Figure 1.--.

One of the most dustinctive feature of the Boy Scout unidorm is the neckerchief. It was Baden Powell that introduced the neckerchief as part of the British Scout uniform. The most colorful item worn by American and other Scouts is the neckerchief or even kerchief. It is also called a scarfe, but mostly in other countries. It became so well known and popular that many subsequent youth groups (Hitler Youth, Young Pioneers, and others) also adopted neckerchiefs. American Scouts did not initially adopt the neckerchief. Some Scouts did not wear neckwear. Others wore ties. But American Scouts quickly began wearing neckerchiefs as well. For several decaded there was a stadard Scout neckerchief. Beginning in the 1970s we think we begin to see special commemorative neckerchiefs or group neckerchiefs. The short-sleeve Scout and Cub shirt for some time were made without collars, in part, to facilitate the wearing of a neckerchief. Scouts by the 1990s might skip neckerchiefs, but they were part of the official uniform. Some Scouts such as Explorers or scout masters might wear ties.

Keckerchiefs

One of the most dustinctive feature of the Boy Scout unidorm is the neckerchief. It was Baden Powell that introduced the neckerchief as part of the British Scout uniform. The most colorful item worn by American and other Scouts is the neckerchief or even kerchief. It is also called a scarfe, but mostly in other countries. It became so well known and popular that many subsequent youth groups (Hitler Youth, Young Pioneers, and others) also adopted neckerchiefs. American Scouts did not initially adopt the neckerchief. Some Scouts did not wear neckwear. Others wore ties. But American Scouts quickly began wearing neckerchiefs as well. For several decaded there was a stadard Scout neckerchief. The Scouts wore a red neckerchief with green trim. The Cubs with the ptogram was initiated in 930 wore a yellow neckerchief with blue trim. Beginning in the 1970s we think we begin to see special commemorative neckerchiefs or group neckerchiefs. The short-sleeve Scout and Cub shirt for some time were made without collars, in part, to facilitate the wearing of a neckerchief. Scouts by the 1990s might skip neckerchiefs, but they were part of the official uniform.

Neck Ties

Some early Scouts wore neckties rather than neckerchiefs. The neckerchief, however, soon caught on as the standard neckwear for the movement. Some Scouts such as Explorers or scout masters might wear ties. A reader writes, "I have an official Boy Scouts of America clip on necktie. I am guessing it is around the late 60s or early 70s. It is in its original box and has a price of 1.75 on it and No. 828." [Hillson]

No Neckwear

The earliest Scouts did not wear any type of neckwear. Modern Scouts often choose not to wear their neckerchiefs. Individual preferences vary.

Sources

Hillson, Kate. E-mail message, Augist 14, 2007.