For some, the workplace uniform is an important aspect that determines whether they want to work there. If you live in an area that gets sweltering summers, this might be true for you. While some companies allow wearing shorts in the workplace, others have restrictive dress codes that prohibit it.
Here are 11 jobs that allow wearing shorts:
- Target
- Amazon Warehouse
- Lowes
- Home Depot
- Kroger
- Chipotle
- Sam’s Club
- FedEx
- UPS
- Old Navy
- Starbucks
And 9 that don’t:
- Walmart
- Walgreens
- Subway
- Safeway
- Publix
- Panera
- Chick-fil-A
- Mcdonalds
- Taco Bell
Even when shorts are allowed, there are often limitations on things like length, color, and material. Read on to learn more about jobs that don’t allow wearing shorts, those that do, and the restrictions applied when shorts are allowed.
What Jobs Allow Wearing Shorts?
Retail and fast food jobs offered by the likes of UPS, Starbucks, Target, and Chipotle allow wearing shorts. Ultimately, the employer has the final say on what can be worn to work. Some companies have strict dress code policies, others not so much.
Lets review the most common jobs in the US that allow their employees to wear shorts:
1. Does Target Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
If you’re a regular at Target, you’re probably familiar with the red shirt uniform. However, not many people pay attention to the rest of the uniform. While Target had a strict policy on khaki shorts or pants, the company recently announced that jeans are allowed at the workplace.
What about shorts?
Target does allow employees to wear shorts, as long as they’re not too short. While most stores only allow cart attendants to wear khaki shorts, some allow other workers to wear shorts as well. However, specific stores may differ on the employee dress code.
So not only can you wear shorts (given that they’re not too short) at many of the stores, but you can wear denim as well. Still, you might want to ask your specific Target management before wearing shorts to work, as the policy on shorts may vary with each store.
2. Does Amazon Warehouse Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Amazon stresses being comfortable and safe in the warehouse, so the dress code is relatively relaxed. However, some clothing is seen as unsafe in the warehouse. Does that include shorts?
Amazon Warehouse does allow employees to wear shorts. There are few clothing restrictions in the Amazon Warehouse, as they allow their employees to wear what makes them comfortable. However, inappropriate clothes like extremely short shorts or hanging items are not allowed.
3. Does Lowes Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
When shopping at Lowes, you’ll notice all employees wearing the signature Lowe’s vest. Employees are usually dressed differently, as the vest is the only “uniform” given to employees. But does this mean the company allows its employees to wear shorts?
Lowes allows employees to wear shorts. While the Lowes vest is a requirement, most Lowes stores will allow employees to wear whatever they’re comfortable in, as long as it’s appropriate. Jeans and khakis are allowed, but closed-toed shoes are required.
4. Does Home Depot Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Like Lowes, Home Depot doesn’t give its employees a full uniform aside from the orange apron. The dress code is more relaxed. But while employees can wear their own clothes, there are still restrictions.
Home Depot allows employees to wear shorts, as long as the shorts don’t go more than four inches above the knee. Employees are required to wear their orange apron, but they can wear any shirt and pants provided they’re appropriate and don’t have any logos.
5. Does Kroger Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Many Krogers allow employees to wear what’s comfortable and appropriate, as long as they wear their apron and name tag. But does this include shorts?
Kroger does allow employees to wear shorts- especially front-end workers. Some Krogers might be more strict on this rule than others. However, most allow their employees to wear shorts as long as they’re work-appropriate. The shorts can’t be too short or ripped.
6. Does Chipotle Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
While Chipotle higher-ups have a say on what uniforms stores can allow, each store can set their own guidelines, as long as it doesn’t look bad on the company.
Some Chipotle stores allow employees to wear shorts. The dress code for Chipotle depends on each store. While some stores only allow employees to wear jeans or khakis, others allow shorts provided employees wear their Chipotle hat and shirt.
7. Does Sam’s Club Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
If you’ve ever been to Sam’s Club, you’ll know they don’t have a set uniform. Still, employees are expected to wear appropriate clothes, meaning there are some restrictions.
Sam’s Club allows employees to wear shorts not higher than two inches above the knee. Sam’s Club also prohibits rips or frays in any pants, as well as low-hanging pants that might show undergarments. Therefore, shorts should be long, contain no tears, and cover underwear.
8. Does FedEx Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
The FedEx company has various jobs and different dress codes for each position, depending on overall safety and comfort. So, what’s the stance on shorts?
FedEx does allow employees to wear shorts, especially handlers and couriers. Shorts are part of the courier uniform, and handlers can wear whatever is comfortable provided they have closed-toe shoes for safety. However, the clothes must be appropriate, so shorts can’t be too short.
9. Does UPS Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Whether as a package handler or courier, working at UPS can mean getting sweaty in hot temperatures. Because of this, many employees would rather wear shorts to work. But is this allowed?
UPS allows employees to wear shorts. Couriers have shorts as part of their uniform, and package handlers can wear whatever is comfortable, as long as it’s not too loose-fitting. Generally, UPS allows most employees to wear whatever pants they’re most comfortable in.
