Uniforms

Guiding Uniforms (UK)

From the invention of Boy Scouts in 1908, there has been a uniform for all members of Guiding. It started on Brownsea Island with the patrol ‘shoulder knots’ in Patrol colours which were issued for each boy to wear, and in Scouting for Boys, where the first edition set out the suggested uniform for Scouts, and the second edition in 1909 stated the uniform for Girl Scouts also, and uniform continues to be a key part of the Guiding brand worldwide to this day.

Cataloguing the uniforms through the years and the various changes which occurred is not easy. Some of the terminology of past years such as ‘jumper’ and ‘stocking’ does not necessarily retain the same meaning now. And there were times when different styles were introduced and quickly dropped, or minor alterations made without great fanfare, or a series of suggestions were published, accompanied by sketches, which never came to pass. So as a starting point, we are going to work with ‘as at’, using the details quoted in sources such as the official rulebook, ‘Policy, Organisation and Rules’ or in the official magazines, or in catalogues issued either by Guiding or by reputable suppliers of the era. Any pictures seen here should be used as a guide only, as even back in the day people did not always know the rules, or stick to them if they knew of them, hence photos of actual members from that era don’t necessarily show textbook uniforms with every badge and accoutrement official and worn in the right place. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the date for a uniform change will always be simply when the change was announced or when a new style was first launched – it would take a few years after that date for all the existing Guiding members to change over to the new style, especially in localities where second-hand uniform was more common than new – and it would take time for second-hand uniforms to come on the market in sufficient numbers to meet demand in those areas where buying new was out of the question.

To make this section more manageable, I’m going to break it up by section.

Rainbow Uniform

Rainbows started in 1987, but before there were Rainbows, there were Bunnies. They existed in Ulster Guiding from the 1960s, and expanded in the late 1970s – but in spite of that were almost unheard of in the rest of the UK.

In the mid-1980s a proposal for a younger section before Brownies was launched. Various pilot groups were set up in different localities, and each faced the question of uniform. As the units often met after school, a full change of clothes was not convenient – hence most of the groups opted for some form of coloured tabard to wear over the day-clothes.

When the time came to launch the new section nationally, the experience of these pilot groups led to the decision that coloured tabards would be the appropriate uniform option for Rainbows, and a range in four colours was introduced at the launch of the section – Red, Yellow, Green and Blue. (A few years later Orange and Violet tabards were introduced to the range).

March 1988 – Publication of “interim guidelines for Rainbow Guides”. These include “The section is known as the Rainbow Guide Section but individual groups may choose their own name within this section name.” “The minimum age is the current statutory school starting age.” “The minimum number of girls in a group is six and the maximum 15” Uniform – “This consists of a tabard which may be in any colour of the rainbow, each group deciding on it’s own colour.” “Designs for a cloth badge and other allied uniform matters are still being discussed,” “girls in the Rainbow Guide Section will make a simple Promise as follows: I will do my best to love God and to be kind and helpful.” “The ratio of adults must be one adult to every five children. Normally there are two adult leaders known as the Rainbow Guider and the Assistant Rainbow Guider. Within the unit they may be addressed by an alternative name. Where there are 11-15 girls in a unit, a second Assistant Guider is required. There must not be more than four adults except with the District Commissioner’s permission. In each unit one of the Guiders must have attained the age of 21.”

March 1988 – The following Rainbow items will be available mid-end March. “Rainbow Tabards, ready-made, two sizes – small and medium, red, blue, green or yellow only. Tabard Pattern for home dressmakers. Rainbow Badge for girls to wear on tabard – centre chest.”

The Promise badge had originally been triangular, worn stitched against the binding in the middle of the tabard’s neckline. When Guiding moved to having matching Promise badges in January 1994, this was replaced by a Promise badge in the same style as the other sections, but with green infill. However, there was one difference to the other sections – the Rainbow Promise Badge continued to be produced in cloth only, whereas other sections had pin badges – this was stated to be on grounds of safety, as Rainbows could be injured by pin-on badges.

This decision wasn’t the only source of upset, for with this new design, the Rainbow Promise Badge no longer featured a rainbow on it, so a decision was hastily made to manufacture curved badges featuring a rainbow, which could be sewn above the Promise Badge, and this was issued from February 1995. Although this resolved one issue, it didn’t deal with the pressure from Rainbow Leaders, who wanted their girls to have a uniform like the other sections, and a pin-on Promise Badge like the other sections – there was also some criticism of the costs faced by Rainbow units in having to buy two badges per girl, the Promise badge and rainbow arch, where other sections had one Promise badge.

For by this time, too, there was also pressure from Rainbow Leaders over uniform. The uniform changes in 1990 hadn’t affected Rainbows, who retained the tabard introduced three years before when the other sections ‘went mix-and-match’. As a concession, a few months after the main uniform launch, it was announced that Rainbows would get a baseball cap, in green, and it launched in October 1990.

Soon after, some other optional leisurewear for Rainbows was produced, also in green – a t-shirt, and a pair of shorts. But as these did not count as uniform, and besides, were only suitable for wearing for a few weeks in summer, sales were not extensive, and they were only available for a limited number of years.

In 2002 another range of Rainbow leisurewear was tried, a sweatshirt, t-shirt, shorts and joggers in pink and white, and a purple jacket – but again, with this being leisurewear not uniform, few families invested.

August 2004 – New Rainbow uniform introduced, designed by Ally Capellino. “The existing tabard will become an optional item – however the yellow and orange tabards will no longer be available due to a lack of sales.” The items are a Rainbow hooded jacket in red with light blue trim, polo shirt in pale blue with red collar and sleeves, cycle shorts in red with light blue trim, joggers in red with light blue trim, and red baseball cap, all with the new Rainbows logo. So at last after much campaigning by Leaders, the Rainbows, too, had a mix-and-match uniform.

With them came a new Promise badge – and again, now they had a metal pin-on badge just like the older sections did, with a pale blue enamel.

And when Guiding changed it’s trefoil, so too did Rainbows, with the pale blue colour being retained through the changes.

The Rainbow uniform remained unchanged for 20 years, but in 2023 it was announced that in 2026 the uniforms for all sections would be changing. The first suggestions for the uniforms were shared in February 2024, with units and individuals getting to vote on the initial proposals, which were displayed on hoodies. For Rainbows, there was the chance to vote for a hoodie in either red, light blue, or pink. There would also be a logo on the centre front, and there was a choice of what the logo should be – a Rainbow logo, a Girlguiding UK, a medium-size centrally placed trefoil, or a large trefoil covering the front. There was also the chance to submit votes on what colour the logo should be, and on whether the hem and cuffs should be the same colour as the hoodie, or striped. It will be fascinating to see the results of the voting.

Brownie (and Rosebud) Uniform

When Rosebuds first started, the uniform instructions were vague. Written instructions, only occasionally aided by sketches, meant that a lot was left for the Guiders to interpret, or use their best judgement on. So far as the instructions went, they were for a navy jersey and skirt, and a navy tammy-style hat. As the Guides wore a pale blue necker with their navy uniforms, some Guiders thought that perhaps Rosebuds were intended to do likewise – it was only later clearly stated that they were not to do so. The Rosebud’s Promise Badge, which was in brass, was worn on the hat.

As the Girl Guide Gazette of June 1914 stated “a Rosebud may not wear a Girl Guides uniform hat. Neither may she wear any Guide’s badges. A Rosebud has her own brooch badge. She may not salute with three fingers, for a Rosebud only has two Promises to make, therefore her sign is the holding up of two fingers. A Rosebud cannot have the sky-blue neckerchief, but she may tie her hair back with sky-blue ribbon. When a Rosebud is to be enrolled she has to make two promises, and says: On my honour I promise that I will do my best: 1. To do my duty to God and the King; and 2. To do a good turn to somebody every day.”

The name change to Brownies in 1915 led to a change of uniform too, with sketch drawings of proposals being published in the Gazette. It wasn’t made clear which of these would be adopted, and although the left-hand one is often seen in sets of replicas, most units seem to have opted for something resembling either of the middle two options in terms of garments – either the plain frock with belt or the knitted jumper and skirt, usually worn with either a straw hat or a knitted cap.

In June 1915 the Girl Guides Gazette stated “Brownie brooch to be a metal acorn brooch bearing the letter B. Uniform to be brown overall, skirt & jersey or Holland blouse, brown belt, brown shoes and stockings, brown hair ribbon, hat trimmed with brown.” However there isn’t any evidence of a badge being produced which had the letter B on it – surviving badges of the era show only an acorn on a white background, in a brown ring, with no lettering at all.

In December 1915 there was further clarification: “Uniform: brown overall and belt, brown hair ribbon, rush or felt cap or hat trimmed with brown, with green leaf of Patrol on left side of hat, or – dark blue Guide blouse, dark blue skirt or tunic overblouse, brown belt or brown braid sash. Brown tie & hair ribbon. Badge: Acorn badge on tape. Tests: Entrance, 2nd class (acorn badge on tape with leaves), 1st class (acorn badge on tape with leaves and motto). Brownies are 11 years and under. Six or eight Brownies to form a Patrol and assume the name of a British tree, under the Patrol leadership of a head girl, who should, where possible, be a selected and efficient Girl Guide. The head of a company consisting of not less than two Patrols shall be called a Company Leader and shall be at least 17 years of age. The company must be registered at Headquarters. A Brownie shall not pay for her own badge, she must return it to her company leader on leaving the Company.” The acorn badges usually took the form of round celluloid discs with a hole at either side, which allowed them to be stitched on, but easily removed for laundry. But in spite of the adjustments, Brownie uniform hadn’t yet been settled for the long term.

The lack of satisfaction is best demonstrated by the sketches which were published in 1917 as proposals for Brownie uniform. There clearly still isn’t agreement within headquarters on whether the uniform should be brown or blue, nor on which style of tunic should be worn, nor again on which style of hat. Meantime, Leaders used their judgement as to what they thought best. And yet, though this rough sketch of possible options is confusing, from it most units opted to adopt the simplest of the suggested options – the brown cotton dress with a 3 or 4 button opening at the neck, patch pockets at the chest, and the shape given by the belt which cinched in the shift frock at the waist. Although blue continued to be advertised as an option for a number of years, it’s use quickly died out, and by 1921 was gone entirely. From then on, Brownies wore brown.

With the brown frock was worn a folded brown tie similar to that of the Guides, a bucket-type hat in straw or canvas or a knitted woolen hat, and black stockings. From June 1917 the Patrols were renamed Sixes, and the emblems for them were changed from trees to ‘fairy folk’, and in January 1918 Brownie Service Stars were introduced, on a brown felt ground. Wartime shortages meant that for a time, a fabric tenderfoot badge showing a ‘Brownie man’ in gold stitching on brown felt was used, a sample is shown left, and a photograph of one being worn in uniform is shown right.

In August 1919, as wartime metal shortages eased, the temporary fabric tenderfoot badge was replaced by a ‘Brownie man’ in brass on a pin, worn on the tie.

