The Cub Scout Uniform Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Written by Cole in All Posts,Cub Scouting

When you think of a Cub Scout, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If your answer is “the uniforms,” I wouldn’t be surprised! Uniforms have been a symbol of Scouting for decades, and are the perfect way for Cub and BSA Scouts to showcase their involvement.

What is the Cub Scout Uniform? The Cub Scout program uses two main uniform styles: the navy blue Cub Scout uniform (for Lions through Webelos) and the tan Scouts BSA uniform (for Arrow of Light Scouts). Each rank has its own unique neckerchief colors – yellow for Lions, orange for Tigers, red for Wolves, blue for Bears, and plaid for Webelos. The uniform symbolizes Cub Scout identity and promotes a sense of pack unity and commitment.

P.S. This article has been updated for the 2024 program changes and is a guest post collaboration with Eagle Scout and AOL recipient, Michael M 🙂

In this article, we’re going to break down all the must-know points about Cub Scout uniforms, including the recent changes that took effect June 1, 2024. We’ll go through the uniforms’ importance, their price, and the key differences between ranks! Afterward, you’ll know exactly what uniform to get your Cub so they’re prepared for every pack activity. Ready? Let’s get to it! 😀

Why Cub Scouts Wear Uniforms: The Four Ideals

Cub Scout uniforms have a unique and special place in the Scouting world — they may not seem important, but there are so many reasons to wear Scouting uniforms. They demonstrate and achieve four important ideals, all of which are key parts of the BSA’s code:

  • Identification: By wearing the Cub Scout uniform, you identify yourself as a member of the Scouting organization. This shows that you are part of a larger whole and a vital member of your pack.
  • Achievement: The badges worn on your uniform give you a chance to display your accomplishments for the whole world to see. You can take pride in knowing that your efforts were worth it and your achievements have been recognized.
  • Personal commitment: The responsibility to wear the uniform correctly encourages you to exercise independence and show reliability. By making an effort to display your badges and accessories properly, you practice important life skills and gain character. When worn correctly, your uniform also shows how dependable and responsible you are!
  • Personal equality: By wearing the same uniform as your peers, you demonstrate that you are all on equal footing. Even though your ranks might be different and your badges may vary, the uniform places you all “under the same umbrella.” It shows that you are all capable of the same great things and are all in this together!

Now before we dive into uniform details, it’s important to note that there were larger Cub Scouting program changes that took place June 1, 2024. The BSA has updated the Cub Scout program to make it more Fun, Simple, and Easy for everyone involved. These changes include new rank-specific adventures and a reimagined Bobcat program, which is now required for each rank level.

The Difference Between Class A and Class B Cub Scout Uniforms

If you’re looking into buying a Cub Scout uniform, you’ve probably heard the terms “Class A” and “Class B” by now! These are common labels for the two types of uniforms that Cubs and Scouts wear during Scouting events. Class A is the uniform for formal occasions, while Class B looks much more casual.

Here are a few situations where the Class A uniform is the right choice! You’ll notice that they’re all on the formal side of things:

  • Flag ceremonies
  • Pack meetings
  • Award banquets
  • Parades

The Class A uniform is more complex than the Class B, as it has more required parts and pieces. It’s also important to remember that Class A uniforms must be tucked in at all times! This is an essential part of wearing the uniform properly, and it just won’t look right without following that step. In fact, Scout troops often hold uniform inspection competitions to emphasize the importance of proper attire! 🙂

Also, you should know that “Class A” and “Class B” aren’t the official names for the uniforms. Scouts BSA refers to Class A as the “field uniform” and Class B as the “activity uniform.” Still, since the terms Class A and Class B are most commonly used, that’s what we’ll call them in this article. If you opt to use those terms too, you’ll find that people will understand you without a hitch!

For more info and a look at the different Cub Scout uniforms, along with some super-helpful tips, be sure to also check out this helpful video (4:09) below. Then, I’ll be explaining the specific Cub uniforms for every single rank!

The Class A Uniforms For Each Cub Scout Rank

Now, time to go through the specifics of each Cub Scout rank’s Class A uniform! Out of all the Cub uniforms, the Lion and the Webelos uniforms definitely stand out the most. In fact, the uniforms for Tiger through Bear are all made up of the exact same parts! Still, there are minor variations to know.

Lion Rank Class A Uniform (Kindergarten)

Let’s start off with the Lion rank uniform, as that’s the very first rank in Cub Scouts! The Lion uniform is made up of the following parts:

  • Shirt: The official Lion T-shirt. Like the other parts of the Lion uniform (aside from the neckerchief and the slide), this item is solid blue.
  • Belt: The official navy blue belt. The awards Cubs earn get put on these!
  • Cap: The official blue Lion cap, complete with the Lion emblem.

