“[A uniform] gives a
certain prestige in the community. When a girl is seen in uniform, people
recognize her as a girl who is courteous and obliging… The uniform puts every
girl on the same footing… [and] makes a useful dress for her to work and play
in at the meetings."
-Girl Scout Leader's Manual, 1917
Influenced by the shifting times, the fashions of Girl
Scouting have changed with the continuously changing needs of girls. No matter how the uniform transformed over
the years, it has remained a symbol of the ideals for which Girl Scouting stands.
The first American Girl Scout uniform was designed with Europe’s
Girl Guide uniforms in mind. They were handmade
by Girl Scout Captains, Girl Scouts, and Girl Scout mothers who would use paper
patterns and dark blue "duck" to create middy blouses and skirts that
could be used for any Girl Scouting activity from sports to cooking. The
original Girl Scout ensemble was accessorized with light blue sateen ties, blue
felt campaign hats, and black shoes and stockings.
Today, Girl Scout apparel is still designed with an active
girl in mind. From the Daisy Blue Tunic to the Adult 100th
Anniversary t-shirt, girls and adults alike have their choice among a
variety of pants, jackets, sashes, vests, tunics, sweaters,
sweatshirts, and shirts to mix and match into a Girl Scout ensemble. These outfits are designed to allow Girl
Scouts to participate in activities like sports, cooking, and crafts, while
being able to take part in a Flag Ceremony in the same outfit. With designs geared towards each Girl
Scouting Level, Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors, and
Adult Volunteers each can sport their own look for Girl Scouting events.