So in 1918 the approved uniform was:

Tunic – Brown or Navy blue with patch pockets (or Jersey and kilted skirt). Knickers – Brown or Navy blue. Cap or Hat – Knitted cap or Rush hat with brown ribbon band. Belt – Brown leather. Tie – Brown triangular. Shoes and Stockings – Brown. Hair Ribbon – Brown. Badges – Worn on left breast.

Sixer Distinguishing Marks – Two Armlets of Brown Braid, 1/2 inch wide and 1 inch apart, worn 5 inches above left elbow. Second Distinguishing Marks – One Armlet of Brown Braid, 1/2 inch wide, worn 5 inches above left elbow.

Following this, over the next 50 years or so, the tweaks were minor. In August 1928 the option of brown stockings or socks and brown shoes was added to the Brownie uniform, and a 3rd year star introduced for Brownies, which could be transferred to Guide uniform to show the years of Brownie service upon it alongside the stars for years as a Guide. In December 1930 the Brownie emblem moved to being worn over the right pocket rather than beside 1st and 2nd Class. In October 1931 it was announced that “The new woven badges are guaranteed fadeless and washable. Therefore, if they are carefully buttonholed on to the overall sleeve when new they need not be removed when the garment is washed. There should then be no difficulty with regard to the badges fraying.” In April 1934 a new Brownie summer uniform was introduced – similar to the Guide Camp dress, it was a short-sleeve dress with a V-neck which could be worn with or without the tie at pack holiday or at summer meetings, with it was launched a new brown camp hat in ‘casement cloth’ to join the existing options of rush hat or knitted cap.

For a time, there was an alternative to the cotton frock – in the form of a knitted jumper with a deep fold-down collar, and a ‘bodice skirt’ – the plaited skirt was attached to a vest-type garment in a thin silky fabric, which fastened by sets of buttons at the shoulder. The sets of buttons were arranged in rows so that, as the girl grew, the next set could be used, allowing the length of bodice hidden under the jumper to gradually be extended. The downside was that of wearing a wool jumper in summer. This option was generally dropped during WW2, as clothes rationing meant that buying two garments instead of one cost more precious clothing coupons as well as more money.

But there were some minor tweaks to uniform over the years. In January 1938 the option of a pack wearing old gold-coloured ties instead of brown was introduced, and many opted for the brighter colour. Sixer and Second stripes, too, moved from being brown braid to gold, which showed up more brightly on the sleeve. The rush hats had also been dropped, the options now being a brown knitted cap, or a bucket-type hat in brown cotton or Melton cloth. And the option of white socks appeared alongside the brown stockings or socks, as more girls tended to wear white socks than stockings generally.

There was a significant change to the Proficiency Badges for Brownies. So far, they had been split into four colour-coded categories, but in February 1939 it was announced that “When the present stock of Brownie Proficiency Badges is exhausted, these badges to be embroidered in gold on a brown background.”

WW2, also, brought minor changes, in this case out of necessity – The Promise Badge was too fiddly to manufacture, and too wasteful of materials with it’s intricate cut-out shape. So it was replaced with a design stamped out of brass sheet, first in an oblong shape in 1940 – and within a year by an oval shape which used less brass. This latter design seems to have continued in use for some years after war ended.

More generally, uniform became hard to source – the raw materials such as cotton for dresses, felt for making hats and metal for belt buckles were all in high demand, and with so many factories being turned over to war production of uniforms and munitions – and many factories and warehouses (and their contents) being damaged in bombing, together with the loss of raw materials transported by merchant shipping – there were regular shortages of one item or another, sometimes for many months at a time. The other big factor resulting from this was clothes rationing, which affected Guiding uniforms from July 1941:

“The Guider” gave details of the impact of rationing on uniforms: Guide and Brownie sizes – Mackintoshes – 11 coupons, Coats, Showerproof or Pilot Cloth – 8 coupons, Uniform Dress – 4 or 6 coupons (4 for up to 39″ size), Skirt without bodice – 5 coupons, with bodice – 6 coupons, Blouse or Jumper – 3 coupons, Knickers – 2 coupons, Stockings – 1 coupon (up to 9.5″), Ankle Socks – 1 coupon, 2 Handkerchiefs – 1 coupon, Triangular Ties – 2 coupons, Gloves – 2 coupons, Slippers or Shoes – 3 coupons. Cotton Fabric 36″ was 2 coupons per yard, Woollen Fabric 36″ was 3 coupons per yard, Knitting wool was 1 coupon per 2-ounce ball.

It’s worth bearing in mind that initially, adults were allowed a total of 60 coupons for all their personal clothing needs, and children 70 coupons (because they would outgrow clothes during the year). This was later reduced to 48 coupons per adult, and the clothes rationing continued long after the war finished.

By September 1942, wartime shortages were really biting. “The Guider” magazine advised “Owing to the difficulty in obtaining badges, Brownie Packs may invent a substitute for the Recruit Badge for the Brownie to be enrolled and to wear until a metal one is available.” In November there were further shortages: “The Board of Trade can no longer release supplies of leather for Girl Guide and Brownie belts, and at present no further orders can be taken. We are still hoping to secure material for a substitute, and as soon as possible further information will be published in The Guider.”

Post World War 2, the shortages continued, in some cases rationing became more strict, as the need to rebuild after the war and for the country to pay war debts put pressure on business.

The changes in this era were minor – stockings being dropped in favour of white socks, the return of woven badges rather than ‘felt’, and the return of the cut-out Brownie Badge, albeit the figure was mounted on a more sturdy brass bar rather than a fine safety-pin style fastening. In January 1950 Brownie Berets became now official wear for Brownies as an alternative to caps provided that the whole pack wore the same.

So, 50 years on from it’s introduction, in 1957, the uniform was:

Dress – Brown, short sleeves optional in summer, or Kilted Skirt and Jersey – Brown. Knickers – Brown. Tie – Brown or gold; triangular. Belt – Brown leather. Cap – Brown, plain knitted, or Beret – Brown. Hair Ribbon, Slide (if any) – Brown. Socks – White or fawn. Shoes – Brown

Sixer Distinguishing Mark – Two horizontal gold stripes, above left elbow. Second Distinguishing Mark – One horizontal gold stripe, above left elbow.

It was in October 1967 the new Brownie uniform was launched. For Brownies it still meant a brown cotton frock, but now in a brighter red-brown shade, and the pockets moved from the chest to the front of the skirt. Out went the complicated folding of the tie in favour of a stitched yellow cross-over shape, which was fastened around the neck at the back with a button instead of a reef knot.

Dress (official pattern) – Brown; short sleeves optional in summer. Tie (official pattern) – Yellow. Beret – Brown, or Cap – Brown, plain knitted. Promise Badge – Chrome. Emblem – According to Six. Title Tape – According to Pack registration. Cardigan (if any) – Brown. Knickers – Brown. Socks – White or fawn, or Tights or Stockings – Fawn or brown. Shoes – Brown. Hair Ribbon, Slide (if any) – Brown

August 1973 – “Due to the great rise in the cost of wool, the Executive Committee has been concerned that the cost of certain uniform items should not cause hardship to parents, and has decided that the Brownie Guide Beret will be discontinued when current stocks are depleted, and the present alternative (Courtelle) cap will be the official headgear for Brownie Guides.” “Knitting instructions and recommended Courtelle for caps are available on request”

April 1978 – “New Uniform Items. The Trading Service now has in stock: Leather Brownie Belts – small and large. Leather Belt Purses. Leather Guide Belts – small, med and large.”

With Brownie Pack Holidays becoming more common, garments were introduced for wearing there too. These weren’t uniform, and couldn’t be worn instead of it, but were helpful in eking out uniform at residential events. Many units who went on camps and holidays regularly opted to buy sets of these clothes for the unit, and issue them to the girls attending a holiday. In the 1930s a brown cotton open-necked frock with short sleeves, in the same style as the camp dress, had been suggested as holiday wear with a cotton bucket-style hat, so there was a long tradition of Brownie Holiday wear. Later t-shirts, shorts or trousers could be worn, in yellow and brown.

So in 1967 the holiday options were:

Dress (official pattern) – Brown short-sleeved; no tie, or Shorts or Jeans – Brown with T-shirt – Yellow

In the 1970s a yellow t-shirt with Brownie logo was introduced, as shown right.

This leisurewear continued broadly unchanged until 1990, when the more relaxed style of the normal uniform (and the shorter duration most holidays were held for) meant that separate garments for Brownie holidays were not required.

For by the late 1980s, there was increasing pressure for uniform change in all sections, including for Brownies. Thin cotton frocks were all very well in summer in the south of the UK, but the majority of Brownie meetings were not held in summer, and cotton frocks on winter evenings did not make sense, especially in the northern half of the UK. So Brownies were part of the new uniform design scheme which launched in 1990, designed by Jeff Banks of ‘Clothes Show’ fame.

July 1990 – “All the main items in the new uniform ranges for the girls’ sections should be available on September 1st.” “There had been some difficulties in obtaining the waterproof jackets and some of the adult range but these should be ready by November 1.”

Instead of one garment for all, there was a mix-and-match range of garments – polo shirt, sweatshirt, jumper or hoodie, culottes or joggers, baseball cap, and a sash for badges.

October 1998 – “Brownies should be allowed to wear unit neckerchiefs, as an alternative to the yellow one. It was agreed that wearing unit neckers would help with identification at large-scale events. However, it is up to each Brownie to decide whether to wear one or not. The decision on whether or not a unit should have neckerchiefs should be taken during a pow-wow. The pow-wow should also decide whether they should be yellow or in unit colours.

Though popular, the time came for a change, and by 2002 new designs were launched, with trousers, leggings, cycle shorts or skort, long-sleeve top with striped sleeves, t-shirt or polo shirt, and a zip hoodie or gilet, in a brighter shade of yellow and darker shade of brown.

These options remained in place for over 20 years, but in 2023 it was announced that new uniforms for all sections would be introduced from 2026, in order to have a coordinated look across all sections. Initial suggestions were produced in February 2024 to allow Brownies to vote on them – these were shown as hooded sweatshirts. For Brownies there was a choice of brown or yellow sweatshirt, with the hem and cuffs being either plain-colour or striped. The logo would be centrally positioned and in either yellow or brown, and could be a Brownie logo, a Girlguiding UK logo, a medium-sized trefoil or a large trefoil which would reach right across the front of the top.

Guide Uniform

Photo of a girl in a 1909 vintage Girl Scout uniform of wide-brim hat, blouse, long skirt, with white haversack over shoulder and long stave in hand.

Before there were Guides, there were Girl Scouts. And just as they adapted all the other parts of the Scout programme as necessary, so they adapted the uniform instructions, often teaming the khaki Scout shirts and hats with their usual navy shin or ankle-length skirts. They proudly carried their shoulder-height Scout Stave, with the end marked in inches, and wore their haversack and rolled-up coat in straps on their back.

