Does a Brown Scapular have to be cloth?

Although it is best to wear a cloth Scapular, Pope St. Pius X gave permission for the faithful to use a Scapular medal in 1910. However, Third Order Carmelites are still obligated to wear cloth Scapulars.

Does the Brown Scapular need blessing?

When someone is invested with the Brown Scapular the Scapular must be blessed by a priest. Subsequent “replacement” Scapulars do not require blessing.