History
of Brownie Uniforms
1914
Uniform
was not compulsory for girls of Brownie age until 1917.
In 1914, the Girl Guides Gazette suggested that Rosebuds wear
a blue skirt, knitted jersey, cap or tam and the Rosebud brooch.
1917
- 1950
In
1917, Brownies wore a brown tunic dress with patch pockets. A
straw hat was introduced as headwear. The uniform could be brightened
in 1938 by the option of a gold tie rather than a brown one.
1950
- 1967
From
1950 Brownies could wear a brown wool beret, but the dress itself
remained much the same as that worn since 1917.
1967
- 1990
A
new brown cotton dress was introduced in 1967, with pockets in
the skirt rather than the bodice of the dress. For the first time
the Promise badge showed the Brownie man within a trefoil, emphasisng
the Brownies were part of the Guiding family. The new crossover
tie came in gold only. A knitted pom-pom hat took precendence
over the beret in 1973.
2002
Today's Brownie uniform, introduced in September 2002, was designed
by dresser of the stars Ally Capellino.The
clothes range: a modern collection of mix and match items which
keeps the traditional Brownie colours and adds a touch of sky
blue, features hooded jackets; boot cut leggings; body warmers;
t-shirts and skorts (shorts with a flat front like a skirt).
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Go
to History of Guide Uniforms
In 1917,
Brownies wore a brown tunic dress with patch pockets. A straw
hat was introduced as headwear. The uniform could be brightened
in 1938 by the option of a gold tie rather than a brown one.
1915 -
1917
There were several versions of the Brownie uniform introduced
between 1915 and 1917, sometimes blue and sometimes brown.
1990
- 2002
With
the launch of Jeff Bank's uniform in 1990, Brownies also underwent
a massive change of style. A mix and match uniform of sweatshirt,
jumper, polo shirt, t-shirt, jogging bottoms, culottes and shorts
was introduced - all in brown and yellow colours.
Please note the uniforms pictures are from the Bedfordshire Guide
Archives and some of the Uniforms are incomplete. If you are able
to offer any items for our archives please contact
us
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1909 - 1916
B-P suggested
in his 'Scheme for Girl Guides' that a jersey and neckerchief of Company
colour, together with skirt and stockings of dark blue, should be
the uniform of the Girl Guide, worn with a red biretta (or straw hat
in the summer). Not until 1911 was the familiar stiff-brimmed navy
blue felt hat with chin strap introduced, and by then the blouse had
become dark blue and the neckerchief (tie) pale blue. A hat ribbon
was also worn with the initials 'B P G G' in gilt on black or dark
blue ribbon. The poplin tie, generally reached to the belt and was
loose-ended (knotted at one end if the Good Turn was still to be done).
Both skirt and shirt were of serge or flannel, and both had patch
pockets with black buttoned flaps.
1917 - 1929
Blouses
began to be made of casement cloth, a much thinner material than
serge. By the 1920's a definite change in appearance had emerged,
though there was no radical change in the uniform. Shirts were more
commonly worn outside the skirt and then secured with the belt.
The initials 'B P' were now omitted from the hatband, ties were
generally folded.
1930 - 1945
In 1929
a dark blue cotton dress was introduced for Guides, and this was
very popular throughout the 1930s (though the skirt and shirt were
always an alternative and much in evidence during World War II,
the skirt generally being pleated in style and naturally much shorter
than the skirt of the 1920s). The stiff brim of the old Guide hat
disappeared and the hat was now smaller, pudding basin in shape,
and without a chin strap. The hat ribbon became a hat badge of two
intertwined 'Gs' in gilt on navy blue.
1946 - 1963
In 1946
a major change in Guide uniform was introduced. A new bright blue
(later to be known as 'Guide'blue) shirt came in which was to be
worn inside the navy blue skirt. A navy blue felt beret superseded
the hat, and the hat badge was now a Trefoil.
1964 - 1980
In 1964/5
Guides were given a new look with the introduction of an air-hostess
style cap in navy blue proofed melton, and an overblouse in rayon
together with a new style tie. In 1969, after several adjustments
the tie became a crossover. The new blouse was open-necked and had
pockets at the bottom instead of breast pockets. Originally the
sleeves were three-quarter length, but these became full length
in 1968. The belt was worn underneath the blouse, if at all, and
the county badge was now worn at the back of the neck on the point
of the tie.
1981 - 1990
The new
Guide blouse in Terylene/cotton was to be worn tucked inside the
skirt and had no pockets. The tie reverted to the neckerchief similar
in style to that sported by the early Guides, and was worn with
a woggle.
1990 - 2000
With
the launch of a brand new uniform in 1990, designed by Jeff Banks,
Guides underwent a radical change. A mix and match uniform of sweatshirt,
jumper, polo shirt, t-shirt, jogging bottoms, skirt and trousers
were introduced - all in bright 'Guide' blue and navy.
2000
To go
with the Guide Section Renewal in 2000, new items of Guide wear
were introduced, designed by catwalk designer Ally Capellino. The
new T-shirt, gilet, rugby shirt and sweatshirt are mid blue and
dark blue, with red detail and a Guides logo label.
Please note
the uniforms pictures are from the Bedfordshire Guide Archives and
some of the Uniforms are incomplete. If you are able to offer any
items for our archives please contact
us.
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