Starbucks Updates Dress Code to Let Iconic Green Apron Take Center Stage

The green apron worn by Starbucks employees has become a recognizable symbol of the coffee chain, even inspiring a coffee blend named after it.

Now, the company is updating its employee dress code to ensure the apron takes center stage and offers a consistent customer experience across all locations.

New Uniform Guidelines Begin May 12

Effective May 12, Starbucks employees will be required to wear solid black tops—either short- or long-sleeved crew-neck, collared, or button-up shirts.

For bottoms, workers must wear khaki, black, or blue denim. These updates, shared via the company’s website, aim to standardize employee appearance and reinforce the visual identity of the brand.

The change comes shortly after Starbucks Workers United—the union representing staff at over 525 U.S. stores—sent a letter urging the company to delay dress code alterations at union-represented stores until collective bargaining concludes.

Union Pushback on the New Policy

“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 operations,” stated Jasmine Leli, a barista of three years and union bargaining delegate.

“They’re forcing baristas to pay for new clothes when we’re struggling as it is on Starbucks wages and without guaranteed hours. They’re spending money and time to force baristas into a specific cultural vision that is counter to building an authentic, inclusive ‘third place’ where workers and customers can feel like they belong.”

In response, Starbucks emphasized its ongoing commitment to working with the union.

The company noted that it had engaged in over nine bargaining sessions totaling 20 days and participated in three mediation sessions across five days with a federal mediator.

“We’ve reached over 30 meaningful agreements on hundreds of topics Workers United delegates told us were important to them,” the company stated.

“Starbucks remains committed to good faith bargaining to reach a framework for single store contracts for our partners represented by the union.”

Starbucks to Provide Free Branded Shirts

To support the dress code transition, Starbucks announced it would supply employees with two branded T-shirts at no cost.

“By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners,” the company’s statement read.

“Which means they can focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers.”

This adjustment aligns with Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” initiative under CEO Brian Niccol, who took over in August.

A Broader Strategy for Brand Revival

Since assuming leadership, Niccol has introduced multiple changes aimed at streamlining operations and reviving Starbucks’ image.

He simplified the menu to reduce employee workload and customer wait times, removed extra charges for nondairy milk, and brought back positive messages on coffee cups.

The uniform update is another part of his strategy to rejuvenate the company, which has experienced declining sales for four consecutive quarters.

As some customers have stopped visiting due to rising prices and longer wait times, hundreds of stores have moved to unionize, seeking better pay, benefits, and work conditions.

Ongoing Criticism from Union Representatives

Workers United remains critical of the timing and focus of the changes. “Starbucks’ top priority should be finalizing fair contracts with union baristas so we have the staffing, guaranteed hours, and support we need to do our jobs,” said Leli.

“Workers United has written to Starbucks demanding no dress code change be implemented at union-represented stores until bargaining concludes.”

More Changes Under Niccol’s Leadership

The updated dress code is just one of several reforms under Niccol’s leadership. Earlier this year, the company cut about 30% of its menu to enhance efficiency and reduced wait times.

It also laid off 1,000 corporate employees as part of its restructuring efforts.

Niccol has also taken steps to reshape the atmosphere inside stores. These include limiting restroom access to paying customers, updating the brand’s name to “Starbucks Coffee Company” to reinforce its identity, and reinstating barista-doodled cups and self-serve milk and sugar stations.

While Niccol admitted during the latest earnings call that “there’s still room for improvement,” he remains optimistic about Starbucks’ trajectory.

He stated that the changes introduced so far have received a “positive response” from customers.

The effectiveness of these efforts is expected to be reflected in the company’s upcoming earnings report in the next few weeks.