It was in November 1909 that “The Scheme for Girl Guides” was posted in the Scout “Headquarters Gazette”, and the uniform it outlined was for a shirt and skirt in the unit’s chosen colour, with a shoulder knot in Patrol colours, and the Patrol badge on the shirt. The significant change was in the hat – gone was the practical Scout ‘wide-awake’ hat, replaced with a bright red ‘Biretta’ hat. (Although it’s not clear how many units did change their hats . . . )

By 1912 there was a more settled uniform, and the 1912 handbook gave more details, but as there was no diagram, it was still up to Guides and their Guiders to interpret the directions:

“Uniform. Uniform for Girl Guides is not compulsory. Guides should, as far as possible, dress alike, especially in each patrol, as regards hat, necktie, and colour of blouse. Hat. – Dark blue scouts’ felt, flat wide brim, with chin strap or elastic. A band with monogram can be had. Neckerchief. – Pale blue, forty inches, worn knotted at the throat, and also at the ends, till the good turn is done. (It makes a good sling for first-aid, stretcher, or rope, bandage, or signal flag.) Shirt-Blouse. – Of company colour, with patrol crest sewn on left front. Two pockets. Skirt. – Dark blue serge, two flap pockets. Dark blue knickers. Stockings. – Dark blue woollen, or black, worn drawn up tight over the knee. Belt. – Brown leather, with two swivels and brass registered Girl Guide buckle and pouch. Coat strap. Gauntlet Gloves, brown. Shoes or Boots. – Black. Staff. – If on ambulance work. Haversack. – Worn on the back. White with red cross. Cooking billy for camp. Stretcher-Sling. – White, four inches wide, with red two-inch stripe, for parades. Worn over left shoulder, unless on stretcher. Badges. – Sewn on the sleeve. Knife. – On white lanyard, and hitched to swivel on left. Shoulder-Knot. – Ribbons or tapes of patrol colours, sewn on left shoulder. Jacket or Cape. – In straps. Badge. – Safety-pin on necktie; chevrons on left arm. Title Tape – name of company sewn on right shoulder top.

In the Girl Guide Gazette of March 1915 it was stated that the haversack should no longer bear a red cross. And the June 1915 issue stated “At recent rallies there were several noticeable discrepancies in uniform marring the effect. We have to remind Captains that only the official uniform is admissible for Girl Guides, and any departure from the regulation navy hat, navy blouse and sky-blue tie is not permitted”.

In January 1917, the Girl Guide Gazette confirmed: “smock authorised as alternative to uniform, termed ‘Drill Uniform’. Parade uniform as at present, with extra length to body so as to go outside skirt, when desired, for physical exercise, etc.” and also ” Patrol Leader – Tenderfoot badge on front of hat and two vertical stripes on left pocket instead of chevrons. Corporal – one stripe on pocket.”

In February of that same year, the Patrol Corporals were renamed ‘Patrol Second’. And although until now the Guide uniforms had all been made of serge, “Headquarters is to sell a strong washable dark blue overall for Guides due to the prohibitive price of serge.”

March 1917 brought clarification of the January instructions: Patrol Leader to wear one Tenderfoot badge on front of hat and one to fasten tie, two stripes on left pocket, not chevrons.

There were further tweaks in the summer of 1918 – In June dark blue drill hats were permitted owing to a felt shortage. In July a new uniform jumper (i.e. overshirt) in navy blue jean was introduced, to be worn over the skirt. So by 1918, the uniform was confirmed as:

Shirt or Tunic – Navy blue, with two patch pockets and shoulder straps. Skirt – Navy blue, with two patch pockets. Knickers – Navy blue. Hat – Navy blue, worn with a straight brim, not turned up on the side. Hatband – Navy blue, with official stamp. Necktie – Triangular, of light blue or Company colour, worn folded neatly into a narrow fold bandage, under collar, not under shoulder strap. Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Boots or Shoes – Black. Stockings – Black (fancy openwork stockings should not be worn). Gloves – Brown gauntlet, if any. Shoulder Knot – Of Patrol Colour, worn on left shoulder. Emblem – Of Patrol Flower or Bird, worn on the left hand pocket. Title Tape – Of Company number, worn on the left arm, covering juncture of the shoulder knot with the shoulder strap. Brooch – Tenderfoot badge, worn on loose ends of the tie. Haversack – Worn on back. Hair-Ribbon – Black or Navy. Hair should be plaited.

Patrol Leader distinguishing marks – two perpendicular white stripes worn on the left pocket. Tenderfoot badge above the centre of the hatband, in addition to that worn on the tie. Patrol Flag, white fabric, ten inches deep, with the crest of her patrol stitched on to it on both sides. Patrol Second distinguishing marks – one perpendicular stripe on left pocket.

At the Swanwick Conference in May 1920 it was decided that the Proficiency Badges would move from having a white background to having a drab one, as this would be easier to keep clean. And in September, it was permitted for Guides to wear neckerchiefs in colours other than light blue – and “where there are a large number of Companies in one district, parti-coloured ties may be used after all the plain colours have been exhausted. School Companies are, of course, permitted to wear their school ties, if desired.” .

In March 1921 the white haversacks began to be replaced by navy ones, and Guide blouses moved from being worn tucked-in, to being worn untucked, over the skirt. In May 1921 it was advised that “If desired, Proficiency Badges may be worn in pairs on the right arm, commencing from the top of the sleeve. Where preferred, however, they may still be worn as before, commencing at the bottom of the sleeve.” And in February 1926, hats with deeper crowns were introduced.

Guide hats changed again in February 1929, when smaller Guide hats were introduced, in a soft felt which could be rolled, replacing the old stiff flat-brimmed hats. At the same time a new-style Guide overall was brought in with a lower neck and two inverted pleats in the skirt from the waistline, providing a more comfortable style, as shown left. In October 1931 there was a change to the Interest Badges – “The new woven badges are guaranteed fadeless and washable. Therefore, if they are carefully buttonholed on to the overall sleeve when new they need not be removed when the garment is washed. There should then be no difficulty with regard to the badges fraying.”

The camp overall had been introduced in August 1932, and in June 1933 it was confirmed that the dark blue cotton overall could be worn throughout summer, not just at camp. This could be be worn with the collar closed by the tie, or as open-neck – in which case the Tenderfoot Badge would worn in the ‘V’ of the neck. Camp hat could also now be considered uniform. And in August 1933 the brown leather gauntlet gloves moved from being a standard part of the uniform to being optional. Then in August 1934 it was advised that, subject to Commissioner approval, the wool stockings need not be worn at meetings in the summer.

So as at 1935, the uniform was:

Overall or Jumper and Skirt – Navy blue serge or cotton, with two patch pockets and shoulder straps; black bone buttons; or for summer wear, light blue cotton with short sleeves. Knickers – Navy blue or black. Hat – Navy blue soft felt, or for summer and camp, blue cotton camp hat. Hat Badge – Navy blue, with official stamp. Tie – Triangular, of light blue or company colour, worn folded neatly into a narrow fold bandage, under collar, not under shoulder strap. Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Boots or Shoes – black. Stockings – Black or, for summer uniform, ankle socks (light blue or white). Shoulder Knot – Of patrol colour, worn on left shoulder. Emblem – Of patrol flower or bird, worn above the left-hand pocket. Title Tape – Of company name and number, worn on left arm, covering juncture of the shoulder knot with the shoulder knot. Brooch – Tenderfoot, worn on tie. Hair-Ribbon – Black or navy. Hair should be plaited.”

(In this era, ‘jumper’ is used to mean an overshirt which reached a few inches below the belt, and was worn untucked over the skirt.)

As well as standard Guide uniform, there grew a need to have alternative outfits for wear at camp – it wasn’t practical to wear the navy Guide uniform daily for a fortnight in high summer. In April 1932 an Official blue camp overall was introduced for Guides, with a choice of long or short sleeve, along with a ‘bucket-style’ camp hat. it was advised that: “In the case of Guiders, Rangers and Guides of Ranger age and size, skirts should cover the knee, and as a general rule, stockings should be worn when going through a village or town, except in exceptional circumstances such as going to the beach.” The speed of relaxation in clothing can be seen in the ruling issued in June 1936, that “Shorts may be worn by Guides in camp with the approval of the Commissioner in whose area the camp is held.” (dark blue)”. In reality, throughout the 1920s and 1930s, camp clothing tended to be quite informal, as can be seen in the photograph on the left.

The Guide uniform changed colour in early 1939, moving from navy to a ‘Headquarters blue’ shade for the blouse or the dress (although skirts remained navy where the blouse-and-skirt option was worn). So the uniform now was:

Overall or Jumper and Skirt – Headquarters blue cotton overall (or navy blue serge skirt with Headquarters blue cotton jumper), with two patch pockets and shoulder straps; black bone buttons; or for summer wear, light blue cotton with short sleeves. Knickers – Navy or light blue. Hat – Navy blue soft felt, or for summer and camp, blue cotton hat. Hatbadge – Navy blue, with official stamp. Tie – Triangular, of light blue or company colour, worn folded neatly into a narrow fold bandage, under collar, not under shoulder strap. Belt – brown leather, with official buckle. Shoes – Black or brown (whole company to wear same colour, stockings to match shoes). Stockings – Black or brown (leaf mould) or, for summer uniform, ankle socks (light blue or white). Shoulder Knot – Of patrol colour, worn on left shoulder. Emblem – Of patrol flower or bird, worn above the left hand pocket. Title Tape – Of company name and number, worn on left arm, covering juncture of the shoulder knot with the shoulder strap. Brooch – Tenderfoot, worn on tie. Hair-Ribbon – Black or navy. Hair should be plaited.

Wartime had an impact on Guide uniforms, too. – especially with clothes rationing, from July 1941 onwards. “The Guider” gave details of the impact on uniforms: Guide and Brownie – Mackintoshes – 11 coupons, Coats, Showerproof or Pilot Cloth – 8 coupons, Overall – 4 or 6 coupons (4 for up to 39″ size), Skirt without bodice – 5 coupons, with bodice – 6 coupons, Blouse or Jumper – 3 coupons, Knickers – 2 coupons, Stockings – 1 coupon (up to 9.5″), Ankle Socks – 1 coupon, 2 Handkerchiefs – 1 coupon, Triangular Ties – 2 coupons, Gloves – 2 coupons, Slippers or Shoes – 3 coupons. Cotton Fabric 36″ was 2 coupons per yard, Woollen Fabric 36″ was 3 coupons per yard, Knitting wool was 1 coupon per 2-ounce ball.

It’s worth bearing in mind that initially, adults were allowed a total of 60 coupons for all their personal clothing needs, and children 70 coupons. This was later reduced to 48 coupons, and continued long after the war finished. Difficulty in obtaining felt hats led to Guides moving to wearing a navy beret.

But despite the rationing, wartime shortages were still an issue – in November 1942 it was announced that: “The Board of Trade can no longer release supplies of leather for Girl Guide and Brownie belts, and at present no further orders can be taken. We are still hoping to secure material for a substitute, and as soon as possible further information will be published in The Guider.” And at various times uniform shirts, belts, or hats were unobtainable for extended periods.

