Figure 1.--This boy wears the original American Cub Scout uniform complete with the British-inspired peaked cap. The photograph was taken in the early 1930s.

Scouting associations around the world have generally chosen very similar garments. The English Scout uniform was very influential and many of the Scout associations in other countries initially selected similar styles. Even when countris began to adopt different uniforms, they mostly continued the same basic garments initially selected by Lord Baden Powell for the English Scouts. Boy and Cun Scout uniforms around the world have generally utilized the same garments, but often in different colors. There have been some differences in the garments worn, especially in the early years of Scouting. These differences have generally narrowed in recent years. Some national associations have adopted the same uniforms for both Cubs and Boy Scouts.

Scout Uniform Garments

Lord Baden-Powell's designed the original Scout uniforms. The Scouts were not the first uniformed boy's organization. The Scout uniform introduced by Bade Powell included some unique feaatures. The boy's wore short pants and kneesocks rather than the kneepants and long stockings that most boys wore at the time. The kerchief or scout scarf also became a key part of the uniform. The original English Scout uniforms had a somewhat military look and was copied by the early Scouts groups in many other countries. The early American Scout uniform followed the English example as did Scouts with an even more military look. Most countries gradually introduced recognizeable national garments like berets in France and lederhosen in Germany and Austria.

Cub Uniform Garments

The English as the country to initiate Cub Scouting also were very influential in selecting the garments worn by Cubs. The English styled school peaked cap was adopted for Cubs all over the world. Only in the 1980s did it begin to disappear--although some Cubs still wear it. Boy and Cub Scout uniforms around the world have generally utilized the same garments, but often in different colors. There have been some differences in the garments worn, especially in the early years of Scouting. These differences have generally narrowed in recent years. Some national associations have adopted the same uniforms for both Cubs and Boy Scouts.

Baden Powell's Instructions

Lord Baden Powell of course played a major role in the design of early Boy Scout uniforms and his influence can still be seen to this day. He was of course much influenced by his army background and experiences in South Africa. He set out clear instructions in Scouting for Boys as to just what the Scout uniform should be like and what the purpose was for each uniform item.