Starbucks tightens dress code for baristas. But why?

Starbucks regulars might notice something different while waiting for their coffee orders. The company is tightening its dress code to better show off its green aprons.

“Since 1987, the green apron has been the symbol for Starbucks Coffee Company, representing the hundreds of thousands of retail partners in North America who connect with customers every day,” the company wrote in a news release. “That’s why, starting May 12, we’re evolving our dress code in all stores to focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine.”

In-store workers will be required to wear solid black short or long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms.

Starbucks employees required to wear darker clothing

Starbucks said it is also making a new line of company-branded t-shirts that will be available to partners.

“By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners, which means they can focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers,” the company wrote.

Earlier this year, Starbucks laid off more than 600 employees from its Seattle headquarters. The company also announced it would reduce its corporate workforce by 1,100 employees and eliminate several hundred open positions.

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