How to tell if Girl Scouts is vintage

Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, has been a vital part of American culture for over a century. With a mission to build “girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place,” the organization has empowered millions of young girls through activities like community service, camping, and mastering practical skills. From its humble beginnings in Savannah, Georgia, where Low formed the first Girl Scout troop, the organization has grown into a nationwide movement with nearly 3.7 million members. Through its legacy, Girl Scouts has continually adapted to reflect the changing times while remaining true to its core values.

Throughout its history, Girl Scouts has introduced various uniforms, badges, and logos that reflect the organization’s identity at different points in time. These elements have not only been practical markers of membership and achievement but also serve as nostalgic symbols for generations of former Scouts. Each era’s logo or tag represents the cultural and design trends of that time, and these logos have become valuable indicators for identifying vintage Girl Scouts items. From the intricate clover-like emblems of the 1910s to the sleek, modernized designs of today, the evolution of the Girl Scouts’ visual identity mirrors its growth and transformation as an organization.

Understanding the history of Girl Scouts through its logos and uniforms is more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s a way to connect with the legacy of a movement that has shaped millions of girls’ lives. For vintage enthusiasts, identifying these changes not only enhances appreciation for the design but also helps preserve the organization’s rich heritage. Whether you’re seeking to authenticate a vintage Girl Scout item or simply curious about its history, recognizing these logos and tags provides a fascinating glimpse into how the organization has evolved over time.

1965 Girls Scouts TV Commercial

How to tell if Girl Scouts is vintage from the logo

The Girl Scouts logo has evolved significantly over the years, with each era featuring distinct changes that reflect the organization’s growth and modernization. From intricate, traditional designs in the early 20th century to streamlined and bold symbols in recent decades, the Girl Scouts’ logos have become key identifiers for vintage pieces. Below is a guide to recognizing different Girl Scouts logos across various eras based on the images provided.

1912 to 1920s Girl Scouts logo

• The earliest Girl Scouts logo is ornate and intricate, featuring a clover-like shape.
• It includes a stylized bee design in the center, surrounded by a decorative border.
• The letters “GS” appear prominently at the top of the emblem, representing the organization.

1920s to 1940s Girl Scouts logo

• The logo evolves into a more formalized emblem with a structured design.
• An eagle and shield motif is introduced, which echoes American patriotism.
• The letters “GS” remain at the top, with the eagle holding olive branches and arrows, symbolizing peace and strength.

1940s to 1960s Girl Scouts logo

• This version retains the iconic trefoil shape but simplifies the interior design.
• The eagle and shield are refined, giving the logo a cleaner and more modern appearance.
• The emblem remains highly symbolic, staying consistent with previous iterations while being easier to reproduce.

1960s to 1978 Girl Scouts logo

• The trefoil design is enclosed in a bold border, with smaller trefoils surrounding the main emblem.
• It continues the use of the letters “GS” in a prominent position within the logo.
• This era reflects a mid-century modern approach to design, with geometric and repetitive patterns.

1978 to 2003 Girl Scouts logo

• A major redesign introduces a more abstract and contemporary trefoil shape.
• The profile of three women appears within the emblem, representing diversity and unity.
• This logo marks a significant shift in branding, with a cleaner and more recognizable symbol for the organization.

2003 to 2009 Girl Scouts logo

• The logo is updated slightly, with the introduction of a more rounded and simplified design.
• The profiles within the trefoil are retained, but the lines are smoother and more modern.
• The text “Girl Scouts” is now written in a softer, more approachable font alongside the emblem.

2009 to 2021 Girl Scouts logo

• The logo undergoes further refinement, with a bolder green color and clearer lines.
• The profiles within the trefoil remain, but the overall look is sleeker and more adaptable to digital use.
• The “Girl Scouts” text is more streamlined, reflecting the organization’s modern direction.

2021 to now Girl Scouts logo

• The latest logo features minimal changes but retains the well-recognized trefoil and profile design.
• The text is modernized with a slightly thinner font, and the green color is more vivid.
• This logo continues the evolution of the Girl Scouts brand into the digital age while honoring its iconic heritage.

How to tell if Girl Scouts is vintage from the tags

The tags on Girl Scouts uniforms and garments have evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting changes in design, fabric composition, and manufacturing locations. These tags provide helpful clues for identifying the vintage of a particular item. The tags from the 1950s through the 1990s have distinct features, ranging from simple labels with material information to more detailed designs with specific Girl Scout logos and size indicators. Below is a guide to help identify the vintage of Girl Scouts uniforms based on the tags from the eras provided.

Need assistance with vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1950s vintage Girl Scouts tags

• Official Girl Scouts label prominently featuring the iconic trefoil design.
• Bold “OFFICIAL GIRL SCOUTS” text with a focus on material composition, such as “100% Cotton.”
• New York, N.Y. mentioned, indicating manufacturing origin or distribution.
• Emphasized washing instructions, often noted as “Permanent Press” or other fabric care details.
• Tags occasionally include illustrations or icons, but these are simple in design.

1960s vintage Girl Scouts tags

• More colorful and detailed, featuring illustrations of Girl Scouts alongside the trefoil logo.
• Material blends like “65% Dacron Polyester, 35% Cotton” frequently listed.
• Washing instructions become more prominent, often including “Permanent Press” or similar phrases.
• Tags continue to highlight New York, N.Y. as a key location for the Girl Scouts brand.
• Size indicators are often displayed separately or in the corner of the tag.

1970s vintage Girl Scouts tags

• Large, square tags featuring both the trefoil logo and Girl Scout text.
• Materials like polyester blends become more common, along with explicit washing instructions.
• Icons or illustrations of Girl Scouts in uniform appear on some tags, reflecting the era’s style.
• Tags often mention “Permanent Press” and specific care details like “tumble dry, remove promptly.”
• Size numbers (e.g., “10,” “12”) are frequently highlighted near the logo.

1980s vintage Girl Scouts tags

• Cleaner, more minimalistic design, often emphasizing the trefoil logo alongside “OFFICIAL GIRL SCOUTS.”
• Washing instructions, including terms like “Permanent Press” and fabric compositions, such as “65% Dacron, 35% Cotton.”
• Size information remains prominent, usually appearing in a circle or next to the logo.
• Tags continue to feature New York, N.Y. and maintain traditional fabric blends.

1990s vintage Girl Scouts tags

• Tags become simpler and more standardized, with bold text and the trefoil logo.
• Material details such as “65% Dacron Polyester” and “35% Combed Cotton” are clearly listed.
• Care instructions are straightforward, with phrases like “See reverse for care & contents.”
• Size information is often shown in a circle or box adjacent to the trefoil symbol.