain Jellico takes control of the Enterprise and wages an offensive on Deanna's cleavage. He unsubtly declares, "I'm used to a certain formality on the bridge." To Sirtis's delight, producer Ronald D. Moore had her  switch to the standard Starfleet uniform  in place of the offending unitard. It was a change that stuck. As Sirtis explained:

I was thrilled to finally be in a spacesuit. First of all, my pips [were visible] - 'cause I had a rank, you know. [...] Suddenly, I was smart again. My cleavage had gone. My gray matter came flooding back.

The 'TNG' Uniforms Were Deliberately Too Small

The 'TNG' Uniforms Were Deliberately Too Small

To fulfill Gene Roddenberry's wish to have the uniforms of  The Next Generation  be as figure-hugging as possible, designer Robert Blackman deliberately made each costume  two sizes too small  for the wearer. This had the added effect of putting the cast in a constant state of paranoia about any perceived bodily imperfections. "Spandex is unforgiving," Blackman admitted. "So if you have any sorts of body issues, they are there."

"We hated our space suits," LeVar Burton told Entertainment Weekly . "As much as they call it a stretch fabric, spandex in that configuration doesn't give all that much. It hid nothing."

Some Of The 'TNG' Uniforms Were Impossible To Move In

Some Of The 'TNG' Uniforms Were Impossible To Move In

Following all the smelly and painful problems associated with spandex, designer Robert Blackman decided to try wool in the third season of  The Next Generation . There was still one major drawback, though: wool is stubbornly inflexible.

"If you watch the first six or seven episodes [of Season 3], you'll see the actors look like they're in spandex outfits but they're made of wool and the actors can't move," Blackman recalled . "They can't raise their arms, they can't do anything." He soon got around the problem by redesigning the uniform as a two-piece.

Jeri Ryan's Costume Stopped Her From Bending Or Using The Bathroom

Jeri Ryan's Costume Stopped Her From Bending Or Using The Bathroom

In Voyager , the "ribs" protruding from Jeri Ryan's costume were explained as  mechanical implants, remnants from Seven of Nine's time with the Borg collective. In reality, they were intended to strategically hide the corset hidden within the catsuit.

But those ribs came at a major cost to Ryan's comfort. She couldn't easily bend over or sit down and required assistance to take the whole thing off when she needed a toilet break. "If I had to go to the bathroom, it was a 20-minute production shutdown," Ryan said in a 2012 interview . Later in the series, Ryan was outfitted in a brown version of the costume made from thicker fabric, which eliminated the need for the corset and all the awkwardness that came with it.

T'Pol's Costume Might Have Been Made Sexier To Save 'Enterprise'

T'Pol's Costume Might Have Been Made Sexier To Save 'Enterprise'

Facing the threat of cancellation, Enterprise  producers knew changes had to be made to pull in a bigger audience. It was during this time that - suspiciously - T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) saw a number of drastic changes to her wardrobe. Though co-creator Brannon Braga insists the main reason for sexing up T'Pol's look was " a creative one " related to changes in the character's life, costume designer Robert Blackman thinks differently .

"The ratings dropped, that's the frank, real answer," he shared in 2003. "If you want the show to run seven years, you have to think about demographics." According to Blackman, the show needed to cater to a younger male demographic. Season 3 also happened to feature T'Pol's first-ever scenes  sans clothes, in the episodes "Impulse" and "Harbinger."

The Cast Of The First 'Star Trek' Movie Hated The New Uniforms So Much They Refused To Wear Them Again

The Cast Of The First 'Star Trek' Movie Hated The New Uniforms So Much They Refused To Wear Them Again

  • Paramount Pictures

The established color-coded shirts from The   Original Series  were replaced by a wardrobe of drab and unflattering Starfleet uniforms in  Star Trek: The Motion Picture . Unfortunately, this naturalistic approach proved to be an unnatural eyesore, as crew members' ranks were no longer as quick to read as they were originally designed to be.

Additionally, because the costumes' trousers were attached to the shoes, the outfits were also  ludicrously impractical . Actors required assistance whenever they needed a bathroom break, and the cast hated them. Their complaints ensured the unappealing costumes never again graced any Starfleet crewmembers... at least, not in the same boring colors.

The Uniforms In 'Wrath Of Khan' Were Secretly The Old Uniforms From The First Movie

The Uniforms In 'Wrath Of Khan' Were Secretly The Old Uniforms From The First Movie

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan  welcomed back the bright colors that had been purged from the first  Star Trek  movie. The brown and beige hues worn by Kirk and the crew in their initial voyage to the big screen were replaced with rich dark red military uniforms - a style inspired by Naval attire.

However, this color choice was more than just a creative one. Look closely and you'll see the new costumes are secretly the old beige ones from  The Motion Picture, just dyed red. That particular shade of burgundy was selected because it stuck to the fabric best.

Seven Of Nine's Costume Was An Engineering Marvel

Seven Of Nine's Costume Was An Engineering Marvel

Seven of Nine's impossibly tight catsuit in  Voyager  invites both fan adoration and objectification. The fabric was supposed to be as form-fitting as skin, but to avoid the fabric being stretched out from "high point to high point," as actor Jeri Ryan put it , costume designer Robert Blackman sculpted chest "mounds" for her specially designed corset.

In an interview with Huffington Post, Ryan praised the design as a "real feat of engineering," with the caveat that wearing the contraption was "an event.

The Starfleet Insignia Secretly Covers Every Inch Of The Uniforms In The 'Star Trek' Reboot

The Starfleet Insignia Secretly Covers Every Inch Of The Uniforms In The 'Star Trek' Reboot

The Starfleet uniforms of young Kirk, Spock, Uhura, and the rest of the crew in J.J. Abrams's cinematic prequel managed to maintain the most recognizable elements of the original costumes - the colors, style, and miniskirts - while adding in some modern updates.

One noticeable change is that all crew members wear sleek, black undershirts beneath their color-coded uniforms. A far less apparent difference is the Starfleet insignia actually covers the entire shirt in a repeated, embossed pattern. This close-up image  offers a clear look at the detail.

