As a retail and consumer expert with a keen eye for detail, I‘ve long been fascinated by the ways in which company dress codes reflect broader organizational values and priorities. Few retailers have garnered as much attention in this area as Hobby Lobby, the arts and crafts giant known for its conservative Christian ethos. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll take a closer look at Hobby Lobby‘s dress code, exploring its history, policies, and implications for employees, customers, and the retail industry as a whole.
The Evolution of Hobby Lobby‘s Dress Code
Hobby Lobby was founded in 1972 by David Green, a devout Christian who has long sought to run his company according to biblical principles. From the beginning, Green emphasized modesty and professionalism in employee attire. However, the specifics of the dress code have evolved over time.
In the early days, Hobby Lobby‘s dress code was relatively simple: no jeans, no shorts, and no sleeveless shirts. Men were expected to wear collared shirts and women were expected to wear skirts or dresses. Over time, the dress code became more detailed and specific.
According to a 2013 employee handbook obtained by Business Insider, the dress code prohibited visible tattoos, body piercings (other than ear piercings for women), and unnatural hair colors. Men‘s hair could not extend below the collar, and beards and mustaches had to be neatly trimmed. Women‘s skirts had to extend below the knee.
In recent years, there have been some indications that Hobby Lobby may be loosening its dress code slightly. For example, a 2021 job listing for a retail associate position mentioned that "neat, clean jeans" were allowed. However, the company‘s core values of modesty and professionalism remain unchanged.
What Employees Can and Can‘t Wear at Hobby Lobby
So, what exactly can Hobby Lobby employees wear to work? Here‘s a breakdown of the current dress code, based on employee handbooks, job listings, and insider reports:
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Tops: Collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, and polos are all acceptable. T-shirts are allowed as long as they are plain and do not have any graphics or text. No tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or anything too low-cut or revealing.
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Bottoms: Dress pants, khakis, or skirts (below the knee) are required. Neat, clean jeans may be allowed in some locations. No shorts, sweatpants, leggings, or overly tight pants.
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Dresses: Dresses are allowed as long as they are modest and professional, with hemlines below the knee.
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Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are required. Sneakers, loafers, and flats are all acceptable. No flip-flops, sandals, or overly casual footwear.
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Accessories: Ties and simple jewelry are allowed. Hats and head coverings are not permitted unless for religious reasons.
Beyond these basic guidelines, Hobby Lobby also has specific policies around tattoos, piercings, and hair:
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Tattoos: Visible tattoos must be covered up while working, either with clothing or concealer. Some managers may not allow visible tattoos at all.
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Piercings: Most stores allow women to have up to two piercings per ear. Men may be restricted to a single stud or no earrings at all. Facial piercings like nose rings or lip rings are generally not permitted.
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Hair: Hobby Lobby prefers employees to have natural-looking hair colors. Bright colors like pink or blue are usually not allowed, although some managers may make exceptions. Men‘s hair must be neatly trimmed and not extend past the collar.
It‘s worth noting that dress code enforcement can vary somewhat by store location and manager. Some employees have reported being able to wear jeans or have visible tattoos with no issues, while others have been reprimanded for minor violations. However, in general, Hobby Lobby expects all employees to abide by the dress code as written.
Dressing for Different Roles at Hobby Lobby
While the general dress code applies to all Hobby Lobby employees, there are some variations based on specific roles and departments. Here‘s what you need to know:
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Store Associates: Employees who work on the sales floor must follow the standard dress code outlined above. Most associates are also required to wear a branded apron or vest over their clothing.
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Cashiers: Cashiers have the same dress code as other store associates. Comfortable shoes are especially important in this role, as cashiers are on their feet for long periods of time.
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Stock Associates: Employees who work in the stock room or receiving area may have slightly more leeway in their attire, since they don‘t interact with customers. Jeans are more likely to be allowed in these roles. However, all clothing should still be neat, clean, and professional.