Post-war, the felt hats disappeared entirely, replaced by berets, and there were other adjustments too. By 1950, with clothes rationing ended, the uniform was:

* Shirt and Skirt – Light blue cotton shirt (official pattern) with two pockets. Navy blue serge skirt; or * Dress – Blue dress (official pattern), (* These are alternative uniforms. The whole company should aim at wearing the same.). Jersey – Navy blue with V-neck. Knickers – Navy blue, or to match dress. Beret – Navy blue, with embroidered trefoil above left eye. Tie – Triangular, of company colour, worn folded neatly into a narrow-fold bandage (2 1/4 in. to 2 1/2 in.). Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Overcoat – Navy blue. Shoes – Brown. Stockings – headquarters standard colour. Socks – White; alternative, fawn (the whole company must wear the same colour). Shoulder Knot – Of patrol colour, worn on left shoulder. Emblem – Of patrol flower or bird, worn above left pocket. Title Tape – Of company name and number, worn on shoulder immediately above shoulder knot. Enrolment Badge – Gilt tenderfoot, worn on tie. Hair Ribbon – Black or navy. (Long hair should be plaited).

For Camping and, if desired, for summer meetings, Guides may wear:

Shorts – Navy blue (official pattern). Shirt – Blue (as for ordinary uniform), or open-necked and short sleeves in cellular material; or For camp only: Tee shirt; or Camp overall (official patter and colour). Hat – Stitched, navy blue, cotton.

September 1965 – new Guide blouse launched, 3/4 sleeve, in rayon ‘Guidex’ fabric, to be worn with a folded and pressed mini-neckerchief which passed through loops under the collar at either side before being crossed over, and held in place by the Promise badge, which was pinned on at the crossover to hold the ends in place. It was to be worn with no lanyard or visible belt. A new ‘air hostess’ style hat also appeared, to replace the beret. Pockets moved from the chest to down by the blouse hem.

So the uniform now was:

Skirt – Navy blue with Shirt (official pattern) – Guide blue or Dress (official pattern) – Guide blue. Petticoat (if any) – Black or navy blue or matching dress. Knickers – Black or navy blue or matching dress. Tie – Company colour (except plain brown, white, black or navy); triangular. Belt (official buckle) – Brown leather. Cap or Beret – Navy blue with embroidered trefoil. Hair Ribbon (if any) – Navy blue or black. Slide (if any) – Brown or navy blue. Stockings – Neutral or Socks – White or fawn. Shoes – Brown or black. Shoulder Knot – Patrol colours. Emblem – According to patrol. Title Tape – According to company registration. Badge – Gilt. Country, Territory, or County Badge – Silk or cloth. Coat, Blazer, Cardigan or Jersey (if any) – Navy blue. Windcheater or Anorak – Navy or Guide blue. NOTE – where alternatives are given the company is to aim at a uniform appearance

For Camp and where suitable for summer meetings: Shorts (official pattern) – Navy blue or Skirt – Navy blue with Shirt – Guide blue; cellular type with or without tie, or Camp Dress (official pattern) – Guide blue; no tie. Hat (official pattern) – Navy blue; stitched. Note: Navy or Guide blue jeans with the cellular shirt may be worn on camp sites or where appropriate for other Guide activities.

“From 1st September 1965 an Overblouse may be worn in place of the Guide Shirt. In this case the shoulder knot and lanyard are not worn. The belt, if worn, is to be underneath the blouse. The tie, is folded in half and worn scarf fashion, 1 1/4 inch wide with a 4 1/1 inch point, placed under the collar, point at the back, and pinned in front with the Guide badge.”

However this wasn’t widely popular – and lack on space on the sleeves for Proficiency badges meant they now had to be made significantly smaller. So the blouse changed again . . . and then again . . .

August 1966 – “The Executive Committee has agreed that the present overblouse may now be tucked inside the skirt as an alternative to wearing it outside. Of course, the old-type blouse must be worn inside the skirt only.

December 1967 – The Guide overblouse with long sleeves, flap pockets and higher neckline will be available from 1st January 1968. “Much thought has been given lately to the Guide tie and as stocks of the present size become exhausted they will be replaced by a tie made of superior cotton poplin costing 2s. 11d. Slightly smaller that the present tie and measuring 19 1/2 in. x 29 in. x 19 1/2 in., this should be worn single not folded double. The scarf should be pressed in order to give a flat appearance and then slid through a new Guide blue woggle, price 6d. The enrolment badge should be worn an inch below the woggle. The woggle will ultimately replace the loops on the overblouse as we felt it would give a neater neckline. The aim should be to obtain a neatly pressed flat effect, with the ends crossing at the neck-front as at present.” So back to blouse outside the skirt again, as shown left!

December 1969 – Guide mini neckerchief replaced by pre-stitched cross-over tie, the crossover being held in place by the Promise badge. Recognising how recent the last two tie changes had been, instructions for converting existing mini neckers into a tie were given in the magazine and Guide Annual.

So by 1973 the uniform was as shown on the right:

1) Overblouse official pattern – Guide blue. Skirt official pattern – Navy blue. Belt (optional) official pattern – Brown. Tie Official pattern – Company colour. Cap official pattern – Navy blue. Emblem – According to Patrol. Title Tape – According to Company. Country or County Badge – Silk or cloth. Promise Badge – Gilt. Cap Badge – Embroidered trefoil. Coat, Blazer, Cardigan, or Jersey (if worn) – Navy blue. Windcheater or Anorak (if worn) – Navy blue. Stockings – Neutral. Socks – White or fawn. Shoes – Brown, black or navy blue, of a suitable pattern. Hair Ribbon (if worn) – Navy blue or black. Slide (if worn) – Brown. Note: Where alternatives are given the Company should aim at a uniform appearance.

2) In Summer (optional) Dress official pattern – Guide blue, short sleeves, no tie

3) For an Appropriate Activity or Occasion

Dress or Skirt, Shorts, Jeans, or Slacks – Navy blue with Shirt official pattern – Guide blue, Track Suit – Royal blue or Clothing suitable for the activity. The holder of a Patrol Camp Permit may wear a green lanyard in camp.

April 1978 – “New Uniform Items. The Trading Service now has in stock: Leather Guide Belts – small, med and large.”

December 1981 – Guide uniform changes. Out with the Guide blouse having pockets at the hem and being worn as an overshirt, and the tie held in crossover position by the Promise badge. In with the plain blouse without pockets worn tucked into the skirt again, the necker with a brown leather woggle, and the navy belt pouch replacing the pockets, as shown left.

So the new uniform guidance was:

1) Uniform

Blouse official pattern (worn inside the skirt) – Guide blue. Neckerchief official pattern – Company colour. Woggle official pattern – Brown leather or cord. Skirt official pattern – Navy blue. Belt (optional) official pattern – brown. Belt pouch (optional, worn on the left) official pattern – Navy blue. Cap official pattern – Navy blue. Emblem – According to Patrol. Title Tape – According to Company registration. Country or County Badge – Silk or cloth. Promise Badge – Gilt. Cap Badge – Embroidered trefoil. Cardigan or Jersey or polo necked under-jersey (if worn – Navy blue. Coat, Blazer, Windcheater or Anorak (if worn) – Navy blue. Tights or Stockings – Neural. Socks – White or navy blue. Shoes or School Sandals – Brown, black or navy blue, of a suitable pattern. Hair Ribbon (if worn) – Navy blue or black. Hair Slide (if worn) – Brown. Note: Where alternatives are given the Company should aim at a uniform appearance.

2) Alternative Uniform as Appropriate to the occasion

Dress official pattern – Guide blue, short sleeves, no tie. Skirt, Shorts, Jeans, or Slacks – Navy blue with Shirt official pattern blouse or T-Shirt – Guide blue or Track Suit – Royal blue

3) Clothing as Required by a Specialised Activity

The holder of a Patrol Camp Permit may wear a green lanyard in camp.

February 1987 – “leisure suits” introduced for Brownies and Guides, Brownie suits in brown with yellow collar and hem ribbing, Guides in blue with yellow piping. These were essentially a sweatshirt and jogging trouser, and were for non-uniform occasions only.

July 1990 – and the uniform changes entirely – it’s out with cotton blouses, navy skirts, and ‘air hostess’ hats, and out with formal badge-layouts too – mix-and-match options had arrived.

“All the main items in the new uniform ranges for the girls’ sections should be available on September 1st.” “There had been some difficulties in obtaining the waterproof jackets and some of the adult range but these should be ready by November 1.”

Sweatshirt or hoodie or jumper – Guide blue. T-shirt or polo shirt – Guide blue or Shirt – denim blue. Joggers or culottes – Navy blue. Sash – Navy blue with gilt pin. Belt (optional) official pattern – brown leather. Cap – Guide blue. Necker – Unit colour. Woggle – Brown leather

February 1998 – “Blue jeans are official Guide wear. Members of the Executive Committee agreed at their meeting in October that, from January 1, Guides and members of the Senior Section can wear jeans as part of their official uniform.” Soon there ceased to be any official uniform trousers/skirts/shorts for Guides, with it up to the individual to choose whatever they considered appropriate to team with their uniform top.

September 2000 – New Guide uniform introduced, designed by Ally Capellino, featured a navy sweatshirt with red trim collar, light navy round-neck t-shirt with dark navy collar and cuffs, light navy rugby shirt with dark navy collar, and navy fleece gilet.

April 2005 – “Two new items of Guide wear, a polo shirt and a hooded top will be introduced in September to replace the old-style royal blue polo and sweatshirt.” These were the last remaining items from the 1990 uniform.

September 2005 – Launch of new Guide tops – “The cotton polo shirt, in dark blue with sporty mid-blue stripes and red trim”, “The zip-through hooded jacket, with two front pockets, is also in dark blue with mid-blue stripes on the sleeves.”

2016 Guide Uniform. A mix and match range in blue and red, consisting of blue tunic sleeveless frock with blue patterned hem, blue patterned skirt, blue snug-fit long-sleeve top with red collar and cuffs, blue polo shirt with red collar and sleeves, blue hoodie with red hood lining and patch pockets.

In 2023 it was announced that new uniforms were to be introduced for all Guiding sections in 2026, and in February 2024 the first consultation issued. It’s aim was to collect opinions on uniform colours and logos, so hoodies were used to illustrate the options. For Guides, the choices were pale blue, light navy blue or blue marl hoodie, and they were asked to vote for the colour of logo to feature centre-front, the options being light blue, pink, mid navy or dark navy. There was also a vote on the type of logo – Guides, a Girlguiding UK logo, a medium-size trefoil, or a large trefoil.

Ranger Uniform

The Ranger section began in 1917, then called Senior Guides, a name used until October 1920. And Senior Guides is effectively what they initially were – created to cope with those girls who had completed their training as Guides and were 16 or over – but who didn’t want to leave Guides – and simultaneously to cater for those who wanted to join Guiding for the first time but were already 16, and would have found it awkward to sit and learn their tenderfoot tests with girls five years younger.