The Costume Designer For 'The Original Series' Had A Creative Solution To The Belly Button Ban

The Costume Designer For 'The Original Series' Had A Creative Solution To The Belly Button Ban

The Original Series  is infamous for its fabulous - and sometimes ridiculous - 1960s sci-fi space wear. Seductive alien women (whom Captain Kirk awkwardly hit on in the name of intergalactic peace-keeping) were dressed in some very fashion-forward ensembles that exposed parts of the female anatomy not normally associated with eroticism.

Network censorship inspired some of the wardrobe department's most creative decisions. Women's bellybuttons were considered deeply offensive to public sensibilities in the '60s, so NBC wouldn't allow any outfits that revealed them. To avoid the network's censorship rules, costume designer William Ware Theiss instead gave audiences a tantalizing glimpse of hips, upper arms, bare sides, and whatever else he could get away with .

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The 15 Greatest Outfits In Star Trek: The Next Generation

Whoopi Goldberg in

With its wildly imaginative stories and characters, the landmark sci-fi franchise "Star Trek" features quite a collection of iconic outfits. From the original series to "Discovery," it's nearly impossible for fans to choose which installment has the most fashionable content. Yet, with its '80s vibes and inventive aesthetic, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" could easily take that title. Featuring everything from crazy, colorful sweaters to full-on historical recreations for Holodeck adventures, this series has always been a magnificent display of stylish ensembles. But that begs the question, which of these examples of galactic attire in "TNG" is the best of the best?

Well, that's the puzzle that this eleganza-filled article is here to solve. Covering everything from Federation-approved ballgowns to the show's endless obsession with jumpsuits, this list has all of your "Star Trek: The Next Generation" fashion favorites covered. So make sure to brew a cup of Earl Grey (hot), and let's look back at the most fabulous outfits to grace the "catwalk" that is the USS Enterprise.

Dr. Crusher and Deanna Troi's gym attire

Crusher and Deanna from

In the episode "The Price" from Season 3 of "The Next Generation," the Enterprise crew welcomes a group of dignitaries who are hoping to work out a deal regarding a stable wormhole. During the negotiations, Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) meets a member of the visiting party, Devinoni Ral (Matt McCoy), another empath with whom Troi begins to have romantic feelings. Troi eventually finds herself asking Dr.  Beverly Crusher  (Gates McFadden) for relationship advice during their exercise routine. While the wisdom Crusher gives is quite memorable to "TNG" fans, the workout attire worn by the characters is even more so. 

With the third season debuting in 1989, it's no surprise that "The Next Generation" would feature the workout clothing trends of the decade. From legwarmers to pastel one-pieces, it's clear that Olivia Newton-John and Jane Fonda impacted these colorful wardrobe choices. Yet, what gives these outfits their iconic status is how bold and sparkly they are — a description that isn't often used when discussing Troi or Crusher's personalities or their typical attire. Plus, with the fan service-filled nature of the scene, it's no wonder that  trekkers still talk about these "fascinating" ensembles . 

The Edo mediators' triangle ensembles

The Edos from

In the Season 1 episode, "Justice," after a fantastic review from Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Dr. Crusher suggests that the crew visit the planet Rubicun III. During their stay, they encounter the Edo, a humanoid species whose members all happen to be beautiful. Yet, as the crew takes their shore leave, they realize that while the Edo have a friendly nature, they certainly aren't afraid to get intimate with just about anyone they come across — something that becomes obvious not only in the Edo's mannerisms but also in their attire.

Created by veteran "Star Trek" designer William Ware Theiss , the costumes worn by the Edo are the definition of revealing. From their pink cut-out dresses to their various jewelry pieces, there's no hiding the true feelings of these stunning individuals. Yet, the best Edo-related costumes are worn by the mediators. Why? Because they stand as a fantastic example of Theiss' signature fashion-forward style  while evoking the campy nature of the first season. Plus, who can resist a triangular romper? Clearly, not the Edo.

Deanna Troi's turquoise dress

Deanna Troi from

Deanna Troi was a female character who never get a fair shake. From her incredibly awkward original concept to her equally revealing wardrobe, she's an individual who never got the initial respect that she (and Marina Sirtis) so much deserved. However, one iconic dress, created by longtime  "TNG" designer Robert Blackman , struck the right balance of showing Troi's femininity while also proving her powerful presence aboard the Enterprise.

Featuring a lovely turquoise color and a memorable asymmetrical neckline, this ensemble always made Troi glow during some of her most memorable sequences. From her fierce empath-smack down with her ex-lover Devinoni Ral in "The Price" to her sassy exchange with Crusher at the salon in Season 4's "The Host," this entire outfit evokes the regal and commanding sides of Troi, proving that the famous Enterprise counselor doesn't need to be flashy to be confident and fabulous.

Natasha Yar's seductive dress

Natasha Yar from

In the third episode of Season 1, titled "The Naked Now," an illness spreads on the Enterprise and causes the crew to behave unusually. For example, the often reserved Lt. Natasha Yar (aka. Tasha, played by Denise Crosby) becomes a wild individual. Leading to one of the most memorable moments in the series , in which Yar seduces Data (Brent Spiner) by discussing his "functionality" and wearing one heck of a suggestive dress.

Designed by William Ware Theiss, this two-piece ensemble showcases Tasha's striking beauty in the most creative of ways. From the exposed midriff to the bold selection of jewel-tone colors, the entire costume does a fantastic job of showing the audience the inner confidence Tasha has always had. Plus, her fabulous yet straightforward hairstyle acts as a great finishing touch to the look, making it obvious why Data (despite his programming) would be drawn to the beautiful lieutenant.

Will and Kyle Riker's battle armor

Riker from

There's no denying that "Star Trek: The Next Generation" never shies away from discussing parental issues. Take for example Season 2's "The Icarus Factor," which focuses on Will Riker's daddy issues. In the episode, Riker (Jonathan Frakes) is forced to interact with his father, Kyle Riker (Mitchell Ryan), after being offered a new job. It becomes pretty clear there's a lot of bad blood between them, but how do they relieve that tension? With a "brutal" Holodeck battle, complete with costumes that look like the most fascinating of samurai-inspired cosplay, of course! 

From the bold colors to the ridiculous helmets that cover the actors' eyes, these now-beloved outfits (credited to Charmaine Nash Simmons and Janet Stout) evoke the campy vibes "Star Trek" fans adore. Plus, when blended with the even more over-the-top props, these shogun-meets-" Tron " costumes remain a sight to behold — especially when watching Jonathan Frakes and Mitchell Ryan battle in them. Overall, these pieces (and the entire sequence) are peak entertainment.

