Brownie Girl Scout Uniforms in the 1960s

Girl Scout Brownies look distinctive in their brown uniforms, a look that has changed in design and detail but not in color over the decades. Brownies are in second and third grades and are typically between ages 7 and 9, according to Girl Scouts guidelines. Today, they may wear a brown vest or sash with insignia on it over a variety of tops and bottoms, but in the 1960s, the Brownie uniform was a standard outfit.

The basic Brownie uniform of the 1960s was a short brown shirtwaist dress worn with a darker beanie, as illustrated by the Girl Scouts online uniform history. This design, instituted in 1956, underwent a few alterations in 1961, including conveniences such as an elastic belt and a side zipper, replacing a button placket. Later in the decade, the uniform saw other minor changes, chiefly to the trim and accessories, such as a tangerine necktie. It was not until the early 1970s that Brownies could choose different uniform pieces, such as shorts, slacks, tunics and blouses. In the 1960s, Brownies wore ankle socks in contrast with the knee socks that prevailed later.