Articles: Costume

As every self-respecting Trekkie knows, everything is in the detail and it's this that brings the world of science fiction alive. The Star Trek costume department is just as important as the art direction or the props department. The Star Trek fan conventions are a great excuse to get dressed up as a starship captain, or a Vulcan or a Klingon. In addition to life forms from other planets, there are the uniforms of the Starfleet of the United Federation of Planets.

Starfleet's enlisted ranks and officers all have to be clothed throughout each TV series and movie. The different incarnations need to achieve a sense of continuity but with an individual identity too. The original television series, titled Star Trek, from the mid-1960s was noted for the shortness of the skirts worn by the female personnel. Some time after the show was cancelled, movies were made and other TV series followed. Star Trek costume evolved over the years.

In Star Trek: the Next Generation, the ship's doctor, Dr Beverley Crusher would emphasize her medical separateness by wearing a blue coat over her uniform. The Star Trek costume worn by the crew was changed from spandex fabric to wool in response to the actors' complaints that it was uncomfortable. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, set on a space station instead of a space craft, made a departure in wearing uniforms that were almost all black. All other Trek versions have uniforms of different colored tops to indicate the departments, e.g. Engineering, Security, Science and Medical and Command.

The uniforms on Star Trek: Voyager did not change in their seven year voyage. This was because the crew was trapped in a distant quadrant and without contact with Starfleet Command. The final TV series, Star Trek: Enterprise is a prequel to all the others. Deep space exploration is still relatively new and the uniforms reflect that. Their design is less futuristic and is modeled on a flight suit closer to our own times. A desert uniform was introduced, with khaki pants for camouflage.

Starfleet ranks are based on those of the US Navy and Starfleet uniforms indicate rank by braiding, usually of a gold color and by insignia. These ranks range from the lowly Ensign up to the Fleet Admiral. Dress uniform is worn by senior officers for formal occasions, such as meeting dignitaries from other planets or for court martials. The Star Trek costume is one more area where the anorak fan can display his or her outstanding knowledge on the inner world of Star Trek.