Sela's Romulan uniform

Commander Sela from

When it comes to memorable "TNG" outfits, few are quite as fascinating as the no-nonsense aesthetic of Cmdr. Sela in the episodes "Redemption II" and "Unification II" from Season 5. Sure, she wasn't the only character to rock this ever-changing Romulan garment , but Sela (also played by Denise Crosby) was one of the few characters who made the famous garb look fashion-forward.

Designed by Robert Blackman, this specific incarnation of the typical Romulan uniform definitely evokes the fading fashion trends of the late '80s. From the dominant shoulder pads to the multidimensional fabric choices, the entire piece screams "Working Girl" meets galactic empress. Yet, it's the unique take on Sela's traditional hairstyle (credited to stylists and designers Gus Le Pre and Susan Carol Schwary ) that nails Sela's half-human half-Romulan heritage stylishly. Ultimately, this ensemble symbolizes the character's brutal nature while showcasing her devotion to her Romulan side.

The Merry Men costumes

The Merry Men of the Enterprise from

Though the "Star Trek" franchise can get rather silly, "The Next Generation" was among the wackiest of all the installments. One storyline that goes above and beyond to prove this takes place during the Season 4 episode "Qpid." While attending a lecture hosted by Capt. Picard (Patrick Stewart), the Enterprise senior staff notices strange things happening around them. Suddenly, they realize that they've been magically cast in the roles of Robin Hood and his Merry Men by none other than the infamous trickster, Q (John de Lancie.) Of course, fashion hijinks ensue.

While many of the outfits before this have focused more on the traditional "Star Trek" aesthetics, these reinterpretations of the "Robin Hood" characters (by costume designer Robert Blackman ) are fascinating to behold. The majority of the outfits do a fantastic job of paying tribute to the pop culture Robin Hoods of the past while also putting a fun "Trek" spin on them. Sadly, Troi and Crusher get run-of-the-mill costumes that aren't as magnificent as those of their male counterparts. Pushing that flaw to the side, most of these Sherwood frocks are fashionable treasures from head to toe.

Troi and Riker's Menage a Troi outfits

Troi and Riker from

While many beautiful outfits have graced the corridors of the Enterprise, a few delicious ensembles are on this list simply because of how over-the-top they are. One such example (matching the above description perfectly) would be Troi and Riker's date outfits from "Menage a Troi." In the episode, Deanna and Will take a private stroll through the beautiful gardens of Troi's home planet, Betazed. As the two take in the stunning sights around them, they have quite the romantic embrace — one that is quickly ruined by Deanna's mother, Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett), who calls the couple over for an absurd picnic.

Credited to costumers Camille Argus, David Page, and cutter-fitter Renee Nault, these pieces seem like a sci-fi prom fantasy come true. From Troi's off-the-shoulder purple dress to Riker's electric blue v-neck top, everything about these outfits are equal parts romantic and ridiculous. Considering that the two are paired with Deanna's often outrageously dressed mother, it makes sense that their attire has to be just as flashy. Ultimately, these ensembles mirror the campy vibes of the episode while also paying tribute to the iconic couple wearing them in all of their lovely yet silly glory.

Data and Geordi's Sherlock Holmes-inspired attire

Data and Geordi from

While much of the "TNG" crew gets to wear some fabulous outfits, Data (Brent Spiner) and Lt. Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) aren't quite as lucky. Sure, they get their fashionable moments from time to time, but they aren't quite as frequent as  those of other "TNG" characters. Yet, when Data and Geordi get to look like true style icons, it is worth it. Case in point: the episode "Elementary, Dear Data" from Season 2 in which Data and Geordi get to make their Sherlock Holmes  dreams a Holodeck-style reality.

In the episode, Data and Geordi decide to play out a Sherlock Holmes-inspired quest that takes some very real twists and turns. Of course, they have to dress for their respective parts as the famous Baker Street detective and his loyal friend, Dr. Watson. With the help of costume designer Durinda Wood , both of these incredible characters look the part. From Data's fantastic hat to Geordi's stunning suit, everything fits the theme while also looking just the right amount of campy. Overall, it's a treat to see Spiner and Burton get to go on an adventure outside of their typical garb.

Lwaxana Troi's rainbow Manhunt dress

Lwaxana Troi from

Let's get one thing straight. Lwaxana Troi (played by the immortal  Majel Barrett-Roddenberry ) is the fashion MVP of many "Star Trek" series. From her appearances on "TNG" to her moments in "Deep Space 9," it's evident that this absolute icon knows her way around a dress, and she'll use it however she sees fit. Whether it's to win the heart of her latest suitor or to grill her daughter, Deanna, her greatest weapon is her ever-expressive wardrobe. And no episode quite proves that fact like Season 2's "Manhunt."

By the title, it's easy to guess that most of the episode focuses on Lwaxana's drive to get Picard as her new lover. While many of her over-the-top flirtatious actions make the episode a thrill, so do her outfits, including this spectacular rainbow dream of a dress. From the dramatic cold shoulder sleeves to the metallic texture of the fabric, this stunning gown (credited to designer Durinda Wood along with costumers Charmaine Nash Simmons and Janet Stout) evokes Lwaxana's bold personality and confidence in every detail. Plus, with her wild hair and quirky earrings, it seems impossible why anyone (even Picard) would turn down Lwaxana's charms.

Riker's Angel I outfit

Troi and Riker from

When it comes to Will Riker, many episodes have shown his willingness to achieve a goal, even if it means wearing ridiculous clothes. One such example occurs in "Angel One" in which we see Riker's extroverted tendencies on full display. During the episode, Riker and an away team beam down to the planet Angel I, which is ruled by Amazonian-like women who dominate their male counterparts. As they spend time with the locals, Riker eventually is courted by the planet's elected official, Mistress Beata, which leads him to rock the traditional Angel I male attire.

Credited to costume supervisor Elaine Scheideman and key costumer Philip Signorelli, this attire is as flashy as the episode it's featured in. From the colorful fabric to the odd assortment of straps on the pants, it's an outfit that blends the best of past "Star Trek" looks with the aesthetics of an '80s music video pop star. This episode proves Riker's go-getting attitude and willingness to wear just about anything — even if that means causing Tasha and Troi to laugh up a storm.

