Okay, a friend of mine is into wearing very “odd” nontraditional types of clothes. She likes weird things in general. Though I’m far more boring in my dressing habits, a few weeks ago she stayed over at my house and left her jacket there… I thought it was kinda cool, and asked if I could borrow it for a while, and she agreed. Anyways, the jacket in question is a Boy Scout jacket. She bought it from a vintage store, and it’s obviously part of a real used Boy Scout uniform-- it’s from a troop somewhere in California.
Anyways, I like how it looks. It’s comfortable, a nice color, and looks good on me. (I’m female as well.) I’m sure I’ll draw a few odd looks wearing it in public but I don’t mind. (I haven’t so far because it’s a long sleaved jacket, and it’s been hot-hot-hot recently.) However, my questions are:
Is wearing this thing offensive to genuine Boy Scouts? I’m obviously not a Boy Scout, and it might seem disrespectful to some; I don’t know. I used to be a Girl Scout but I was never really into it, so I have no idea how it might be regarded. What do you think?
and
Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might get one in the Salem/Portland, Oregon area? (said friend lives a few states away.) Hopefully, not somewhere not awesomely expensive… Ordering off the internet might work too, though I’d prefer to be able to see it first.
Eagle scout checking in. BSA uniform shirts are very popular among high school/college aged girls here. It bothers me only when rank badges, merit badges, and other earned patches are still attatched.
Scouting clothing is made to be rugged and comfortable. So, of course it catches on with non-scouting types. It’s excellent outdoor gear. I’ve seen lots of hikers (non-scouts) who caught on that scout uniforms wear better and are more comfortable than more expensive outdoor-type clothing one finds at outdoor specialty shops.
I too have a problem if regalia is left on the shirt. A young man worked hard to earn those badges and someone else is wearing them because “it’s cool.”
If you wear it with dignity and honor. No prob. Disgrace it and expect holy heck. What is dignity and honor? Well I do not buy beer in my Scout shirt. I go change. Go clubbing in the jacket? I ask you not to. You owe me nothing but please don’t. It would defile the ideal. If and when you wear it, wear it with pride and honor. If this raises any questions please ask me. I have strong fealings. Lets not air them here.
I agree with above, the ranks were all worked hard to get. I nearly got an ulcer as I raced to beat the clock for my Eagle Scout project (I waited until I almost turned 18.) But to separate, there are many types of patches on Scout clothing, don’t think if you take the ranks and badges off that you’ll lose the feel with the patches on it. You can still find and wear Camporee patches, which are infinitely more interesting than the dinky round merit badges, or the ovular ranks.
But as said it is designed to be comfortable and durable so have fun with it, but remember - though there is the controversy over the Boy Scouts, we still are an organization which has straightened millions of young men, and kept honor in the child’s life.
My final supporting point is that it is part of the Scout Law, A scout is Thrifty. So you’re just a boy scout at heart aren’t ya ;).
As for where to get it, the boy scouts have an online store if you want to order a new one. Or begin checking thrift stores, I find all kinds of scout stuff in thrift stores when I go.
What do you think?