In the context of occupations, the term uniform was used to refer to the clothing worn for the purpose of displaying membership in an organization. In the military, the uniform also displayed rank insignia and position as a form of non-verbal communication of authority and purpose between members of said organization. Many intelligent cultures evolved the use of some form of uniform clothing or decorations to facilitate this.
Along with their duty uniform, the members of an organization wore dress uniforms on special occasions.
Because of their struggled past during the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor, the Bajorans Mullibok, Baltrim, and Keena did not like uniforms. Mullibok told this to Major Kira Nerys when she beamed down to the surface of the Bajoran moon Jerrado and was menaced with Bajoran farming tools. (DS9: "Progress")
At times, the Starfleet uniform played a role in an individual's strength against coercion. For example, Data refused to remove his Starfleet uniform and don the clothes provided by Kivas Fajo, representing his freedom from within "involuntary confinement." (TNG: "The Most Toys") When Sisko and O'Brien were with the Human colony led by Alixus, Sisko refused to exchange his uniform for the clothing that leader provided, despite undergoing extreme punishment. (DS9: "Paradise")
At other times, the Starfleet uniform played a role in an authority figure's establishment of control. For example, Captain Jellico asked that Troi wear a "standard uniform when on duty" when he briefly served as Captain of the USS Enterprise-D. (TNG: "Chain of Command, Part I") In contrast, when Lt. Commander Calvin Hudson brought an end to his double existence and became completely Maquis, he refused to accept his Federation uniform when Benjamin Sisko offered it to him, saying "It's just a uniform, Ben." (DS9: "The Maquis, Part II")
Uniform types
- Andorian uniforms
- Bajoran Militia uniforms and earring
- Cardassian uniforms
- Dominion uniforms
- Earth uniforms
- American uniforms
- French uniforms
- German uniforms
- Japanese uniforms
- MACO uniform and equipments
- Earth Starfleet uniforms
- Terran Empire uniforms
- Ferengi uniforms
- Klingon uniforms
- Romulan uniforms
- So'na uniforms
- Starfleet uniforms
- Talarian uniforms
- Tellarite uniforms
- Vulcan uniforms
- Xindi uniforms