There are also several parts of the Lion rank uniform that are optional, meaning that each den decides whether or not they must be worn. Here’s a list of these optional Lion rank uniform items!

  • Socks: The official Cub Scout socks have a yellow band at the top.
  • Neckerchief: The yellow Lion neckerchief, marked with the Lion emblem.
  • Neckerchief slide: The official gold slide with the Lion emblem.
  • Official uniform pants: As with the socks, neckerchief, and slide, the den decides whether this item will be required. Just as it is for most of the other ranks, Lion rank pants are solid blue.

Lion Rank Uniform

Image via Scout Shop. This is the best place to purchase Cub Scout uniforms, btw!

Tiger Rank Class A Uniform (1st Grade)

Now, here are the parts of the Tiger uniform! Note that the main color of the uniform is still a solid blue, just like with the Lion uniform. However, the accent color has changed from yellow to orange — which makes sense, given the animals these ranks are named after!

  • Shirt: The official blue uniform shirt. Like every Cub Scout uniform after Lion, this one is a button-up instead of a T-shirt. It can have long or short sleeves, depending on the Cub’s preference.
  • Official uniform pants: These solid-blue pants come in four varieties: shorts, skorts, long pants, and roll-up pants.
  • Belt: The official navy blue belt.
  • Socks: Tiger rank socks have an orange band at the top. These socks come in three lengths: knee, crew, and ankle.
  • Cap: The official blue cap, complete with an orange front and the Tiger emblem.
  • Neckerchief: The orange Tiger neckerchief with the Tiger emblem. As you keep reading, you’ll see that each rank’s associated neckerchief has its own unique color and emblem!
  • Neckerchief slide: The official gold slide with the Tiger emblem. Just like with the cap and the neckerchief, the design of the slide will vary depending on the Cub Scout’s rank.

Tiger Rank Uniform

Image via Scout Shop. 

Wolf Rank Class A Uniform (2nd Grade)

Next up is the Wolf rank uniform! It’s not so different from the Tiger uniform, featuring only a few slight changes in color.

  • Shirt: The official blue button-up shirt. It can have long or short sleeves, depending on preference.
  • Official uniform pants: These solid-blue pants come in four varieties: shorts, skorts, long pants, and roll-up pants.
  • Belt: The official navy blue belt.
  • Socks: Unlike Tiger Cub socks, Wolf Cub socks have a yellow band at the top. Don’t worry, though — you’ll use these socks as a Wolf too! The socks come in three lengths: knee, crew, and ankle.
  • Cap: The official blue cap, complete with a red front and the Wolf rank emblem.
  • Neckerchief: The red Wolf rank neckerchief, complete with the Wolf emblem. 
  • Neckerchief slide: The official gold slide with the Wolf emblem.

Wolf Rank Uniform

Image via Scout Shop. 

Bear Rank Class A Uniform (3rd Grade)

Now, time for the Bear rank uniform! You might be noticing a pattern by now…the top, bottom, and belt remain the same from Tiger to Bear. There are only a few minor differences between the Wolf and Bear uniforms.

  • Shirt: The official blue button-up shirt. It can also have long or short sleeves.
  • Official uniform pants: These solid-blue pants come in four varieties: shorts, skorts, long pants, and roll-up pants.
  • Belt: The official navy blue belt.
  • Socks: Like the Wolf socks, Bear rank socks have a yellow band at the top. These socks come in three lengths: knee, crew, and ankle.
  • Cap: The official blue cap, complete with a light blue front and the Bear emblem.
  • Neckerchief: The light-blue Bear neckerchief, complete with the Bear emblem. 
  • Neckerchief slide: The official gold slide with the Bear emblem.

Bear Rank Uniform

Image via Scout Shop. 

Webelos Rank Class A Uniform (4th Grade)

Now for the Webelos uniform! Starting June 1, 2024, fourth-grade Webelos will wear the blue Cub Scout uniform rather than the tan Scouts BSA uniform. Here are the components:

  • Shirt: The official blue button-up shirt. As with the other non-Lion uniforms, it can be purchased with either long or short sleeves.
  • Official uniform pants: These solid-blue pants come in four varieties: shorts, skorts, long pants, and roll-up pants.
  • Belt: The official navy blue belt.
  • Socks: The official blue socks with yellow band at top. These come in three lengths: knee, crew, and ankle.
  • Cap: The official Webelos cap with plaid front and Webelos emblem.
  • Neckerchief: The Webelos plaid neckerchief with the rank’s signature emblem.
  • Neckerchief slide: The official gold slide with the Webelos emblem.
  • Webelos Colors (optional): An accessory showing all the Webelos Adventure Pins that a Cub Scout has earned.

Webelos Rank Uniform

Image via Scout Shop.

