Question 1

Why are we changing the uniform?

Accepted Answer

This is the first time in over 30 years that we're updating our entire range at the same time. We updated our brand and are changing our uniform because we know that we’re facing big challenges in in our mission to grow and reach more girls and volunteers in different communities. Our research with non-members showed there’s a gap between what members know and what the public thinks about us.

One of the best ways we can show that we have something to offer girls of all ages is through our uniform. It’s the thing that people see when we’re out and about in local communities, doing activities and trying new things. And we need to know that it appeals to girls from lots of different backgrounds. As we were researching how members feel about our brand, we noticed that many girls, particularly older ones, were telling us that they didn’t like lots of things about our previous range. We also know it's important that we stay relevant and in tune with what girls and volunteers want today. We started more than 100 years ago and have been by girls’ sides through so much change since then. Working with young people means we’re always changing and learning and we're proud of that.

Question 2

Why are you launching now when the summer holidays are so expensive for parents?

Accepted Answer

We picked July so that as much of the range as possible could be available for members ahead of the start of the August/September term, when lots of girls join units.

Question 3

Why is some of the new range out of stock?

Accepted Answer

Due to ongoing global disruptions, shipping and supply routes have been congested for some time. Due to this, and the need to ensure quality standards are met, we're releasing uniform in stages. We're on track to make sure everyone will have access to a uniform t-shirt for their section-role by September.
Lots of items are available now, and with lots of the old range out of stock, we want to make sure members can access uniform as soon as possible! That's why we didn't delay the launch until everything was available.

Question 4

What's available and what isn't?

Accepted Answer

The majority of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides items are available to purchase from 28 July, along with accessories for all ages.
We're working on confirming delivery dates for Ranger, young leader and volunteer items over the summer. Our goal is to release these as soon as possible - we're currently on track to make sure everyone has access to a uniform top by September.

Question 5

Are there bespoke options available?

Accepted Answer

We're working towards offering bespoke tailoring for the t-shirts in all sections, including the volunteer range.  This option should be available by mid September.  This will mean we will be able to offer adjustments to accommodate physical needs, such as mobility aids or braces, body shapes outside standard sizing, or sensory sensitivities to fabrics or fits

Question 6

How much does it cost/why is it more expensive than the current range?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to comparing with what’s currently on offer, we’re happy with where we’ve ended up. It does vary from garment to garment – some are slightly more expensive, but some are also cheaper. And that’s a massive win, given we’re confident that everything has had a real improvement in terms of value – the fabric it’s made from, the design details, the sizing, and the more sustainable way it’s made.

Overall, the t-shirts, which are our entry-level item, start at £12, which we think is a win, given all the improvements we’ve made and the fact that we haven’t increased our pricing for 4 years. A top is all you need to be 'in uniform' in guiding, which means you can wear the t-shirt with clothes you can already have, keeping things simple and cost-effective.

Remember there’s no set deadline to switch to the new uniform—you can keep wearing current items until they need replacing or until you feel it’s the right time, so no one has to buy everything at once.

We’ll continue to offer support for anyone who needs it with our UK Units in Need grant for eligible groups, so that cost isn’t a barrier for any girl taking part.

Question 7

What is the size range/how are you changing the size guide?

Accepted Answer

Girls and volunteers told us how important it was that uniform was designed for a diverse range of body types. Volunteers in particular asked for more accurate and consistent sizing across our ranges.

So we're changing the way we size the range, and bringing it more in line with what you might typically find in other children’s retailers, with Rainbows, Brownies and Guides sizes listed in years (e.g. 5-6 years).

The shared range, Rangers, young leaders and volunteer sizes will be listed in adult dress sizes – we are still carrying the full size range from a 6-32.

Question 8

What uniform is required?

Accepted Answer

The only thing members of all ages will need to wear to be ‘in uniform’ is a t-shirt. There are different tops and bottoms for all sections and volunteers to choose from, which all count as uniform. But the t-shirt is the lowest priced option, starting at £12, easy to wear with your own clothes, and comfortable for all activities.
By being clear about this, we’re hoping to make sure that parents, carers and girls who are thinking about joining see us as an accessible choice.

