Even before I found this video, I was vaguely aware that Picard tugged at his shirt a lot, but watching him do it 130 times was more than I can bear. I admit I skipped ahead a few times.
What I found interesting was that, while Picard prefered the two-handed vertical pull, Riker, tended to do a one-side-other-side version
[Ode To The Picard Maneuver (With Data)] (Viewer #256,214)
Now that I think about it, didn’t Kirk used to do this a lot, too?
I’ve always wondered if this was “acting” from the beginning or if Stewart unconsciously started tugging on the uniform to make it fit better. Later on in the series, it did become a “thing” and Frakes started doing it as well.
Was there an episode that covered the origin of this as something going back to his cadet days? (I can *easily* picture some instructor giving Cadet Picard grief about the proper wear of the uniform per Star Fleet regulations.) Was it the one where we find out about his artificial heart?
Just because an astronaut wears it doesn’t mean it’s comfortable!
@2 – CCO – Nope, it’s never covered in canon, but I can imagine the moment right along with you.
Since when has the costume department cared about functionality? Most outfits are made for standing up in, not sitting down in.
That is annoying. It’s like they are one size too small. Maybe they should all wear ‘onesies’.
This has been a long know issue among trekkies. The official explanation is that the uniforms really were crap and the actors were in constant fits of aggravation with them.
http://www.thegeektwins.com/2014/07/6-horrifying-facts-about-star-trek-tngs.html
Either Future Clothes suck or it goes back to involuntary fear reflexes from their red shirt days.