hi yes everyone i would just like to direct your attention to garak’s pant leg and shoes and the fashion crime that is happening there
yes, i see it, you see it, we cannot remain silent any longer
this just in: stirrup (barely) visible in this outfit too
just in case there was any further doubt
clearly visible on the lefthand trousers, somewhat visible on the righthand as well
My thoughts on this, both in-universe and from a costume design perspective:
Costume design - both Cardassian military and civilian costumes have stirrup pants. It makes utilitarian sense for the former, because similar to their original purpose for horse-riding, they keep the pants tucked into the heavy military boots. But for civilians, and from the perspective for Cardassian clothing overall, this tracks for the design intent of wanting Cardassians to appear controlled, disciplined, and composed. Their clothes are made of heavy high-quality fabrics laminated onto neoprene to prevent wrinkling, for this explicit purpose. It makes Cardassians appear rigid, imposing in their aloofness and perfection, and the stirrups allow the pant legs to remain uncreased and prevent them from riding up. Additionally, this could help for actors who wear extensive skin paint/makeup where a visible ankle could ruin a whole shot. DS9 was always strapped for time and budget, and having to reshoot a scene because of a costume mishap would be valid reason to build something like this into the clothes.
In-universe, honestly this tracks with Garak’s whole MO. His desire and drive for perfection in what he does, and how he strives to wear himself proudly despite being in exile, in disgrace, circumstances he’s ashamed of (yet also feels wronged by). Andy himself calls Garak incredibly vain, never letting a single stitch be out of place. Garak does not allow creases or wrinkles, he smooths his tunic when it crumples and sits prim and proper and only presents his best. As above, part of that is the Cardassian way, but much of it is Garak as well. He doesn’t just want his clothes to look pristine to look fashionable, but because they’re his own work. They’re one of the few things he has to be proud of in his exile, and he will wear them impeccably. He gives his enemies no fuel to belittle him, and in another sense also wants to appear professional, trustworthy, an upstanding citizen, for his own purposes (just as, on the flip side, the Central Command wants its soldiers to appear intimidating through their clothes and stature). This is a lot to infer from one little clothing alteration, but it’s part of the whole package. Garak, and all Cardassians, are extremely guarded, and are expert at donning a well-crafted veneer. Every stitch is accounted for, and if little god damned stirrups make his pant legs stiff and uncreased and make them stay in place to avoid showing unnecessary (read: unaccounted for) skin then it’s worth it. Elim Garak will not allow glimpses of his naked ankle in front of Bajorans. Only Julian.
