Written by Council Historian, Mia.
Fashion has embraced a wide variety of fibers, fabrics, colors, and textures over the years, and Girl Scout uniforms have evolved right along with it.
Many Girl Scout alumnae will tell you that the uniform style they wore is their favorite. To me, that says that while they were members of GSUSA, they were happy and proud to belong to the organization. Seeing a uniform from that time often brings back fond memories of their Girl Scout years.
My personal favorite was the Senior Girl Scout uniform I wore from 1968 to 1971. Perhaps it is my favorite because I remember feeling very grown-up when I wore the skirt and fitted top, along with dressier shoes for meetings and events.
Some parade watchers may lament the “lack of uniforms” worn by Girl Scouts, even when the marchers, flag bearers, or float riders are wearing official Girl Scout uniforms. Often, these individuals are remembering a specific uniform from 30, 40, 50, 60, or even 70 years ago.
Can you imagine if Brownies and Girl Scouts today wore the same uniforms that Girl Scouts wore in the early 1900s?
As a Girl Scout historian who primarily works with uniforms, I have come to know and love each and every uniform worn by Girl Scouts throughout the years. Some of my favorite uniforms in our GCNWI Council Collection are featured below, with images taken from GSUSA official uniform catalogs throughout the years.
1930s
This Intermediate Girl Scout uniform offered many colorful neckerchiefs to choose from. Each troop selected a color, and every member wore that neckerchief with her uniform, giving the troop a coordinated appearance.
1940s
World War II military uniforms influenced those worn by Girl Scouts and their leaders. Many of the service projects that Girl Scouts participated in during the 1940s supported U.S. soldiers and the war effort, from selling war bonds to raise funds to collecting tin cans that could be recycled and reused for needed materials.
1960s
Four levels of Girl Scouting were established in 1963, with Juniors and Cadettes introduced as new groups within GSUSA. The first Cadette Girl Scout uniform featured a tricolor cockade on the beret and a Cadette patch on a coin flap at the waistband of the skirt
1970s, 1980s
Polyester double-knit fabrics, bright colors, bold patterns, and bodysuits, which were popular in 1970s and 1980s fashion, were also seen in GSUSA uniforms of the time.
1990s
Leggings, culottes, and long trousers gave girls more freedom of movement while still maintaining a uniform look.
2000s
By the 2000s, Cadette and Senior Girl Scout uniforms shared many of the same pieces, with slight variations, such as the color of the blouses. When the Ambassador Girl Scout level was created in 2008, Ambassador uniforms were the same as those worn by Cadettes and Seniors at the time.
This consistency allows Girl Scouts to easily add badges and patches to their current sash or vest as they progress, without having to remove and transfer them to a new sash or vest.
2026
Current Girl Scouts probably like their uniforms best, just as we did. The picture shows the current official uniform, along with official apparel that can be worn with it.
Would you like to wear any of these uniforms? Or do you still prefer the uniform from when you were a Girl Scout? As much as uniforms have changed over the years, older uniforms can still be worn and are still considered official. “Once a uniform, always a uniform” is a saying that applies within GSUSA.
Even though Girl Scout uniforms have changed over the years, they still identify the woman or girl wearing them as a member of the preeminent organization in the United States for women and girls. The principles of GSUSA have remained the same. If you have not thought about the Girl Scout Promise and Law in a while, take a moment to do so.
GSUSA is an organization that has helped shape millions of young women who are now active participants in all facets of life in the United States and around the world.