Girlguiding unveils first full uniform redesign in 30 years

Girlguiding has unveiled its first full uniform redesign in more than 30 years, working with HemingwayDesign and nearly 55,000 girls and women to create a range designed around self-expression, comfort and practicality.

The UK’s largest youth organisation for girls, which has around 385,000 members, last overhauled its uniform in 1990, when it collaborated with British fashion designer Jeff Banks. The new range spans 45 garments and accessories across Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers, as well as young leaders and adult volunteers.

The project follows Girlguiding’s brand refresh in 2023 and is being positioned as one of the largest girl-led co-design projects of its kind. Members contributed through surveys, focus groups, design submissions and ‘Dream designs’ workshops run by Girlguiding’s country and region teams.

The result includes details directly requested by members, including secret waistband pockets, thumb holes and badge sashes that can double as cross-body bags. And, for the first time, members only need to wear a top to be considered in uniform, with T-shirts, long-sleeved tops and hoodies among the options. Guides, Rangers and volunteers also share a range, reducing the need to buy new garments as members progress through the organisation.

The consultation process revealed different needs across age groups. Younger girls wanted brighter colours and stripes, with pink and rainbow stripes incorporated into the Rainbows range and Brownies retaining their distinctive yellow and brown palette, alongside bee-inspired stripes and honeycomb quilting. Meanwhile, older girls favoured subtler designs and fewer prominent logos, while adult members called for clothing better suited to women’s bodies, as well as more pockets and breathable materials.

Research commissioned by Girlguiding found that 93% of girls aged six to 16 feel most comfortable when they can choose how to style themselves, while almost half say they feel most confident when they decide what to wear.

Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of HemingwayDesign and leader of the uniform design team, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to all the girls and volunteers that took part in this groundbreaking co-design process. Their ideas, insights, creativity and enthusiasm were invaluable in helping us create something that truly reflects what girls want and need from their Girlguiding uniform, now and for the foreseeable future.

“From the colours and patterns to the materials and practical features like the secret waistband pockets and thumb holes, their input shaped the designs at every stage. By designing with 55,000 girls and women, not just for them, between us we have created a sustainable range that looks great while offering comfort and functionality ready to embark on any adventure.”

Sustainability has also been built into the range, with 80% of garments made using organic cotton and half of the clothing certified as recyclable by the Circular Textiles Foundation. To mark the launch, Girlguiding will run summer workshops with sustainable fashion designer Lydia Bolton, helping members upcycle existing uniforms into new accessories.