Figure 1.--These boys wear the dark brown unifoirm shirt that Chiro boys wore in the 1960s and 70s.

The traditional uniform of dark brown shirts and black shorts was common to all Chiro-boys untill some time in the 1970s. It was worn with yellow kerchiefs and black short pants. The majority changed over to a less conspicuous and in the opinion of some observers less glamourous uniform . Chiro does not appear to be as centralized a youth organization as Scouting. Individual units appear to be allowed some authority as to the uniforms that they wear. A few Chiro units appear to cling to the old uniform.

Chronology

The traditional uniform of dark brown shirts and black shorts was common to all Chiro-boys until some time in the 1970s. I assume this was the original uniform worn when Chiro was founded, but am not sure about this. Most Chiro units changed to a light brown or tan shirt in the late 1970s or early 80s. Unlike some youth groups there was not central organzation to make such decissions which were made by local units. HBU has noted that even in 2001 that a few groups cling to the old uniform.

Uniform

The uniform consiste of a dark brown shirt worn with a yellow kerchiefs and black short pants. The yellow kerchief is usually worn with the collar open. The dark brown shirts have two military-style flap pockets. They appear to be all long sleeved shirts. During the summer the boys roll up their sleeves. There does not appear to have been a cap. Many boy wear large belt buckles, but HBU is not sure how if there was an official belt buckle. The uniform was usually worn with white or light colored ankle or rolled socks and black boots. There does not appear to be any age-greaded uniform the boys all seem to wear the exact same uniform, regardless of age.

Figure 2.--This Antwerp Chiro in 2001 continues to wear the old-style dark-brown shirt uniform.

Assessments

Not everyone approved of the leadership change. Some Chiro members and former members view the newer tan shirt uniform as less conspicuous and in the opinion of some observers less glamourous uniform. HBU has little informatioin on the discussion on the uniform. HBU does not, for example, know precisely why some units persist in wearing the old-style uniform. It appears to be a relatively small part of the total Chiro membership.