Hitlerjugend: An In-Depth History: Badges and uniforms
by Arvo L. Vercamer

The very first German Nationalist Socialist party youth uniforms were those belonging to the 'Jugendbund" and "Jungsturm Adolf Hitler" of the 1920 to 1925 era. For all practical purposes, they were essentially Sturmabteilung (SA) uniforms.

In 1925, new Hitlerjugend uniforms were issued to the youths. These retained the same brown colors as of the SA, as an acknowledgement of the HJ's heritage, but they were decorated in a completely new fashion. Also, at this time, the HJ was issued a new "youth" armband; another way of separating the HJ from its predecessor SA parent organization.

From the very lowest rank, the Pimpf, to the highest rank, the Reichsjugendführer, everyone was supposed to wear the same uniform. This was designed to break down social and political barriers among the new HJ recruits - in the new Germany, everyone was to belong to one large "German" community.

A number of awards and badges were made available to all of the members of the HJ. Among the more prominent badges, was the Leistungsabzeichen für das Deutsche Jungvolk (DJ sports proficiency badge) and its HJ counterpart (issued in bronze).

The Hitlerjugend: 1924 Uniform

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

Hitlerjugend uniform of 1933

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

Hitlerjugend uniform of 1933
This style was worn only by those holding the rank of Ober- and Bannführer

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

Hitlerjugend uniform from 1933
Ranks of Hitlejunge to Sturmführer

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

HJ regional shoulder patches

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

Deutschejugend "Marine" uniform, mid 1930's

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

Hitlerjugend "Marine" uniform, mid 1930's

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

Ordensburg Uniform - Teaching Staff

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

HJ Arzt uniform

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer

Hitlerjugend Flakhelfer uniform 1944

Illustration © Arvo L. Vercamer