What is Starbucks' new dress code? Employees across three US states sue the company over alleged non-reimbursable expense

Starbucks is being sued in three states after employees said the company's recently enforced dress code compelled them to buy more clothes without getting reimbursement for them. The lawsuits contend that the policy is in violation of state labor laws and were filed in Illinois and Colorado, with complaints being filed in California as well.

On May 12, 2025, the revised dress code was implemented in all North American shops. Employees are required by the new rules to wear:

1. A solid black shirt that covers the armpits and midriff and has either short or long sleeves (collars are optional).
2. A solid black dress that is no more than four inches above the knee, or denim bottoms that are khaki, black, or blue and have no designs or ragged hems.
3. Shoes made of waterproof material in subtle colors like black, gray, dark blue, brown, tan, or white.
4. Simple hosiery or socks.

Face tattoos, more than one facial piercing, tongue piercings, and "theatrical makeup" are all banned as per the revised dress code. According to the company, the changes were made to improve consistency for customers and highlight the company's recognizable green apron. The company said:

“As part of this change, and to ensure out partners were prepared, partners received two shirts at no cost.”

Although the company provided them with two free shirts that complied with the new guidelines, the employees claim that it was insufficient to cover all the costs.

Employees speak out against the added expenses by Starbucks

As reported by the Independent, a number of employees said that the new dress code forced them to spend money that they didn't have. Full-time student Brooke Allen of a Starbucks in Davis, California, described what happened to her when a manager informed her that her Crocs were no longer up to company's standards. She said:

“I think it’s extremely tone deaf on the company's part to expect their employees to completely redesign their wardrobe without any compensation. A lot of us are already living paycheck to paycheck.”

Before finding suitable shoes that costed her $60.09, Allen claimed she had to visit many places. She then spent an additional $86.95 on apparel. She expressed that this new policy didn't allow her to express herself freely, as she couldn't wear colorful shirts anymore and would have to remove her other facial piercings. She said:

“It looks sad now that everyone is wearing black.”

Gilbert Cruz, another employee in Aurora, Illinois, was denied $10 dollars that he requested for the removal of a nose piercing.

Legal challenges

While workers in California filed complaints with the state's Labor and Workforce Development Agency, class-action lawsuits were launched in Illinois and Colorado. Employees said they will file a class-action lawsuit if the government does not seek sanctions.

According to the claims, Starbucks broke state regulations that mandate businesses reimburse workers for costs linked to their jobs that principally benefit the company. Businesses in Colorado, by law, are forbidden to charge employees such costs without getting their written approval.

The cases come at a time of conflicts between Starbucks and its employees. In recent years, hundreds of unfair labor practice allegations have been brought against the company by Starbucks Workers United, the union that represents around 640 of Starbucks' 10,000 locations in the United States. The organization claimed that collective bargaining ought to have applied to the dress code.

In fact, almost 1,000 employees went on strike at 75 locations in May against the new dress code. Starbucks Workers United is not a direct party in the lawsuit, despite having filed the complaint over the policy back in April.

As of now, Starbucks has not addressed the issue.

Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more information.

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