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New Girl Guide Uniforms

(37 Posts)
Chestnut Mon 27-Jul-26 11:38:26

Girlguiding has unveiled the first major redesign of its uniform range in more than 30 years, with the aim of allowing its members the "freedom to express themselves".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2dkez2g07po

So what do you think? Is it necessary, is it too expensive?
"The range is made up of 30 items of clothing, 15 accessories and neckerchiefs - with prices starting at £12 for a T-shirt."

This seems rather expensive and a lot of less well off families won't afford this, especially if they have two or more daughters. I think you can buy second hand uniforms at the moment, but these won't be available for ages with a new uniform.

Sadgrandma Mon 27-Jul-26 12:35:24

I think the idea is that, so long as the girls wear a uniform top. they can wear whatever other items of clothing they choose. This will make it easier for less well off families who will only need to buy one item. However, better off families are bound to buy the whole lot so it might somehow defeat the object.

Squiffy Mon 27-Jul-26 13:07:58

I think the idea is that, so long as the girls wear a uniform top. they can wear whatever other items of clothing they choose.

Yes, that’s what I understood, too. In theory it sounds like a good idea - we shall see…

Witzend Mon 27-Jul-26 13:27:43

One thing I’d say, having tried to do it for a Gdd - it’s incredibly difficult to sew badges on to the new sweatshirt. (Yes, I know she should do it herself, but if a seasoned old sewer like me could barely manage it…)

Calendargirl Mon 27-Jul-26 14:46:15

As the world’s worst sewer, I’m ashamed to say my dear old mum sewed all the badges on for my DD and DS re Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts.

I would have been hopeless at it.

Surely nowadays they could be iron on ones?

Chestnut Mon 27-Jul-26 15:00:39

Calendargirl

As the world’s worst sewer, I’m ashamed to say my dear old mum sewed all the badges on for my DD and DS re Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts.

I would have been hopeless at it.

Surely nowadays they could be iron on ones?

There are powders you can iron on to stick the badges but they leave a mark on the fabric. These sheets are recommended for badges but it's cheaper to sew as they're very expensive:
Patch Magic Adhesive

Chestnut Mon 27-Jul-26 15:04:38

Sadgrandma

I think the idea is that, so long as the girls wear a uniform top. they can wear whatever other items of clothing they choose. This will make it easier for less well off families who will only need to buy one item. However, better off families are bound to buy the whole lot so it might somehow defeat the object.

But it's not just the top to buy. There are lots of other things which I'm sure they'll want but which will add up. It says "The range is made up of 30 items of clothing, 15 accessories and neckerchiefs."

AuntieE Mon 27-Jul-26 15:10:56

Calendargirl

As the world’s worst sewer, I’m ashamed to say my dear old mum sewed all the badges on for my DD and DS re Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts.

I would have been hopeless at it.

Surely nowadays they could be iron on ones?

They could, if the cloth you are ironing them onto can survive a hot iron!

But even if it can, most iron-on badges tend to come unstuck again fairly quickly, so no, I would not recommend them.

And how many households with girls of the age to be girl guides actually have an iron and ironing board these days?

OldFrill Mon 27-Jul-26 15:21:17

The Scout & Guideshop sell glue for badges. Assume it works.

Fabric/Badge Glue – The Scout And Guide Shop share.google/2JqnCTLnZWl76A00e

Galaxy Mon 27-Jul-26 16:58:38

It doesn't work as well as sewing i am afraid ( and I am rubbish at sewing)

Whitewavemark2 Mon 27-Jul-26 17:01:52

Aren’t guides supposed to sew on their own badges?

Chestnut Mon 27-Jul-26 17:10:25

Whitewavemark2

Aren’t guides supposed to sew on their own badges?

Ha ha, yes they always did. I remember my older daughter doing everything properly as you're supposed to, sewing badges and keeping things in order. The younger one not so much. 😂

But yes, it should be one of the skills they learn, coupled with the patience required, and the time set aside for the sewing. Good life lessons.

OldFrill Mon 27-Jul-26 18:07:44

For those who don't like links - It's the Guide and Scout shop that sells the glue which it says is to glue on the badges. Comes with a tape measure & spatula. £5.

Oreo Mon 27-Jul-26 18:32:14

30 items of clothing for a girl guide seems excessive doesn’t it?
Surely a polo shirt, a sweatshirt, a hat if wanted, skirt and trousers and neckerchief would be enough?

HelterSkelter1 Mon 27-Jul-26 19:11:40

Dont the 30 items of clothing cover the Brownies as well a d may Rangers too.
I still have DDs little Brownie brown dresses from the 70s. Leather belts, purses and yellow neckerchief. So sweet.

Primrose53 Mon 27-Jul-26 22:06:07

I saw the new Brownie uniforms on the news tonight and they looked great. Really fun outfits and the girls loved them.

The new Guide uniforms looked like Dinner Lady tabards.

Goldencity Tue 28-Jul-26 16:58:56

I’ve been involved in Guiding since I joined brownies in 1966.
I actually like this new uniform. It’s kept to the “traditional” section colours, with a continuity of style across the age groups .
Each group has a t shirt and sweater- all you need to be “in uniform” is the t shirt. The old style uniform can continue to be worn, there seems to be no pressure to rush out and buy heaps of new stuff.
Badge sashes have been re-introduced so badges can be sewn on there, or on your uniform top or on your camp blanket.

Guiding actually asked members what we wanted and for once seem to have listened! We have pockets! It’s practical, hopefully it will wash and fit well too.

For adults and Rangers who want to look smart, there is a long sleeved shirt (it even has an extra hidden button to stop gaping for larger ladies).

So it gets a thumbs up from me and the other leaders I’ve spoken to today.

Goldencity Tue 28-Jul-26 17:04:27

Some photos, Rainbows (4-7) Brownies (7-10) Guides (10-14) and Rangers (14-18). Leaders and young leaders also have a t shirt, smart shirt and fleece sweater.

On the subject of badges- ime if they are glued on, they gradually peel off, but are also difficult to remove without leaving a gluey residue making it difficult to pass the uniform on.

Goldencity Tue 28-Jul-26 17:07:10

Photos

OldFrill Tue 28-Jul-26 17:14:01

On the subject of badges- ime if they are glued on, they gradually peel off, but are also difficult to remove without leaving a gluey residue making it difficult to pass the uniform on

The new uniforms offer a sash to each age group that badges can be attached to and kept forever, seems a good idea, though the Brownie I saw on TV was having problems keeping hers on.

25Avalon Tue 28-Jul-26 17:14:49

It’s supposed to be more inclusive but it isn’t. There will be some rich kid wearing designer jeans and another with Tesco ones. The whole idea of uniform was so that everyone has the same clothes and looks the same as everyone else regardless of background and is therefore inclusive.

Dancinggran Tue 28-Jul-26 17:49:26

I'm a Rainbow, G

knspol Tue 28-Jul-26 18:16:47

Whitewavemark2

Aren’t guides supposed to sew on their own badges?

My DS sewed on his own scout badges and got another badge for sewing.

welbeck Tue 28-Jul-26 22:21:11

Looks OK except agree about the tabard look.
They should change that.

WithNobsOnIt Tue 28-Jul-26 22:30:06

Oreo

30 items of clothing for a girl guide seems excessive doesn’t it?
Surely a polo shirt, a sweatshirt, a hat if wanted, skirt and trousers and neckerchief would be enough?

Definitely