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 uniform consists of a navy blue shirt and pants or shorts, a neckerchief with colors varying by rank (yellow for Lions, orange for Tigers, red for Wolves, blue for Bears, and plaid for Webelos), a matching cap, and a belt with a buckle. It symbolizes the Cub Scout identity and promotes a sense of pack unity and commitment.

P.S. This article 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. We’ll go through the uniforms’ importance, their price, and even the key differences between the various versions! 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!

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

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

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

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

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

Now for the Webelos uniform! This one has notable differences from the other ranks’ uniforms, the most obvious of which is the change from a blue color palette to a tan one:

  • Shirt: The official tan button-up shirt. As with the other non-Lion uniforms, it can be purchased with either long or short sleeves.
  • Official uniform pants:  These pants come in four varieties: shorts, skorts, long pants, and roll-up pants. Unlike the other ranks, the Webelos wear solid green pants.
  • Belt: The official navy blue belt.
  • Socks: The official green socks, designed to match the Webelos uniform. These come in three lengths: knee, crew, and ankle.
  • Cap: The official green cap, complete with a plaid front and the Webelos emblem. This is a notable departure from the design of the other ranks’ caps, which have a plain-looking front in a single solid color.
  • Neckerchief: The Webelos triangular 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. This tends to look fun and impressive, so it’s a great addition to any Cub’s uniform!

Webelos Rank Uniform

Image via Scout Shop.

I’m sure you noticed that the number of items to wear increases as a Cub Scout ranks up. This is a reflection of the Cub’s growing capability and independence, both of which the BSA is keen to encourage and support!

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. 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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