Picard's Dixon Hill attire

Picard in

When it comes to dashing "TNG" characters, none of them are quite as memorable as Picard as the fictional detective, Dixon Hill. In various Holodeck-focused episodes, Picard (along with other crew members) visits the world of his childhood hero and lives out many of his adventures. From romantic nightclub visits to crime-solving puzzles, Picard is living his best life as Dixon Hill, looking like noir perfection from head to toe.

With the signature trench coat and fedora, these outfits (initially designed by William Ware Theiss) embody the look of classic Hollywood detectives and seem straight out of a Warner Brothers gangster film. In addition, there's also something magical about seeing Picard (and Patrick Stewart) wear an ensemble that has a bit more personality than the typical Starfleet uniform, allowing audiences to see the usually serious, no-nonsense captain have some fun away from his usual Enterprise duties.

Lwaxana Troi's gold dress

Lwaxana Troi from

When it comes to dresses that are absolute showstoppers, Lwaxana Troi's gold and brown dress from the episode "Menage a Troi" continues to leave fans' jaws on the floor. From the very '80s details to the ridiculous animal-inspired print, this outfit (credited to the episode's costume department of Camille Argus, David Page, and Renee Nault) has a vibe all its own, especially when paired with Lwaxana's updo and larger-than-life earrings.

Despite its over-the-top look, there's something about this piece that perfectly fits Lwaxana in every way. With its stunning high neck collar, this dress makes Majel Barrett-Roddenberry look like a true knockout. More importantly, this ensemble evokes everything about Lwaxana as a character without even hearing one bit of dialogue from her. It's easy to see that she's a bold, unapologetic, and regal woman who has no time for fooling around. That makes this insane piece of fashionable "Next Generation" history an excellent tribute to her eccentric and iconic personality.

Guinan's Best of Both Worlds outfit

Guinan in

Though Lwaxana Troi was one of the reigning fashion icons on "Next Generation," another fashionable presence was the character of Guinan (played by Whoopi Goldberg). This bartender might not have gotten to wear the typical dresses that the other women on "TNG" were known for, but Guinan got to rock some avant-garde pieces that spoke to her calm (yet quirky) attitude. Take for example one of the more interesting outfits in her wardrobe featured in the famous two-parter, "Best of Both Worlds."

Worn in a scene in which Guinan advises Riker during a dramatic situation, the iconic character is dressed in her typical palette of various purples — a hue that speaks to her regal demeanor. What makes this ensemble (credited to Charles Drayman, Kimberley J. Thompson, and Renee Nault) fascinating is how it represents Guinan as a character. From the choice of glittering fabrics to the angular shape of her hat, the entire outfit speaks to Guinan's maturity along with her often optimistic outlook. Overall, this piece serves as a lovely tribute to the unique energy and perspective Guinan always brought to "TNG."

Wesley Crusher's famous sweater

Wesley Crusher from

When it comes to fashion aboard the Enterprise, no crew member was quite as innovative as Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) with his collection of fabulous sweaters. From brightly colored, chunky numbers to more aesthetically neutral ones, these memorable pieces showed Wesley's everchanging personality while also evoking the ridiculous trends in '80s fashion. While many of these sweaters linger in the minds of "Star Trek" fans the world over, none of them hold a candle to this beloved multi-colored number. 

Featured in various Season 1 episodes, this sweater embodies the optimism of Starfleet. It's perfect. From the combination of the colors to the grey turtle neck, it's obvious why this now-iconic design (credited to key costumers Philip Maldonado, David McGough, and costume supervisor Ed Sunley) remains a fan favorite. It is a unique piece in Wesley's often solid-colored wardrobe that represents the character's youthful energy, especially when set against the backdrop of an inactive Holodeck. 

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Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits

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A Look at 50 Years of Star Trek Costumes

The authors of a new book about the history of Star Trek costumes told us some Starfleet secrets.

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

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For the last 50 years,  Star Trek  has invited us to explore the final frontier. Along the way we’ve met new life, new civilizations, and new Starfleet officers undertaking this mission.

While great stories and good acting have helped draw us into this sci-fi world, another important aspect that helps us embrace the idea of  Star Trek  is the costumes and makeup created for each character. They helped us believe in aliens and feel a part of this future for humanity.

As the decades have changed so has the look of  Star Trek , with some costumes heavily evolving and others only receiving tweaks. With so much history it can seem like a daunting task to look back at how this fascinating part of the franchise has developed over the years, but luckily two veteran Star Trek authors have tackled the subject in a brand new book titled  Star Trek Costumes: Five Decades of Fashion from the Final Frontier .

Authors Paula Block and Terry Erdmann have co-authored a number of  Star Trek   books including  The Secrets of Star Trek Insurrection   and the  Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion , and were asked if they would like to write this exploration of the franchise’s costumes. The husband and wife said they’d love to and the result is a colorful, more than 200 page journey through the series from the first TV show to the latest films.

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The story of  Star Trek  fashion all begins of course with the original series, which aired from 1966 to 1969. The costumes seen on this show would set the innovative tone for the rest of the franchise through the decades and fans have costume designer William Ware Theiss to thank for it. He worked on the iconic appearances for everyone from Starfleet’s officers to the wide range of aliens that showed up on the series. Developing these stand out looks were not easy at the time however.

“Theiss’ only challenges at that era was that TV was pretty restrictive about what you could and couldn’t show,” Block told  Den of Geek . “You know, you couldn’t show belly buttons and you couldn’t show too much cleavage so he found clever ways to get around that. You couldn’t show too much of the top of the breast? Well he’d show the bottom of the breast. That type of thing.”

His type of designing left a lasting impact and resulted in what is now called the  Theiss Titillation theory . The theory follows the idea that it would appear sexier and more exciting if it looked like there could be an accident where clothes might fall off at any time. One of the most common examples of this theory often shared is the outfit worn by the android character Andrea in the first season episode “What are Little Girls Made Of?”  

Beyond this unique take, Theiss also gave us the designs for the now classic Starfleet uniforms worn by the crew of the Enterprise. While the style of these uniforms has evolved over the years, many of the precedents set by Theiss remained the same such as each different division having their own color associated with them. The colors representing each area would change as the franchise grew but in this first series red was worn by engineering and security, blue was worn by science and medical, and green was worn by command. However choosing those colors were the result more of technology than anything else according to Erdmann.

