Girlguiding has unveiled a new Girl Guides uniform range, replacing a design that dates back to 1990. The overhaul lets Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers count only a top from the collection as being in uniform.
The range was designed in collaboration with thousands of girls and young women, Felicity Oswald said, and she said it aims to give them "the freedom to express themselves, whilst feeling part of our amazing organisation". Girlguiding said the change follows feedback from thousands of members who wanted more choice and room for personal style.
Girlguiding and HemmingwayDesign
HemmingwayDesign created the collection, which includes 30 garments, 15 accessories and neckerchiefs. Girlguiding said comfort and practicality were central to every design, with hidden waistband pockets, thumb holes and badge sashes that double as cross-body bags among the features built into the range.
The uniforms also keep traditional Girlguiding branding while adding modern colours and prints. Neckerchiefs can be personalised for local, regional and country events, giving members a way to adapt the standard range without changing the core identity of the uniform.
Angellica Bell and members
Angellica Bell said the new uniform "gives girls and volunteers the freedom to style it the way that suits them." She said, "The range is filled with playful, bold colours and practical designs, including secret pockets!" Bell also said, "The new uniform empowers girls and volunteers to embrace their individuality."
Girlguiding linked the redesign to a survey of 2,000 UK girls aged six to 16 carried out in June, which found 93 per cent feel most at ease when they have control over how they style themselves. The new rule that a top alone can count as uniform lowers the amount members need to wear while still keeping them within the organisation's dress standards.
Girlguiding has not set out when members will be able to buy or wear the new range. For families and volunteers, the practical question now is whether the collection will arrive in time for the next activity cycle, because the organisation has changed the rule before naming a rollout date.
