Starbucks is rolling out a new dress code policy for its baristas, aiming to create a more uniform and familiar look across its stores. Beginning May 12, employees will be required to wear solid black shirts paired with khaki, black, or blue denim pants. The shirts can have long or short sleeves and may be either collared or collarless. To support the transition, Starbucks will provide each employee with two free T-shirts.
According to the company, the updated policy is designed to make its iconic green aprons stand out more and to offer a consistent, welcoming experience for customers. Starbucks stated on its website that the simplified guidelines will help baristas focus on what really matters—making great drinks and building connections with customers—without worrying about unclear dress expectations.
However, the decision hasn’t been welcomed by everyone. Starbucks Workers United, a union representing employees at more than 550 of the company’s 10,000 corporate-owned U.S. stores, criticized the move. The group said it had already reached a tentative agreement on dress code terms during bargaining sessions and believes no changes should be made until contract negotiations are finalized.
Jasmine Leli, a Starbucks barista and union bargaining delegate, voiced her concerns through the union. She argued that the company’s focus should be on more urgent workplace issues, such as improving staffing levels and ensuring employees have reliable work hours. “Instead of addressing the most pressing issues baristas have been raising for years, Starbucks is prioritizing a limiting dress code that won’t improve the company’s operation,” Leli said. “They’re forcing baristas to pay for new clothes when we’re struggling as it is on Starbucks wages and without guaranteed hours.”
This new direction marks a shift from Starbucks’ more flexible approach in recent years. Back in 2016, the company expanded its dress code to include shirt colors like gray, navy, brown, and dark denim, in addition to the original black and white. Patterned shirts in those shades were also permitted. Then, in 2019, Starbucks adjusted the rules again, allowing employees to wear one facial piercing, provided it was no larger than a dime—a policy that remains in place under the new rules.