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Webelos Scout Uniform

The uniform is integral to the Scouting program. It identifies the scouts and adults with Webelos and gives them a sense of belonging to the den, the pack, and the Boy Scouts of America. The uniform distinguishes Webelos from other Cub Scouts. Scouts and leaders should wear it to all den meetings, pack meetings, and special pack activities.

Webelos no longer wear the blue Cub Scout uniform, and only wear the tan Scouts BSA uniform colors:

the oval Webelos rank badge is displayed in the same location that Scouts BSA rank badges will be placed
the tan shirt can be used in Scouts BSA
when doing Arrow of Light activities with a Scouts BSA troop the Webelos will fit in
further distinction as the 'senior' group in the Pack
many scouts outgrow their blue uniforms

Each Webelos den should learn to work as a patrol. To help with that patrol identity, each den can choose a Patrol Patch and create a patrol flag, name, and yell.

Tip: If you get a green Scouts BSA belt for your tan uniform, you will not be able to display any Cub Scout belt loops. The belt widths are different and the loops will not fit. Notice the blue belt in the photo.

The uniform shown here is known as the Field Uniform. The Activity Uniform is a custom pack T-Shirt and scout pants. These two uniforms (Field and Activity) are often referred to as Class A and Class B uniforms, but that is not correct BSA terminology.

Packs can design their own Activity shirt. The most well-known place for pack T-shirts is the ClassB.com web site. They are an official licensee of the Boy Scouts of America and have been providing high quality products to scouts since 1982.

The Webelos den leader wears the official Cub Scout leader uniform and the Webelos Cub leader neckerchief.

The Uniform Inspection Sheet has insignia placement guides. There is also a Male & Female Leader Uniform Inspection Sheet. See the BSA Insignia Guide for more info.

Webelos Scout Tan Uniform Costs
shirt	necker	slide	shoulder loops	cap	pants	belt	socks	book
$45-$50	$10	$6	$4	$18	$45-$55	$13	$8	$17
Uniform Patches
World Scout Crest Emblem								$2.30
Council Strip								$1.50-$5.50
Pack Number								$4.50
Patrol Emblem								$2.50
Total Uniform Cost							about $177-$196
Useful Items
Webelos Colors - $6.00

Costs for the Blue uniform are similar to the Cub Scout Uniform Costs. Uniform details, price changes, and other scouting gear is found at ScoutShop.Org - and you can now purchase online.

Retrieve a list of Scout shops and distributors in your area at this Scout Store Locator

These uniforms are a significant cost for many scouting families. Some possible ways to reduce costs are:

Have your scout earn the uniform or part of it.
Purchase only minimum expected items in your pack.
Buy used uniforms on eBay.com or local clothes store.
Check with your pack or district about a Uniform Exchange where you can pick up or drop off uniforms.

Please don't call any Webelos a Webelo Scout. Whether there is one or a hundred, they are always called Webelos with the 's'.

Comments:
Oct 17, 2012 - Bill Joerger

My wife & myself are Webelos leaders. At what point do the boys receive the Webelos Colors Ribbon. Our boys are currently earning activity pins. Do we wait until a specific amount of pins are earned to distribute the pins? Thank You, Bill

Oct 17, 2012 - Scouter Paul

Bill - The Webelos Colors are an optional part of the Webelos uniform. As soon as a scout is a member of a Webelos den, he can start wearing the colors just like any other part of the uniform.

Oct 31, 2012 - Tim

If a Webelos wears the tan and green "boy scout" uniform, he still wears cub scout blue belt? correct? and what about the socks? Thank you

Oct 31, 2012 - Scouter Paul

Tim - If you go to scoutstuff.org/webelos-uniform-green-khaki.html and click the yellow [Customize] button, you can see the belt and sock options as well as all the other uniform part options.

Nov 15, 2012 - Ralph

Do Webelo leaders wear the plead neckercheif?

Nov 15, 2012 - Scouter Paul

Ralph - Yes, that's part of their uniform.

Nov 16, 2012 - Becky

I the webelo does not have the colors ribbon, where do the pins go on his uniform?

Nov 16, 2012 - Scouter Paul

Becky - The activity pins can be displayed on the Webelos Colors or on the plaid portion of the Webelos hat. See scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34635.pdf

Nov 20, 2012 - Louis

What arm/sleeve does the "recruiter" patch go on? Thanks!

Nov 20, 2012 - Scouter Paul

Louis - Please read the 'Uniform Inspection Sheet' linked to above on this page.

Feb 28, 2013 - Micheal Hueschen

If my son den keeps there blue uniform when he earn his webelos diamondshaped, will he have to remove his Tiger Cub emblem?