“They used colors that would be distinctive from one another on black and white television and so those were the colors that they used. They said ‘well these will work real well and not look alike.’ It’s coincidental I think that we really like the fact that they’re red, blue, and green so it was a technical thing rather than an artistic thing when they originally picked those uniform colors,” he said.

If you’re wondering why gold isn’t mentioned, since in many of the episodes Captain Kirk appears to be wearing that color instead of a green top, that’s another result of technology.

“That green that we think of as the command colors for the original series, it looked gold on television because of the lighting and everything. It was actually a very light lime green,” Block explained. “We did actually find, with CBS’ help, some original costumes and stuff and you can tell they have a real faint lime cast to them so he had picked something that was a pale green color but it photographed as gold and it’s been gold every since in everyone’s mind.”

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The original series ended after just three seasons, but that didn’t mean the end of the franchise. The beloved characters would return in the movie  Star Trek: The Motion Picture  and with it introduce a new look. According to Block, Theiss was tied up on another project when work on the movie began and so costume designer Robert Fletcher was brought on board.

“He really expanded the  Star Trek  universe a lot. I would say if there’s three of the designers that did the most in terms of expanding  Star Trek  it would be Bill Theiss, Robert Fletcher, and then Robert Blackman later on,” she said. “Fletcher’s ideas were influenced by the producers of course, but he also went off on his own tangent. For the first movie Robert Wise was the director and he didn’t like the garish colors of the original series’ costumes so he wanted it to be more pastel and toned down so that the actors would be more prominent than the color of their costumes and that’s how we got those pale colors for the first movie.”

The pale costumes are definitely less exciting than what was seen in the original series. White, blue, and beige dominated the color scheme and each character’s division in Starfleet was less noticeable. The movie also introduced a one-piece jumpsuit uniform design that frankly was not very flattering to the characters wearing them.

Thankfully these uniforms disappeared as the franchise moved on to  Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan . A sense of color returned to Starfleet when Fletcher designed new uniforms once again. With their red jackets and new ways to distinguish between divisions, these costumes and variations of them would continue to appear in movies as well as  The Next Generation .

The Motion Picture  did leave a more significant—and more welcome—impact on the franchise beyond the officer’s costumes however thanks to the complete and spectacular redesign of the Klingons.

“Robert Fletcher, even though he was costume designer, he was also instrumental in deciding on the look of the Klingons and doing facial makeup and giving them the distinctive forehead…he didn’t like the original television Klingons because they were too human looking,” Erdmann said.

Even though they didn’t have much of a budget to work with then according to Block, Fletcher worked with the makeup department to develop the Klingon look and is “really kind of credited with creating the modern Klingon.” That look would change in slight ways from then on, but the basics of the new design would remain and become instantly familiar to fans as belonging to the warrior race.

As a result of the redesign, Klingons earn the title of  Star Trek  alien that has changed the most from the original series. Others like the Vulcans have for the most part stayed the same in regards to makeup as the years have passed, though their clothes may have changed.

“The Vulcans were very straight forward and obviously logical in the original series. Robert Fletcher started putting a lot of jewels on their wardrobe so they had a lot of jewelry manufacturing going on during the whole movie period and that stayed all the way. They always had big rocks, the idea that maybe Vulcan had a lot of minerals on the planet and they used them as decorations on their wardrobe and symbolic decorations,” Erdmann said. “That kind of surprised me. I hadn’t really thought about it before, but you go back and look at the Vulcans over the development of the 50 years and they’ve got these big beautiful jewels on all the time.”

As the franchise continued with more movies and new TV series the fashion of the final frontier continued to evolve, keeping classic elements and updating others. The colors of the divisions for example would often shift on the uniforms though which colors represented the basic divisions essentially stayed the same.

“They went farther in some things than they had been able to in the ‘60s…” Block said. “They kind of went a little farther in [the Theiss Titillation theory] when they got to  Deep Space Nine  because they had a lot of aliens on that show so like the bar girls when you looked at them on  Deep Space Nine  they had some pretty risqué costumes though they were in the background a lot so you didn’t notice that as much.”

The way costumes were handled also helped connect the expanding  Star Trek  universe. At one point multiple series were on television as movies were also being released. When costume designer Robert Blackman, who worked on the TV shows as well as  Star Trek: Generations , designed new uniforms for  Star Trek: First Contact , the officers of  Deep Space Nine  began wearing them too.

Costumes would change even more as the prequel  Enterprise   took fans into a time before the original series and the reboot films offered a reimagining of that first series in an alternate timeline. Throughout all of the 50 years though, there are still connections that let you know it is  Trek   and some of the connections Erdmann and Block discovered while working on this book might even be ones you never thought of before!

“We learned that all the way across the franchise, every costume designer found it was real useful to do as much shopping at hardware stores as it was at fashion stores. They would design a costume but they would go out not only looking for interesting fabric, you know we’ve seen this even in clothing that we probably wear ourselves where the wardrobe maker will show the wrong side of a piece of fabric. It’s prettier on the inside but the outside is more interesting so they will put that as the outside of the outfit,” Erdmann said. “But they also shopped in hardware stores so you see all kinds of things sewn on, especially with the Borg of course. The Borg is literally made up of stuff, tubes and bolts and things, that they bought at hardware stores, but you found out that that kind of material, that kind of stuff is thrown into other costumes as well.”

Those aren’t the only two unique locations designers shopped either. Erdmann said they also went to used-clothing stores.

“They’d go to used clothing stores and buy like old fur coats and things and tear them up and use those pieces to make gloves and boots and it’s an amazing art that the costumers have,” he said. “They find the stuff to work with every place and they will look in places that you wouldn’t suspect in order to find the stuff that they want to work with. It’s fascinating to me.”

All of this begs the question of what we might see in the latest  Star Trek   releases.  Star Trek Beyond  will have a different costume designer than the previous two films with Sanja Milkovic Hays, who previously worked in the franchise as costume designer for  Star Trek: Insurrection , taking on the role. Then there’s the upcoming series set to premiere in 2017. Block said she and Erdmann are looking forward to the new show and “hope to see a lot of innovation in that.”

