Starbucks Workers in 3 States Sue Over Company’s New Dress Code

Starbucks is facing a new wave of legal trouble as workers in California, Colorado, and Illinois filed lawsuits challenging the company’s latest dress code.

Employees argue the policy forces them to pay out of pocket for uniform items, violating state labor laws that require reimbursement for work-related expenses.

What the New Dress Code Requires

The dress code, introduced earlier this year, goes beyond the iconic green apron. Baristas are now required to wear standardized polo shirts, darker-toned pants, and company-approved shoes, along with the updated apron design (CBS News). The aim was to create a more consistent brand identity across thousands of stores.

The Cost Burden on Workers

Employees claim these changes impose significant costs on a workforce already struggling with low wages. Purchasing multiple new items to comply with the uniform guidelines adds up quickly, with some baristas reporting that their paychecks are being stretched thinner than ever (Independent).

A Part of “Back to Starbucks”

The dress code overhaul is part of a broader corporate initiative called “Back to Starbucks,” introduced in 2024. The program sought to modernize every aspect of the coffeehouse experience, from store design to branding standards (Starbucks). While executives positioned it as a reset for the brand, workers saw it as another burden.

Worker Pushback Escalates

Even before the lawsuits, the rollout sparked protests. Earlier this year, Starbucks baristas staged strikes at several locations, calling the dress code “tone deaf” and demanding the company cover uniform costs. The legal filings show those frustrations have now escalated into a coordinated challenge.

Legal Grounds for the Suit

Attorneys representing the workers argue that state laws clearly require reimbursement for employee expenses tied to company policies. California, Colorado, and Illinois have strict statutes protecting workers in such cases, which could make Starbucks vulnerable in court.

Starbucks’ Official Response

The company has defended the new policy, saying it is committed to compliance and believes the dress code reflects its brand identity and customer experience. A Starbucks spokesperson emphasized that the company has worked to ensure fairness, though the lawsuits suggest a sharp disconnect between corporate leadership and employees’ realities.

Unions and Advocates Weigh In

Labor advocates and union organizers have pointed to the lawsuits as evidence of the growing tension between Starbucks and its employees. They argue that while the company invests heavily in rebranding, it risks overlooking the basic financial well-being of its baristas (USA Today).

Dress Code Battles Beyond Starbucks

The dispute also highlights a recurring issue in the service industry: who pays for uniforms? From restaurants to retail, lawsuits over uniform expenses have been a recurring flashpoint, often exposing gaps between corporate branding efforts and worker protections.

Image vs. Workforce Loyalty

Starbucks’ brand depends on its employees as much as its coffee. The lawsuits raise the question of whether the company can modernize its image without alienating its workforce. How this conflict plays out will influence not just Starbucks’ reputation, but also how service giants handle the balance between corporate identity and employee rights.