Because of their ‘Senior Guide’ origins, for many years their uniform was the same as that for Guides bar some small details – their badges were stitched in red thread on white rather than in the blue used on Guide badges, their Promise Badge had red enamel or was pinned through a disk of red felt in order to give a coloured background, their hat badge was stitched in red thread rather than gold, and their Patrol Badges were trees rather than flowers. Indeed, in the early years many Rangers continued to wear their old Guide uniform and simply swapped the Patrol Badge and shoulder knot, and added their Senior Guide/Ranger proficiency badges onto the sleeve alongside their Guide ones.

So in 1918, the Senior Guide uniform was:

Shirt or Tunic – Navy blue, with two patch pockets and shoulder straps. Skirt – Navy blue, with two patch pockets. Knickers – Navy blue. Hat – Navy blue, worn with a straight brim, not turned up on the side. Hatband – Navy blue, with official stamp. Necktie – Triangular, of light blue or Company colour, worn folded neatly into a narrow fold bandage, under collar, not under shoulder strap. Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Boots or Shoes – Black. Stockings – Black (fancy openwork stockings should not be worn). Gloves – Brown gauntlet, if any. Shoulder Knot – Of Patrol Colour, worn on left shoulder. Emblem – Of Patrol Flower or Bird, worn on the left hand pocket. Title Tape – Of Company number, worn on the left arm, covering juncture of the shoulder knot with the shoulder strap. Brooch – Tenderfoot badge on red ground, worn on loose ends of the tie. Haversack – Worn on back. Hair-Ribbon – Black or Navy. Hair should be plaited.

In July 1920, the ‘Senior Guide Star’ was introduced for Senior Guides, equivalent to the Second Class in the Guide section, intended for those Senior Guides who had not earned Second Class as Guides. It was an oval initially worn by itself, but also shaped to fit onto the centre of the First Class badge when that was earned. In March 1921 it was announced that from then on, Guide blouses would be worn outside the skirt rather than tucked in.

In August 1920 proposals for Sea Guides were published. The membership was limited to Senior Guide age, of 16 and over. Sea Guides were to pass the ordinary Guide Tenderfoot and the Senior Guide Test, which were to be completed before the individual then specialised as a Sea Guide. The Sea Service Badge was to correspond to the King’s Scout in Sea Scouts, consisting of a Crown and Anchor, in bright blue. Distinctive uniforms were also to be worn by Sea Guides. New Patrol Emblems were permitted for Sea Guides, such as Sea Gull, Albatross, Tern, Stormy Petrel, Swan, Dolphin, etc – although transfers were available, the Sea Guides were to embroider their own.

So the Sea Guide uniform in 1921 was:

Skirt – Navy blue. Jersey – Navy blue (ordinary Guide jumper optional). Hat – Blue linen, with white pique cap cover from May till September. Cap ribbon with “Sea Guides”. Tie – Light blue, or Company colours. Belt – Brown Leather, with official buckle. Brooch – Dark blue enamel, worn on tie. Patrol Emblem – On left breast.

Patrol Leaders – As above, with addition of stripes and brooch in front of hat, above ribbon. Boatswain’s whistle on white lanyard. Seconds – As for Guides, with one stripe.

In October 1927 it was announced that Sea Guides would be merged into the Ranger Section. In January 1928 it was announced that the Sea Guide tally band would now be embroidered with a blue trefoil – but that changed after only a couple of years – in November 1929 it was announced that “Sea Rangers should in future wear Tally bands with the words ‘Sea Rangers’ instead of the present hat band embroidered in blue.”

There were tweaks to the Ranger uniform in February 1929, where a new-style Guide overall was introduced, with a lower neckline and with two inverted pleats in the skirt running from the waistline. The badges changed in October 1931 – “The new woven badges are guaranteed fadeless and washable. Therefore, if they are carefully buttonholed on to the overall sleeve when new they need not be removed when the garment is washed. There should then be no difficulty with regard to the badges fraying.”

The camp dress had been introduced in August 1932 – in June 1933 it was confirmed that the navy blue cotton overall could be worn throughout summer, not just at camp. This could be with the collar closed by the tie, or open-neck – in which case the Tenderfoot Badge would be worn in the ‘V’ of the neck. Camp hat was now also considered uniform.

So, in the early 1930s the uniform was the same as Guides with the following exceptions:

Special hat and hat badge. Red Tenderfoot and hat badge. Service star on red ground.

It is not essential for Rangers to wear their Patrol Leaders’ stripes or proficiency badges. Girls who have been Patrol Leaders in a Guide company may, on entering the Rangers, retain their Patrol Leader’s lanyard. A Ranger who is also a Patrol Leader in a Guide company wears a Ranger Tenderfoot badge on her tie and a Guide badge in her hat.

and the Guide Uniform was:

Overall or Jumper and skirt – Navy blue serge or cotton, with two patch pockets and shoulder straps; black bone buttons. Knickers – Navy blue or black. Hat – Navy blue soft felt. Hatbadge – Navy blue, with official stamp. Tie – Triangular, of light blue or company colour, worn folded neatly into a narrow fold bandage, under collar, not under shoulder strap. Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Boots or shoes – Black. Stockings – Black. Gloves – Brown gauntlet, if any. Shoulder Knot – Of patrol colour, worn on left shoulder. Emblem – Of patrol flower or bird, worn above the left-hand pocket. Title Tape – Of company name and number, worn on left arm, covering juncture of the shoulder knot with the shoulder strap. Brooch – Tenderfoot, worn on tie. Hair-Ribbon – Black or navy. Hair should be plaited.

As well as the official uniform, there was guidance around camp wear. Naturally, it wasn’t possible to wear full Ranger uniform daily at a camp lasting a week or more. In August 1932 it was announced that a new Official navy blue camp overall for Rangers, with short or long sleeve, was now available from HQ; also a camp hat. ‘In the case of Rangers, skirts should cover the knee, and as a general rule, stockings should be worn when going through a village or town, except in exceptional circumstances such as going to the beach.

The summer of 1935 saw some further tweaks to Ranger uniform. A new style of Ranger hat was approved, and became available in July 1935, and at that time it was also advised that Rangers might wear either a folded Guide-style tie, or a regular necktie, provided all in the unit wear the same. The option was also given to wear brown stockings and shoes rather than black, again provided that all in the unit wear the same. And a month later permission was granted for Rangers to wear striped ties rather than only plain-coloured. Then in December 1936 another new style of Ranger hat was introduced, in soft felt.

In January 1937 a new design of overall was introduced for Rangers, made on the lines of a fitted dress, and in the new ‘Headquarters Blue’ colour, rather than the navy which had previously been worn.

There were further relaxations in August 1938, when “It was agreed that Rangers be permitted to wear ankle socks on unceremonial occasions. That Rangers need not necessarily wear hats to and from meetings. That the design for the Ranger lightweight hat be approved.” There seems to have been never-ending tweaking to the style of the Ranger hat in this era, for what do we find announced in October 1938? “New Ranger hats, in a smart pull-on shape with a stitched brim” made in a navy waterproof drill material, and can be rolled up when not in use.”

And in February 1939 it was announced that ‘Rangers wearing the new-style overall, and Sea Rangers wearing the new-style overall or jersey, may wear a strip of cord on the right shoulder instead of full All-Round Cords.’

So by 1939, the Ranger uniform was:

Uniform dress: Headquarters blue, official pattern. Hat: Navy blue waterproof drill. Hat badge: Navy blue cloth, with official stamp embroidered in red. Tie: Striped or plain colour, open end or triangular. Shoes and stockings: Black or brown (leaf mould) whole company to wear same colour; stockings to match shoes. Badge: Tenderfoot badge of red enamel.

Sea Ranger uniform was:

White Jumper: Flannel for winter, drill for summer, may be worn underneath jersey, with small portion showing at neck; not more than three inches from base of neck downwards. For unceremonial occasions may be worn tucked into a navy blue skirt with navy blue blazer, in addition to the official belt and hat. Tenderfoot badge worn in centre, two inches before neck line. Tie: Black, triangular, folded in narrow fold bandage, ends tied under collar at back; no sailor’s knot in front, and held in position by badge and by small bow of navy braid tied 2″ from the bottom of tie. Braid to be 27″ long and 3/4″ wide. Cap: Blue waterproof drill, with white pique cap cover from May 1st to September 30th. Tally Band: Black with “Sea Rangers” in gold on it. Tenderfoot Badge: Blue enamel. Knife: On white lanyard worn round the neck and attached to belt on right side. Alternative Uniform: Navy blue jersey and skirt.

For boat work only: navy blue slacks or shorts, of woollen material, may be worn. For working rig only: navy blue dungarees may be worn.

So this was the position of Ranger Uniforms prior to the outbreak of WW2, with the ‘headquarters blue’ overall or the ‘jumper’ (what we would understand as an overshirt) and skirt combination, with belt and hat, tie of company colour, and stockings and shoes in either brown or black, whichever of these the company chose to adopt. And in December 1940, it was announced that ‘Headquarters blue’ would now be the official colour for all Rangers’ uniforms. But – not for long . . .

For in Britain, clothes rationing was announced by the British Government in 1941, affecting all civilian clothing. The July 1941 edition of “The Guider” gave details of the impact on uniforms: Guiders – Raincoats and Coats – 14 coupons, Jacket or Blazer – 11 coupons, Guider’s Dress (woollen) – 11 coupons, Guider’s Dress (cotton) – 7 coupons, Guider’s Skirt – 7 coupons, Blouse or Sports Shirt – 5 coupons, Guider’s Ties – 1 coupon, Stockings – 2 coupons, Collar – 1 coupon, 2 Handkerchiefs – 1 coupon, Scarf – 2 coupons, Gloves – 2 coupons, Boots or Shoes – 5 coupons, Cardigan or Jersey – 5 coupons. Guide and Brownie – Mackintoshes – 11 coupons, Coats, Showerproof or Pilot Cloth – 8 coupons, Overall – 4 or 6 coupons (4 for up to 39″ size), Skirt without bodice – 5 coupons, with bodice – 6 coupons, Blouse or Jumper – 3 coupons, Knickers – 2 coupons, Stockings – 1 coupon (up to 9.5″), Ankle Socks – 1 coupon, 2 Handkerchiefs – 1 coupon, Triangular Ties – 2 coupons, Gloves – 2 coupons, Slippers or Shoes – 3 coupons. Cotton Fabric 36″ was 2 coupons per yard, Woollen Fabric 36″ was 3 coupons per yard, Knitting wool was 1 coupon per 2-ounce ball.

It’s worth bearing in mind that initially, adults were allowed a total of 60 coupons for all their personal clothing needs, and children 70 coupons. This was later reduced to 48 coupons, and the rationing continued long after the war finished.

The reaction to both rationing and a rapid increase in Ranger recruits arising from Government encouragement of pre-service training for older teens, was a change in uniform for Rangers – it was simplified to a knitted jumper in unit colour, worn with an ordinary navy skirt, a beret, and a necker with coloured woggle according to section. This also had the advantage of availability – Rangers could knit their own jumpers, potentially from re-used wool, and generic navy skirts were relatively obtainable – most of the Rangers would have already owned one anyway. The other uniform items were not so easy as there were regular shortages – many clothing factories were turned over to making uniforms for the forces, and materials such as cotton (which had to be imported) or metal (needed for making weapons) were hard to source, leading to many uniform items being out of stock for many months at a time.

