Starbucks Unveils New Dress Code to Highlight the Iconic Green Apron

Effective May 12, Starbucks is set to introduce a revised dress code across its stores in North America, with a focus on making the renowned green apron the centerpiece of their uniforms. The changes were announced in a recent blog post from the company, indicating a shift toward a more customer-friendly appearance in its stores.

New Dress Code Guidelines

The updated dress code, described as “a more defined color palette,” permits baristas to choose from a limited selection of clothing options. Key features include:

• Short or long-sleeved shirts in black, including collared and button-up styles.
• Bottoms can be in any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim.
• Starbucks plans to introduce a new line of company-branded T-shirts exclusively for employees.

Notably, the dress code still accommodates individual expression, allowing for one facial piercing, a practice that began in 2019 to promote inclusivity among staff members.

Context of the Change

This dress code update is part of a broader strategy implemented by Brian Niccol, who became CEO in September 2024. Under his leadership, the company has introduced various initiatives aimed at boosting sales, which include:

• A 30% reduction in menu items to streamline offerings.
• A commitment to prepare coffee orders within four minutes.
• The practice of writing customer names clearly on cups to enhance personal engagement.

Starbucks and Its Legacy

Starbucks, with a robust presence of over 40,000 locations globally—including nearly 17,000 in the United States—has utilized the green apron as a trademark symbol since 1987. This move to refine the dress code underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming and memorable experience for its customers.

As Starbucks continues to adapt in a competitive market, these changes aim to balance brand identity with a modern approach to employee presentation and customer interaction.