Starbucks Tightens Dress Code for Baristas, Sparks Pushback from Union

Starting May 12, Starbucks baristas across the U.S. will have to follow a stricter dress code—one that’s already stirring up controversy among employees.

Under the updated guidelines, employees must wear solid black shirts and khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. Shirts can be short- or long-sleeved, and either collared or collarless. To help ease the transition, the company is providing two free T-shirts to each barista.

According to Starbucks, the move is about consistency and customer connection. The company says the simplified dress code will make its iconic green apron pop more and create a more familiar, welcoming environment for customers.

“By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners,” Starbucks said in a blog post. “That means they can focus on what matters most: crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers.”

The change is part of Starbucks’ broader effort to improve the in-store experience after years of shifting customer expectations and operational challenges.

But not all baristas are thrilled. Starbucks Workers United, the union representing employees at over 550 unionized locations, says the company is jumping the gun. The group claims it already negotiated a tentative dress code agreement with Starbucks and is pushing back against any unilateral changes before a final labor agreement is reached.

“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,” said Jasmine Leli, a barista and union delegate.
“They’re forcing baristas to pay for new clothes when we’re struggling as it is on Starbucks wages and without guaranteed hours.”

The new rules mark a pivot from the more relaxed approach Starbucks adopted in recent years. Back in 2016, the company broadened its dress code to allow more self-expression, adding gray, navy, dark denim, and brown shirt options—along with tasteful patterns. In 2019, it even permitted employees to wear a single facial piercing, which is still allowed under the new policy.

Now, Starbucks appears to be dialing things back in the name of consistency.