This wasn’t helped by the bombing of factories and warehouses, and sinking of merchant shipping, either. So by May 1942, the Ranger Uniform guidance was: Berets may not be worn with coat and skirt uniform. Sea Rangers should wear the tie Scout fashion when beret and plan jersey are worn. County badges (woven) can be worn on point of tie at the back by Rangers. Name tapes should not be worn. If Rangers wear socks in the summer, they should be leaf mould or colour of jersey. Present Rangers wearing the old uniform should be urged to discontinue wearing proficiency badges. Non-members taking six months training in Ranger Companies are allowed to wear beret, scarf, and pullover, but no official belt or badges. Guiders and Rangers in uniform should, if possible, carry their gas masks in a navy blue haversack. The supply of navy blue haversacks is limited, and Guiders ordering by post are asked to state the name of their company. This will ensure that all available supplies go to members of the movement.”

In spite of this simplification, shortages still had an impact. In November 1942 “The Guider” advised that “The Board of Trade can no longer release supplies of leather for Girl Guide and Brownie belts, and at present no further orders can be taken. We are still hoping to secure material for a substitute, and as soon as possible further information will be published in The Guider.”

In December 1942, further tweaks to the uniform were announced – “In order to make the Ranger Branch keep up a high standard of uniform smartness, in spite of war-time difficulties, it has been decided that Sea Rangers will continue to wear navy blue jerseys in the winter and white shirts in the summer, and only wear navy blue shirts when neither are available. Scarves are black with royal blue woggles.”

So the uniform for Sea Rangers was:

Skirt – Navy blue. Jersey – Navy blue. or (for summer wear) Shirt – White cotton or flannel. Tie – Black triangular, worn scarf-wise, with point at back of neck. Woggle – Royal blue. Hat – Sea Ranger hat, or when this is unobtainable, a navy blue beret. Tally Band or Hat Badge – On the Sea Ranger hat a black tally band, with “Sea Rangers” in gold letters, or blue embroidered trefoil in the centre front. On the beret a blue embroidered trefoil is worn above the left eye. Tenderfoot Badge – Blue enamel. Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Knife – Worn on white lanyard, and attached to belt on right side. Stockings – Brown (leaf-mould). Socks – Brown, or to match jersey or skirt. Shoes – Brown or, for boat work, white canvas.

For boat work only : Navy blue slacks or shorts, of woollen material, may be worn with white shirt, or Sea Ranger flannel. For working rig, navy blue dungarees may be worn.

In August 1944’s “The Guider” came the announcement – “It has now been decided to experiment with Air Ranger crews with the idea of eventually forming an Air Section of the Ranger Branch. Crews will experiment for one year on a suggested scheme of training, reporting progress and experience.” “No special uniform or badge will be issued during the first year. New members will be enrolled as Rangers.”

1947 Air Ranger Uniform

Skirt – Navy blue. Jersey or Shirt (official pattern) – Mazarine blue (similar to the colour of shirts worn by officers of the W.A.A.F.). Worn inside skirt. Battle Blouse – Navy blue. Flash – Pale blue on navy, worn on both sleeves of the battle blouse as near shoulder seam as possible. Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Shoes and Stockings – Brown. Tie – Black, triangular, worn scarfwise with County Badge on point at back. Woggle – Pale blue. Enrolment Badge – Pale blue enamel. Beret – Navy blue with embroidered pale blue trefoil worn over left eye. Knife – Optional. Lanyard – white, twisted round tie, worn by Air Crew Leaders and Seconds round the left shoulder of the battle blouse, whistle attached to lanyard and inserted in left pocket. Hair should be worn off the collar.

For Camp and Informal Occasions: Shorts – Navy blue (Headquarters pattern, either Ranger or Guider’s style).

In August 1947 the Extension Ranger Uniform was confirmed – “Extension Ranger Companies should be allowed to wear either green or grey jerseys, according to the choice of the company, provided that the whole company wear the same colour.”

March 1955 – New style Ranger Cap available, in navy blue rayon gaberdine, forage-cap style, for Land and Air Rangers.

February 1967 – New Ranger uniform will be available from 6th February. This consisted of an aquamarine v-neck blouse with epaulettes, navy skirt, and navy ‘air hostess’ hat with aquamarine piping. This could be worn with a navy uniform suit jacket if wished.

April 1972 – The following changes will take effect from 31st March 1973: “There will be one uniform for Ranger Guides. For informal occasions appropriate dress may be chosen from those described in POR under Section 60.2. The new upper age limit for Rangers will be 18 years.”

May 1977 – New style Ranger/Guider Camp dress with collar and revers in terylene and cotton, now available.

The uniform introduced in 1967 continued unchanged until 1990, when it was fully replaced by a new range.

The new uniform was a mix-and-match range, with the tops being a choice of shirt, polo shirt, t-shirt, sweatshirt or hooded sweatshirt, the bottoms being a choice of culottes, shorts, trousers or jogging trousers. There was also a baseball cap, and a ‘badge tab’ in aqua fabric to which the metal badges were to be pinned.

By 2002 the uniform for Rangers had changed – and by this time, Rangers and Young Leaders were merged as the ‘Senior Section’ – so akin to Senior Guides again! Their uniform was:

Grey hooded sweatshirt with ice blue trim or Ice blue hooded sweatshirt with aqua trim and aqua zip-neck top with grey polo collar and light blue sleeves or Light blue blouse with aqua collar-lining. Badge tab with grey, aqua and ice blue vertical stripe. Worn with trousers or skirt of choice. Although both colours of hoodie were available, the majority of Rangers tended to wear the grey colour.

From 2019 the Ranger uniform was:

Light-blue long-sleeve blouse with aqua inside collar trim or Aqua polo shirt with grey collar with Grey zip hoodie with aqua trim and Grey badge tab.

In 2023, in common with the other sections, it was announced that Ranger uniform would be changing from 2026. To reflect the new Promise Badge and section colour scheme, in February 2024 they were surveyed and asked to vote on a choice of hoodie in either dark purple, or grey marl, or navy. The logo would be in red or white, and there would be the option of a Rangers logo, a Rangers logo with Rangers lettering below it, a Girlguiding UK logo, a medium-size trefoil, or a large trefoil – across the front of the hoodie. There was also the option of having Rangers lettering down one sleeve.

Cadet/Young Leader Uniform

Cadets started in 1916, and other than for a short break between 1968 and 1973, have continued to this day. However, they experienced a bit of a wandering status over the years – sometimes they were considered to be a youth branch alongside Rangers, sometimes they were considered to be a leader branch alongside the Guiders. As such, their uniform has varied between being a Ranger uniform with white details, and being a Guider uniform with white details. I will try to pinpoint which applied when!

After Guiding started, it was realised that there was a gap to fill, the transition from being a Guide to being a Guider. What was needed was a scheme to train ‘Guide Officers’ as they were known, and the answer was found by turning again to army practice – and the army’s Officer Cadets.

So it was in 1916 that Guiding started the Cadet section. They wore the same uniform as the Guides, except for having a white hatband and tie, to distinguish them, just as the army cadets wore white details on their uniform to distinguish them from qualified officers.

In October 1927 it was decided to merge Cadets into the Ranger branch, and have them pass the Ranger Tenderfoot Test. Ranger units who wished could opt to become Cadet Ranger Companies, or Sea Ranger Crews. Cadet Ranger Test and Sea Ranger Test introduced, also Ranger Star, Cadet Star and Sea Service Star.

August 1942 – “Cadet Berets. Cadets may wear berets of Headquarters blue, with the Cadet metal badge.”

In 1968, the Cadet section had been merged into the Ranger Guide Service Section, and so whether interested in leadership or not, all Guiding members in the age group had to join Rangers, and follow a general programme. But it appears this didn’t prove satisfactory, as in 1973 the Young Leader section was created, continuing the Cadet legacy. They wore the same aqua blouses, navy skirts and aqua-piped navy air hostess hats as Rangers, but had a Promise Badge with white enamel rather than aqua, an echo of the Cadets’ white distinguishing colour.

This uniform continued in use until 1990 when it was replaced by a new range.

A mix-and-match range was introduced for Senior Section, but as some of the garments were marked ‘Rangers’, the options available to Young Leaders were the shirt, polo shirt, t-shirt or sweatshirt, with the trousers, jogging trousers, t-shirt or culottes, with baseball cap and badge tab – which was aqua with two vertical stripes.

By 2002 the uniform for Young Leaders changed – and by this time, Rangers and Young Leaders were merged as the ‘Senior Section’ – so akin to Senior Guides again! Their uniform was:

There was a split in Senior Section again (similar to the one in 1973!) with Young Leaders becoming a separate section again. The upper age limit for Rangers was also changed (yes, the Rangers name came back) from 26 to 19th birthday. This left the issue of the 19-26 year olds in Senior Section who had now been aged out of being Rangers, but weren’t necessarily in a position to take up regular roles in units. Following much pressure a separate group was confirmed in 2020, to be called Inspire. At time of writing in late 2023 this group doesn’t have a recognised uniform or logo, although individual groups could opt to get unofficial garments if they wished.

With the split in Senior Section there was a need for a separate Young Leader uniform again. So the Young Leader Uniform from 2019: Navy hoodie with light grey trim. Navy polo shirt with grey trim. Navy badge tab with grey horizontal stripe. With skirt or trousers of own choice. Where someone is both a Ranger and a Young Leader they can opt to wear Ranger uniform instead of investing in both.

In 2023 it was announced that new uniforms would be introduced for all sections, and in February 2024 an initial consultation questionnaire issued, with the suggestions to be voted on presented on hoodies. For Young Leaders the hoodie colour options were sky blue, blue marl or navy, and the logo could be mint green, light pink, sky blue or navy. The logo could be YL, or Young Leader lettering (on the centre front, back, or sleeve), or Girlguiding logo and text, or medium trefoil, or large trefoil.

Leader Uniform

Just as the uniform for Girl Scouts, and then early Guides, was rather vague, so even more vague was the uniform for Guiders. None was suggested for leaders of Girl Scouts, and in the November 1909 suggestions for starting a Girl Guide unit, it merely stated ‘country walking dress, navy biretta, walking stick. So plenty of room for interpretation there!

By the 1912 handbook there was little more clarity:

Hat – Dark blue Alpine felt hat, with small plume of cock’s feathers. No chin strap. Gauntlet Gloves – Brown. Dress – Ordinary walking dress. Shoulder-Knot – White, on left shoulder. Whistle – On white lanyard. Walking stick. Badge – Enamelled monogram brooch, on necktie. Officers’ dress should be plain, nothing conspicuous.”