“I’m very anxious to find out what the new series will be. There’s a lot of discussion. I see online that some of the fans are really skeptical. They think ‘oh well it’s going to be on some streaming channel so it can’t be any good. The wrong people are going to be making it.’ But nobody knows anything so I think we should just settle back, relax, and look forward to whatever it is because I doubt that they’re going to screw it up and I’m just very excited about it,” Erdmann said.

It’s certainly hard not to get excited with so much  Star Trek  on the horizon, but looking back at its rich history and the fascinating world of costumes just might make fans look forward to it even more. After all, considering the evolution of  Star Trek   costumes we have to wonder: Will the 2017 series offer a whole new take on the classic uniform style? Will any familiar aliens receive a makeover from how they looked in past decades?

We’ll just have to wait and see, but until then fans can at least prepare themselves for the answers and maybe even reach a deeper appreciation for what we might see through this history of  Star Trek  costumes!

Lisa Granshaw

Lisa Granshaw | @LisaGranshaw

Lisa Granshaw is a freelance writer based in New York City. She writes about pop culture, entertainment, and a variety of topics for multiple websites and…

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There are few things as iconic in the Star Trek franchise as its uniforms. Since the bright gold, red, and blue hues boldly burst onto television sets in 1966, they've been indelibly linked to its storylines of adventure and exploration in outer space. The uniforms have changed greatly since the Star Trek Original Series, sometimes becoming more functional, sometimes more flattering, and sometimes more ugly as more movies and more television shows are released.

With so many different uniform options, how can we decide which ones are the best? Sometimes their variations are extreme, like going from spandex single piece jumpsuits to sophisticated separates, or from bright colors to muted monochromatic shades, but all of them reflect the characters that wear them and the time period they wear them in. We've stuck to the main uniforms from all the series so far and excluded variants worn only a handful of times. Here are the ten best uniforms in Starfleet, ranked. Engage!

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Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Sometimes the leap to the big screen for a television series means a bigger budget, and with that budget comes bigger special effects, better locations, and improved costumes. And sometimes it results in the uniforms from the first Star Trek motion picture, featuring the cast of the Original Series in some of the strangest uniforms ever to appear in Starfleet.

The popping hues of blue, red, and yellow of the original Starfleet uniforms were replaced by an incredibly neutral color palette of beige, brown, and cream, ensuring that no one stands out according to rank, department, or station. The bell bottoms and Doc McCoy’s chest hair really root these uniforms in the 70s.

The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation was a defining series in the Star Trek franchise; it was the first television series to premiere after the original debuted in 1966, and it was the first to feature a new take on Starfleet uniforms (apart from the growing pains made to the ones in the Star Trek films with Captain Kirk and Co.). That being said, the uniforms of the first two seasons were pretty terrible.

The uniforms were basically one spandex sheath, which often seemed too tight for its wearers, causing them to hunch and generally look uncomfortable, and the wide neckline didn’t help. While they may have looked more “futuristic” than the original uniforms, once they became separates, and made from different fabrics, they looked a lot better.

For the time period, they’re supposed to be from, the uniforms from Enterprise aren’t completely horrible. They’re functional and act as a utilitarian amalgamation of the flight suits modern astronauts wear combined with early Starfleet uniform concepts. Since Enterprise was set before the Original Series, they needed to show the progressive nature of Starfleet ensembles.

The problems with the Enterprise uniforms are confined to the fact that they’re fairly basic looking, that the lines located at the shoulders denote the division of departments, and that the colors follow typical Starfleet designations but are difficult to ascertain at a glance. Nothing about them screams “ Star Trek ” the way the other iconic suits do.

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Star Trek: Discovery

Set a decade before Captain Kirk and Co. embark on their five-year mission, and a century after Enterprise, the uniforms of Star Trek: Discovery try to combine the aesthetic and color palette of both series to varying degrees of success. They adopt the blue of the flight suits worn by the crew in Enterprise, but in two pieces with a lot more metallic piping.

Gone are the iconic division colors boldly displayed on the shirts worn in the Original Series, replaced with more subdued paneling on the sides of the uniforms. They don’t look terrible, but they do inject some inconsistencies for the timeline, given what Captain Pike wears in Season 2, and given what Kirk wore in the “The Cage” episode of the Original Series.

The Original Series

Who can deny the impact of the uniforms worn in the Original Series? Sure, they were just black pants and a black top with a colored v-neck sweater worn over the top, but what they lacked in fine detail they made up for in bold simplicity. Starfleet rank, division, and designation were all plainly displayed, and apart from the female members of the crew having to wear mini-skirts, everyone looked equally resplendent... or corny, depending on your point of view.

The series took some liberties with its uniforms over the years—especially with Kirk’s variants—but consistently the command division always wore gold, engineering and security personnel wore red, and science and medical wore blue.

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Star Trek Reboot Movies (Kelvin Timeline)

The direction of the uniforms in the Star Trek films by J. J. Abrams, also known to follow the Kelvin timeline, seems to be a natural progression of the iconic uniforms from the Original Series. They have the same colors for the various crew designations (blue, red, gold), with accompanying black pants and shoes.

The biggest difference in the uniforms is that the reboot versions are slightly textured and have the option for short sleeves where appropriate. They also have a dress variant which, when added with the daily wear options, makes for an all-around smart looking assortment of uniforms that combine the iconic look worn by Captain Kirk and Co. in the 60s with an upgraded aesthetic.

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Star Trek II-VI

After the disastrous beige onslaught that was the uniforms of the first Star Trek film, the subsequent movies featured a much more formalized version comprised of a red single-breasted jacket—which Kirk tended to wear open—with white collars/braiding, a belt, and black pants.

These uniforms were bold, with a far more militarized design than any before or since. Plus, they featured in The Wrath of Khan, a film beloved by Trekkies the world over. Even though they didn’t help in distinguishing the crew divisions very well, they gave an elevated look to a maturing crew. They occasionally popped up in the occasional Next Generation episode, such as the one featuring Scotty, to much fanfare.

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First Contact/Late DS9

One of the biggest and most successful departures from the Star Trek uniforms introduced in Next Generation came in First Contact , which also had some crossover in the last season of Deep Space Nine,  presumably introduced by Worf on his journey back to the station, and to some extent Voyager . The uniforms were used in all subsequent films.