Mar 23, 2013 - Carissa

My son just got his Webelos colors and pins. does it matter what pin goes on what color? Everything I am reading does not specify.

Mar 23, 2013 - Scouter Paul

Carissa - The Webelos Colors are an optional uniform item, so some scouts don't use them. But, the scout can put the pins he earns on however he'd like. There is no specified manner.

Apr 02, 2013 - RickKaz

My son's Webelos den is about to transfer to a troop, but will participate in a camporee as a Webelos patrol right before they transfer. They have been wearing their patrol patch, but does the patrol leader wear a patrol leader's patch?

Apr 03, 2013 - Scouter Paul

RickKaz - No, your group of Webelos scouts is a DEN. Webelos can name their den rather than being a numbered den, but they are still a den, and can have a Denner but not a Patrol Leader.

Apr 12, 2013 - Steve

My our den is about to transition to Webelos and we have all decided to go tan. Do the Gold and Silver Arrowheads transfer to the tan uniform along with the Tiger/Wolf/Bobcat/Bear patches? thanks!

Apr 12, 2013 - Scouter Paul

Steve - Check out the Uniform Inspection Sheet link above to see how that works. Arrow points do not go on the tan uniform shirt.

May 19, 2013 - Lena

My question is the same as Micheal Hueschen's above. Restating: does wearing the diamond Webelo patch alone on the left pocket, ITSELF, signify that the Cub Scout has earned his Tiger badge? (Would it be worn, in this manner, only by boys who have earned all 5 patches?) If not, I guess I'm questioning the "why" of removing the Tiger recognition in lieu of the obligatory Bob Cat.

Jun 12, 2013 - Kevin Coe

What do I do with the years of service pins?

Jun 12, 2013 - Scouter Paul

@Lena - Each rank patch only signifies that specific rank. Webelos are supposed to wear only the Webelos diamond or oval patch centered on the left pocket. If a Webelos did not earn his Tiger rank, then he can wear Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos diamond patches. This is in the Guide to Awards and Insignia. @Kevin - the uniform inspection sheet linked to above tells you and shows you where those pins are displayed, as well as nearly everything else.

Jun 12, 2013 - Lori Cub Master in training.

My son earned quite a few webelos pins, my question is....Is there a particular color of ribbon per classification of pins? Or do they just go on there where ever?

Jun 12, 2013 - Scouter Paul

@Lori - The Webelos can put the activity pins on his Webelos colors however he'd like. There is no prescribed order or classification.

Jul 07, 2013 - Martin

Is the oval webelos rank patch the same size at the Boy Scout rank patches? I want to sew Velcro on the uniform for future ranks advancements...

Jul 10, 2013 - Chris McCoy

My son ia transitioning to Webelos and will be wearing his older brother's shirt which has the Webelos patch on it...is thos a patch that the younger son needs to earn or do all Webelos start out with it? Thanks!!

Jul 13, 2013 - Scouter Paul

@Martin - yes, the patches are the same size. @Chris - The scout needs to earn the Webelos rank before being presented and wearing the Webelos rank patch. You should remove his older brother's patch before he wears the shirt.

Oct 20, 2013 - Happy Hitchhiker

Help!! My son now has to wear the tan shirt for Webelos. What awards from Tiger through Bear go on the shirt? The den uses the oval Webelos badge so I know he cannot wear his old ranks but what about the outdoor activity award or his Leave No Trace award? Are those now void because he earned them as a cub?

Oct 21, 2013 - Scouter Paul

@Happy - Please look at the uniform inspection sheet linked to in the text above. It shows the Outdoor Activity patch. Most other awards are categorized as 'temporary' patchs and one at a time can be worn centered on the right pocket, including the LNT patch.

Nov 24, 2013 - Joane

Is the hat required for Weblos? I have seen very few hats at previous years meetings and I am now a Weblos den leader.

Nov 25, 2013 - Scouter Paul

@Joane - No, the hat is not required.

Feb 17, 2014 - Stephanie

Our Webelos are keeping the blue uniform and have earned all 5 ranks (bobcat, tiger, wolf, bear and Webelo). Where do you put the diamond Webelo badge? I've seen it in place of the tiger and also in place of the bobcat. Do you have to remove one? How can you wear all 5 rank badges?

Feb 17, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Stephanie - Look at the Uniform Inspection Sheet linked to in the text at the top of this page. It shows the two ways in which the rank patch can be displayed.

Feb 23, 2014 - Scouter Guy

My scout will soon be a Webelos, and our Webelos wear the tan shirt. He earned the Messengers of Peace ring as a Wolf. Can he wear the MOP ring on the tan shirt as well?

