Understanding the Evolution of Starfleet Shirts: Red and Gold in Star Trek

When diving into the rich universe of Star Trek, one cannot help but notice the evolution of Starfleet shirt colors, particularly the notorious red and gold shirts. This article will delve into the reasons behind these changes, both in-universe and in real life, shedding light on how these decisions impacted the visual storytelling throughout the series.

The Origins and Reasons Behind the Color Change

In Real Life: The evolution of Starfleet uniforms from color-coded maroons to the iconic red gold shirts is a multifaceted story rooted in practical necessities and production challenges faced by the production team. The primary reason for the change was driven by practical considerations on set during the filming of the original series, Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG).

During the early shooting stages of TNG, it was discovered that actor Brent Spiner, who plays Lieutenant Commander Data, had makeup that picked up highlights from the red uniforms. This led to less-than-desirable visual outcomes. Coincidentally, Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Frakes, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Commander William Riker respectively, also did not look great in the yellow/gold shirts. However, when the same color was applied to Data, it worked perfectly, with striking visual effects that became instantly recognizable.

Thus, Starfleet command officers in the TNG era wore the iconic red shirts, a decision that would reverberate through the entire series and beyond. This choice was not just about aesthetics but also practical considerations. Red proved to be a striking color that could be easily distinguished in the background of some crucial scenes, where the crew could better identify their commanding officers amidst the chaos of battle or damage control.

Exploring In-Universe Explanations

On Platform Differences: One can theorize that in-universe, Starfleet made these changes based on practical battlefield considerations. The decision to shift back to a color-coded system after the "Monster Maroons" of the original series (Star Trek: The Original Series) could be attributed to a desire for uniformity and ease of identification.

Another in-universe reason could be linked to the introduction of technology that actually changes the functionality of the shirts. Perhaps, with the advent of new technologies, Starfleet had to redesign their uniforms to integrate this technology seamlessly, leading to the introduction of the color-coordinated shirts. In this context, the red shirts for command could represent heightened visibility and communication during battle, as it is easier to spot command officers through the smoke from exploding consoles.

A Historical Overview of Starfleet Uniforms

Before the TNG color-coordinated shirts, Starfleet uniforms had undergone significant transformations. After Captain Kirk and the crew took on their five-year mission, Starfleet redesigned all their uniforms to be far less colorful, moving away from the distinct division-colors of the TOS series. These new uniforms were designed to be more subdued, with command being represented by a white color, engineering and maintenance by orange, technical sciences and life sciences by green, communications by gold, and security by gray.

This design shift, however, was not without its drawbacks. The crew quickly found that the new designs were rather unflattering and loathed wearing them. As a result, they transitioned back to the more familiar and visually striking "Monster Maroons" after a short period. However, this design also came with its own challenges, including the consumption of more resources for the costumes and the need for a wider variety of uniforms for different situations.

The uniform design remained similar until the introduction of the TNG uniforms, which brought back the iconic red and gold colors. The TNG uniforms were designed with red as the primary color for the jacket, with a red trimmed, collarless tunic underneath. The division colors were reflected in the tunic's fabric, with white for command, yellow for engineering, and so on. This design allowed for clear differentiation among crew members while maintaining a cohesive and recognizable look.

As these designs evolved, the colors changed yet again, reflecting a more militaristic approach with red, gray, and other subdued colors becoming more prevalent. For instance, security and services were designated by gray uniforms, while communications and technical sciences retained the gold color. This new color scheme was maintained until the TNG era returned to the red and gold shirts, reflecting a return to the iconic designs that fans had grown to love.

Concluding Thoughts

Ultimately, the evolution of Starfleet uniforms, from the colorful designs of TOS to the iconic red and gold shirts of TNG, reflects both practical necessities and the creative vision of the production teams. Whether due to makeup considerations, practical battlefield visibility, or a desire for uniformity and distinction, the changes in Starfleet uniforms have played a significant role in the visual identity of the series. These evolving designs are a testament to the ongoing creativity and innovation of the Star Trek universe.