Does Walgreens have a dress code? (hat, pants, colored hair, tattoos + more)
Subsidiaries disclose: We may receive commissions for links in this article.
Walgreens has been in operation for over 100 years and has grown from its early drugstore roots into a trusted source of professional drug advice and beauty destination.
This means that employees must maintain a professional image at all times. So, does Walgreens have a dress code? How strict is it?
This is very important for any current or future employee, so read on to find the answers below!
Will Walgreens have a dress code in 2022?
Walgreens does have a specific dress code for front-end team members, including plain black pants or knee-length skirts, company-issued polo shirts, open-toed shoes, and badges, worn above the waist from 2022. While other store departments have their own specific dress codes, everyone is expected to follow the dress guidelines they require.
To learn more about Walgreen’s dress code, such as whether hair dye or jeans are prohibited, whether tattoos or piercings must be covered, and more, read on!
What is the Walgreens Dress Code?
As mentioned earlier, Walgreens has a century-old reputation, so the company takes appearance very seriously.
Employees are expected to strictly adhere to the Walgreens dress code, which is limited to black slacks, company-issued polo shirts, and nice sneakers or smart casual shoes (open toes).
Skirts are also acceptable for women, as long as they are also plain black and knee-length (at least).
If cold is expected, employees can also wear long sleeves under their polo shirts, as long as the shirts are plain white, gray or black.
Walgreens also wanted its team members to look neat and clean while avoiding overly strong perfumes or colognes.
This Walgreens company PDF on the 2020 dress code also provides a comprehensive list of prohibited items:
- Sweatpants and sweatshirts
- jeans or any denim
- leggings
- shorts
- Headgear/hat, except for religious reasons
- short skirt
- Sleeveless shirt or T-shirt
- Shoes that do not fully cover the foot (e.g. open-toed shoes, sandals)
- sunglasses
- too much jewelry
- anything with a hood
- Clothes that are too revealing (skin and too tight)
- Offensive tattoos (images of racism, sexism, etc.)
Additionally, Walgreens has taken an unexpectedly generous stance on employees’ ability to wear pins or buttons as a sign of support for any non-political group or organization.
This includes LGBTQIA+ and Pride Month, Life First, Red Nose Day or Autism Awareness.
Pins or buttons of this nature can be affixed to Walgreens employee uniforms.
Does Walgreens have a uniform?
Walgreens does uniforms for its employees, offering new hires polo shirts with the company logo.
Someone commented on this Indeed thread and they started with three shirts. Of course, you can ask your manager if you need more throughout your tenure.
Depending on your department, you’ll also get work clothes (this is for grooming staff).
Can Walgreens employees wear jeans?
Walgreens does not allow its employees to wear jeans as part of their work uniform.
The only trousers allowed are slacks (chinos or khakis) and the only allowed color is solid black.
This helps Walgreens create a “business casual” and unified look among its employees, who are often customers’ first (and sometimes only) point of contact with the brand.
Can you dye your hair and work at Walgreens?
Walgreens makes no mention of hair or hairstyles regarding the dress code in its employee onboarding documents.
Therefore, we can assume that Walgreen has no policy against using hair colors that are not considered “natural” (eg, blue, purple, green, etc.).
Some people may have different opinions on what is “professional”, but dress guidelines are vague on this topic.
That being said, it’s best to check with your manager beforehand.
What is Walgreens’ dress code for tattoos and piercings?
Walgreens’ onboarding PDF on the dress code simply states that visible tattoos cannot be “inherently offensive.”
While the wording is vague, we can assume it has no racist, misogynistic, overtly sexual, or vulgar connotations.
However, the piercing wasn’t addressed directly, but some employees chimed in on this Indeed thread, with one saying it’s up to the manager.
Another said face piercings were not allowed, but another former employee said they had visible face piercings and had no issues.
They just make sure their overall look is professional and uncluttered.
This is another area where you need to ask your manager, as their preferences may play a role in determining the dress code for a particular store.
Can you wear a hat to work at Walgreens?
Walgreens does not allow employees to wear hats as part of their uniforms, even hats that may bear a branded logo.
They’re not at all part of the “look” that Walgreens wants to convey.
However, anyone who wears a headgear related to their religious beliefs can of course wear the garment at work.
What should you wear to a Walgreens interview?
A good rule of thumb for interview attire is to wear something more formal than what the employee is wearing.
Also, the Walgreens dress code occupies a slightly grey area between casual and smart casual, so smart casual is appropriate (business formal would look out of place).
Therefore, chinos or khakis, open-toed shoes, and a nice polo shirt or shirt (for women) are all suitable for interviewing at Walgreens.
To learn more, you can also read our post on what Walgreens is, Walgreens bereavement policy, and how to opt out of Walgreens.
in conclusion
The dress code for Walgreens front-office employees is set out in the company’s guidelines, which include black slacks and company polo.
However, employees may express their individuality with apolitical buttons and pins, but otherwise, they should strictly adhere to the dress code.
