Proper Way to Wear the Boy Scout Uniform

Boy Scouts wear full uniforms for troop meetings and events.

Troop leaders encourage Boy Scouts to embrace their individual strengths, as evidenced by the variety of merit badges on each scout's uniform. The scouting uniform as a whole, however, is intended to represent the Boy Scout values of equality and brotherhood, and to promote recognition of scouting activities and services. Keeping your Boy Scout uniform in good condition and wearing it properly shows respect for scouting and will reflect favorably on you and your troop.

Things You'll Need

• Full Boy Scount uniform or activity uniform

Instructions

1. Wear the complete uniform during all troop meetings, ceremonies and activities. The basic uniform consists of several components. Wear scout pants with a tucked-in scout shirt. Fasten the scout belt with the buckle centered under the shirt buttons. Secure the neckerchief with a bolo tie under the collar. Wear scout socks. Tiger, Wolf and Bear Scout uniforms include an official cap. Check with your troop leader to determine other specific requirements. Do not wear the uniform or any part of it outside Boy Scouts -- including at school or while running errands. This will prevent wear on the uniform, and will help you avoid misrepresenting the scouts.

2. Wear your choice of clean, neat leather or canvas shoes with the uniform.

3. Wear either the merit badge sash or the Order of the Arrow sash for formal scouting occasions. Each sash is worn over your right shoulder. Do not wear them both together. Sew or glue merit badges to the front of the merit badge sash, then to the back if you run out of room on the front. Only use earned official scout badges -- never attach badges you haven't earned or non-Boy Scout awards, pins or patches to your sash or any other part of the uniform.

4. Wear an activity uniform during physically active, informal scouting events. The activity uniform consists of a camp or troop T-shirt with official scout pants or shorts.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your uniform is cleaned and stored neatly between wearings. Check it regularly to see if it needs repairs.

References

• Boy Scouts of America: The Cub Scout Uniform
• Boy Scout Trail: Boy Scout Uniforms
• BSA Troop 196: About the Scout Uniform