Does Starbucks have a dress code? (hat, pants, colored hair, tattoo, apron + more)
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Seattle-based coffee group Starbucks is a great way to pay your bills and gain work experience, but does your style match the company’s ethos? Does Starbucks have a dress code to follow?
If these are the questions you want answered, read on!
Does Starbucks have a dress code in 2022?
Starbucks maintains a strict dress code that employees are expected to follow, although from 2022, the parameters of the code have been fairly loose. Employees are encouraged to express their individuality with different hair colors and can choose from shades of pants and shirts. Starbucks also offers its signature aprons when renting.
To learn more about Starbucks’ dress code and strictness, as well as some specific parameters of the code, keep reading!
What is the Starbucks Dress Code?
According to this 2019 company PDF, Starbucks’ dress code can be broken down into the following categories:
- overall personal image
- apron
- overall color palette
- hair
- maximum amount
- bottoms
- footwear
- hat
- accent
- The finishing touches i.e. nails, jewelry, tattoos, pins, personal hygiene
Let’s take a look at each category separately!
overall personal image
Like most companies, Starbucks sees its baristas as the face of the business, so employees should maintain an overall image of cleanliness and professionalism.
Also, it means clothes that are in good condition or well-trimmed and fitted (not slouchy or too tight and revealing).
Ideally, it should look as if you took some time to prepare (even if you didn’t).
apron
When renting, Starbucks will provide you with two or more aprons.
These are important because Starbucks will not let employees wear branded uniforms.
Instead, employees stick to the branding palette, while aprons with the Starbucks logo on the front and center pull the entire look together and create unity.
However, the apron must be worn full length and in good condition. They will also be returned if/when you leave the company.
palette
Starbucks is unique in not wearing polyester uniforms. Employees have a lot of freedom in what to wear.
However, they must maintain their brand identity when punching and stick to the following colors:
- Black
- charcoal
- grey
- navy
- Brown
- Khaki
- white
Allowed fabrics for these colors include:
- cotton
- Polyester
- leather
- canvas
- denim
- selvedge denim
- wool
- straw
hair
Starbucks welcomes employees with a variety of different hair textures and colors, including facial hair.
Hair color can be whatever you want, as long as the color is permanent or semi-permanent (it won’t fall, flake, or get into customer food).
However, longer hair must be secured with clips or hair ties so that it does not get into the customer’s food/drinks, so it is not a safety hazard (if it gets caught in something).
maximum amount
Starbucks encourages employees to stick primarily to solid-color shirts, but smaller and low-contrast patterns are acceptable.
Also, the low contrast means a lattice made up of greys and blacks instead of the more vivid oranges and blues.
Additionally, Starbucks does not allow hoodies or t-shirts.
Instead, Starbucks went with more professional styles like button-down shirts, blouses, and other business-casual tops.
bottoms
Rejoice – You can wear jeans to work at Starbucks!
Also, khakis, skirts and dresses with bodysuits and chinos are acceptable as long as they follow the color palette.
However, ripped or baggy jeans, leggings, slacks, and sweatpants should be avoided.
shoe
Comfortable business casual shoes and boots, sneakers and fashion sneakers, and other open-toed shoes are best for work at Starbucks.
However, high heels, espadrilles, open-toed shoes, sandals and Ugg boots are not permitted.
hat
Luckily, you can wear a hat on your Starbucks workwear!
Plus, if the color is right, you can wear a beanie or a cab-style hat—or even a fedora.
accent
In addition, employees can wear snug, non-curling scarves—as well as pastel ties and bow ties.
finishing touches
The finishing touches cover a lot, but some key points include:
- No nail polish because nail polish and artificial nails are harmful to health
- Tattoos are allowed but cannot be considered obscene
- No jewelry is allowed, but earrings and nostril piercings are allowed
- Emphasizes good personal hygiene, but discourages excessive use of perfume or cologne
For a full description of the finishing touches, check out the last page of this article.
How strict is the Starbucks dress code?
While it may vary from store to store, in general Starbucks expects its employees to adhere to a dress code because the company is very generous in expressing their individuality.
Additionally, the company emphasizes that if you are unsure or have questions about whether something is dress code, ask your manager.
Does Starbucks offer aprons?
Starbucks does give new employees at least two aprons for free.
Also, you should keep your apron in good condition (including regular cleaning); of course, normal wear and tear is to be expected.
However, the apron must be returned upon leaving the company.
Can you wear hair at Starbucks?
If you have shorter hair, you can cut it off at Starbucks, but company policy dictates that longer hair should be tied back.
Also, this is not only for hygiene reasons, but also for safety reasons, as flowing hair can get caught or get caught on things.
Will Starbucks let you dye your hair?
Starbucks does let you have colored hair, and it doesn’t even have to adhere to its normal color palette!
If the dye is permanent or semi-permanent, Starbucks has the option for bright hair.
Additionally, spray-colored or glitter-type products that can dust or fall into people’s food and beverages are not permitted.
Can Starbucks wear leggings?
Unfortunately, leggings, while one of the most comfortable garments, are not allowed as part of the Starbucks dress code unless they are under a dress or skirt.
If the thought of jeans makes you hesitate, consider more comfortable options like elastic-belted chinos or khakis.
Does Starbucks let you wear jeans?
You can definitely wear jeans at Starbucks as long as they meet the color standard (navy, black or gray).
However, white jeans (actually any white bottoms) are not allowed, nor are they allowed to be worn over loose or low-rise jeans, and ripped or overly long/tugged fits.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on how to quit Starbucks, get a Starbucks drug test, and work at Starbucks.
in conclusion
While Starbucks expects its employees to strictly adhere to dress code parameters, the company is unique in that these parameters are fairly loose.
As a result, employees can express their individuality by wearing jeans, dyeing their hair a bright color, and even adding a hat or nice scarf to their appearance if desired. Also, all of these are allowed as long as they follow the Starbucks color palette.