With their monochromatic aesthetic, the division of designations was no longer the main focus, conveyed instead by the undershirts worn beneath uniforms that had grey shoulders and black bottoms. While Trekkies may have still wanted more visible color in their uniforms, this was a way to have functionality without sacrificing style and character.

Early DS9/Voyager

The early seasons of Deep Space Nine and Voyager gave us a uniform that was the inverted version of the one seen in Next Generation. Instead of black shoulders and black bottoms sandwiching a designation color on the torso, the shoulders became the way to highlight division colors for the crew. They seemed a natural progression from the changes TNG made to the uniforms of the Original Series which favored full color.

With these uniforms, the colors are still prominent, but they aren’t overbearing. The black bottoms give a sophisticated look, and the single open neck jumpsuit design creates a streamlined aesthetic. Voyager, lost in the Delta Quadrant, with a crew in some of the best uniforms in Starfleet.

Next Generation Seasons 3 - 7

The Starfleet uniforms from Next Generation Seasons 3-7 are some of the classiest, functional, and flattering uniforms of the entire franchise. Their basic composition was black shoulders with either red, blue, or gold designation colors on their torso, matched to black bottoms that reached a triangular angle at the waist.

The strange wide neck of the earlier seasons was replaced with a formal collar, and the unflattering spandex sheath replaced by a looser, more form-skimming fabric. They had the bold colors of the Original Series, married to a more futuristic and sophisticated design aesthetic to create the ultimate Starfleet uniform.

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Published Jan 5, 2019

Star Trek's Best Looks, Ranked

A guide to Star Trek's most sartorial ensembles!

Dr. Crusher and Deanna Troi stretching in aerobics class on The Next Generation

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Much of the fun of Star Trek conventions comes from wandering around and seeing everyone in costumes. It's great to see so many folks in Federation uniforms, but I always delight in some of the more esoteric sartorial choices. In Las Vegas, I saw a guy dressed as Kryton the Elasian security chief from “ Elaan of Troyius ” and nearly lost my mind.

There are literally hundreds of strange and silly outfits from the Star Trek Universe. I don't know if I could ever pick the best. Heck, I don't know if I could pick the best out of Deanna Troi's closet. Do I go with the classic, one-piece purple number, or her ankle-length, turquoise dress? Oh, why oh why would I ever want to choose? Isn't Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations worth anything anymore?!

All I can say is that what follows are 10 costumes that tickle me. Let's take a look back, have a laugh and then you can tell me all the ones I should have picked instead.

10. Ambassador T'Pel

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

What seems, at first, to be just a small part of “ Data's Day ” turns out to have the most interplanetary intrigue. (Sorry Chief O'Brien, your pre-wedding jitters with Keiko take something of a backseat.)

Check out what this less-than-warm-and-fuzzy Vulcan is wearing. A blue felt cone hat with a leather band, an upside-down triangle patch with an emblem, and that's just the beginning. There's all sorts of elaborate chin straps and material wrapped around and dangling from her neck, plus a necklace that looks, at first glance, like a chest plate. Is this degree of adornment logical? Absolutely not. Which is why it comes as no surprise at the end that T'Pel is actually a Romulan spy!

9. Enterprise Security from TMP-era.

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

This is a long way from a simple red shirt.

It wasn't just the Enterprise that was refit for Star Trek: The Motion Picture . Most noticeable were the uniforms, doing away with the bright primary colors and going for more hushed earth tones. Then there were those odd buckles at the center of the one-piece jumpsuits or at the bottom of tunics. (If you dig deep, you'll read that they were medical scanner/receivers called perscans.) Anyway, all of this pales compared to what the security teams were wearing at the time. The maroon rugby helmets with Starfleet insignias right at the center plus heavy leather vests with plastic casing are unlike anything else ever worn by crew-members of the Enterprise .

8. Dr. Crusher & Counselor Troi at the Gym

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

If it was just one of them, maybe it wouldn't be so infamous. But it's side-by-side, with Dr. Crusher in colors that make her look like Kermit the Frog and Counselor Troi in a contraption that probably doesn't offer her the support that she needs that really takes it. Although, maybe gravity is different on a Galaxy -class ship?

7. EV Suits from “ The Tholian Web ”

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

It was a mandate from NBC, then owned by RCA, who were trying to push new color sets — keep Star Trek bright! So even in the inky blackness of space (or caught in an inter-dimensional phase) it was important to have splashes of blue and red.

Then there's the headpiece. Not sure if they're drying laundry or beaming to a planet of beekeepers. All I know is that as a kid I thought this was the COOLEST thing I'd ever seen. (Okay, obviously I still think it's pretty cool.)

6. The Rank-and-File from Eminiar VII

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

Those of you who read One Trek Mind, like one of Surak's pupils know, I rarely miss an opportunity to mention “ A Taste of Armageddon .” It isn't my favorite episode, but it's the one that really sold me on becoming a Trek fan. Anyway, you gotta love the costumes of the average citizen of Eminiar VII.

This really has everything – a turtleneck with a mesh sash, an insignia, a holster for a strange looking weapon, and a kind of Cubist-looking toque. Who knows why they need their ears covered inside, but these are not exactly the most logical of people. Keep in mind they have a tendency to incinerate themselves when computers tell them to. Pound for pound this episode has some of the most far-out storytelling, and it is well matched by the production design.

5. Anbo-Jyutsu Uniforms

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

The family that plays vaguely Japanese violent sports together stays together!

Will Riker and his father Kyle work out their differences by bowing at one another, then beating each other up with sticks. The costumes might resemble what Bob and Doug McKenzie wear in Strange Brew , but that only adds to the charm. While Parrises Squares was a more popular game, those uniforms (bright blue spandex) didn't have half the swagger that the Anbo-Jyutsu ones had.

4. Wesley's Rainbow Sweater

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

Well, you knew this was coming. Poor Wesley. The Traveler compared him to Mozart and Picard still told him to shut up. I was the same age as Wesley was when I was watching (actually, he was a year or two older, maybe), so I'm not ashamed to say I connected with him. (But I wasn't quite so good at computers as he was; once we moved from programming in BASIC to Pascal, I was pretty much lost.) Anyway, my mother bought me ugly-looking sweaters, too, so this vestiary embarrassment helped me get through a lot of rough afternoons.

