The secret behind the TNG uniform change

Why did TNG undergo a uniform overhaul after the 2nd season? One simple reason: Jonathan Frakes' weight got out of control. At the beginning of the third season, he showed up at the studio as a fat slob dripping in sweat. He could barely squeeze into his uniform, and the director was about to start filming until Michael Piller walked out and said, "Hold on, this is ridiculous. He looks like he has tits."

And so it was written.

The filming would be delayed and new, baggier uniforms would be created. But even the new uniforms weren't enough. The directors still had to go out of their way to find different angles to film Frakes at to make him seem more slim.

And so it was written.

After that season ended, even baggier uniforms were created. And finally Frakes was free to let himself go without fear of anyone noticing. Other cast members followed his lead as well. Remember in "All Good Things" when old man Geordi walks to Picard in the field and pats his belly, saying something along the lines of "Time's been a little too kind to me." Well, that was his real fat folks. That's right, he went through a few seasons on that show with a stomach, and no one noticed thanks to those uniforms. Ahh yes, the power of bagginess.