Soon, when you go in to your local Starbucks for your favorite espresso or latte, you'll notice the baristas will look a little different.
Starbucks announced its dress code for baristas changed. The company did this as part of its "Back to Starbucks" mission to revitalize the cafe experience.
In a statement released by the coffee retailer, it states why they changed the look, "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."
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Starbucks 2025 dress code: What changed?
Starting on May 12, the dress code change will go into effect. Baristas, or what the company calls its partners, will wear the following:
- Solid black crewnecks, button up or collared shirts
- Blue or black denim
- Any shade of khakis
- Starbucks will also issue each barista two, company-branded t-shirts for free
Along with uniformity, the goal behind the change was to make the iconic green aprons stand out more. Starbucks added it will create a sense of familarity for customers.
The coffee giant is looking for ways to revitalize their business after lackluster sales. Starbucks witnessed store sales decline by 4% in the first quarter of 2025.
CEO Brian Niccol said the changes were part of creating a more friendly space, where customers can come and linger.
Starbucks shrinks menu
If you haven't been in a Starbucks recently, you might have missed some familiar items are gone. As part of the focus on improving the customer experience, Starbucks discontinued 13 drinks back in March.
The goal behind this change is to create a more nimble experience for its baristas, which could lower wait times customers have to endure.
Here are the drinks discontinued:
- Frappuccinos: Espresso, Caffe Vanilla, Java Chip, White Chocolate, Chai Creme, Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Double Chocolaty Chip Creme, Chocolate Cookie Crumble Creme, White Chocolate Creme
- Iced Matcha Lemonade
- White Hot Chocolate
- Honey Almondmilk Flat White
- Royal English Breakfast Latte
The bottom line
The Starbucks 2025 dress code changes create a uniformed look for baristas as part of an effort to improve the cafe experience. Along with the uniform changes, Starbucks recently removed 13 drinks from its menu in an effort to speed up service.
Combined, they're hoping to create a friendlier experience that will bring a surge of customers.
Related content
-
How Many IRS Commissioners Have We Gone Through This Year?IRS Who were the former commissioners, and why did they resign? Find out how IRS turnover can impact your taxes.
-
Trump Dials Back Most Tariffs but Targets ChinaThe Kiplinger Letter Wall Street hopes that higher tariffs on most countries are on hold for good. But the trade war between the U.S. and China is heating up.
-
Don’t Get Burned: Six Summer Disasters Your Home Insurance Might Not CoverHome insurance doesn’t cover everything. Learn which disasters require extra coverage — and how to protect your home before it’s too late.
-
How to Store Your Financial Documents the Right WayHaving mountains of financial paperwork take over your home can be frustrating. Here's how to get the mess under control while still having your essential information at your fingertips.
-
First 100 Days: Trump's Impact on Your FinancesHere are some opportunities to consider regarding investing, interest rates and tax cuts as the financial landscape shifts under the new administration.
-
Children Can't Afford to Fly the Nest? Here's How to HelpThe high cost of living means more adult children are staying at home. Here are four ways to help financially so they can eventually spread their wings.
-
How Much Will Car Prices Go Up With Tariffs?Tariffs could drive car prices up even higher, for new and used cars, as well as for American brands.
-
Should You Get Earthquake Insurance?Standard home insurance doesn’t cover earthquakes, but paying extra for earthquake insurance isn’t just for Californians.
-
Five treats to splurge on with your tax refundWant to use your tax refund to splurge on a little something nice this spring? Here are five treats to make the most out of that extra cash.
-
How to Protect Your Privacy While Using AIHow to keep your information and finances safe while using AI, including ChatGPT and Perplexity.