Question 9

Do I have to change to the new uniform when I already have things from the previous range?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't expect everyone to buy the new range straightaway. There's no set date by which everyone needs to wear the new uniform.
Everyone can keep wearing their current uniform until they need a replacement, or decide the time is right to get something new. It’s up to every individual, and volunteers don’t need to tell parents/carers that they have to buy the new range.

Question 10

What should we wear if we can't find new uniform?

Accepted Answer

If you still have an item from the previous uniform range, you can keep wearing that as long as you want. We expect that there'll be a mix of old and new uniform in Girlguiding for some time.

Don't worry if you or your unit can't find the uniform you want just yet. While we are a uniformed organisation, it's important that nobody's prevented from taking part in guiding activities because they don't have uniform. Girls can wear similar coloured tops to the rest of the unit if there are no uniform items or accessories available for them to wear.

Question 11

Is it made in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No - cost-wise it's much more difficult and expensive to make things in the UK, which doesn't have a lot of the necessary infrastructure and factories. At Girlguiding we set high standards for ourselves and our suppliers – we work to ensure our impact on people and the planet is as positive as possible and that anyone working within our supply chain is treated fairly and respectfully.
We've done a lot of work on our sourcing strategy in preparation for the manufacturing phase of the new uniform and as part of this process, explored the best options available to us that align with our main sustainability goals and ethical standards.

Question 12

What should be do with old uniform?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to replace your uniform, our advice is to keep using what you've got in other ways. You don't have to stop wearing your old uniform by any particular date, so if it's still in good condition it could still be used as a bank for girls or members who can't afford/or don't want to buy new, as a great back-up option if you've got something in the wash, or if you're going away on camp. Try out our new upcycling toppers with your unit for suggestions on how you can turn old, unwanted uniform into something new!

Question 13

What about the environmental impact of introducing a new uniform?

Accepted Answer

There's no set date by which everyone needs to be wearing the new range. This slow approach helps us keep costs down, minimise waste, and be as sustainable as we can.

Girls have also told us over and over how much the environment matters to them, and how important it is that we prioritise sustainability. This means we've used the redesign as an opportunity to improve the way we currently source our uniforms, with the goal of reducing the overall environmental impact from the manufacturing process. And we're committed to making a new uniform that can survive wear and tear and is easy to repair when it needs it. And when it reaches the end of life, we're very pleased that half of the garments in the range have been certified by the Circular Textiles Foundation, meaning they're made from materials that can be recycled. Find out more about this and how to recycle new uniform - Circular textiles foundation - Girlguiding shop | Official Girlguiding shop

Girlguiding’s shop is also committed to safety, good ethics, and environmental sustainability. Find out more about shopping with Girlguiding. https://www.girlguidingshop.co.uk/ethical-code-of-conduct/

Question 14

Is there an option for men?

Accepted Answer

Although most of the adult clothes in the range have been designed for women, reflecting the majority of our volunteers, there is a unisex t-shirt included in range. This can be worn by men, or anyone who prefers a straighter fit. It's not in stock yet, so look out for it over the summer.

Question 15

What are the washing instructions/why can't it be tumble-dried?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you follow washing instructions in the label. Clothes made from natural fibres like organic cotton need gentle treatment in the wash. Our care instructions for the new uniform are to wash at 30 degrees, and line dry rather than tumble dry. That’s good advice to prolong the life of the rest of your wardrobe and reduce your carbon footprint too.

We’ve balanced the need for a more sustainable uniform with the need to make sure it’s durable and affordable. You’ll also see other materials such as recycled polyester being used across the range – we haven’t used organic cotton for everything. But we’ve tried to make sustainable improvements wherever we can.

Question 16

How do I feed back on the new range?

Accepted Answer

If you have feedback about the new uniform range and would like to see something different, please fill out this form on our online shop. https://www.girlguidingshop.co.uk/contact-us/

New uniform FAQs