The Importance And History Of The Scouting Uniform


The Scouts BSA uniform is one of the most recognizable articles of clothing in history! Your classic tan collared t-shirt, leaf-green pants and shorts, neckerchief, and patch-covered, diagonally-worn sash are some of the most identifiable components of a Scout uniform. Even in other Scouting organizations throughout the world, uniforms still play a key role in what it means to be a Scout.

Why do Scouts wear uniforms? Uniforms are a very important part of Scouting. The standard, khaki uniform protects Scouts from the elements and can be modified to treat wounds in an emergency situation. Additionally, wearing the same uniform as their peers gives Scouts a sense of identity and comradery within their troop, and instills in them the values of Scouting.

The Scout uniform has evolved tremendously since its creation in 1908. Lord Robert Baden-Powell, a British military officer who is known as the founder of the Scouting movement, first detailed the idea of a Scout uniform in his book, Scouting for Boys (Amazon referral link). I’ll get to this later on in the article, but our original Scout uniform used to include items like brimmed hats and staffs!

This article is based on the experiences and research of Eagle Scouts, Kevin A and Cole 🙂

Before we start diving into the history of the Scouting uniform though, I want you to take a few minutes to watch the awesome video (4:58) below. The Scoutmaster speaking does a fantastic job of explaining the importance of wearing one’s uniform correctly, through the use of a funny story and some strong examples!

Now, do you get the importance of wearing your uniform correctly? By the end of this article, you will! However, just as the uniform has evolved over time, so too have the reasons behind why Scouts continue to wear them! To begin our story, let’s return to Scouting’s most famous book, Scouting for Boys, which was written by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in 1908… 

History of the Scouting Uniform 

The Scouting uniform was inspired by Robert Baden-Powell’s experiences as a commander in Great Britain’s army, particularly during his work with the South African Constabulary. According to Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell thought the uniforms that were worn in that division were “comfortable, serviceable, and a good protection against the weather.”

For this section of the article, I’ll be referencing quotes and taking information from Lord Robert Baden-Powell’s book, Scouting for Boys (Amazon referral link) that was published in 1908. Whatever quotes or information I’ve included in this section, unless specified otherwise, have come from this historic book!

After seeing the practical benefits of wearing a standard, reliable uniform, Baden-Powell was inspired to create a uniform of his own for Scouting! Below is a list that briefly describes the different components of Baden-Powell’s original Scout uniform design:

  • The Scout Shirt: These shirts usually are made with short sleeves which can be easily rolled up to allow Scouts to freely move their arms when needed. The BSA also makes long-sleeved versions of the Scout Shirt which can help to keep Scouts warm or protect their arms from getting sunburnt. 
  • The Scout Shorts: These also allowed Scouts to move freely while participating in outdoor activities. Shorts were chosen, as they were considered to be “less expensive and more hygienic than breeches or trousers.” 
  • The Scout Neckerchief: In his time with the South African constabulary, Baden-Powell saw the practicality of adding a neckerchief to the Scouting uniform. These help to protect one’s neck from sunburns. Additionally, a neckerchief can serve as a bandage or rope in an emergency situation. Today, neckerchiefs are even worn by Scouts as symbols of their Troop’s honor. (Check out my other article for an interesting, in-depth explanation of Why Scouts Wear Neckerchiefs)
  • Scouting Shoes: Instead of boots, ventilated shoes were worn as the footwear of choice. Baden-Powell believed that they “gave better ventilation to the feet and therefore diminish the danger of chills and of chaffs.”  

There were also parts of the uniform that Baden-Powell wrote about which aren’t standard in today’s Scouting uniform. For example, he thought that broad-brimmed khaki hats should be worn to protect Scouts’ heads from sun and rain. He also thought stockings, held up by garters, should be worn as well! I’m glad I didn’t need to wear stockings as a Scout, are you? 😉 

Fun fact: Baden-Powell also thought Scouts should carry a staff (basically large sticks) alongside them as well! He stated that “it was a very useful addition to a Scout’s success,” as it could be used in a variety of different ways. If we did carry staffs, they could have a ton of uses: from being a stretcher component, to testing the depth of a river!

The Original Scout Uniform’s Symbolism

Apart from the practical aspects of the uniform, there were several symbolic themes attached to it as well. For Baden-Powell, the uniform was one of the most important parts of being a member of the Scouting movement. To wear one’s Scout uniform incorrectly would be akin to “letting down the whole movement in the eyes of the public.”

Baden-Powell spoke about the importance of wearing one’s uniform properly in no uncertain terms. Below is an excerpt detailing his belief in the symbolism of the original Scout uniform: 

“The Scout kit, through its uniformity, now constitutes a bond of brotherhood among boys across the world.

