In 1996, Star Trek: First Contact not only presented a plot involving time travel and the Borg, but also introduced a new uniform for Starfleet in the 24th century. This design, sleek and black with bluish shoulder pads, replaced the distinct styles each series had used up to that point. From then on, Deep Space Nine and Voyager adopted this same pattern, creating a unified visual identity for the franchise on television.
The textile technology behind the new uniform 🧵
The design was the work of Bob Blackman, who sought a more modern and functional look. The uniforms were made of a stretch knit material, similar to that used in sportswear, with colored panels on the shoulders indicating the division: red for command, gold for operations, and blue for sciences. The shoulder pads had a quilted texture and the collar was high, eliminating the lapels of previous designs. This change simplified production by allowing actors to move more comfortably during action scenes.
The problem of not having spare shoulder pads 😅
Although the uniform was practical, it had a flaw: the shoulder pads frequently came off. Actors have recounted that, in the middle of takes, the colored panels would fall off or twist, leaving a Starfleet officer with one gray shoulder and one blue one. Worse still, if someone sweated, the glue would fail and the rank insignia would dangle. Perhaps that's why the Borg weren't such a serious threat: their greatest challenge was keeping their clothing in place.