A uniform is not required for participation in any 4-H sponsored activity, event, meeting or occasion. Although there is no uniform requirement in the 4-H program, many clubs encourage their members to continue the traditions of 4-H attire.

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.

4-H Uniform Traditions

The following conventions are commonly accepted regarding the use of the 4-H uniform:

Boys- Uniform Guidelines

• Short or long sleeve white shirt with collar (minimum of five buttons in front).
• White or off white tailored pants or jeans (full-length).
• Green 4-H emblem tie.

Girls- Uniform Guidelines

• Short or long sleeve white shirt with collar or blouse (minimum of five buttons in front).
• White skirt or culottes, or a white dress of similar style.
• Green 4-H scarf fastened with a simple white plastic or metal ring.

General Appearance

• Hats must be worn on the 4-H member’s head.
• Shirts must be tucked into pants, and belts must be worn if pants have loops.
• 4-H collar must be over shirt collar.
• Baggy pants and spandex are not acceptable.
• English or western boots are required for exhibiting in the horse project, and pants must be outside if boots are worn.

The 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 Program or for participation in any 4-H activity, event, or meeting.

4-H Hat Guidlines

Green Hat
Junior 4-H members, defined as a 4-H member in the eighth grade and below (or 13 years old and younger)

White Hat
Senior 4-H members, defined as a 4-H member who has graduated from the eighth grade (or 14 years old and older)

Note: Each county may have modified these guidelines.

Stars, stripes, and medals:

• Left side of hat – All-star, platinum, gold, silver, or bronze stars in front. Members may “cascade” the stars, although some counties request that members only wear their current star.  Behind the stars are placed the junior/teen leader emblems and the Hi 4-H patch (in that order).

• Right side of hat – A year stripe and year pin is earned for each year completed in 4-H.
  1. Junior and primary members (8th grade and below) wear a white stripe on green background for that year.
  2. Junior leaders (6th, 7th, 8th grades) wear a gold stripe on green background for that year.
  3. Senior members (9th grade and up) wear a green stripe with a white background for that year.
  4. Teen leaders (9th grade and up) wear a gold stripe on white background for that year.
  5. All-stars wear a purple stripe on white background (in many counties) for that year

  Year pins are fastened to the hat above the stripe, starting with the first year 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, but 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.

Purchasing 4-H Attire

4-H supplies may be purchased from:

These companies are listed as a resource only and does not imply endorsement by the 4-H Youth Development Program.