The correct wearing of the Uniform and smartness of turnout of the individual Scout makes him a credit to our Movement. It shows his pride in himself and in his Troop.

One slovenly Scout, on the other hand, inaccurately dressed may let down the whole Movement in the eyes of the public.

Show me such a fellow and I can show you one who has not grasped the true Scouting spirit and who takes no pride in his membership of our great Brotherhood.” 

Robert Baden-Powell

Properly wearing one’s uniform was an essential part of belonging to the Scouting movement. Transcending race and class, a common uniform helped to create a common bond amongst all scouts, even those coming from different walks of life. By wearing your uniform correctly today, this means that you’re giving the Scouting movement the respect it deserves!

The Modern Scouting Uniform 

Over time, aspects of the Scouting uniform have changed and developed from Baden-Powell’s original idea. While things like khaki short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and neckerchiefs are still staples of the present-day Scouting uniform, hats and staffs have been removed. 

Of course, there have also been many additions to the Scouting uniform, such as long pants, merit badge sashes, patches, nametags, and shoulder loops (to name just a few). Each part of the modern Scout’s uniform is specifically engineered to serve an important purpose.

While different troops often have different uniform requirements, there are a few common components of all modern-day Scouting uniforms. These items can get pricy, so check out our article on the Full Costs of Scouting (Including Uniforms) if you want a better idea of what you’ll need.

Below are the articles of clothing that are often needed to complete a full ClassA BSA uniform inspection:

  • Scout Shirt
  • Scout Pants
  • Scouts BSA Belt 
  • Scout Socks 
  • Appropriate Footwear (such as sneakers or hiking boots, no open-toed shoes) 
  • Shoulder Loops 
  • American Flag Patch
  • Council Patch 
  • Scout Insignia Patch 
  • Patrol Patch 
  • Troop Number Patch
  • Rank Patch
  • Merit Badge Sash
  • Leadership Position Patch (if applicable) 
  • Troop neckerchief (if applicable) 
  • Neckerchief Slide (if applicable) 

As you can see, the Scouting uniform has developed a lot since 1908, especially when it comes to the patches that have been added. And, just like its physical uniform, the meaning of why Scouts wear uniforms has evolved over time as well. 

Values of the Modern Scouting Uniform 

While the symbolism behind Scouting uniforms has not changed much over time, the values that a uniform represents have continued to evolve. Below are the 5 main values that Scouts learn by maintaining a proper uniform: 

  • Community: Similar to the sense of brotherhood Baden-Powell discussed in Scouting for Boys, wearing uniforms gives Scouts a sense of belonging and community. This shared background creates a unique connection between Scouts who may not even know each other!
  • Identity: When Scouts wear their uniforms, they can be reminded of what a privilege it is to belong to the Scouting movement. Since one’s troop number is reflected in their uniform, Scouts can also develop a sense of identity and pride in the unit they’ve helped to grow.
  • Equality: Uniforms remind Scouts that they’re all equally deserving of respect. No matter who you are or what your family background is, when you put on your Scouting uniform, you become equal to the Scouts standing beside you. No one is “better” and no one is “worse” than anyone else.
  • Teamwork: When your peers wear the same uniform as you, teamwork blossoms. Similar to how uniforms establish equality amongst Scouts, that equality can help to promote a sense of teamwork. Everyone who is wearing a uniform is part of the same team and is working towards the same goal: to become the best Scouts they can be!
  • Belief in Scouting’s Values: Every time a Scout properly wears their uniform, the Scout Oath, Law, Slogan, and Motto are reinforced within them. Although Scouts should be living by these tenets in their daily lives, their uniform serves as a great and constant reminder of a Scout’s duty to themselves, God, and their country. 

Conclusion 

Wearing a proper uniform will always be a significant part of Scouting, as this attire protects the wearer and serves to reinforce important Scout values. While the modern Scout uniform has been changed since Robert Baden-Powell created it, the symbolism and practicality behind the uniform remain the same.

While I didn’t always appreciate having surprise uniform inspections in my troop (You should check out my next article on How to Hold Troop Uniform Inspections, The Right Way for more info), I hope that this article gave you a greater appreciation for the Scouting uniform, as a whole! I know I appreciate my Scout uniform a lot more now after all that research. 🙂

An important addition to your uniform is your merit badge sash. Personally, I’ve tried (and failed at) using a ton of methods to attach my merit badges. Believe it or not, there’s a better way out there than sewing badges by hand! If you’re struggling with the same issue I had, I’d encourage you to check out my article on the 4 easiest ways to attach a patch to your merit badge sash!

Congrats on reaching the end of this article! I hope you learned a lot of new and interesting information. I’d encourage you to share this with your Scouting buddies if you think they might be interested (especially before a uniform inspection). Hope to see you here at ScoutSmarts again soon and, until next time, best of luck on your Scouting journey!

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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