A Scout shirt can hold several kinds of insignia, but each has its own place. This guide covers the Scouts BSA youth shirt, not Cub Scout or adult uniforms. All left and right directions refer to the person wearing the shirt.
1. Where Do Boy Scout Patches Go?
The U.S. flag and patrol emblem go on the right sleeve. The council shoulder patch, unit number, and position badge go on the left sleeve. The current rank badge is centered on the left pocket; a temporary event patch goes on or hangs from the right pocket. Merit badges belong on a sash.
2. Understand the Main Areas of the Uniform Shirt
Right Sleeve
The U.S. flag sits directly below the shoulder seam. The patrol emblem goes below it. Use the current uniform diagram for spacing, and do not put the council shoulder patch on this sleeve.
Left Sleeve
The council shoulder patch sits at the top. The unit numeral goes below it, with an eligible veteran unit bar between them. The position badge goes farther down the sleeve. Its exact alignment, and the Trained strip position, differ between shirts with and without a sleeve pocket.
Left Pocket and Pocket Area
Center the current rank badge on the left pocket. The World Crest is above the pocket, while eligible service stars and award knots use their designated positions above it. Do not fill that area with event souvenirs or wear every previous rank badge together.
Right Pocket and Temporary Patch Area
One temporary patch may be centered on the right pocket or hung from its button. An Order of the Arrow lodge flap belongs on the pocket flap for eligible members. The flap and the temporary-patch position are separate spaces.
3. Merit Badges, Rank Badges, and Event Patches Are Different
Merit badges go on the merit badge sash, worn over the right shoulder, rather than on the shirt. Use the front of the sash and the back if needed. The shirt displays the current rank and other authorized insignia. Extra temporary patches can go on the back of the sash, but the shirt’s right pocket is limited to one temporary patch at a time.
4. Check the Current Official Placement Guide Before Sewing
Compare the layout with the Scouting America uniform checklist before attaching anything. It shows the sleeve-pocket variation as well as the pocket layout. Use the Guide to Awards and Insignia for eligibility and less common awards.
5. How to Attach a Patch Neatly
Lay the shirt flat and hold each patch in position with a few temporary stitches before sewing around the edge. Do not stitch the pocket shut. A button-loop temporary patch can hang from the right-pocket button, so it does not need to be sewn through the pocket.
6. Conclusion
Identify the patch type, use the current official diagram, and sew it in the assigned position.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do Merit Badges Go on a Scout Uniform?
They go on a merit badge sash worn over the right shoulder, not directly on the shirt. Attach them to the front of the sash and use the back if needed.
Where Does a Temporary Patch Go?
Wear one temporary patch centered on the right pocket or suspended from the right-pocket button. Do not cover the whole shirt with event patches.
Can You Iron On Scout Patches?
Only if the patch has a heat-activated backing and both its instructions and the shirt care label permit the application. A shiny back does not prove a patch is iron-on. If those conditions are unclear, sew the patch or use its button loop where appropriate.
Where Does the Trained Patch Go?
It belongs on the left sleeve in relation to the position badge. On a shirt with a sleeve pocket, the official checklist shows it on the pocket flap. On a shirt without that pocket, it sits below the position badge. Match the diagram to your actual shirt.
