Starbucks has been the symbol of sophistication in pop culture for ages. Not just coffee enthusiasts but even job seekers are excited to be part of its culture!
Once you land the job, it’s extremely important to nail everything from the get-go, including what you should and should not wear. Let me share some of my tips on Starbucks uniform policy so you can walk into the store looking sharp and on point on your first day.
In this article:
What Is The Dress Code For Starbucks Employees?
The tops must cover your midsection, and you cannot wear anything higher than 4 inches above the knees or drag on the ground. Shoes must be closed-toe with flat heels, and socks or hosiery are required.
Headgear options and even tattoos can be flexible (as long as you do not get inked on your throat or face). One facial piercing is allowed, no larger than a dime.
Hair and Face
Starbucks does not have any strict restrictions regarding headgear choices. You can sport a baseball cap, visor, beanie, bucket hat, short-brimmed hat, or even a slick satin-lined cap if that is what you’re after.
They also have no problem with secured head coverings like hijabs, turbans, or wraps. Just remember to keep your hair away from your face and ensure every facial hair (if any) is neatly trimmed.
How about accessories? You’re allowed 1 facial piercing, but do not go overboard; it should not be bigger than a dime. The same applies to ear gauges and earrings. They must also be on the smaller side – nothing larger than a quarter.
Surprisingly, there’s not much to be concerned about regarding Starbucks tattoo policy, though getting inked on your throat or face is not exactly encouraged. You must also keep the designs elegant and classy. Any inappropriate or offensive drawings are out of the question! Nothing sexual, profane, obscene, or racist.
Tops
For starters, always keep your midsection and armpits covered. No crop tops allowed!
When it comes to patterns, stick to something subtle and low-key. Cases in point are muted designs or solid colors, which keep the attire classy without standing out too much.
And if you’ve got any Starbucks-issued shirts (e.g., Partner Network tees), just wear them if you have nothing else to wear. After all, they are part of the uniform, so there’s not much to think about!
Bottoms
You should stick to solid colors (like with tops) to keep a professional and sleek look. I am talking about pants, shorts, jeggings, and skirts.
It is a must to pair leggings with dresses and skirts. But if they are jeggings (jeans combined with leggings), you can wear them solo.
Be mindful of the length as well. Anything higher than 4 inches above your knee is strictly prohibited, and long dresses or pants dragging on the ground are not an option, either.
Apron
Starbucks keeps its apron policies simple: distraction is not allowed. No fuss or frills; everything must be kept clean and tidy. Of course, you can go with your regular accessories and clothing underneath the apron as long as they look professional and follow the abovementioned guidelines.
If the store requires you to wear Starbucks pins (e.g., the Partner Network ones), ensure they are securely fastened so they stay in place and won’t be shifted while you move around.
Footwear
According to the Starbucks dress code, shoes must cover the top of your feet and have closed toes and heels. That means no flip-flops or sandals. Wear shoes with flat heels if you want to stay comfortable all day without violating the rules.
Regarding materials, suede, leather (or faux leather), and rubber check all the boxes. And last but not least, do not forget your hosiery or socks; they are not optional items and must be worn.
Are There Any Specific Materials That I Can’t Wear?
The good news is that there aren’t any strict no-gos in the current dress code policy. You’re good to go as long as your outfit is pro-looking and doesn’t disrupt anyone’s workflow. For example, overly baggy jeans or denim minis will be banned immediately, but properly sized, hole-free denim jeans are perfectly acceptable.
Can I Wear Shirts With Logos or Graphics?
Generally, you should avoid wearing shirts with large logos or graphics at Starbucks, especially if you are a barista. From Starbucks’ point of view, these illustrations might distract customers from the ongoing interaction or, worse, convey unintended messages not aligned with the brand’s values.
Instead, you should follow the dress code guidelines we already discussed:
- A solid color palette is preferred for tops.
- Subdued and muted patterns might be acceptable
- Armpits and midsection must be covered
What Should I Wear To A Starbucks Interview?
Although Starbucks maintains a casual work environment, they still expect a professional and polished appearance from applicants. So I suggest business casual:
Tops
Opt for solid-colored button-down shirts, blouses, or turtlenecks. Graphic tees or anything revealing should be crossed out from your list.
Bottoms
Khaki pants, dress pants, or a skirt of appropriate length are good choices. Dark-wash jeans might be acceptable depending on the store culture, but if unsure, you can check with the interviewer beforehand.
Shoes
Closed-toe shoes like dress shoes, loafers, or clean sneakers always work. And the key is being casual without being casual, so overly comfortable footwear like flip-flops and sandals should not even be considered in the first place.
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Conclusion
At Starbucks, you’ve got quite a lot of freedom to express yourself through your outfit. The company is okay with most personal styles (even visible tattoos or facings) as long as your outfit is professional and not too flashy or revealing. That’s quite a relief!
Drop me a line if you still feel unsure, or contact your manager to discuss this before your first workday.