Girl Scout Brownies in the United States wear a brown vest or sash.
The color is part of the Girl Scouts of the USA’s visual system for identifying membership levels. Brownies use a brown vest or sash to display official pins, badges, membership stars, and other awards. The uniform piece is usually worn with a white shirt and khaki pants or a skirt, creating a consistent appearance while allowing personal clothing choices.
The colors of nearby levels are a common source of mix-ups. Daisies wear blue, Juniors wear green, and Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors use tan or khaki uniform pieces. Brownies’ badges are also distinctive: national proficiency badges for this level are triangular, while Daisy, Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador badges use other shapes. The brown vest or sash is therefore not just a fashion choice; it identifies the wearer’s Girl Scout level and provides the official display area for insignia.