Girlguiding Unveils First Uniform Overhaul in Three Decades Amidst Membership Policy Shift
New designs replace 1990s kit, offering 30 garments and 15 accessories, as organisation prepares for September policy change banning boys.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
Girlguiding has introduced its first major uniform overhaul in over three decades, replacing a 1990s-era kit with a new collection designed for modern comfort and individual expression.
HemmingwayDesign crafted the new uniform collection, featuring 30 garments and 15 accessories.
The redesign process began in March 2022, culminating in a launch aimed at fostering a true sense of belonging among members.
A Girlguiding survey of 2,000 UK girls aged 6-16 revealed 93% feel most at ease when they control their styling.
The organization claims the redesign empowers girls and volunteers to embrace their individuality.
Felicity Oswald stated, '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.'
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.
New kits feature modern colours and prints alongside traditional Girlguiding branding, focusing on practicality, comfort, and sustainability.
These designs incorporate features like hidden pockets and customisable neckerchiefs.
Under the new approach, Guides, Rainbows, Brownies, and Rangers are considered 'in uniform' by simply wearing a top from the collection.
This simplified requirement emerged after thousands of members expressed a desire for more choice and room for personal style.
Angellica Bell affirmed that the new uniform 'gives girls and volunteers the freedom to style it the way that suits them.'
Bell also highlighted that the range is 'filled with playful, bold colours and practical designs, including secret pockets! It's clear to see just how much thought has gone into the co-creation of this inclusive, eco-friendly collection.'
Felicity Oswald added, 'We know that self-expression and confidence go hand in hand.'
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.
Girlguiding maintains approximately 300,000 members aged 4-18 and 80,000 volunteers across the UK.
The uniform launch coincides with a significant membership policy change, as Girlguiding will ban boys from joining, effective this September.
The Supreme Court previously ruled that 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex.
Girlguiding claims it does not collect 'gender identity' data and therefore cannot estimate how many members the policy change will affect.
The organisation states this timeframe will allow 'affected members and their families time to plan, prepare, access support, and decide when – between now and September – they feel ready to leave.'
By 2030, Felicity Oswald claims, the organisation hopes to reach more girls, building their confidence when they need it most, so more girls will know they can do anything.