Starbucks Faces Worker Lawsuits Over Dress Code Costs

Starbucks is facing class-action lawsuits in Illinois, Colorado, and potentially California, as employees claim the coffee giant violated labor laws by enforcing a stricter dress code without reimbursing them for new clothing.

The policy, implemented on May 12, mandates solid black shirts, khaki or denim bottoms, waterproof shoes, and bans face tattoos, multiple facial piercings, tongue piercings, and theatrical makeup.

Starbucks provided two free shirts but employees argue this does not cover the full costs of complying, which they say are significant.

The company defends the changes as a way to create a consistent and welcoming customer experience across its stores.

The lawsuits come amid ongoing unionization efforts and broader labor disputes, highlighting tensions between Starbucks’ corporate standards and worker rights.

Employees contend that the previous dress code, which allowed patterned shirts and more personal expression, was more reasonable, and that non-compliance with the new rules now prevents them from starting shifts.