Arrow of Light Rank Class A Uniform (5th Grade)

The Arrow of Light rank (5th grade) now has its own distinct uniform requirements. This new uniform looks a lot more like a BSA Scout’s than a Cub’s in my opinion: 🙂

  • Shirt: The official tan Scouts BSA button-up shirt with blue shoulder loops
  • Official uniform pants: The official green Scouts BSA pants (available in shorts, long pants, roll-up pants, or skorts)
  • Belt: The official green Scouts BSA belt
  • Socks: The official green Scouts BSA socks
  • Note: Arrow of Light Scouts no longer have a specific hat, neckerchief, or neckerchief slide

Image via Scout Shop.

Important Notes About Cub Scout Uniform Transitions 2024

The BSA has made clear that the recent uniform updates are meant to simplify the program, not create burdens for families. Here are some key points that they mentioned:

  • Families can decide when to transition to the Scouts BSA uniform based on factors like growth spurts and rank advancement.
  • If a family has already purchased a Scouts BSA uniform for a Scout not yet in 5th grade, they are not required to switch back to a blue uniform.
  • The recommended time to convert to a Scouts BSA uniform is either when earning the Webelos badge of rank or when completing 4th grade and becoming an Arrow of Light Scout.

A Quick Guide to Patch Placement

One of the most common questions new Scouting families have is “Where does everything go?” Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with this simple guide! And before we dive in, let me share a game-changing tip: Badge Magic is going to be your best friend. It’s an easy, no-sew solution that can attach any patch and will help save you tons of time! 🙂

For the left sleeve, your Council patch goes at the shoulder seam, with your pack numbers right below it. The right sleeve is super simple – it already has the American flag at the top (if your uniform is new), and your den number goes right below that. If your pack earned the Journey to Excellence (JTE) patch, that goes under your den number.

The front of the uniform is where you’ll show off all your achievements! The World Crest (that purple patch that shows we’re part of worldwide Scouting) goes above the left pocket. When it comes to rank badges on the left pocket, think of it like a clock: first rank at 12 o’clock, second at 9 o’clock, third at 3 o’clock, and fourth at 6 o’clock. If you begin at a higher grade, make sure the rank you begin with is in the 12 o’clock position!

Want to display that awesome day camp patch or other special award? The right pocket is perfect for temporary patches, and many come with handy loops to attach right to the button. You can only display one at a time, but they’re super easy to switch out when your Cub earns something new!

How Much Do Cub Scout Uniforms Cost?

So, now that you know about Cub Scout uniforms, where can you buy them? You can find all sorts of Scouting materials at Scout shops in your area, as well as on the official Scout Shop website. These items range from uniforms to handbooks to Pinewood Derby supplies! As for uniforms, there are versions available for each and every Cub Scout rank. 🙂

As far as the price goes, you can expect a complete and brand-new Cub Scout uniform to typically add up to around $140-$180. However, there are ways to reduce or even eliminate the cost of a Cub Scout uniform! This is especially important because Cub uniforms change every year, unlike Scouts BSA ones. Here are a couple of examples to reduce uniform costs:

  • Uniform banks or exchanges: These collections of gently used uniforms are sometimes operated by Cub Scout packs, so make sure to check whether yours has one already. Uniform banks are also run at a council level, which means your pack isn’t your only option! If you can’t find a bank but have Scouting friends of different ages, you also can do an informal exchange of your own.
  • Fundraisers: Fundraisers are an excellent way to cut costs for all sorts of items, and uniforms are no exception. What’s more, your pack is in a perfect position to make these events happen! Selling popcorn may be the first type of fundraiser that comes to mind, but there are lots of others too.

Scouting Tip: Make sure to keep the kindness flowing! If you have uniforms in good shape that you no longer need, “do your best” to pass them on.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a whole lot to know about Cub Scout uniforms! From their ideals to costs, and even their many variations, the Scouting uniform is a huge topic in and of itself. But of course, since uniforms are such a key part of Scouting culture, learning more about them to be prepared is only natural! 

By wearing uniforms, Cub Scouts display a commitment to their packs and feel a greater sense of responsibility within their communities. Each rank advanced is marked by changes in a Cub’s uniform, along with more skills gained and responsibilities taken on. Who knew such significance could come from just some clothing?

I hope this article helped you to learn a ton about more Cub Scout uniforms. By now you should know which uniform to buy, along with the meaning behind it! If you enjoyed what we’ve covered here, I’d also recommend checking out any of the following articles if they spark your interest:

That’s all for now! Thanks for dropping by ScoutSmarts. Hope to see you back here again soon and, until next time, I wish you nothing but the best. 😀

Cole

I'm constantly writing new content because I believe in Scouts like you! Thanks so much for reading, and for making our world a better place. Until next time, I'm wishing you all the best on your journey to Eagle and beyond!

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