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Question about open Wrath of Kahn Uniform

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
edited April 2011 in Ten Forward
My friend wants to know why some people in the movies would open their uniform and leave the flap down, and some leave it clasped.

My answer to him was I thought it had to do with on-duty/off-duty or it had to do with being in an unofficial capacity.

We tried looking it up online but couldn't find anything. Does anyone know?

Thanks
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    Red cloth hides blood. Opening the jacket allows a strategically placed white area for the blood of your crew to be smeared, increasing the drama of all scenes thereafter.

    Canon, sucka. ;)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    I think Kirk hated the uniform. In almost every scene he is wearing it, he has it unclasped. Only when he is doing anything official does he have it buttoned up. In fact, in most of the movies, he wears an alternate uniform.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    mhighison wrote: »
    Red cloth hides blood. Opening the jacket allows a strategically placed white area for the blood of your crew to be smeared, increasing the drama of all scenes thereafter.

    Canon, sucka. ;)

    There you go...
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    RockMax wrote: »
    My friend wants to know why some people in the movies would open their uniform and leave the flap down, and some leave it clasped.

    My answer to him was I thought it had to do with on-duty/off-duty or it had to do with being in an unofficial capacity.

    We tried looking it up online but couldn't find anything. Does anyone know?

    Thanks

    Far as I know there's no "in-story" reason. Perhaps the uniforms were warm and this helped them cool off. But in any case, it didn't signify anything like duty status or anything like that.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    From Memory Alpha:
    The last major change was to redesign the flap of the double-breasted jacket so that it would actually open. This was something Meyer wanted, because he felt the lighter color on the inside of the flap would frame the actors' faces better.

    http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Star_Trek_II:_The_Wrath_of_Khan#Costumes
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    Other than the Dramatic/Cinematic reasons behind the scenes, in universe I'd say it's a bit like loosening your tie after work or whatnot.

    Technically, it's probably supposed to be closed while on duty, but depending on your commanding officer, you might get away with leaving it open. It's a bit like Picard allowing Troi to wear whatever she wanted until Jellico came along and made her wear a regulation uniform. If your Captain doesn't mind, leave that sucker open.

    Other than the already mentioned behind the scenes reasons, I'll also add that it gave the actors something to play with. Actors like to do things with their hands when they can. It also allows the dramatic opening, like the dramatic sunglasses removal.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    Having worn one, I can say with confidence that one major reason to unclasp them is because they're not all that comfortable. The modern day equivalent is unbuttoning the top button of your shirt, or loosening your tie. When worn clasped, you're wearing a turtleneck sweater, and 4 layers of wool fabric over your chest, with 2 layers of piping, lined with bits of metal chain, and snaps. While the turtleneck keeps all that mess from rubbing on your throat, it can get quite warm, and a little bit irritating having that lump of fabric at the throat.

    Popping the snaps on the flap drops half of that fabric away from your throat.

    I'm sure the other reasons (framing faces/bloody hand prints) are perfectly valid.. but under studio lights, jumping around in that thing doing take after take.. I couldn't imagine. Wearing one at summer-time conventions was uncomfortable enough as is.

    it always felt like cheating to wear my Third season TNG uniform. in comparison, one layer of Polyester was sooo much cooler.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    PodSix wrote:
    The modern day equivalent is unbuttoning the top button of your shirt, or loosening your tie.

    heh, I Ninjaed your reason. :p
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    Personally, I think that it makes the Uniform look a bit more dignified, don't know why, it just does. I also would like this kind of thing to be added to the Veterans Uniform, because it reminds me so much of the TWOK Uniform, that's the main reason I like it. But anyway, I've worn the Uniform, it is kinda uncomfortable, so I guess that's the reason/
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    BobLion54 wrote: »
    It also allows the dramatic opening, like the dramatic sunglasses removal.

    Does that mean I can use it to punctuate vaguely morbid, groan-inducing puns right before a classic rock queue?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    Thank you so much guys. I'll show this to him tomorrow. Not at all what I thought.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    mhighison wrote: »
    Red cloth hides blood. Opening the jacket allows a strategically placed white area for the blood of your crew to be smeared, increasing the drama of all scenes thereafter.

    Canon, sucka. ;)

    Let's not forget the blood of the enemy's crew either. Undiscovered Country had Bones practically swimming in Pepto Bismol
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    cheer wrote: »
    Far as I know there's no "in-story" reason. Perhaps the uniforms were warm and this helped them cool off. But in any case, it didn't signify anything like duty status or anything like that.

    This was my belief as well. Opening the flap was the equivalent of a man in a suit loosening his tie and unbottoning his collar. It's been fun to read the reasons as posted by others in this thread though.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    Quite simply.... the TWOK uniforms are what ancient British Navy Captain's prefered. A dark red top to hide blood if they are injured and dark pants in case they are out numbered :D:p
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited April 2011
    Does that mean I can use it to punctuate vaguely morbid, groan-inducing puns right before a classic rock queue?

    Only if you want to inexplicably leave a hit televisions show for a movie career that never materializes and show up years later on a crappy spin-off to deliver those groan-inducing puns.

    Or you can just flip open your tunic.

    It's up to you, really. :p
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