Starbucks has announced a new dress code policy for North American employees, which will come into effect next month.
“Our partners are the face of our brand, and our iconic green aprons have always been a special part of what makes us unique,” Starbucks said. “Since 1987, Green Aprons have been a symbol of Starbucks Coffee Company and represent hundreds of thousands of North American retail partners who connect with their customers every day.”
The company said the dress code change was intended to focus on simplified color options that allow the iconic green apron to shine and create familiarity with customers even when visiting across North America.
Under the new guidelines, employees should wear “sturdy black short, long sleeve crew neck, collared or button-up shirts, khaki, black and blue denim bottom shades.” Starbucks also announced that it will offer two company-branded T-shirts to each employee for free, including partner network options.
The coffee chain said the change is part of a broader effort to improve the customer experience.
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“Updating your dress code will provide a more consistent coffee house experience that brings simple and clearer guidance to your partner. This means focusing on what’s most importantly, creating great drinks and encouraging connections with customers.”
“Starbucks has announced a plan for a rather conservative dress code. Instead of finalizing a fair contract with the union and addressing real issues in stores such as shortages of staff and lack of warranty times, Starbucks is choosing to waste lesser policies on stores that welcome both workers and customers,” the union’s statement reads.
The union has expressed concern about the impact on the company’s diverse workforce.
“This new dress code hurts our partners. Starbucks workers are racially diverse, disabled, weird and trans. We need a dress code that can show up as our full self in the workplace,” the union said.
According to Starbucks Workers United, the union advocates for increased protection of dress codes in contract negotiations, including the Crown Act, which protects workers from racially motivated discrimination against hair textures.
The union further states that the new policy “can restrict gender expressions of strange and trans workers and force trans workers into discomfort clothing,” and that “creates financial difficulties for employees who cannot afford to buy brand new wardrobes just for the dress code.”
“These items are not generally purchased and are complicated to make or are like other drinks on the menu,” Starbucks said.
The company said the change was part of its “return to Starbucks” plan, marking a return to its core identity as a coffee company.
“We simplify the structure, remove layers and replicas, and create smaller, more agile teams,” Nicole said.