The Girl Guides’ Gazette of October 1915 gave guidance on uniform for Commissioners: “The Commissioner’s uniform (optional) consists of shirt blouse, pale blue tie, regulation skirt with 2 pockets, regulation coat with 4 pockets, whistle cord on right shoulder to pocket, ordinary officer’s brown belt, commissioner’s silver cords on left lapel and shoulder with badge, soft leather gauntlet gloves.”

The Girl Guides Gazette of May 1916 further clarified the uniform for Guiders: “Officers’ dress confirmed as: Girl Guide hat turned up on left side. Blue Norfolk jacket, black horn buttons, pockets, Girl Guide ordinary blue uniform and blue tie with officers rank badge. Brown leather belt, white shoulder knot, gauntlet gloves (brass buttons forbidden).”

January 1917 – “The following badges of rank agreed: Chief Commissioner – Gold cockade & cords. County Commissioner – gold/silver cords, silver hat cord. District Commissioner – Silver cord & badge, Assistant District Commissioner – saxe blue cockade & cords. Staff or District Captain – red cockade. Badge of rank for Captain – dark blue cockade at side of hat. Lieutenant – Tenderfoot badge at side of hat. Instructor – Instructor badge.”

February 1917 brought further tweaks – “Officer’s brooch to be worn on knot of tie, and tenderfoot to keep ends down neatly (no longer worn on hat as superceded by cockade for Captains. Cocks feathers not worn on hats.” And perhaps more confusingly – “District Commissioner to now be known as Division Commissioner, and Assistant District Commissioner to be known as District Commissioner.”

In March 1917, February’s uniform instructions were clarified – Lieutenants are to wear tenderfoot badge at side of hat and Lieutenant badge on tie.

It was in 1918 before the first photograph appeared, to give more detail to the meaning of the uniform instructions which were published in the new handbook, Girl Guiding, in January 1918:

Guider’s Uniform: skirt – navy blue, not less than 8 ins. off the ground. Shirt – navy blue. Knickers – navy blue. Coat – navy blue Norfolk with patch pockets and black bone buttons. Tie – light blue or Company colour. Hat – navy blue felt, turned up on the left side with badge according to rank. (long or fancy hatpins should not be worn). Belt – worn over coat. Shoulder Knot – white on left shoulder. Whistle – on white lanyard, worn around the neck and attached to belt on right side.

Undress Uniform: in hot weather a navy blue tunic is authorised uniform for all Guiders.

Guiders Distinguishing Marks: Captain – navy blue cockade, and green badge brooch worn just below the knot of the tie. Lieutenant – Tenderfoot brooch on left of hat and gilt badge brooch worn just below the knot of the tie. Brown Owl – brown cockade, brown tie, Lieutenant’s badge.

Secretaries’ distinguishing marks: County Secretary, red cockade in hat, and badge with red pens. Division Secretary, white cockade in hat and badge with white pens. District Secretary, no cockade, badge with white pens.

In January 1921 it was confirmed that Guiders who gained Guide Proficiency Badges could wear them on their shirt sleeves, if wished. (It is not clear how many Guiders opted to tackle Proficiency Badges, but for such a rule to be introduced, it suggests there must have been some demand).

Further tweaks were added – In February 1926 the hats were altered to have deeper crowns. In July 1926 it was announced that “on or after October 1st 1926, white shirts be worn by Guiders on official occasions.” But in August 1926 it was announced that white shirts would not be worn by Guiders in Scotland.

It was also in 1926 that County Badges were introduced for Guiding members in England (Guiding members in Ulster, Wales and Scotland, had Country Badges instead). And in June 1933, the camp overall became an alternative summer uniform for Guiders.

Skirt – Navy blue. Shirt or Jumper – Navy blue*. Knickers – Navy blue, or black. Coat – Navy blue, with patch pockets and black bone buttons. Shoes & Stockings – Black. Tie – Light blue or company colour. Hat – Navy blue felt, or straw for summer, turned up on the left side, with badge according to rank. Plain navy blue silk ribbon, one inch wide, worn round crown (Hatpins should not be worn). Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle, worn over coat. Gloves – Brown. Whistle – On white lanyard, worn round the neck and attached to belt on right side. Title Tape – May be worn on left shoulder

* White shirts are worn by Guiders on official occasions. An official occasion is one at which three or more companies are grouped together. Training weeks and camps are not in this sense official occasions. White shirts should never be worn when it is necessary for the Guider to take off her coat. Conferences or social occasions at which uniform is worn are appropriate to white shirts.

Distinguishing Marks: Brown Owl – Brown cockade, brown tie, and Brown Owl’s badge worn on tie. Tawny Owl – Brown tie, hat turned up with Brownie Recruit badge, and Tawny Owl badge worn on tie. Captain – Tie of light blue or company colour, navy blue cockade and green badge brooch worn just below knot of tie, Tenderfoot badge on tie. Lieutenant – Tie of light blue or company colour, Tenderfoot brooch on left of hat and gilt badge brooch worn just below knot of tie. Sea Guide Captain/Lieutenant – Navy blue felt hat, black mohair braid round base of crown. White pique cap cover to be worn May to September. Hat turned up on left side, with badge according to rank. Black tie.

As well as the formal uniform, there was a need for less formal uniform. With Guiders attending training weeks and fortnight-long camps, it wasn’t realistic to wear full uniform every day, especially when undertaking strenuous and active outdoor activities. And in high summer, the serge suit was going to be too hot to wear. So as early as 1918 it was confirmed that there would be an ‘undress uniform’ option – in hot weather a navy blue tunic was authorised uniform for all Guiders.

But clearly, this authorisation was not sufficient, as can be seen from a statement published in the Girl Guide Gazette in April 1921 – “It has been noticed that considerable latitude has been allowed to creep in, in regard to the wearing of undress uniform by Guiders at training weeks and camps. Official undress uniform consists of a navy blue jumper or shirt, worn with a short navy skirt; sweaters or woollen coats, if worn, should be navy blue. In future Commandants of weeks and camps are requested to hold inspections of undress – as well as of full dress uniform – and to see that Guiders comply with the above regulations.”

Perhaps as a reaction to this, an official blue camp overall was introduced for Guiders, with a choice of short or long sleeve, and to go with this, a bucket-style camp hat was also introduced, and it was stated that : ‘In the case of Guiders, skirts should cover the knee, and as a general rule, stockings should be worn when going through a village or town, except in exceptional circumstances such as going to the beach. Guiders need not take full uniform (tunic and skirt) to camp provide that they have a really tidy, clean, camp overall, hat, blazer and mackintosh (navy blue)’.”

In June 1933 it was confirmed that the blue cotton camp overall could be worn throughout summer, not just at camp, with with the collar closed by the tie or with open-neck – in which case the Tenderfoot Badge would be worn in the ‘V’ of the neck. Camp hat can also be considered uniform. And in June 1934 it was advised that the shop was now stocking a new camp overall, with short sleeves, for Guiders. This new overall was in light blue casement cloth, the same material and colour as the Guide summer overall. The shop also stocked an overall for Guiders in light blue repp, or in navy blue. Following this, in January 1937, a new design of Guider overall was introduced, made on the lines of a fitted dress, and in the new ‘Headquarters Blue’ colour, rather than Guiding’s traditional choice of navy. And from June 1938 Guiders were allowed to wear short-sleeved overalls at summer Company and other meetings. Nevertheless, the formal uniform remained formal . . .

In Britain, clothes rationing was announced in 1941, affecting all civilian clothing. The July 1941 edition of “The Guider” gave details of the impact on uniforms: Guiders – Raincoats and Coats – 14 coupons, Jacket or Blazer – 11 coupons, Guider’s Dress (woollen) – 11 coupons, Guider’s Dress (cotton) – 7 coupons, Guider’s Skirt – 7 coupons, Blouse or Sports Shirt – 5 coupons, Guider’s Ties – 1 coupon, Stockings – 2 coupons, Collar – 1 coupon, 2 Handkerchiefs – 1 coupon, Scarf – 2 coupons, Gloves – 2 coupons, Boots or Shoes – 5 coupons, Cardigan or Jersey – 5 coupons. Cotton Fabric 36″ was 2 coupons per yard, Woollen Fabric 36″ was 3 coupons per yard, Knitting wool was 1 coupon per 2-ounce ball.

But clothing coupons wasn’t the last of the impact on uniforms from war. An alternative uniform for Rangers was introduced, and in May 1942 there was a further announcement about it. The relevant parts for Guiders were: “Ranger Uniform. a) Ranger Guiders may wear the new Ranger alternative uniform.” “e) Ranger Guiders should wear the Ranger hat badge on the beret with Warrant Badge immediately above it, and woven County Badge on point of tie at the back. f) Guiders may wear hard hats with the new uniform.” “m) Gas Masks. Guiders and Rangers in uniform should, if possible, carry their gas masks in a navy blue haversack. The supply of navy blue haversacks is limited, and Guiders ordering by post are asked to state the name of their company. This will ensure that all available supplies go to members of the movement.” Then in November 1942 it was announced that “The Board of Trade can no longer release supplies of leather for Girl Guide and Brownie belts, and at present no further orders can be taken. We are still hoping to secure material for a substitute, and as soon as possible further information will be published in The Guider.”

December 1942 brought further changes: “Ranger Guiders wearing coats and skirts or overalls may wear dark blue open-ended ties.” “Guiders Hats. A vertical strip of ribbon will be used on Guiders’ hats in the place of cockades (where these are not procurable) and the County Badge will be worn in the middle of the strip. Outstanding orders for cockades will be executed, but new orders will now receive strips of ribbon (obtainable from headquarters).” And then in November 1943: “It was agreed that until warranted, new Commissioners should wear the ordinary uniform with the exception of the cockade (in view of the fact that cords are not now available) which will be supplied when the warrant is issued. The hat may be turned up with a County badge.”

Commissioner Cords remained difficult to obtain, so it was announced in August 1947 that “It has been agreed that Commissioners shall wear a Lapel Badge, the design for which has been approved. (Badges are not yet in stock).” These became available in January 1949 – Chief Commissioner: gold, County Commissioner: silver with gold enamel, Division Commissioner: silver-coloured metal with white enamel, District Commissioner: silver-coloured metal with blue enamel. In February 1951 these were altered to: “County: Silver with gold enamel. Assistant county: Silver with gold enamel. Division: Silver coloured metal with white enamel. Assistant Division: Silver coloured metal with white enamel. District: Silver coloured metal with blue enamel.”

July 1952 – “For Sea Ranger Guiders the navy blue felt hat should be worn as a tricorne together with black mohair band and the Sea Ranger Guiders’ cap badge.” “As an alternative the navy blue tailored beret (official pattern) may be worn.”
July 1954 – Uniform amendment for Sea Ranger Guiders – “Sea Ranger Guiders, when wearing a tricorne, should wear the cloth county badge on the left shoulder of the battledress blouse. When wearing a beret they should wear the county badge on the diamond-shaped felt in the usual way.

