Thinking of applying for a job as a barista and wondering what the current Starbucks dress code is? Or maybe you’re wondering what to wear to your job interview? Or their current stance on tattoos, piercings, and hairstyles. I have a friend who’s been a Starbucks barista for a couple years, and she gave me a bunch of insider tips you WILL NOT find on their corporate website.

While Starbucks does have a dress code, it’s rather casual and flexible.

Employees are required to wear the company’s green apron and clothing pieces that match the apron’s green coloring.

This includes wearing colors like black, gray, navy, brown, and white.

However, employees aren’t allowed to wear clothing that clashes with the apron (i.e. bright pink, orange, etc.).

See Also: 8 Starbucks Employee Benefits You Should Know Before You Apply

Wear An Appropriate Interview Outfit

While there is no “exact outfit” you should to wear to a Starbucks interview, it’s recommended you dress business casual.

This means a nice button-down shirt or blouse, with slacks or khakis, and nice dress shoes or VERY clean sneakers.

Too underdressed (wearing sweatpants) may seem like you don’t care about the interview.

Meanwhile, being overdressed (i.e.. dress and heels or a suit and tie) is too formal and completely unnecessary.

Some Colors Should Be Avoided

While Starbucks states that all colored tops/shirts are permitted, to play it safe when you first get hired, you should avoid any colors that clash with the company’s green apron.

My friend said to definitely stay away from colors such as bright pink, purple, yellow, etc.

Specifically, when it comes to your pants and footwear they NEED to be black, gray, navy, brown, khaki, or white.

PRO TIP: AVOID WHITE PANTS

My friend highly recommended to NOT wear white pants or jeans as they’ll never be white again after your first shift.

All Clothing Materials Are Okay

As long as the material look professional and doesn’t interfere with employees’ work, there doesn’t seem to be any “off limits” materials.

So, employees can wear leather, wool, and denim materials as long as they are professional.

For instance, an employee cannot wear a denim mini skirt to work or baggy jeans that are too revealing.

However, an employee can wear denim jeans that are properly sized, don’t have holes, etc.

See Also: The Starbucks Menu Hacks That’ll Save You BIG

Some Clothing Is Not Allowed

While Starbucks does give its employees flexibility to dress casually and comfortably, this doesn’t mean employees can wear whatever they want.

Starbucks tries to ensure employees are comfortable, while still wearing professional attire that doesn’t pose any safety risks.

Here is a list of clothing items that aren’t allowed to be worn by Starbucks employees:

• Sweatpants
• Hoodies
• Yoga pants
• Open-toed shoes
• Heels
• Baseball hats (unless it’s plain with NO logos on it)

Meanwhile, here’s a list of clothing items that are acceptable to wear as a Starbucks employee.

• Blouses
• Collared shirts
• Turtlenecks
• Jeans (no holes, wide leg is fine though)
• Khaki Pants
• Sneakers
• Skirts (past knee length)

See Also: 9 Clever Ways to Hack the Rewards Program at Starbucks

So a Hoodie is a Hard “No”…Maybe

Depends.

According to my friend you are not allowed to wear a hoodie.

But…she said that if you’re working the drive-thru window, and it’s the middle of winter, her manager ALLOWS employees to wear a hoodie or a winter jacket with a hood.

Surprisingly, Yoga Pants Are Also a No

You cannot wear yoga pants as a Starbucks employee.

Yoga pants are just one of the many clothing items employees cannot wear for appearance and safety concerns.

Not sure what the safety issue is, anybody know?

Hats and Headwear Is Acceptable

You CAN wear headwear that includes a beanie, visor, short-brimmed hat, plain baseball cap, and satin-lined cap.

You’re also permitted to wear head coverings such as a turban, hijab, headwrap as well as a plain or knotted headbands.

Starbucks Stance on Jewelry

Employees are allowed to wear jewelry and multiple ear rings at Starbucks.

As long as the jewelry doesn’t interfere with their work, or food safety standards, it’s fine. (more on this in the Pro Tip below)

This seems to include ear gauges as I’ve seen many Starbucks employees with them. (But I was told that they need to be smaller than a quarter)

PRO TIP: LIMIT JEWELRY ON HANDS

To comply with food safety standards, avoid wearing jewelry on hands or forearms, including watches and wristbands. The only exception is a plain ring without stones or etching.

Jewelry can harbor bacteria and debris, even with frequent handwashing and items like watches, bracelets, or rings with intricate designs can make it harder to thoroughly clean your hands.

Also, I was told that some customers or coworkers may have sensitivities or allergies to metals commonly found in jewelry.

Again, some managers are sticklers to this rule, while some are not. Just be aware.

Facial Piercings and Tattoos Are Allowed

Starbucks does allow their employees to have piercings and tattoos as long as it DOESN’T interfere with their work and is not offensive.

When it comes to facial piercings, the Starbucks corporate policy is to only allow ONE facial piercing.

PRO TIP: YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY

My friend added that her manager does NOT enforce the “One Piercing” policy as she has a couple co-workers with multiple facial piercings and it hasn’t been an issue.

Jeans With Holes or Rips Are a No-No

Starbucks employees are not allowed to wear jeans with holes or rips in them.

This is because while Starbucks supports employees feeling casual and comfortable, they also want to maintain a professional atmosphere.

Most Hairstyles Are Acceptable

There doesn’t appear to be any hairstyles that are deemed off-limits at Starbucks

As long as the employee maintains a sense of professionalism and is hygienic with their hairstyle.

I’ve never seen a Starbucks employee with a mohawk, but I have seen many with very colorful hair.

With that said, it must be a permanent (or semi-permanent) hair color.

You cannot have temporary dyes that might run as that could create a health issue.

You also cannot have glitter in your hair or sprays that could flake off.

Ask the Reader: Do you work at Starbucks? If so, do you think their current dress code is too strict or about right?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)