Did the Original Star Trek: The Next Generation Uniforms Make Everyone Look Fat?

I don’t believe so. While the uniforms were unforgiving on anyone with a fuller figure, to the best of my recollection, all the cast members were either suitably slim or well-built, making the uniforms appealing to their physiques.

The Roddenberry Directive at Work

The core inspiration behind the Star Trek: The Next Generation uniforms stems from what is commonly known as the Roddenberry directive. Gene Roddenberry wanted to portray a future where clothes did not wrinkle or wrinkle as little as possible, thus leading to the tight design of these uniforms. This feature was a consistent aspect throughout the series, even after Roddenberry's passing. Even the cast of Voyager had to deal with this discomfort, as crews often had to undo rubber bands to prevent their pants from stretching tightly around their shoes.

Comfort and Flattering Fabrics

While the original uniforms weren’t the most flattering for anyone, the introduction of the revised two-piece uniforms was a significant improvement. The new design allowed for better fitting, which is evident in movements like the famous shirt-tug Picard maneuver, aimed at maintaining the impression of a wrinkle-free uniform. However, even with the new design, actors still had to wear muscle suits underneath to ensure a better visual fit and to mask any visible bulges or irregularities.

Behind the Scenes: The Muscle Suits

Interestingly, several cast members had to wear muscle suits under their uniforms to achieve a more toned and defined look. By wearing these suits, the actors could ensure that their costumes fit well and presented a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, particularly for characters like Worf who had a more robust build.

Despite the somewhat uncomfortable nature of the uniforms, the showrunners managed to strike a balance between authenticity and visual appeal. The tight, wrinkle-free design symbolized the advanced technology of the future, while the muscle suits indicated a dedication to displaying the best physical forms of their characters.

In conclusion, while the uniforms were certainly challenging to wear, they were a deliberate choice to uphold the visionary standards set forth by Gene Roddenberry. The overall look was influenced by the need for technological precision and the desire for a perfect visual representation of the future.