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Starbucks is making a big change to what its workers wear. Starting May 12, baristas in North America will need to wear plain black shirts under their famous green aprons.

This is part of the company's plan to make the brand feel more familiar and inviting again.

According to CNN, the new dress code also limits pants to black, khaki, or blue denim. Before, workers could wear navy, gray, or brown.

Starbucks says these updates will make things simpler and help the green apron stand out more to customers.

"Our partners are the face of our brand, and our iconic green apron has always been a special part of what makes us unique," Starbucks said in a press release. "The new dress code helps us create a consistent coffeehouse experience."

This change comes as Starbucks tries to win back customers. The company's sales have been dropping for the past four quarters. Some customers have been put off by high drink prices and long lines.

Others are unhappy about how the company treats its workers. Many stores have voted to unionize, and employees are asking for better pay, schedules, and benefits.

Union Pushes Back as Starbucks Updates Dress Code

The union, Workers United, says Starbucks should be focused on making fair deals with workers, not updating dress rules.

"Starbucks' top priority should be finalizing fair contracts with union baristas," said Jasmine Leli, a barista and union representative. "We've asked Starbucks not to change the dress code at union stores until bargaining is finished."

Still, Starbucks is moving forward with several updates. It has already made changes like cutting down its menu, reducing wait times, and bringing back things customers liked—like doodles on cups and free refills.

The company even tweaked its name to "The Starbucks Coffee Company" to remind people it's all about coffee, Today said.

New CEO Brian Niccol has led these changes since joining in September 2024. He said there's still work to do but believes things are getting better. "We're on the right track," Niccol shared during a recent earnings call.

Baristas will also receive a free company-branded T-shirt as part of the new dress code. The updated look is meant to help them focus on making great drinks and connecting with customers.