The Cub Scout uniform is part of the program — wearing it builds pride, identity, and a sense of belonging to something larger. Here’s what your scout needs and where to get it.
Quick reference
Tap the chart for the full BSA insignia guide (PDF). It shows every patch and where it goes on the uniform — handy when you’re trying to figure out which sleeve a den number patch belongs on.
Where to buy
Uniforms are available from:
- Champions 1960 Scout Shop — 6512 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX 77069 · (281) 444-1152. Mon–Fri 10 AM – 7 PM, Sat 10 AM – 5 PM, closed Sunday. Run by the Sam Houston Area Council. Staff will help you find every patch and put it in the right place. For new scout families, this is the easiest path.
- ScoutShop.org — the official online store. Same merchandise as the physical shops.
- Other scout families — gently used uniforms get passed down all the time. Ask the Cubmaster if anyone has the size you need.
What to buy by rank
Lions (Kindergarten)
Lions wear a simpler uniform than the older ranks:
- Lion T-shirt (blue with the Lion logo)
- Cub Scout belt
- Lion handbook
That’s the start. When your Lion crosses into Tigers next year, you’ll upgrade to the full uniform.
Tigers, Wolves, Bears (Grades 1–3)
Tigers, Wolves, and Bears all wear the same blue Cub Scout uniform with different neckerchiefs:
- Cub Scout uniform shirt (blue, short sleeve)
- Rank neckerchief and slide — orange for Tigers, yellow for Wolves, light blue for Bears
- Cub Scout belt
- Council shoulder patch (Sam Houston Area Council)
- Pack 12 unit numerals (the “1” and “2” patches)
- World Crest emblem (the small purple-and-white patch)
- Den number patch assigned by your den leader
- Rank handbook for the year
Buy the shirt slightly large. Most scouts can wear the same blue shirt from Tiger through Bear (three years). Buying with a little room to grow saves money.
Webelos and Arrow of Light (Grades 4–5)
Webelos and Arrow of Light scouts can wear either the blue Cub Scout shirt OR the tan Scouts BSA shirt, which they’ll continue using after crossing over.
We recommend the tan shirt for Webelos. It costs the same, the patches transfer cleanly, and you avoid buying a new uniform when crossing over.
- Tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt (recommended) OR Cub Scout shirt
- Webelos plaid neckerchief and slide OR Arrow of Light neckerchief and slide
- Belt (some scouts switch to the Scouts BSA green belt at this point — either is fine)
- All the standard patches: council, unit numerals, World Crest, den number, rank patch
- Webelos handbook OR Arrow of Light handbook
Pants and footwear
Official Cub Scout pants and shorts exist, but they’re not required for Pack 12. Any pants or shorts with belt loops work fine. Closed-toe shoes are required at most outdoor activities.
Patches: where do they go?
Patch placement matters less than the patches being on the shirt at all. Don’t stress. Either:
- Sew them on yourself — the back of each patch has placement info, and the Scout Shop has guides
- Use Badge Magic or a similar adhesive product — it holds well and saves you from sewing
- Pay the Scout Shop to sew them on for you — most shops offer this service for a small fee
If you’re not sure where a patch goes, search “Cub Scout uniform inspection sheet” — Scouting America publishes a clear diagram.
Class A vs. Class B
You’ll hear these terms:
- Class A — the official uniform shirt with all the patches. Worn to pack meetings, ceremonies, Blue & Gold, flag ceremonies, etc.
- Class B — a Pack 12 T-shirt or activity-appropriate clothes. Worn to campouts, hikes, derbies, and most outdoor events where the Class A would get destroyed.
We may sell Pack 12 Class B T-shirts during the year. Watch for an order form when they’re available.
Help, this is overwhelming
It is, a little. The good news: you don’t have to do it all at once. At minimum, get your scout the rank-appropriate shirt (or T-shirt for Lions) and handbook before their first meeting. The rest of the patches can come together over the first few weeks.
If cost is a concern, talk to the Cubmaster. We have ways to help.