Cool Sci-Fi Uniforms

[Wes]

When it comes to uniforms in sci-fi media, what are some of your favorites? Do you have examples that have been inspiring to you?

I'm pretty sure Nadesico's uniforms had an inspiring influence on Star Army ones - one similarity is the Star Army cook uniforms are yellow like them:



Here's some more examples:



Nergal uniforms (regular crew guy on the right):



And the similar UE Spacy uniforms from the movie:



Also, the anime that started it all for me was Macross (via Robotech) and I still have a huge love for the duty uniform that's worn by the UN Spacy:



They come in a surprising variety of color schemes and I'm not sure why. The standard seems to be a white top, with blue undershirt and blue pants:



Tan for ground forces?





Bridge bunnies:

 

[Alex Hart]

Robotech was my first anime too.

I also loved nadesico.

 

[Zack]

I always liked the ghost in the shell uniforms. They have Metal Gear Solid near-future look to them without looking totally silly.



Everyone had an 'official working for the state' uniform, and a grey/black tactical uniform. Both of which very much convey''d the point they were trying to get across from "We're here in an official capacity" to "Ok guys, we're a team now, act like one."

This contrasts nicely with what the main crew usually wears. Most of the time, you only really see support staff in an official uniform. This is largely because the main cast are supposed to be the absolute best at what they do. There isn't a guide book to follow and there isn't really anyone else they can go to for help.

As with most people in that kind of position, that means you can pretty much wear whatever you want. They end up only breaking out the uniforms for combat operations or official visits.

 

[Gunsight1]

Nadesico and Macross uniforms are great

In the non-anime realm, I always liked the Earth Alliance military uniforms from Babylon 5

 

[Wes]

I agree, they're wonderful uniforms - but with those leather parts, I always found myself wondering how they wash them? I think the answer is "not easily."

And we can't have a cool sci-fi uniforms thread without the best Star Trek costume (in terms of professional appearance, functionality, and exquisite detail): The Star Trek "monster maroon" movie costumes. They look great and like something a real space military would wear.






Fun fact: The Alliance in Firefly/Serenity uses sailor caps that look a lot like Star Army ones (see the two enlisted guys on the right).

 

[Wes]

The Crimson Guard uniform from GI Joe is a great uniform and a cool inspiration for the Reds of SARP.



That red looks bold as heck and I like the silver piping. Also the double belt is an interesting detail.

Here's some neat uniform from Voltron (Vehicle team):



There's a few more of these on this page.

 

[Zack]

Man, I forgot how baller some of the Cobra uniforms were. Vipers put in some serious work! Cobra always seemed so close to taking over the world nearly all the time. You think they'd finally win one for good.

 

[Pancakei]

Crimson Guard

Wes said this and my mind autocorrected to Krimzon Guard, which has some pretty sick guard armor.
Its not an anime but it's close enough.

I'm a big sucker for armor and all kinds of uniforms, especially those where function meets style.

 

[Gunsight1]

awwwyea the Star Trek 2-6 uniforms are best Star Trek uniforms

Also, the Galactic Empire's uniforms are pretty sweet too

 

[Wes]

Recently I've been looking at a lot of Space Battleship Yamato stuff and there's a lot to love about the visuals and one of them is the great uniforms.



I love the design, the colors, just the look in general. Amazing. It also doesn't hurt that the female crewmembers all look gorgoeus in their skin-tight shipboard uniforms. I know this primarily works because it's an anime but that's okay. The captains all have cool-ass hats and big captain jackets too.

 

[Yuuki]

Not science fiction per-se, but I could see them used in a Sci-Fi, is Kitanica. Yes that is that futuristic awesome jacket that Adam Savage has.

 

[Wes]

A very obscure uniform. From the hentai/parody anime Star Trap.



That flag (?) reminds me of the NDC one!

 

[Wes]

Space: 1999 has some simple but effective uniforms. The division color and huge zipper on the sleeve is pretty distinctive.



Nothing wrong with a good shade of khaki.



Even has an optional skirt version!

 

[Soban]

Honor Harrington uniforms are pretty cool. I also like the Voyager uniform.

 

[Yoshiro Tanaka]

Star Army, naturally. I mean nothing can beat a crisp clean Yamatai uniform, amirite?

 

[Lyndis]

The video game series Star Ocean has a good couple designs under their belt when it comes to their galactic federation folks. Some waaay more impractical than others, but some designs definitely stuck with me even years after playing. ( Though honestly I hatehatehate gendered uniforms, but that's me. I guess. )

 

[Wes]

Here's an interesting uniform I ran across. It's not Star Trek but it's Trek-like! From Cybil.

 

[Wes]

You know what? I love the uniforms from The Orville. They're great and definitely fit in this series of cool sci-fi uniforms. I like the shape, the shoulder pad ranks, the occupational color panel. They're very Star Army of Yamatai-like.

 

[Yuuki]

Zero disagrees here @Wes

 

[hyralt]

I really like the uniforms from the animé rendition of Legend of the Galactic Heroes. There are two major factions, the Free Planets Alliance, which always makes me think of the Nepleslian army for some reason,



and the Galactic Empire, which is meant to be inspired by Imperial Germany.