Costco wants its employees to look professional but be comfortable. If you’re thinking about applying, or about to start your job, understanding the Costco dress code is important. The last thing you want to do is show up for your interview or first day of work and not be in compliance.

Costco doesn’t have a clear-cut dress code policy other than “clean, professional, and neat”.

With that said, here’s a breakdown of what we found out about Costco’s current dress code.

– You cannot wear anything with holes, rips, tears, or fringes.

– No tank tops or sleeveless shirts.

– No t-shirts, hoodies, or any shirt without a collar.

– No workout clothing.

– No shorts, scandals, or short skirts.

– Any brand tennis shoe or sneaker is fine.

In general, employees generally wear some sort of collared shirt with slacks or jeans.

It’s also important to note that some dress codes may vary slightly based on the Costco management in your area.

PRO TIP: WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR COSTCO INTERVIEW

Dressing appropriately for your interview is essential to making a great first impression.

It’s very safe to assume that Costco interviews typically call for a business casual dress code.

Here’s what that means for both men and women.

For Men:

Shirt: A collared button-down shirt or a polo shirt. Avoid t-shirts or anything too casual.
Pants: Khakis, slacks, or dark, well-fitted jeans (no holes or rips).
Shoes: Clean, closed-toe shoes such as loafers, oxfords, or clean sneakers.
Optional: A blazer or sweater can elevate the look, but it’s not required.

For Women:

Top: A blouse, button-down shirt, or neat sweater. Avoid anything too revealing or overly casual (e.g., graphic tees or tank tops).
Bottoms: Slacks, a knee-length skirt, or dark, clean jeans.
Shoes: Flats, low heels, or clean, closed-toe shoes.
Optional: A blazer or cardigan adds polish.

See Also: Does Costco Still Drug Test? We Break It All Down

Jeans Are Perfectly Fine

You can indeed wear jeans to work as a Costco employee and they DON’T have to be Kirkland jeans.

Just make sure the jeans don’t have holes, stains, rips, or overly frayed hems.

Shirts Needs To Have a Collar

Costco prefers their employees to wear a collared shirt.

However, you may be able to get away with wearing a plain t-shirt depending on what Costco location you work at.

PRO TIP: THE BAKERY DRESS CODE

As a bakery worker, there’s no official uniform—you can wear regular street clothes like other employees.

However, you’ll be required to wear an apron, hat, hairnet, and slip-resistant shoes. Also, deli and meat department employees typically wear jackets since they work in a walk-in refrigerator.

Some Hats Are Okay

Employees are only allowed to wear hats that have the Costco Wholesale logo on it.

Employees can also wear religious head coverings, like a hijab or turban.

Parking Lot Attendants Can Definitely Wear Hats

Costco parking lot attendants can wear hats as long as it’s a Costco Wholesale hat.

The hat also cannot be worn backward.

This one varies by location as I’ve seen lot attendant wear floppy hats (without a Costco logo) on hot summer days in my town.

Management at Costco Does NOT Dress Differently

If you are a manager at Costco, you don’t need to dress any differently than other warehouse employees.

However, if you’re a corporate Costco employee, you must wear  business casual clothing.

See Also: 9 Costco Employee Benefits, Perks, and Discounts You GOTTA Know

Costco’s Stance on Facial Piercings

Visible facial piercings, such as nose rings or lip piercings, are generally allowed, provided they are modest, non-distracting, and professional in appearance.

Large hoops, flashy jewelry, or piercings that might pose safety hazards (e.g., in food-handling roles) are typically discouraged.

During interviews or the onboarding process, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution. Opt for a minimal or understated piercing (e.g., a simple nose stud) rather than a noticeable lip ring.

Costco’s Stance on Big Tattoos (Say…on the Neck)

Costco does not have a strict ban on visible tattoos, but the tattoo must not be offensive or disruptive to the professional environment.

Tattoos with vulgar, violent, racist, or otherwise inappropriate content are not allowed. If your tattoo fits within these guidelines, it’s generally acceptable to have it visible.

In customer-facing roles, such as cashier, membership desk, or greeter, there may be additional scrutiny.

With that said, large tattoos on the neck, for example, may be allowed as long as they do not make customers uncomfortable.

If the tattoo is deemed inappropriate or unprofessional, you may be asked to cover it using a scarf, turtleneck, or bandage.

You Typically Can Have a Tattoo Showing on Your Forearm

Again, for the most part, showing tattoos on your forearm is fine as long as it’s not vulgar or inappropriate.

While tattoos are becoming more mainstream these days, it’s important to remember that some Costco managers are stricter than others when it comes to body ink.

That being said, as long as your tattoos are not offensive or inappropriate in any way, you shouldn’t have any issues.

If the tattoo is tied to religious or cultural beliefs, Costco is legally obligated to accommodate it, as long as it doesn’t pose safety concerns or violate other policies.

See Also: Costco’s Price Adjustment Policy: Here’s Exactly How It Works

Stance on Mohawks or Crazy Haircuts

Costco’s stance on mohawks and other unconventional or “crazy” haircuts is generally accommodating, as long as they maintain a clean and professional appearance.

There is no strict prohibition against mohawks, bright colors, or unconventional hairstyles, as long as the hairstyle is not distracting to customers or coworkers.

While mohawks or bright colors are not banned, they should be styled in a way that doesn’t appear unkempt or overly extreme. Meaning a neatly styled mohawk is more likely to be acceptable than a messy or dramatic one.

Just me smart about it and you should be fine.

Ask the Reader: Do you work at Costco and want to correct something in my article? Please do so I can set the record straight for everyone. Drop a comment below.

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)