For over a hundred years, the Girl Scout Uniform has been more than just clothing. It’s a symbol of the high ideals of the Girl Scouts organization, a visual representation of belonging, and a practical outfit for adventure and service. Like the girls themselves, the girl scout uniform has continuously evolved, reflecting changing times, new trends, and the evolving needs of young women. Let’s take a fascinating look back at the history of the girl scout uniform and see how it has transformed through the decades.
FUN FACT: Did you know that initially, blue girl scout uniforms were ordered by Juliette Gordon Low in 1914, with khaki available only upon special request? However, Girl Scouts quickly showed their preference for khaki, finding it more practical for their outdoor pursuits like hiking and camping. By 1928, khaki became the standard.
In 1924, we see Juliette Gordon Low and Girl Scouts stylishly planting a tree. The elegant hats paired with the early girl scout uniforms, complete with the iconic trefoil, showcase the fashion of the era.
By 1925, as seen in a photo featuring Juliette Gordon Low with two Girl Scouts, uniforms were already showing subtle variations. Patches adorned sleeves, and the uniforms themselves differed – one being a shirt dress, the other a two-piece skirt and blouse set. These details highlight the early adaptations in girl scout uniform design.
Juliette Gordon Low pictured in 1925 with two Girl Scouts showcasing early variations in girl scout uniform styles, including a shirt dress and a two-piece skirt and blouse.
In 1928, a significant shift occurred as the girl scout uniform transitioned to the iconic “Girl Scout green.” A photograph from that year captures Girl Scouts happily camping, modeling these new green uniforms.
Moving into 1930, Girl Scout Jeanne is pictured at the International Festival in Chicago, Illinois. Her girl scout uniform represents the style of the early 1930s.
Girl Scout Jeanne at the International Festival in Chicago, Illinois in 1930, wearing a representative girl scout uniform of the era.
By 1935, the Girl Scout Mariners were introduced, with a nautical twist on the girl scout uniform. The photograph shows them confidently climbing aboard, ready for adventure in their distinctive attire.
Girl Scout Mariners in 1935, dressed in nautical-themed girl scout uniforms and climbing aboard a vessel.
The practicality of girl scout uniforms was further emphasized in 1938 with the introduction of a cool basket backpack, as seen in a photo of a Girl Scout in the forest. This accessory became an essential part of the Girl Scout look.
Girl Scout in 1938 showcasing a basket backpack accessory, a practical addition to the girl scout uniform for outdoor activities.
During the Great Depression, Girl Scouts actively participated in relief efforts. Uniforms adapted with the times, and berets, a fashionable accessory in the early 1930s, became part of the girl scout uniform.
In the 1940s, a photo shows Girl Scouts diligently practicing knot-tying, showcasing the functional aspect of the girl scout uniform in action and the skills Girl Scouts learned.
Girl Scouts in the 1940s practicing knot-tying skills while wearing their practical girl scout uniforms.
World War II brought material rationing, impacting girl scout uniform design. Zippers were replaced with buttons, and while the overall look remained largely unchanged for Intermediates and Seniors, Brownies continued with their brown shirt dresses.
FUN FACT: In a surprising collaboration, renowned haute couture designer Mainbocher designed a Senior girl scout uniform in 1948. This elegant design featured a short-sleeved dress, a dark-green cowhide belt, and a hat, reflecting high fashion influences.
A 1948 photo shows two New York Girl Scouts modeling uniform variations. One wears the new Mainbocher design with a longer skirt and button-down front, while the other showcases an older style. This comparison highlights the evolution of the girl scout uniform over time.
Comparison of girl scout uniform styles in 1948, with a New York Girl Scout on the left modeling the new Mainbocher design and another on the right in an older uniform style.
Another charming 1948 image captures a girl scout uniform troop portrait, complete with a cat – perhaps an honorary member?
Adorable 1948 girl scout troop portrait featuring a group of girls in their uniforms and a cat, possibly an honorary Girl Scout.
Girl Scout camp memories are the best, as exemplified by a joyful 1957 photo of Girl Scouts at camp, showcasing the girl scout uniform in its natural habitat of outdoor adventure.
Girl Scouts enjoying camp in 1957, highlighting the girl scout uniform in the context of outdoor adventures and camp activities.
The 1960s were a time of social change. A photo from the era shows two Girl Scout Cadettes engaged in community work, reflecting the active role of Girl Scouts and their girl scout uniforms in making a difference.
Girl Scout Cadettes in the 1960s actively engaged in community service, demonstrating the role of girl scout uniforms in action and service.
Responding to the era’s changing needs, Girl Scouts expressed their uniform preferences: pants, comfortable designs without waistlines, practical pockets, and easy-care fabrics. This feedback led to significant uniform updates.
In 1970, a Girl Scout Brownie with her furry friend is captured in an adorable photo, showcasing the Brownie girl scout uniform and the youthful spirit of the program.
Girl Scout Brownie in 1970 with a furry friend, showcasing the cute Brownie girl scout uniform and youthful charm.
