Starbucks announced a new dress code policy for its North American employees that will take effect next month, a move that has drawn criticism from the company’s union while coming amid other operational changes at the coffee giant.
“Our partners are the face of our brand, and our iconic green apron has always been a special part of what makes us unique,” Starbucks said. “Since 1987, the green apron has been the symbol for Starbucks Coffee Company, representing the hundreds of thousands of retail partners in North America who connect with customers every day.”
The company said the dress code change aims to “focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America,” according to the statement.
Under the new guidelines, employees must wear “any solid black short and long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms,” the company stated. Starbucks also announced it will provide two company-branded t-shirts to each employee at no cost, including partner network options.
The coffee chain said the change was part of its broader effort to improve customer experience.
“By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners, which means they can focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers,” it said.
“Starbucks just announced its plans for a significantly more conservative dress code. Instead of finalizing fair contracts with our union and addressing the actual issues at stores, such as understaffing and lack of guaranteed hours, Starbucks is choosing to waste time on policies that make stores less welcoming to both workers and customers,” the union’s statement reads.
The union expressed concern about the impact on the company’s diverse workforce.
“This new dress code hurts partners. Starbucks workers are racially diverse, disabled, queer, and trans. We need a dress code that allows us to show up as our full selves at work,” the union said.
According to Starbucks Workers United, the union has been advocating for expanded dress code protections in contract negotiations, including “enshrining the CROWN act (which protects workers from racially motivated discrimination against hair textures).”
The union further said the new policy “restricts the gender expression of queer and trans workers, potentially forcing trans workers into dysphoria-inducing clothing,” and creates financial hardship for employees who “can’t afford to buy a brand-new wardrobe just to be in dress code.”
“These items aren’t commonly purchased, can be complex to make, or are like other beverages on our menu,” Starbucks stated.
The company said the changes were part of its “Back to Starbucks” plan, marking a return to its core identity as a coffee company.
“We are simplifying our structure, removing layers and duplication and creating smaller, more nimble teams,” Niccol said.