3. Environmental Suit from “ The Naked Time ”

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

If these suits didn't have detachable gloves, how many headaches would that have saved?

There aren't too many moments when Star Tre k's sets and costumes get so cheesy that you laugh out loud. This show ain't Lost in Space . But even I, a fan to my last breath, has to admit that this looks flat-out ridiculous. And that's why I love it! Legend goes that the reason it looks so much like a shower curtain … is that it IS a shower curtain! Nice that the tops are flat, probably adds a little ventilation around the scalp.

2. I Am Not a Merry Man!

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

For all of Q's sins, we still owe him plenty of thanks. In “ Qpid ,” the omniscient being you love to hate sends Picard and company off to the Sherwood Forest, to save Vash (who, I've always suspected, thinks this whole thing is a scream.) Everybody gets a doofy costume, but it's Worf as Will Scarlet – enormous belt-buckle, gold buttons and white feather in his red cap – that brings the house down. Oh, Worf, don't pretend you don't like playing dress-up!

1. Picard's Dress Uniform

star trek 20 most revealing outfits

Season One of The Next Generation , you were doing so many things. You dove headfirst into the plasma pool of Utopianism in ways that broadened the Original Series . For starters, it was “where no one has gone before.” This egalitarianism of the sexes was quite noticeable in the somewhat notorious “skant,” a half skirt, half jumpsuit that some women and some men chose to wear on the Enterprise . We never saw any bridge officers rockin' the full skant, but we did see Picard and Riker in this somewhat formal dress uniform. Not that it doesn't look nice! In fact, it always bugged me that we didn't see it more. I like the decorative element from pips to the neckline, especially.

Now, before you start screaming at me on Facebook, keep in mind there were about 15 ties for 11th place. But sometimes you have to make decisions. That's how we defeated the Dominion! (Oh, crap, there's absolutely nothing here from DS9, is there?) Anyway, now's your chance to sound off.

Jordan Hoffman is a writer, critic and lapsed filmmaker living in New York City. His work can also be seen on Film.com, ScreenCrush and Badass Digest. On his BLOG, Jordan has reviewed all 727 Trek episodes and films, most of the comics and some of the novels.

Stay tuned to StarTrek.com for more details! And be sure to follow @StarTrek on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

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Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits

1 - seven of nine - voyager.

7 Of 9

I would think that Seven of Nine is at the top of every guy's Star Trek list regarding hotness. It is amazing considering that technically she has on the most clothes, but her costume still ranks as my number one pick. The uniform leaves nothing to the imagination and we like it that way. It actually made her seem more alien to me. Jeri Ryan's portrayal of this character was spot on from the moment she is separated from the Borg collective to the end. Many criticized the sexiness of the outfit, but it brought in more viewers. So again sex sells. But a good story line helps a whole lot too!

Melita is into all things Doctor Who. She is a mother of two teenagers and has raised them to be proper geeks, just like she is.

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    Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits - Page 16. Imagineering the future means sweating the details no matter how small, and future fashion has always loomed large when writers and artists want to get the image just right.

  12. Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits

    Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits. 5. Vina - Original Trek. The Cage. The original Star Trek pilot. ... She's a princess, then a farm girl, but most memorable of all she is an Orian Slave girl ...

  13. 10 Best Outfits In Star Trek, Ranked

    Here are the 10 Best Outfits in Star Trek, Ranked. DS9 Holodeck Costumes While every series had amazing holodeck costumes, few were as ... Jul 20, 2024. Star Trek Officially Brands a Surprising Deep Space Nine Hero as a War Criminal 34. By Shaun Corley. Jul 29, 2024. 2:50.

  14. Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits

    Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits - Page 16. Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits - Page 16. Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits - Page 16. Pinterest. Tienda. Explorar. Iniciar sesión. Registrarse. Explorar.

  15. These outfits are getting a little too revealing. : r/sto

    This is the unofficial community subreddit for Star Trek Online, the licensed Star Trek MMO, available on PC, Playstation, and Xbox. Share your glorious (or hilarious) in-game adventures through stories and screencaps, ask your game related questions, and organize events with your fellow Captains. These outfits are getting a little too revealing.

  16. A Look at 50 Years of Star Trek Costumes

    The authors of a new book about the history of Star Trek costumes told us some Starfleet secrets. For the last 50 years, Star Trek has invited us to explore the final frontier. Along the way we ...

  17. Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits

    Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits - Page 16

  18. Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits

    But the issue involved this time is slavery, so Kirk's entitled to disregard the rules. Kirk also shows his excellent prowess as a ladies man in this episode. He gives Shahna (Angelique Pettyjohn ...

  19. StarFleek Academy: The 10 Best Star Trek Uniforms, Ranked

    Star Trek: The Next Generation was a defining series in the Star Trek franchise; it was the first television series to premiere after the original debuted in 1966, and it was the first to feature a new take on Starfleet uniforms (apart from the growing pains made to the ones in the Star Trek films with Captain Kirk and Co.). That being said, the uniforms of the first two seasons were pretty ...

  20. The Most Impressive Costumes from Star Trek: TNG's First 3 ...

    Not just the thought-provoking storytelling of the original series — but also the amazing insane costumes. But TNG rose to the challenge. Here's our roundup of the most epic costumes in the ...

  21. Star Trek's Best Looks, Ranked

    10. Ambassador T'Pel. What seems, at first, to be just a small part of " Data's Day " turns out to have the most interplanetary intrigue. (Sorry Chief O'Brien, your pre-wedding jitters with Keiko take something of a backseat.) Check out what this less-than-warm-and-fuzzy Vulcan is wearing.

  22. Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits

    Star Trek: 20 Most Revealing Outfits. by Melita. August 29th, 2013. 1 - Seven of Nine - Voyager. I would think that Seven of Nine is at the top of every guy's Star Trek list regarding hotness. It ...

  23. PDF Honors College Course Offerings

    sourced data, and more through the lens of Star Trek. This class will use episodes from the Star Trek universe, paired with real-life case studies to delve into the seen and unforeseen consequences of science and medicine. Trekkies and those new to Trek are welcome. Engage! OSU Schedule Fall 2024 Colloquia Ecampus HC 407 404 (How) Is a Better