10. Does the Old Navy Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Most companies want their employees to dress nice at clothing stores, but not necessarily business casual. While wearing the Old Navy brand while working there might not be necessary, dressing nice but casual is still required.
The Old Navy does allow employees to wear shorts. As it’s a clothing store, the dress code is very casual. However, they don’t allow employees to wear any other brand’s clothing to work. With shorts, the general rule is not to wear anything shorter than six inches.
11. Does Starbucks Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
You won’t see baristas in a strict uniform most of the time, and the Starbucks workforce is no exception. Coffee shops typically allow employees to dress casually and comfy, but Starbucks’ stance on shorts isn’t always clear.
Starbucks allows employees to wear shorts, as long as they don’t have loud patterns, rips, or distress. Starbucks’ dress code consists of warmer colors, so no bright patterns are permitted. A comfortable fit is required, so the shorts can’t be too big (baggy) or too small.
What Jobs Don’t Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Although many jobs (such as retail) allow their employees to wear shorts, not all do. Some jobs prefer their employees to dress more professionally, which means shorts are a no-go.
Here are 9 jobs that don’t allow employees to wear shorts:
- Walmart
- Walgreens
- Subway
- Safeway
- Publix
- Panera
- Chick-fil-A
- Mcdonalds
- Taco Bell
Let’s find out which of these jobs are stricter on their dress code and what it often consists of.
1. Does Walmart Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Walmart is known for being a laid-back, casual place to buy anything you could need. However, that doesn’t necessarily make Walmart casual enough to allow employees to wear shorts to work.
Walmart doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. Some Walmart outlets allow the employees in the Garden Center to wear shorts. However, jeans or khakis are typically required. The pants must not have any rips or holes.
2. Does Walgreens Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
While Walgreens is a great store to stop in and pick up quick items, it also has a pharmacy. So, business casual wear is what Walgreens’ dress code consists of.
Walgreens doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. Walgreens’ dress code policy is business casual, so dress pants or skirts are permitted. The pants can be made of cotton, polyester, or wool. Denim is not allowed.
3. Does Subway Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Like many fast food restaurants, Subway typically has a dress code in place. However, the dress code can differ depending on the store. So, what’s the general rule on shorts?
Subway generally doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. Employees may wear shorts from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the shorts must be black. While the rules in specific stores may differ, black denim pants are the typical uniform.
4. Does Safeway Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Safeway is strict on uniforms and dress codes. Many of the employees can be seen wearing dress slacks. But does that rule out shorts for employees?
Safeway doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. Employees must wear dress slacks that reach the top of the shoe. While women can wear skirts, they can’t be more than one inch above the knee. Denim, cotton, and corduroy fabrics are prohibited at Safeway.
5. Does Publix Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
While Publix is considered a supermarket, the employees are expected to dress nice. This includes business casual wear. Publix employees are typically given a uniform; some may require you to purchase your own pants.
Publix doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. The Publix dress code is business casual, consisting of a polo shirt and black dress pants. Since shorts are not considered business casual, they’re not permitted to wear while working at Publix.
6. Does Panera Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
The inside of Panera feels classy yet comfy, and the employees follow that feeling when it comes to their uniforms. Employees are expected to wear a specific uniform to keep the classy, more business casual feel of Panera.
Panera doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. The Panera Bread uniform is business casual, meaning shorts of any kind are prohibited. The dress code for employees at Panera Bread consists of dark pants (including jeans) or khakis with the Panera shirt.
7. Does Chick-fil-A Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Chick-fil-A is known for being polite and professional. So, when it comes to uniforms, the same is expected.
Chick-fil-A doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. Chick-fil-A is one of the most strict fast-food restaurants when it comes to appearance and dress code. Employees must wear polos, a company hat, and black or gray Oobe pants. The restaurant also requires employees to wear an Oobe belt.
8. Does McDonald’s Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Given Mcdonald’s reputation as a fast food chain, many who end up working there are surprised to learn that they’re actually pretty strict on dress code. Every Mcdonald’s is different, but the corporate-ordered uniforms are always the same.
McDonald’s doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts on grounds that they’re unsafe in the workplace. The Mcdonald’s uniform consists of a McDonald’s shirt, hat or visor, non-slip shoes, and black pants. The black pants can be made of a khaki material, such as Dickies’ pants.
Dickies is a popular brand that many companies use as their uniform. Not only do they make comfortable and business casual pants, but they also have great options for both men and women. Men’s Dickies pants can have a cargo, jean, or regular look, while Women’s Dickies pants are business casual and wrinkle resistant.
9. Does Taco Bell Allow Employees to Wear Shorts?
Taco Bell is considered fast food. However, like McDonald’s, Taco Bell has relatively strict rules when it comes to employee dress code, including what pants are and aren’t allowed while working.
Taco Bell doesn’t allow employees to wear shorts. Some Taco Bell stores provide pants along with a shirt, and others don’t. When pants aren’t provided, employees must wear black Taco Bell-approved pants. Some stores allow black jeans, but most require black dress pants and a black belt.
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