Uniform Information

Based on an extensive process that included a 4-H member design contest and voting input from 4-H members and adults, the California 4-H Youth Development Program has adopted new 4-H uniform guidelines. Implementation of these guidelines will begin July 1, 2015 and is expected to take several years for full adoption. See the California 4-H Uniform Guidelines and California 4-H Uniform FAQ for complete garment details and the transition plan to the new uniform guidelines.

General Uniform Guidelines: 

The uniform is made up of the following garments:

1. Official green 4-H hat branded with the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and the 4-H clover logo mark. 
   These can be purchased through Leslie Carman 4-H Supplies.
   
   
2. A plain white shirt with a collar. Any length of sleeve, including sleeveless is acceptable. Alternate Casual Uniform:  For casual events, members may wear their club or county t-shirt, without the hat, provided that t-shirt has the proper use of the 4-H emblem according to the California 4-H Branding Toolkit.  
   
3. Members have a choice of bottoms, appropriate to the event or activity, as specified in the California 4-H Dress Guidelines.  
   
4. OPTIONAL: A traditional 4-H tie or scarf worn with the collared white shirt.  The tie and scarf are both worn under the collar.  Any member can wear either the scarf or the tie--whatever the member is most comfortable wearing. These can be purchased through Leslie Carman 4-H Supplies.

The 4-H uniform guidelines follow the protocols in the California 4-H Dress Guidelines that apply to all 4-H members.

A uniform is not required for participation in any 4-H sponsored activity, event, meeting or occasion. Although members are not required to wear a uniform in the 4-H program, many members feel a sense of belonging when wearing the uniform. 

Fairs do not fall under the jurisdiction of the 4-H program and may require their own clothing for showing.  Check with your local fair for specific details. The CDFA Fairs and Exposition Rule Book and the 4-H Youth Development Organization do not mandate a uniform or attire for judging.

California 4-H Hat

The 4-H hat is a source of pride for the California 4-H Youth Development Program, as we are the only state to have such a 4-H club hat.  Many members use the hat to display their achievement pins and to wear during fairs.  A 4-H hat is NOT required for membership in the California 4-H Youth Development Program or for participation in any 4-H activity, event, or occasion.

Guidelines: Effective July 1, 2015

Official green 4-H hat branded with the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and the 4-H clover logo mark. These can be purchased through Leslie Carman 4-H Supplies.

Youth who are currently senior level members may continue to use their white hat for the remainder of their 4-H career. Senior members may also convert to the green hat as they choose.

It is expected that by July 1, 2020, all members will be wearing the UC ANR 4-H branded green hats.

Where do I put my recognition and achievement items?

Stars, stripes, and medals:

Left side of hat - All-star, platinum, gold, silver, or bronze stars in front. Members may "cascade" the stars. Behind the stars are placed the junior/teen leader emblems and the Hi 4-H patch (in that order).	Right side of hat - year completion pin and stripe is earned for each year completed in 4-H. Officer title pins and 100% Attendance pins should align with the year the pin was earned.

Note: If a member earns more year stripes than can fit on the right side of the hat, they may "wrap around" their stripes and continue onto the left side of the hat.

Year completion pin and stripe recognition items align with the Steps to Success in 4-H. For meeting project completion requirements members will receive:

1) Year Completion Pin

2) Year Stripe

Year pins are fastened to the hat above the stripe, starting with the primary pins next to the 4-H clover. The 100% attendance pin, if earned, should be fastened to the hat below the stripe of the year that the pin was earned.

• Either side - Medals may be worn on either side of the hat, and placing them on the left is recommended.

• Note: No other pin or ribbon should be worn on the hat other than 4-H related items. The hat should reflect the dignity of the 4-H Youth Development Program.  Some items that should not be worn on the hat include buttons, fair medals, convention badges or other regalia.