Leslie's Guiding History Site

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. - Enameled 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)."

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:

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."  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 woolen 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."