Last year, the Girl Scouts debuted new uniform pieces designed by three students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. The 18-piece collection provides interchangeable options that more properly reflect contemporary fashion, such as pockets to fit smartphones, different pant fits and jackets.
Now, for the first time in 20 years, the Daisies, Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts are updating their own apparel. It’s pretty fashionable, too, but in a retro sense. Made with recycled materials, the items “pay homage to the ‘90s style” with things like oversized T-shirts, slim fit pants and scrunchies.
Each of the uniforms will be made with 40% recycled material, and the Girl Scouts will reportedly begin an upcycling program to use old uniform material for items like aprons, pillows and tote bags, according to Redtri.
Using interchangeable pieces is becoming the norm for uniforms, as fast food restaurants, schools and organizations like the Girl Scouts are giving freedom to choose and customize outfits within a broader set of uniform guidelines. It also is more inclusive for varying body types and gender identities, with non-gendered clothing becoming more prevalent.
The Girl Scouts’ decision to enlist fashion students and specify that the new uniforms for their younger members were influenced by ‘90s fashion also means that there needs to be more thought going into uniform design than just function. If it’s going to meaningfully represent an organization or business, it needs to leave an impression.
One-size-fits-all designs don’t fit every application.