June 1959 – “In answer to a general demand an alternative to the battledress blouse and skirt for Guiders, Rangers and Cadets has been designed and will be on sale from 1st July . . . This uniform will also be an alternative to the coat and skirt for Commissioners.” A sketch was provided (shown right) showing the new suit worn with the tailored beret, which had a high front, the cockade for Commissioners/Advisers, or the felt diamonds for Guiders, being worn over the left eye.

But it was all change again in 1968, for along with the new programmes came new uniforms for all in Guiding, including the adults. The new Leader uniform for 1968 was:

General Appearance: 1) a) Hair should be worn in a neat and suitable style. b) Handbags (if carried) should be navy blue and of the official pattern. c) Umbrellas (if carried) should be navy blue or black. d) No jewellery is worn in uniform, with the exception of wedding, engagement or signet rings. e) Uniform and mufti must not be mixed.

Adult Uniform

Jacket and Skirt (official pattern) Navy blue or Cardigan or V-neck Jersey – Navy blue with Skirt (official pattern) – Navy blue. Blouse (official pattern) – Blue and white check. Cap or Beret (official pattern) – Navy blue with cockade or flash according to appointment. Crossover Ribbon – Navy blue or according to appointment. Badge – Gilt or according to enrolment or investiture. Stockings – Neutral. Shoes – Brown or black leather of a suitable pattern. Gloves (optional) – Brown or black.

Summer Uniform: Dress (official pattern) – Guide blue. Crossover Ribbon – Worn only when dress is fastened at the neck.

Informal Occasions: Skirt, Slacks, Jeans or Shorts – Navy blue with Shirt (official pattern) – Guide blue, cellular. Camp Dress (official pattern) – Guide blue. over Shirt (optional) (official pattern) – Guide blue, cellular with Belt (optional) – Same material as dress, or brown leather official pattern. Anorak or Windcheater – Navy or Guide blue. The holder of a Camper’s Licence may wear a green lanyard in camp. The holder of a Pack Holiday Permit may wear a buff lanyard in camp.

Distinguishing Marks

Ranger Guider- Navy crossover ribbon tie with two aquamarine stripes, navy hat diamond with aquamarine edging. Assistant Ranger Guider – Navy crossover ribbon tie with one aquamarine stripe, navy hat diamond. Guide Guider – Navy crossover ribbon tie with two Guide blue stripes, navy hat diamond with Guide blue edging. Assistant Guide Guider – Navy crossover ribbon tie with one Guide blue stripe navy hat diamond. Brownie Guider – Navy crossover ribbon tie with two brown stripes, navy hat diamond with yellow edging. Assistant Brownie Guider – Navy crossover ribbon tie with one brown stripe, navy hat diamond. Cadet Guider – Navy blue crossover ribbon with two white stripes, navy hat diamond with white edging. Air Ranger Guider – Navy blue crossover ribbon with two pale blue stripes, navy hat diamond with pale blue edging. Land Ranger Guider – Navy blue crossover ribbon with two red stripes, navy hat diamond with red edging.

Sea Ranger Guider – Blouse (official pattern) white, Tie – black, Hat (official pattern) navy blue tricorn with white cover and black mohair band, navy blue cloth hat badge with gold wire embroidered trefoil. Guider not holding a warrant – Navy blue ribbon tab tie, navy hat diamond.

March 1968 – yellow-striped ribbon tie and yellow hat felts to be introduced for Brownie Leaders when stocks of the brown versions are exhausted.

February 1969 – new Camp Dress for Guiders and Rangers launched.

May 1977 – New style Ranger/Guider Camp dress with collar and revers in terylene and cotton, now available.

These uniforms continued until 1990, when they were replaced by a completely new range:

A mix-and-match selection from: Navy suit jacket, Navy button-through suit skirt, Light blue and white vertical stripe blouse in short or long sleeve, Light blue and white vertical stripe button-through skirt, White polo shirt with navy collar, Navy zip-jacket with white sleeve stripe, Navy sweatshirt with white trim, Light blue knitted jersey with white trim, Navy shorts, Navy short culottes, Navy long culottes, Navy trousers, Navy jogging trousers, Navy baseball cap, Brown leather belt with official buckle

Badge tab: Commissioner/Adviser – Plain navy. Rainbow Guider – Navy with two green vertical stripes. Brownie Guider – Navy with two yellow vertical stripes. Guide Guider – Navy with two royal blue vertical stripes. Ranger Guider – Navy with two aqua vertical stripes. Young Leader Guider – Navy with two white vertical stripes

June 1999 – “A new uniform addition for Adult Leaders – a navy polo shirt – has been approved.”

September 2003 – New adult leader uniform options. Navy zip-neck sweatshirt, polo shirt in navy or white with mid blue collar, quartered rugby shirt in navy and mid blue, zip front sweatshirt with mid-blue collar lining, fleece gilet in navy and mid blue, waterproof jacket in navy with mid blue, navy trousers, navy shorts, navy skirt in short and long length. A new blouse and scarf will be available in early 2004.

March 2005 – First images of the new Leader long-sleeve and short sleeve blouses, and tunic – in raspberry, blue and white random-width vertical stripes.

September 2008 – New adult uniform hoodie introduced.

In 2023 it was announced that all main Guiding sections would be getting new uniforms from 2026, with the aim being to have a unified look across all sections. In February 2024 Leaders were surveyed on initial suggestions, shown on hoodies. Leaders were asked to vote on hoodie colour – either blue marl, navy, or sky blue, and on logo colour – white, navy or sky blue, and on what the logo should be – ‘Leader’ text, small trefoil with Girlguiding text below, medium trefoil, or large trefoil. The logo would be positioned on the centre front, but lettering could be there, or on the back, or running down the sleeve.

Trefoil Wear

You will notice that this section is named differently to the other ‘clothing’ sections on this page. Deliberately so. For in the UK at least, the Trefoil Guild has never had uniform, and that continues to be the case to this day. Certainly, there used to be optional distinguishing marks. And in more recent decades, a range of garments have been available. But that’s the thing – there was the armlet, the badge, and then the garments in red or blue or beige – but they were always optional, and were never uniform, something which Trefoil Guild members were determined to maintain. As such, in this section I can introduce you to some of the distinguishing marks or optional items, but these should be viewed in context – as things which people may have opted to wear in given eras, but would as likely not have . . .

Before there was Trefoil Guild, there were ‘Old Guides’ – yes, long before Trefoil Guild started in 1943. For although the Ranger section had no upper age limit, and Rangers in their 20’s, sometimes 30s, and in a few cases beyond, were known – most girls reached an age and stage when they felt it was time to move on. If Guides was preparing you for active citizenship, and Rangers was preparing you to take your skills and interests into a wider world – then there had to come a time when you were as prepared as you were ever going to be, and you ought to stop training for it, and get on with doing it!

At the same time, not everyone could be a Guider or Commissioner, and yet with the training the Guides and Rangers had received, there was a desire to keep the ‘graduates’ of Guiding in touch with the movement, so the “Society of Old Guiders” was formed in 1925, and later “Guidons”, who became “Old Guides”, were formed. “Old Guides” members who had been previously warranted as a Guiding Secretary, Commissioner or Guider were permitted to wear Guider uniform, but with an “Old Guide” cockade in the hat – navy blue with a green and a red stripe – and an “Old Guide” tie, in navy, green and red stripe.

It was in 1943 that Trefoil Guild was set up. They were set up as an organisation which would be independent of Guiding, and as such, they did not wear Guiding Uniform. The one distinguishing mark which was permitted, apart from the Tenderfoot badge, was a Trefoil Guild armband, which could be worn over the sleeve of whatever clothing was being worn.

These armbands do not appear to have been widely worn, and from then until the 2000s, the sole official distinguishing mark of Trefoil Guild members was their Promise Badge.

Of course, some individual Guilds opted to have leisurewear made for their members, especially from the 1980s onwards – often polo shirts or sweatshirts, or neckerchiefs often in either blue or red – but these were isolated groups making their own personal choices, not anything formal or nationally recognised. It was regularly made clear that Trefoil Guild was a non-uniformed group.

With the coming of Badge Tabs for Guiders in 1990, there was some pressure from Trefoil Guild members to introduce the option of a badge tab for them to wear their badges on, so a tab was introduced, initially in red fabric, with gold lettering embroidered. As the first tab design had no pin, it was up to members to attach it to clothing as they wished, either from behind with a safety pin, or by pinning their Promise Badge through both the tab and the fabric of garment below.

Soon, a more regular badge tab with a pin was introduced in the same style as for Guiding Leaders but with red ribbon – but it continued to be the case that the tabs were the only official wear item until the mid-2000s.

In the mid-2000s, optional clothing items for Trefoil Guild members were introduced by the Guiding Trading Service. There was a polo shirt in either beige or red, a silky scarf with a red, blue and beige pattern, and what was termed a ‘jacket’ – a longline knitted cardigan-style garment, in either red or mid-blue. Though the chunky knit meant the garment could be warm, the difficulty was that it came as one standard length for all, it meant that on some members it didn’t reach far past the waist, whereas on others it was almost knee-length.

By the mid-2010s the knitted jacket had been replaced by a zipped top in sweatshirt fabric, and following the introduction of a new lightweight large grey scarf in 2019, pressure from younger members in particular resulted in the introduction of the alternative option of a Trefoil Guild necker, in red with a gold-coloured border and with a logo embroidered in white on the back.

This was followed in 2021 by a fleece jacket, in blue.

But, as we said at the start, all of these are optional items. And although increasing numbers of members will wear them at gatherings such as the Trefoil Guild AGMs, some members may equally choose not to wear any of these. For Trefoil Guild is, and remains, a non-uniformed organisation.

Uniform Belts

Throughout Guiding’s history, belts have been part of the uniform. Prior to 1990 Brownies wore a simple brown belt in either leather or PVC with an unmarked silver belt buckle. Because they were not distinctive, and could as easily be worn in mufti as in uniform, they don’t appear so often on the second-hand market.

It was in 1990 that a Brownie belt with a metal Guiding badge on the belt loop was introduced, which could be worn with the uniform culottes.

The first Girl Scouts naturally wore the Scout belts of the era, but as soon as the Guides were started, steps were taken to register official designs for Guide belt buckles to be worn by both Guides and Guiders (and in due course Senior Guides/Rangers too). Early designs included one with a diamond-shaped buckle insert.

Before long, the more familiar design with the centre section featuring the trefoil appear. The early ones featured national symbols in each corner – the thistle, rose, daffodil and shamrock.

The next version featured solid raised trefoils in each corner. This design continued in use until the late 1960s.

However economies meant that from the late 1930s and during World War 2, a different style of belt clasp was available, which wasn’t as deep, and had a slide-through style. These belts also lacked the metal rings which were useful for attaching a lanyard or pencil to. Perhaps because of this, they weren’t as popular, and in time were dropped.

By the late 1960s there were changes to the central trefoil design to reflect the new Promise badge which had been introduced, and the four trefoils in the corners were shown in outline shape rather than being filled in.

The final style was produced in the mid-1990s, again reflecting the new-style Promise badge. With the end of uniform skirts/trousers, the belts were less commonly worn, and they soon disappeared from the catalogues.