Feb 24, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Guy - Yes, he can.

Mar 19, 2014 - Bill

My Webelos den just selected a patrol name / patch. The patch is a 2 x 2 square and not 2 inch round. Are there an restrictions on the size and shape of the patrol patch?

Mar 19, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Bill - Patrol emblems are 2 inch round. A square patch would not be a patrol emblem.

Apr 12, 2014 - Anne

Regarding the WEBELOS badge. It is my understanding from reading the insignia guide that the WEBELOS have 3 options depending on what they have earned 1) keep all 4 rank badges from prior years on their uniform and do not add the WEBELOS badge, 2) if the only one missing is the tiger get the diamond WEBELOS badge and place it in the tiger spot or 3) if scout started with wolves or later take the old diamond shaped badges off and add the oval WEBELOS badge. There is no option to wear all 5 Ranks. My son chose to keep his bobcat through bear badges while other scouts chose to remove all 4 badges and replace it with the WEBELOS badge

Apr 15, 2014 - Janelle

Do the Webelos earn the compass during den meetings or during pack meetings? Same question with the compass arrows. Can the den leader award those arrows during den meetings? It is very similar to the wolf and bear beads that they earn during den meetings.

Apr 16, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Janelle - Either is fine. Yes, he can. The BSA has a belief that a scout can be recognized multiple times for his accomplishments, not just once. A den leader could do something like this: As soon as the scout completes requirements, his den leader announces to the den his accomplishment and congratulates him. At the next den meeting or pack meeting, whichever is first, the scout is presented with his recognition item - patch, pin, whatever it is. If the item was presented at a den meeting, then at the next pack meeting the scout is recognized in front of the pack.

Apr 22, 2014 - Peter

I am a den leader just finishing up our Bears year (3rd grade). For Webelos we are going to switch to the tan/green uniforms. My understanding is they don't get the oval Webelos badge right away, but have to earn it. Until that happens, should the boys move their 4 diamond badges (Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear) from their blue uniforms to the tan? Then replace those next year when they've earned the Webelos badge?

Apr 22, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Peter - That sounds like a lot of sewing for someone just to wear a year, but you could do that. They could just leave the left shirt pocket bare until earning the Webelos rank patch. Our Webelos den kept using the blue uniforms until about January of their 4th grade year. That is when they earned their Webelos rank. So, we got tan shirts and sewed on the oval Webelos patch right where their Boy Scout rank patches would go in a year when they moved on.

Apr 30, 2014 - Susan Gremillion West

My cousin gave my son his Webelos kerchief, slide, cap and colors from when he was a Webelos (in the 60's). Is it ok for him to wear them now? My cousin was so proud to give them to Lucas since he has no children of his own. Our den leader thought it was great.

May 04, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Susan - Sounds like a great idea to me, if the scout wants to wear them. I would check with his den leader to let him/her know.

May 10, 2014 - Jared Cogburn

My question is this----Can you as a cub scout leader wear any of your past cub years pins you earned as a youth, ex-bobcat,wolf,bear,webelos pins, religious medals, year pins etc on your uniform as a den leader, i currently have 4 square knots on my uniform now, they are arrow of light, religious as youth, den leader, and tiger knot (now retired). thanks.

Jun 14, 2014 - Scott

What if my son started late in Scouts, has the blue uniform shirt, is now entering Webelos... What badge does he wear on his shirt or does he have to earn the Webelo badge first?

Jun 20, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Scott - He would not wear any rank patch until he earns the rank. He would first earn the Bobcat patch, then the Webelos patch.

Jun 28, 2014 - Kate

I understand my son can wear his recruiter badge under his right pocket and still wear his LNT badge as his temp badge of choice centered on the pocket. However, he was given a large round recruiter badge, not the strip. Does that still hold true with the larger badge? It's 3" in diameter. Thanks!

Jul 18, 2014 - Scouter Mom

@Kate I was told that the 3" round badge goes on the red vest. There is a rectangle Recruiter badge that can be worn on the right pocket of the uniform itself.

Aug 29, 2014 - Kayla

@susan uniform pieces do not expire. If your little man wants to wear your cousin's things, that's awesome. I would, however, mention it that they might look different just in case somebody who has not learned that they don't expire or doesn't recognize older pieces (sometimes new Scouters don't know history)

Sep 04, 2014 - Joshua Sanders

My Webelos 1 Den is picking a patrol name but they are all still in their blue uniforms. Do I have to wait until they transition to the tan before they can wear the patrol patch they've chosen?

Sep 04, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Joshua - They can wear the patrol emblem rather than den numeral on the blue or tan shirt.