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Management: Store managers and assistant managers are expected to set the standard for dress and professionalism. They may wear more formal business attire, such as slacks and button-down shirts. Some managers also wear a special name tag or lanyard to distinguish them from regular associates.
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Corporate Roles: Employees who work at Hobby Lobby‘s corporate headquarters or in other office positions typically have a stricter dress code than store employees. Business professional attire, such as suits and dress shoes, is the norm.
Hobby Lobby‘s Dress Code vs. Other Retailers
Hobby Lobby is known for having one of the strictest dress codes in the retail industry. But how does it compare to other major retailers? Here‘s a quick overview:
| Retailer | Tattoos | Piercings | Hair Color | Jeans Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby | Must be covered | 2 ear piercings max for women | Natural colors only | Sometimes |
| Target | Allowed | Allowed | Any color | Yes |
| Walmart | Allowed | Allowed | Any color | Yes |
| Michaels | Varies by manager | Varies by manager | Natural colors only | No |
| Kohl‘s | Allowed if not offensive | Allowed if not distracting | Any color | Yes |
As you can see, Hobby Lobby stands out for its restrictive policies around tattoos, piercings, hair color, and jeans. Many other retailers have moved towards more relaxed dress codes in recent years, allowing employees to express their personal style while still maintaining a professional appearance.
The Pros and Cons of Hobby Lobby‘s Dress Code
So, is Hobby Lobby‘s dress code a good thing or a bad thing? As with most policies, there are pros and cons to consider.
On the plus side, a strict dress code can help create a cohesive brand image and ensure that all employees are presenting themselves professionally. It may also make customers feel more comfortable and confident in the store environment. Hobby Lobby‘s dress code reflects its values as a company, which some employees and customers appreciate.
However, there are also drawbacks to such a restrictive dress code. It can make it harder for Hobby Lobby to attract and retain employees, especially younger workers who may value self-expression and individuality. A dress code that prohibits tattoos, bright hair colors, and facial piercings may feel outdated or discriminatory to some.
There are also potential legal implications to consider. While employers have the right to set dress codes, they must be careful not to discriminate against employees based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or gender identity. Hobby Lobby has faced criticism and legal challenges in the past for its stances on issues like contraception and LGBTQ+ rights.
Best Practices for Retail Dress Codes
As a retail expert, I believe that the best dress codes strike a balance between upholding company standards and allowing for individual expression. Here are some best practices for retailers to consider:
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Clearly communicate dress code policies to all employees, both verbally and in writing. Make sure guidelines are specific and easy to understand.
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Consider the needs and preferences of your target customers. A dress code that works for a high-end boutique may not be appropriate for a more casual, youth-oriented brand.
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Allow for some level of flexibility and personalization within the dress code. For example, you might allow employees to wear any shade of blue shirt rather than requiring a specific hue.
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Be consistent in enforcing the dress code across all employees and departments. Avoid playing favorites or making exceptions for certain individuals.
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Regularly review and update your dress code policies to ensure they align with current fashion trends, employee feedback, and company values.
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Consider the legal implications of your dress code, and make sure it does not discriminate against protected groups or violate any federal, state, or local laws.
The Bottom Line
Love it or hate it, Hobby Lobby‘s dress code is a reflection of the company‘s unique culture and values. While some may find it too restrictive or outdated, others appreciate the emphasis on modesty and professionalism.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Hobby Lobby adapts its dress code to attract and retain top talent. Will it loosen its policies around tattoos and piercings? Will it allow for more personal expression and individuality? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, job seekers and employees at Hobby Lobby should familiarize themselves with the current dress code policies and make sure they are presenting themselves in a way that aligns with the company‘s expectations. And retail leaders across the industry should take note of Hobby Lobby‘s approach and consider how their own dress codes can balance brand image with employee satisfaction and retention.
With careful consideration and open communication, retailers can create dress code policies that work for everyone – employees, customers, and the bottom line.