Sisterhood and camaraderie are evident in a 1978 photo of Girl Scout Cadettes, emphasizing the social aspect of Girl Scouts and the girl scout uniform as a symbol of unity.
Girl Scout Cadettes in 1978 exemplifying sisterhood and unity, wearing their girl scout uniforms as a symbol of belonging.
By 1973, Girl Scout Juniors had more uniform choices, with five separates creating twelve possible looks. Options included a green A-line jumper, reflecting the increasing flexibility and personalization in girl scout uniform design.
Picture-perfect smiles and good times are captured in a 1978 photo, showing Girl Scouts in their uniforms, enjoying their activities and experiences.
Smiling Girl Scouts in 1978 enjoying their activities, wearing their girl scout uniforms and embodying the fun and positive experiences of scouting.
“On my honor!” declares a Girl Scout Senior in an inspiring 1981 photo, highlighting the values and principles associated with the girl scout uniform.
Girl Scout Senior in 1981 pictured in uniform, embodying the values of honor and commitment associated with the Girl Scouts.
FUN FACT: The Girl Scout Daisy program for kindergarteners was launched in 1984, introducing the youngest Girl Scouts to the organization and their own adorable girl scout uniform.
A 1984 photo introduces us to Girl Scout Daisies in their charming uniforms, marking the beginning of the Girl Scout journey for these young girls.
Girl Scout Daisies in 1984 pictured in their inaugural uniforms, marking the introduction of the Daisy program for young scouts.
Showcasing individuality, 1992 Girl Scout Seniors proudly display their decorated sashes, demonstrating how Girl Scouts personalize their girl scout uniform to reflect their achievements and personality.
Girl Scout Seniors in 1992 proudly displaying their decorated sashes, showcasing personalization and achievement within the girl scout uniform.
1990s style is in full swing in a 1993 photo of Girl Scouts ready for a party, reflecting the trends of the decade in girl scout uniform accessories and spirit.
Girl Scouts in 1993 embodying 1990s style, ready for a party and reflecting the decade's trends in girl scout uniform accessories.
In 1995, official girl scout uniform for Cadettes and Seniors included a royal blue skirt or walking shorts, a white striped blouse, bandana, and insignia vest or sash, marking another style evolution.
A 1995 group shot of Cadettes and Seniors highlights these striped shirts, showcasing the contemporary girl scout uniform design of the mid-90s.
Cadettes and Seniors in a 1995 group photo, showcasing the striped shirts and contemporary girl scout uniform design of the mid-1990s.
FUN FACT: In 2001, a significant color change occurred for Cadette and Senior girl scout uniforms, shifting from royal blue to khaki with light-blue and navy-blue blouses respectively.
Smiles abound in a 2006 photo featuring Girl Scouts in their comfortable and casual vests, illustrating the modern girl scout uniform embracing comfort and practicality.
Smiling Girl Scouts in 2006 wearing comfortable and casual girl scout vests, highlighting the modern uniform's focus on practicality and ease.
By 2019, vest trains adorned with badges and patches became a joyful expression of Girl Scout pride and achievement, showcasing the personalized evolution of the girl scout uniform.
Girl Scout vest train in 2019, embellished with badges and patches, showcasing the personalized and achievement-oriented aspect of the modern girl scout uniform.
The 2020 Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador girl scout uniform collection prioritized individuality, offering modern designs with pockets, button-up closures, and cinched waists, reflecting the needs of today’s change-makers. This redesign, the first major one in 20 years, was created by young designers from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Modern 2020 girl scout uniform designs for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors, featuring a hoodie dress and windbreaker, emphasizing individuality and modern style.
In 2021, Daisy, Brownie, and Junior official apparel and accessories received a nostalgic and eco-conscious update, drawing inspiration from vintage styles and 90s fashion, using recycled materials. This marked a step towards sustainability in girl scout uniform production.
Updated 2021 Daisy, Brownie, and Junior girl scout uniforms and apparel made with eco-conscious materials, reflecting a blend of vintage inspiration and modern sustainability.
Finally, in 2022, the new official adult apparel and accessories collection was launched, completing the uniform refresh and offering gender-inclusive styles and extended sizes for all Girl Scout adults, ensuring everyone involved can proudly wear girl scout uniform apparel.
Diverse group of adult Girl Scout leaders in 2022, showcasing the new gender-inclusive and size-inclusive adult apparel collection.
From campfires to ceremonies, this versatile adult collection provides over 20 options, including eco-conscious tees, polos, and professional pieces, ensuring Girl Scout adults can lead with both comfort and style.
The girl scout uniform has truly mirrored the journey of Girl Scouts themselves – adapting, evolving, and always representing the spirit of empowerment, service, and adventure. It’s a living history, woven into the fabric of the Girl Scout movement.
References:
The Cut of the Cloth, A Brief History of the Girl Scout Uniform, GSUSA, 1999
GSUSA Archives “A Century of Girl Scout Uniforms,” GSCCCblog, 2019, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast
