The ISSO’s Rules for Space and Space Tourism guide is a critical document when one considers embarking on or being involved in space travel.
The ISSO in an effort to remain current with the changing demands of space travel update and append to these rules as necessary.
ISSO acknowledges and thanks Kenzie Welch, Lexi Inks and InStyle Magazine. The ISSO bows to their expertise in definitions of the nine dress codes. As Lexi’s article states, “We [InStyle Magazine] tapped professional stylist and content creator, Kenzie Welch to break down each one.”
Rule 137 Follow The Dress Code
1. Casual
On Earth (according to Kenzie):
‘Casual really means comfortable, low key, and effortless.’
‘Dressing casually is more about how you feel than how you look.’
In Space (Rule 137-1):
This one is easy, it is all about natural fibres – cotton, wool, silk – cool, comfortable, and fire retardant fabrics, that don’t chaff and are suitable underneath a space suit in that quick-don emergency. Whether it is taking a break off-shift or lounging with your friends on the observation or hollo-deck, casual dress speaks to long-johns, a long sleeved T-shirt and socks.
2. Smart Casual
On Earth:
‘…doesn’t take as much mental effort as the name may suggest.’
‘Smart casual might mean business on top, party on the bottom.’
In Space (Rule 137-2):
Kenzie has nailed this in one – business on top, party on the bottom! This is basically your standard Spants-off-Friday (Note the hazards, see Rule 13). The top can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the formality of the occasion, but the bottom is all about letting it all hang out (in consenting company of course).
3. Business Casual
On Earth:
‘A relatively controversial concept in recent years…you’ll see plenty of
Gen Z creators struggling to figure out what qualifies as business casual.’
‘It’s showing up as your most confident self that can be taken seriously. People can really lean into their authentic style…’
In Space (Rule 137-3):
This is your standard, work-a-day shift attire. That old knocked about space suit, or ‘Beratnas Gas’ coverall is fine. Helmet optional depending on whether you are working pressurised or not. As Kenzie point out, you want to be taken seriously, so look the part in a suit that has clearly seen a few furlong fortnights (refer Rule 17). The look you are going for is ‘Amos Burton getting the job done’.
4. Cocktail
On Earth:
‘Cocktail attire usually requires a dress that is at right the knee or below the knee, anything longer can feel a little too formal.’
‘Wearing a heel is usually part of that as well. It could be a kitten heel, a block heel…but don’t wear sneakers.’
In Space (Rule 137-4):
Definitely reserved for an ‘after five’ function, and definitely off-shift. The sort of function would be canapés-from-a-tube and fizzy-drinks-with-an-umbrella-in-a-bulb. Expect to have to socialise with the billionaire boss who has come to ‘mix with the troops’ and see how their bitcoin spend is going. The event will likely be live streamed, so dress nice, no greasy coveralls and no clunky space suits. This is ideally the place for your best jumpsuit -a little more frivolous than those coveralls, and add a little diamanté bling. Heels (despite Kenzie’s advice) are still a no-go (see Rule 27 ), so go with a soft, closed-toe dress shoe or moon-boot.
5. Semi Formal
On Earth:
Semi formal does not have to be overly complicated or uncomfortable.
Kenzie does not really help here, leaving us to our own interpretation but does warn not to ‘bedazzle.’
In Space (Rule 137-5):
Semi formal has a strict definition in space and space tourism which keeps it simple. This is the place for wearing your LCVG (liquid cooled and ventilated garment) sans suit. This specialised clothing ensues you remain fresh and cool, look professional, and are ready to step up to Business Formal at a moment’s notice.
6. Business Formal
On Earth:
‘This involves a buttoned-up and extra polished look. Business formal means a suit. It’s very professional…and you don’t want to go over the top with accessories.’
In Space (Rule 137-6):
This your A-game, live stream, “One small step for man…” dress attire. Full suit, helmet on (visor glare shield up or down as appropriate). The full kit – gauntlets, boots, MOAS, (see Rule 3), zip ties, Spotato (see Rule 105), and spare Spotato. Breast plate shiny, helmet buffed, this is your ‘Major Tom’ moment.
7. Black Tie
On Earth:
“Try something really elegant, I would even say chic would be the word.”
“It’s important for [those identifying as] women to avoid going for the juvenile look.”
Staff at the ISSO add, a tuxedo or white dinner jacket for those identifying as male, full length gown for those identifying as women. One or the other, but not both, for those identifying as other.
In Space (Rule 137-7):
A black tie event can have two variations: at work-on-duty, and off-shift-formal-after-hours, but both are readily solved with Velcro TM (see Rule 13, do not use Kruger-Dunning Single Use Velcro TM).
On duty, black tie is your basic Business Formal with the addition of medals and a formal bow tie Velcroed in place. Fully functional, yet stylish. Make sure your metal work is gleaming and space boots are polished. Helmet (vacuum depending) is optional.
After-hours, your Number One Best Suit is fine, or your may opt for your formal jumpsuit. Here it is all about the tailored cut and quality of the cloth. A nice Seville Row or Dior number will stand out from the hoi polloi. Again, Velcro on your medals, and a bow tie for those identifying as male, a tasteful corsage for those identifying as ladies.
8. Black Tie Optional
On Earth:
“Dress is a formal gown, …wear a tuxedo, but it’s not required. You can save your absolute fanciest ensemble for another day, but black tie optional still requires a level of elegance.”
In Space (Rule 137-8):
Okay, time to be blunt. There is no room in space for ambiguity or loosey-goosey attitudes to Rule following. Black Tie Optional is forbidden in space. It is either Casual, Business Formal, or Black Tie. Never some half arsed, confusing combination. Space is too hostile and unforgiving for such lax behaviour.
9. White Tie
On Earth:
“Aim for a royal or presidential look. White tie is the top-tier dress code, so you don’t want to do anything less than absolutely formal…and you can also do some sort of glove with the gown to really elevate it.”
In Space (Rule 137-9):
Gloves, and we mean your formal-best-dress-gauntlets, are always an option in space so that is a readily available and great accessory for top-tier formal wear. Really, White Tie in space is all about plumes and feathers. Nothing says ‘presidential’ more than an elaborate helmet crest, or golden breast plate over gleaming white ceremonial space armour. You should aim for a polish that will blind a dozen random bystanders if someone accidentally fires a laser. Medals of course, the more and the bigger the better. Men, and those identifying as such, may wear pistols or light sabres at their hip, while those identifying as ladies should conceal their hardware in a stylish clutch purse.
The ISSO trusts that Rules 137-1 to 137-9 clarify the oft-confusing and socially awkward world of dress codes in space, and hopes to see you all at the bar for Spants-off-Friday.