Girlguiding has completely redesigned its uniform across all groups for the first time in over three decades, prioritizing “self-expression, belonging and confidence.” The new range, launched on Monday, relaxes previous rules: Guides, Rainbows, Brownies and Rangers now only need to wear a top to meetings and activities to be considered “in uniform.” This change follows feedback from thousands of girls who said they felt “most comfortable” when allowed to wear what they wanted.
Design and Features
The two-year redesign by Hemingway Design incorporated input from 55,000 girls and women. It reflects Girlguiding’s heritage while embracing modern colors and practical features such as hidden pockets in waistbands, thumb holes, and badge sashes that double as cross-body bags.
CEO and Ambassador Quotes
Felicity Oswald, Girlguiding’s chief executive officer, said: “The new range is all about providing girls with the freedom to express themselves, whilst feeling part of our amazing organisation … With practicality, comfort and sustainability at the very core of the designs. We know that self-expression and confidence go hand in hand. With girls in guiding being 30% more confident, the introduction of the new uniform is designed to further nurture that confidence and foster a true sense of belonging.”
The Girlguiding ambassador, broadcaster and presenter Angellica Bell said: “The new uniform gives girls and volunteers the freedom to style it the way that suits them … [and] empowers girls and volunteers to embrace their individuality.”
Survey Findings
A Girlguiding survey of 2,000 girls aged six to 16 in the UK in June found that 93% of respondents said they feel most comfortable when they can choose how to style themselves. Almost half (47%) said they were most confident when they can choose what they wear, while a third (33%) said they feel most confident when they have the freedom to express themselves. A total of 41% said strict school uniform rules stopped them from doing so.
Membership and Uniform Options
Girlguiding is open to girls aged four to 18. The organization has approximately 300,000 members, along with 80,000 volunteers. Members now have a choice of 30 new items of clothing and 15 accessories and neckerchiefs, which can be personalized for local, regional and country events. Old uniforms can be upcycled into new accessories at free workshops over the summer.
Historical Context
This marks the ninth outfit redesign in Girlguiding’s 116-year history. The original uniform was a blue skirt and stockings with a jumper and neckerchief. Brownies wore a brown tunic dress with patch pockets. In the 1960s, colors brightened and hemlines shortened. In 1973, a knitted pom-pom hat replaced the Brownies beret. T-shirts and shorts were added in 1980, and in 2002 the Brownie uniform was revamped with designer Ally Capellino. The last update in 2014 introduced bright colors like purple and brought back dresses.
Upcoming Policy Change
Girlguiding’s new look launches shortly before a change in the charity’s membership policy from 6 September, which will force transgender girls to leave. The decision in March followed an announcement last year that transgender girls would no longer be able to join Girlguiding, limiting membership to “girls and young women” after the 2025 Supreme Court ruling on biological sex. Girlguiding has said it does not collect gender identity information, so the number of members and volunteers affected is unknown.
