Home Depot is one of the largest home improvement retailers distributing construction tools, services, appliances, and more.

Its consistent policy over the years, including clear instructions on employee attire and dress codes, is part of Home Depot’s branding identity. If you are considering working here or are simply curious about the brand’s signature apparel/aprons and uniforms, this article is for you.

What Is The Dress Code At Home Depot?

The uniforms for Home Depot employees are quite flexible, provided that they do not display offensive/personal messages, promote other brands, are not revealing/distracting, or cause injuries or inconvenience during your shifts. The only mandatory dress codes are closed-toed shoes and orange aprons distributed by the brand.

Tops

Polos, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and blouses are acceptable, given that you do not use one-sleeve or sleeveless tops. They must also cover your midriff and have no low-cut designs.

Bottoms

Home Depot lets you choose any type of bottom, guaranteed that they follow the rules, such as:

Jeans, khakis, slacks: They can be of any color, but tears and rips are prohibited.
Shorts: The brand does not allow athletic shorts. Their lengths must reach your mid-thighs and be less than 3 inches above your knee.
Skirts. Though not banned, skirts are not recommended. If you still want to wear skirts to work, keep them at mid-thigh and less than 3 inches above your knee (just like shorts).

No yoga pants, sweatpants, or leggings are considered acceptable.

Footwear

The shoes must cover your toes properly. Also, since the concrete floor can be quite slippy (and you will likely stay on your feet for hours without much break), it’s recommended to choose comfortable footwear with great support.

Tattoos and Body Piercings

Both are allowed, but you must ensure they do not deliver any offensive message relating to systemic racism, misogyny, homophobia, etc.

Most importantly, always remember you are working as one of the company’s representatives. If you must keep a controversial tattoo for any reason, at least cover it when your shift isn’t over yet.

Accessories

There aren’t any specific rules regarding rings, bracelets, necklaces, and hats. As long as they help promote Home Depot or do not have any offensive messages, you can wear them anytime during your shift. Avoid items that promote personal beliefs or sensitive/controversial issues.

Hair

Always make sure your hair is and looks clean. For those with long hair, tie it to avoid accidents at your workplace.

Dyes and unnatural colors are acceptable when they are not too distracting. Even beards will not violate the Home Depot employee dress code if you keep them well-groomed.

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are not banned but are not encouraged, either. If careless, you might get them caught on fragile products and even end up hurting yourself.

Do you still want to wear these nails to work? Then, keep them at reasonable lengths and ensure they are properly maintained.

Religious Items

Provided that these items do not violate any policy stated above, they are welcomed anytime. Cases in point are yarmulkes, turbans, headscarves, cross necklaces, religious jewelry, etc.

Aprons

Home Depot gives each employee an apron printed in orange (the brand’s signature color), which you must always wear aside from the prescribed dress code.

Is There A Dress Code For Home Depot Customers?

Although customers do not have to follow any dress code, they must still choose decent outfits that properly cover their bodies and skin. Items that conceal the client’s identity, such as face paints and masks, are strictly prohibited.

What Is Not Allowed in The Home Depot Employee Uniform?

Below is a summary of what you can never wear to work as a Home Depot employee:

Tight pants and shirts
Clothings that have logos of other brands
Athletic shorts, sweatpants
Sleeveless tops
Open-toed footwear
Garments that advocate personal beliefs

Aside from these items, any garment that displays “political messages or causes not related to the workplace” is also banned. In 2021, the brand almost fired one of its employees for putting the “Black Lives Matter” slogan on his apparel.

As far as I know, Home Depot still expresses its opinion/stance on many social issues. But that does not mean the brand wants to involve those political positions in their working environments or dress codes.

Why Do Home Depot Employees Wear Aprons?

Home Depot aprons set the company culture apart from other retailers due to their distinctive and updated designs.

Plus, the bright orange color easily stands out from any backdrop; no employees could walk by undetected, making it much easier for customers to seek help from them when necessary. From an aesthetic viewpoint, orange is often associated with passion and high spirit, representing the brand’s commitment to professionalism and meeting customer demands at all costs.

Do You Have to Wear A Collared Shirt At Home Depot?

Some stores require collared shirts to appear more professional, but this dress code does not apply to every branch. Most Home Depot managers allow any type of clothing as long as they are not too casual, revealing, or personal. It would be better to confirm the matter directly with your local Home Depot.

Conclusion

Home Depot, though flexible regarding uniforms, strictly bans any outfit that promotes unrelated messages or appears too revealing. Fortunately, other than that, you can go with your personal styles; even extra accessories, colored hair, nose rings, and tattoos are not considered violations.