“It was one of those film stock things;” Theiss states, “it photographed one way - burnt orange or a gold. But in reality was another; the command shirts were definitely green.” As further proof, look at the wrap-around tunics as well as the dress uniform tunics of Kirk’s – all green. They came off as their true colors because they were constructed of different materials than the standard duty command shirts.
This same film problem can be seen in other areas of the old show as well. The miniature of the Enterprise alternately looked light gray, pale blue and sometimes faint green. The carpet on the bridge, which was actually a dark gray, often appeared tan or brown. So, for the devoted fan trying to faithfully recreate his little corner of Trekdom for an upcoming convention costume contest, what does he do? Adhere to what actually was, the intended look, the look the cast and crew all saw? Or go with what we all saw on our screens each episode?