Sep 17, 2014 - Gina

My son is starting first year Webelos. I just got him a tan shirt and the woman at the Council Store told me he needed the Boy Scout khaki colored numbers for the pack number because it is a tan shirt even though he is in Webelos. The uniform picture has red background numbers. Before I stitch these, I would like to know which or if either are correct. Thanks.

Sep 17, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Gina - Webelos should wear white on red numerals according to the 2012 Guide to Awards and Insignia, and see this page for image.

Sep 17, 2014 - Gina

Scouter Paul, thanks a bunch!

Oct 08, 2014 - Debb

I am assuming but needing clarification because I have searched all the BSA sites including the uniform inspection and can not find the answer ...Are the webelo colors worn below the patrol patch just as they would be worn under the den number

Oct 08, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Debb - The uniform inspection sheet linked to above says that the Webelos Colors go directly below the US Flag if no den numeral is worn. The Webelos Colors would be above the patrol patch emblem, and hanging over it.

Nov 14, 2014 - Rach

Can the webelos colors be worn prior to earning the Webelos rank patch (ie at the start of 4th grade programming). Since an optional part of the uniform, wasn't clear to me when this is added. Thank you!

Nov 14, 2014 - Scouter Paul

@Rach - The Webelos Colors are an optional part of the Webelos uniform. As soon as a scout is a member of a Webelos den, he can start wearing the colors just like any other part of the uniform.

Dec 16, 2014 - Jeff

@Rach - As Scouter Paul stated, they can wear the colors as soon as they are in the Webelos 'program'. This is because they need to earn three activity badges in-order to earn the Rank of Webelos.

Feb 01, 2015 - Melanie

@Rach - we gave colors to the boys at the time they earned their first Activity Badge.

Feb 06, 2015 - Carol Johnson

My great grandson lives with us. We are members of the FUMC. Last year he earned the God and Me pin, and tomorrow he will receive the God and Family pin at church. He is a Webelos. Does the God and Family pin replace the God and Me pin, or will he wear both? If he wears just one, which pocket do we pin it over? Thanks

Feb 06, 2015 - Scouter Paul

@Carol - The medallion is displayed above the left pocket. He should also receive a "Youth Religious Emblem" square knot patch which may be sewn above the left pocket. Typically, only one of the award recognition items is displayed. Please see the Uniform Inspection Sheet for placement.

Mar 09, 2015 - Cherie

For a more detailed description of Insignia besides the inspection sheet, here is a good reference: www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/InsigniaGuide.aspx

Apr 28, 2015 - Stacey Pendergrast

Apr 29, 2015 - Jen

I think our Den 2 was awarded wrong. I know that the wolf and bear have an emblem that gets red and yellow beads for every 3 activities completed. Webelos do not get that emblem correct? And a scout only gets both red and yellow if he has went through wolf and is a working on bear???

Feb 28, 2016 - David Smith

I've recently become the single-point for ordering our pack's awards. My pack leader has requested that I order the Webelo Pin for six scouts going from I to II. As I read the uniform guidance, the Webelos Pin is not for uniform wear and for adults. Is this correct?

Feb 28, 2016 - Scouter Paul

@David - Webelos scouts receive the Webelos rank patch when they complete all the Webelos rank requirements. There is no pin to denote the Webelos rank, but there is a Webelos Parent Pin that can be purchased.

Mar 22, 2016 - Kim

For the new webelos adventure pins is there a certain order in which to display them on the webelos colors?

Aug 08, 2016 - Scott

My son has earned the outdoor activity award and is a new webelo and we have switched to the tan shirt. Can this award be displayed on this shirt.

Aug 08, 2016 - Scouter Paul

@Scott - Sure, it can. When he moves on to a Boy Scout troop, it should be removed.

Oct 02, 2016 - tressa Johnson

where do the activity pins (IE:aquanaught, scientist etc) go on the colors? does it matter which color each pin is posted on?

Oct 11, 2016 - Flo

My son has just gone to Webelos and has chosen to wear the blue belt. May he keep his loops on the belt?
Also, I was told at the scout store that the wolf belt buckle is considered to be a universal buckle that can be worn Bob Cat through Webelos. Is this correct?

Feb 08, 2017 - Mary

Our Pack's Webelos typically wear the Navy shirt thru Webelos I (or until they outgrow it, whichever comes first!). We recommend though that any new scouts go ahead and buy the Tan uniform. The question is, these new scouts earn their Bobcat badge, where does that go on the Tan shirt?

Feb 08, 2017 - Scouter Paul

@Mary - If you look at the uniform inspection sheet, it shows where patches belong. The bobcat patch goes on the same location on the blue or tan shirt. If a Webelos scout puts on the oval Webelos patch, then the other diamond patches are removed.

