Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to figuring out what to wear. If you‘re considering working at Dairy Queen, or have recently been hired, you‘ll want to familiarize yourself with the company‘s dress code policies. While exact requirements may vary by location, there are some general guidelines all DQ employees are expected to follow. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Dairy Queen‘s dress code in 2022.
Understanding Dairy Queen‘s Uniform Policy
One of the first things to know is that Dairy Queen provides employees with several uniform pieces at no cost to you. According to the company‘s new hire packet, your uniform will include:
- A Dairy Queen shirt with the DQ logo
- An apron
- A name tag
- A hat or visor
All of these items are considered part of your required uniform and should be worn during shifts as directed by your manager. Exact uniform requirements can differ between locations since most Dairy Queens are independently owned and operated franchises. However, you can expect to wear at least the DQ shirt and name tag.
It‘s important that your uniform pieces are kept clean and in good condition. If a uniform item becomes damaged or heavily soiled, let your manager know so you can get a replacement. Wearing a neat, professional uniform helps you represent the Dairy Queen brand well.
Research has shown that employee uniforms can have a significant impact on worker morale and performance. A study published in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research found that when employees felt positively about their uniforms, they reported higher levels of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Conversely, uncomfortable or impractical uniforms led to lower employee morale.
Footwear Requirements for Dairy Queen Employees
Proper footwear is extremely important in a food service environment like Dairy Queen for both safety and comfort. Standing for long periods and walking on sometimes slippery surfaces means you need shoes with good support and slip-resistant soles.
Dairy Queen requires all employees to wear black, non-slip shoes. This policy is in line with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations for restaurant workers. Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury in the food service industry. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that slips, trips, and falls accounted for 24% of injuries in the accommodation and food services sector in 2019.
Fortunately, Dairy Queen makes it easy for employees to obtain appropriate footwear through their shoe program partnership with Shoes for Crews (SFC). When you order SFC shoes through Dairy Queen‘s program, you can pay for them through two payroll deductions. Even better, DQ will kick in $15 towards your shoe purchase, covering more than half the cost of the basic suggested style. To access the DQ shoe program, ask your manager for details.
Of course, you‘re also free to purchase black, non-slip shoes from other retailers. Walmart, Payless, and many uniform stores carry affordable options. Just be sure the shoes you select meet DQ‘s color and slip-resistance requirements.
Pants, Shorts, and Jeans at Dairy Queen
When it comes to pants and shorts, Dairy Queen‘s policies are a bit more variable. Your location may require black slacks, allow jeans, or even have shorts as an option. Again, since most DQs are franchises, the owner has some discretion over the bottoms employees wear.
Generally, if jeans are permitted, they should be free of rips, holes, fraying and not be overly baggy or tight. If shorts are allowed, they typically must fall at or below the knee. Your best bet is to choose a neat, comfortable pair of black slacks as your go-to bottoms. Stores like Old Navy and Target have great options at affordable prices.
One common question is whether leggings or yoga pants are acceptable. While you may get away with wearing them under a long shirt at some locations, it‘s safer not to assume. Stick to pants or shorts in the styles outlined by your manager to ensure you‘re always in compliance with the dress code.
Hair, Hats, and Hygiene at Dairy Queen
In any food service job, it‘s crucial that hair is kept neat and out of the way for sanitary reasons. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code, which provides the basis for state and local food safety regulations, specifies that food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings or nets, beard restraints, and clothing that covers body hair, that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food.
Many Dairy Queen locations have specific policies around hair, including:
- Hair should be kept clean and neatly styled, not falling into the face
- Long hair should be pulled back into a ponytail or bun
- Hats or visors must be worn as part of the uniform
- Unnatural hair colors like blue or purple are not permitted
- Facial hair must be neatly trimmed
If you have long hair, it‘s a good idea to keep a supply of hair ties on hand. Look for styles that fit comfortably under your DQ hat. If you color your hair an unnatural shade, you may need to switch to a natural color for work.
Good personal hygiene habits are also a must. Be sure to shower regularly, wear deodorant, and avoid strong perfumes or colognes that could interfere with food. Nails should be kept short and clean, with no polish or artificial nails.
Tattoos, Piercings, and Jewelry
Policies around visible tattoos and piercings have been shifting in recent years as body art becomes more mainstream. However, many employers still place restrictions around these for customer-facing roles. At Dairy Queen, rules about tattoos and piercings vary widely by location.
A 2016 survey by the Harris Poll found that 29% of Americans have at least one tattoo, up from 21% just four years prior. Despite the rising popularity of tattoos, many workplaces still have conservative views on visible ink. Starbucks, for example, only began allowing visible tattoos in 2014 as part of an updated dress code.
