The Walmart Dress Code: Here’s Exactly How it ALL Works
If you’re about to start working at Walmart, or about to go for an interview, you’re probably curious about the Walmart dress code. Although Walmart is by no means a “fancy place”, they still have certain dress code guidelines that employees must follow. Fortunately there dress code is, for the most part, fairly flexible, here’s everything you need to know.
What Exactly is the Walmart Dress Code?
Walmart’s dress code is overall fairly flexible and comfortable.
Here’s a breakdown of their dress code (according to Walmart’s website):
1. All associates can wear ANY color of denim.
2. Employees can wear any color or pattern shirt.
3. All employees, including management, can wear sneakers.
Employees still must wear the classic Walmart vest and a name tag of course, but otherwise, the Walmart dress code is more relaxed than most other stores.
PRO TIP: DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC ATTIRE
Certain departments, such as the deli or bakery, may require additional safety gear like hairnets or gloves.
If you get hired in one of these departments, ensure you’re aware of and comply with these specific requirements to maintain safety and hygiene standards.
See Also: Walmart Employee Discount: An Easy Way to Save an Extra 10%
Some Jeans Are Okay
Walmart employees can wear jeans (of any color) any day of the week.
But keep in mind, your jeans CANNOT have any rips or holes in them.
You also CAN’T wear yoga pants or leggings to work.
WHAT ABOUT JEGGINGS?
While you cannot wear yoga pants to work, you CAN wear jeggings at Walmart. I’ve had several employees tell me that jeggings are fine and on the approved clothing list.
This makes sense as you really can’t tell the difference between jeans and jeggings unless you feel the material.
Any Color Denim is Fine
Employees can wear any color of denim.
So, whether you love a classic pair of blue jeans, or want to switch it up with some green or red jeans, any color will do.
A Blue Shirt is Not Required
Employees at Walmart can wear any color shirt.
Although employees used to have to wear ONLY a blue shirt, Walmart has since made changes so that now employees can wear any color or patterned shirt.
You CANNOT wear a tank top, halter top, or shirt with spaghetti straps.
See Also: Does Walmart Drug Test? Here’s Everything You NEED to Know
PRO TIP: STANCE ON JEWELRY
While they allow employees to wear jewelry, I had a Walmart assistant manager tell me that it’s advisable to keep it “minimal and non-distracting”.
I was also told to avoid large or dangling pieces that could pose safety hazards, especially in roles involving machinery or physical tasks.
Some Employees Can Wear Shorts
Specifically, the only employees that are allowed to wear shorts are parking lot attendants and employees who work in the garden department, and that’s on a store-by-store basis.
Also, if you like capris, you’re in luck as Walmart is okay with ladies wearing them.
Walmart is Relaxed on Your Shirt
Walmart is fairly relaxed on the type of shirt you can wear to ensure you feel comfortable.
That being said, you obviously cannot wear any revealing or unprofessional, or any shirts that show evident signs of rips, display inappropriate language, are racist in nature, etc.
Therefore, when in doubt, you can always stick to your favorite solid colored t-shirt and be safe.
Shoes Must Be Closed Toe
Employees can essentially wear ANY shoes or sneakers that they feel comfortable in.
In other words, employees don’t necessarily have to wear formal shoes but they MUST be closed toe AND have a back on them (Thanks Pat for the tip!).
Employees can wear sneakers that offer much-needed comfort after long shifts standing and walking around the store.
WHAT ABOUT HOODIES AND SWEATPANTS?
No dice on either. While you can wear a sweatshirt that doesn’t have a hood, you can’t wear anything with a hood attached to it. I was also told that some mangers are okay with you wearing a hood as long as you leave it tucked under your vest. Sweatpants not being allowed can’t be a surprise to anyone.
What Should I Wear to My Walmart Interview?
Business casual.
Although as a Walmart employee, you can wear virtually “anything” (given it is professional/ not too revealing or inappropriate), with interviews it’s likely best to take a more professional approach.
While there is no specific rule of what you can and cannot wear to a Walmart interview, here are some pointers on what you could wear to look and dress your best.
For example for men, consider wearing khakis and a regular buttoned-down or pullover.
For women, consider wearing dress pants and a blouse.
It’s best to be safe than sorry and dress the more business casual approach than looking like you just rolled out of bed.
See Also: All The 160+ Walmart Stores That Have Closed Recently
Some Employees Can Wear a Hat
Most employees can wear hats, except cashiers.
The caveat is that the hat MUST be provided by Walmart.
Cashiers are NOT allowed to wear any sort of hat or headgear.
Employees that are not cashiers are only allowed to wear “baseball style” hats that Walmart provides.
PRO TIP: CULTURAL ATTIRE
If you require specific attire for cultural or religious reasons, discuss accommodations with your manager or HR department to ensure compliance with company policies while respecting your needs.
After talking to a Walmart assistant manager, here are 10 examples that you might have questions about:
- Hijabs or Headscarves: Muslim employees may request to wear a hijab as part of their religious practice. Walmart policies typically allow for this, provided it adheres to safety requirements.
- Turbans: Sikh employees may wear turbans as a part of their faith. These can be accommodated if they do not interfere with safety or job duties.
- Kippahs or Yarmulkes: Jewish employees might wear a kippah (yarmulke) as part of their religious observance. This is usually allowed as long as it complies with safety regulations.
- Beards for Religious Reasons: Some religions, such as Islam and Sikhism, may require men to maintain beards. These are typically accommodated unless a specific role requires facial coverings or other safety measures.
- Modest Clothing: Employees from various religious backgrounds, such as Orthodox Jews or Christians, might request to wear long skirts or dresses instead of pants as a form of modest attire and I was told that is completely fine.
- Special Garments for Prayer: Employees might request to wear garments that facilitate or accommodate prayer, such as shawls or specific loose-fitting attire, especially during breaks.
- Cultural Jewelry or Symbols: Religious necklaces, bracelets, or rings, such as a crucifix or a Star of David, may be worn as long as they comply with safety guidelines.
- Footwear Exceptions: Some religions require specific footwear (or the absence of it, such as in Jainism) for observance. Employees might request modifications or accommodations.
- Head Coverings for Modesty: In addition to hijabs or turbans, other head coverings, like Amish prayer caps or bandanas for Rastafarian practices, may be requested.
- Distinctive Cultural Attire: Certain employees might request to wear cultural clothing, like a saree or a dashiki, as an expression of cultural heritage and religious practice.
If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the dress code, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification to ensure you’re in compliance and to avoid potential issues.
Does Management Have to Wear “Dress Shoes” Only?
No.
Management doesn’t have to wear dress shoes if they don’t want to.
Management, like other Walmart employees, can wear sneakers.
What About Body Piercings?
For the most part, employees can wear body piercings.
However, body piercings cannot be unhygienic in any way or be distracting to customers.
Also, you may be asked to remove your facial piercing if you’re working in a food prep or fresh food area.
Can I Have Visual Tattoos?
Yes.
Walmart employees can have visible tattoos.
That being said, your tattoo cannot be inappropriate or disturbing in any way.
Can I Have a Red Mohawk Haircut?
No.
While Walmart is okay with you dyeing your hair, it must be a natural color and not distracting to shoppers.
Can I Have a Big Ol’ Beard?
Yes.
Walmart is fine with you having facial hair, but it must well groomed and not look like sasquatch.
Ask the Reader: Do you have any insight into the Walmart dress code that I may have missed? Let me know, thanks.
By Kyle James
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)
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