Feb 19, 2017 - Fabel Konicke

We are preparing for bridging. I bought the plastic holder to attach to the pocket to hold his bear and Weiblo badges. However, there is no button to attach it to on the left pocket, only the right???? He is in the tan uniform... do I attach to the right pocket or add a button?

Feb 21, 2017 - Scouter Paul

@Fabel - The Webelos patch should be sewn to the pocket while he is a Webelos. Then, it is removed when he joins a Boy Scout troop. His Scout rank patch is sewn on the left pocket when he earns it. Only one rank patch at a time is worn in Boy Scouts.

Dec 02, 2017 - Jeff

Hi,

My scout earned his Bobcat, Tiger, and Wolf badges in cub scouts. He skipped the Bear year, and is now starting back as a Webelo. His den wears the tan shirts. Should we go ahead and put his previous ranks on the shirt just as they were on his blue cub shirt, or leave them off and wait until he earns his Webelo badge?

Dec 02, 2017 - Scouter Paul

@Jeff - I would wait to sew on the oval Webelos rank patch when he earns it. Then, when he crosses to a Boy Scout Troop, it would be a simple replacement of that one patch centered on the left pocket for each rank, and there would not be any remnants of diamond patches on the fabric. (And it would save a bunch of sewing. :-) )

Dec 06, 2017 - Jane

@Jeff - You might also want to consider getting velcro for the Webelos rank patch. It might save some sewing after he joins Boy Scouts. I have purchased die cut Velcro from The Goose's Cache before. You can also search for Scout velcro ebay.

Mar 08, 2018 - Jodi

Update in 2018 states that Webelos are to be only in tan/green uniform

Mar 13, 2018 - Roger

That's an incorrect statement about Weblos are to be only in tan/green uniform. they can be in either uniform, once you cross over to Boy Scouts then it must be Tan.

www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/uniform/webelos/

Mar 13, 2018 - Scouter Paul

@Roger - Jodi is referring to program updates coming out this year.
She is most likely referencing this video, especially at the 3:40 mark. Also see BSA Family Scouting for more program info.

May 08, 2018 - Charles

Any comments or updates on the questions above about the no more blue shirts for Webelos? Our pack has a tradition of using the blue shirts for Webelos 1's to be able to show the bear badge for one year and then when they earn the webelo badge swap over to the tan shirt. This has worked so well. Why change it? By going to only the tan shirts does that not eliminate displaying the ranks of a cub scout. That is to bad since these boys have put in up to 4 years of hard work to earn these badges and now they don't get to finish?

May 08, 2018 - Scouter Paul

@Charles - Please read the comment just above yours. That is the latest update info, but I've not yet seen any other BSA info about "tan only" for Webelos. Read this page for current, official BSA Webelos uniform information.

Jun 02, 2018 - Roy Engle

Do the Webelos pins only get put on the outside yellow color? Are the red and blue NOT used?

Jun 02, 2018 - Scouter Paul

@Roy - The Webelos can put the activity pins on the Webelos colors however desired. There is no prescribed order or location.

Aug 27, 2018 - Nicholas Schiavo

Can my webelos den that wears the navy uniform wear a patrol patch even though the patch has a tan background? Thanks!

Aug 29, 2018 - Jane

@Nicholas - The BSA made some uniform changes earlier this year (2018). One of those changes is that Webelos Scouts wear only the tan uniform. Scouter Paul linked to the newest Webelos uniform inspection sheet above:

boyscouttrail.com/docs/uniform_webelos.pdf

Under the "old" uniform guidelines, Webelos Scouts could choose to wear the blue or the tan uniform. The den emblem (patch) could be worn on either the blue or tan uniform shirt.

Sep 19, 2018 - Chris

"These uniforms are a significant cost for many scouting families. Some possible ways to reduce costs are:"

I agree with this statement made by BSA on this site. I am also very disappointed with the lack of leadership in solving this issue by BSA. BSA in an effort to make scouting more inclusive should work to reduce the costs associated with the program, including uniform costs. A different vendor may be an option.

Sep 25, 2018 - Kimberly

My sons are WEBELOS and we just got the tan shirts. While they’re already earning pins, I would like to display their other diamond patches earned from previous years. Is this allowed on the khaki shirts? I want to make sure before placing them. Thank you!

Sep 25, 2018 - Scouter Paul

@Kimberly - Only the oval Webelos patch is worn on the left pocket, and the Arrow of Light patch can be worn below the pocket.
If your scout really wants to show the previous ranks, there is a plastic patch holder for them at ScoutShop.org.

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