Some DQ owners may allow visible tattoos as long as the content isn‘t offensive or inappropriate. Others may require all tattoos to be covered during shifts. If you have tattoos that would be hard to cover, it‘s best to ask about the policy at your location before accepting a job.
For food safety reasons, many restaurants have strict rules around jewelry, especially on the hands and wrists. The FDA Food Code prohibits food employees from wearing jewelry on their arms and hands, with the exception of a plain ring such as a wedding band. Facial jewelry like nose rings or septum piercings may need to be removed or covered with a small bandage. Ear piercings are usually permitted as long as they‘re not distracting.
To play it safe, avoid wearing rings, bracelets, and watches to your DQ shifts. If you have a facial piercing that can‘t be removed, keep a supply of bandages in your uniform. Covering jewelry ensures you won‘t lose valuable items in food and protects customers from potential contamination.
Tips for Staying Comfortable in Your Dairy Queen Uniform
Working at Dairy Queen often means long shifts on your feet, frequently going between warm kitchens and chilly freezers. Dressing comfortably can help you stay focused on the job at hand. Here are a few tips for maximizing comfort in your DQ uniform:
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Wear moisture-wicking socks and underwear to help manage sweat. Look for performance fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin.
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Choose a supportive sports bra or bralette to prevent back and shoulder pain. Avoid underwires which can dig in and irritate.
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Select lightweight layers like t-shirts or thermals to wear under your uniform polo when working in the freezer. Avoid bulky sweatshirts that make it hard to move.
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Treat your feet to gel insoles or padded socks if you find yourself with tired, achy feet after shifts. Proper arch support can make a world of difference.
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Consider slip-on or zip-up shoes in addition to lace-up options. After a long shift, you‘ll be glad you can kick your shoes off quickly!
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Keep a stick of deodorant in your locker to freshen up on your breaks if needed. Feeling clean and dry will help you power through your shift.
A Professional Look Matters
Even though much of your job will be behind the scenes, it‘s still important to maintain a neat, professional image. How you dress reflects on both you and the Dairy Queen brand.
A clean, pressed uniform shows you take pride in your job. Wearing your hat and apron properly demonstrates respect for food safety guidelines. Covering piercings and tattoos may feel constricting, but it puts the focus on friendly, attentive service.
The colors you wear can even influence your mood and the way customers perceive you. Dairy Queen‘s red and white color scheme is no accident. Red has been shown to stimulate appetite, while white conveys cleanliness and purity. Wearing these colors subtly reinforces DQ‘s image of tasty, wholesome treats.
When you look your best, you‘ll feel more confident in your customer interactions. Your adherence to the dress code shows your commitment to your work and to the Dairy Queen brand. As Stacy, a former DQ employee in Wisconsin, shares:
"I actually loved my DQ uniform. It was comfortable, practical, and made me feel like part of the team. Even on hot summer days, I felt good knowing I was representing the brand well."
How Does Dairy Queen Compare to Other Fast Food Uniforms?
Compared to other popular fast food chains, Dairy Queen‘s dress code lands somewhere in the middle in terms of strictness. Restaurants like McDonald‘s and Burger King tend to have very specific, formal uniform requirements that leave little room for personalization.
On the other end of the spectrum, "fast casual" chains like Chipotle and Panera Bread allow employees significant leeway in their clothing as long as it meets basic standards. Chipotle workers can wear any solid color shirt, for example.
Dairy Queen falls between these two approaches. While you‘ll have a required uniform, details around things like jeans, tattoos, and hair color are somewhat flexible. The key is to get clarity from your manager on your location‘s specific policies.
The Bottom Line
Navigating a new dress code is just one of many things to figure out when you start a job at Dairy Queen. By familiarizing yourself with the company‘s general policies and your location‘s specific requirements, you‘ll set yourself up for success.
Remember, your DQ managers want you to look and feel your best on the job. If you have any questions about the dress code, just ask! A positive attitude and a commitment to following guidelines will serve you well.
With comfortable, slip-resistant shoes, a neat uniform, and a professional demeanor, you‘ll be ready to scoop ice cream, make Blizzards, and delight Dairy Queen guests for years to come.
As you embrace your new role, take pride in being part of a company that‘s been serving up sweet treats and smiles for over 80 years. Your crisp uniform and bright smile carry on a legacy of quality, service, and cleanliness that began back in 1940. By presenting your best self, you have the opportunity to make every customer‘s day a little bit brighter.
