Kohl’s recently updated their dress code in March 2021, with the goal of giving its employees a professional and clean-cut look!
So what are employees allowed to wear as Kohl’s employees? I did some digging and here is what I discovered!
What Is The Kohl’s Dress Code?
Kohl’s allows their employees to wear tops, dresses, and shirt dresses of any dark color. Kohl’s employees can also wear jeans, capris, and skirts that are black, blue denim, or beige, and are allowed casual and/or active footwear.
If you’d like to learn more about this dress code in further detail such as hair/makeup requirements, piercings, tattoos, and more, keep reading through this article to see what I found out!
Does Kohl’s Provide Any Type If Uniform?
While Kohl’s doesn’t provide a uniform for their employees, they are required to wear a Kohl’s lanyard and badge.
They also refer to their dress code as a uniform, rendering it “business casual.”
Can Kohl’s Employees Wear Ripped Jeans?
Because the dress code is business casual, Kohl’s doesn’t allow any overly casual jeans.
This includes ripped, torn, and frayed/distressed jeans.
Which Kinds Of Shoes Can Kohl’s Employees Wear?
Kohl’s employees are allowed to wear casual or active footwear, durable for being on your feet all day.
This includes tennis shoes, fashion and/or open-heeled shoes (clogs, etc), or any other footwear deemed appropriate to the store manager.
What Are The Rules About Skirt And Pant Length At Kohl’s?
To maintain the business casual dress code, pants and skirts have to reach a specific length.
These requirements allow for staff to be able to work comfortably and safely in their clothes, as well as to keep them from being distracted by their clothing:
- Dresses must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee
- Skirts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee
- Capris must be no shorter than mid-calf
What Kinds Of Shirts are Kohl’s Employees Allowed To Wear?
Kohl’s employees can currently wear collarless t-shirts and solid knit t-shirts and blouses.
They aren’t allowed shirts with graphics, slogans, or patterns; all fabrics must be a solid color of either black, dark blue, or grey. Hoodies are also not permitted.
Can You Have Tattoos At Kohl’s?
Kohl’s allows their employees to have tattoos as long as they’re deemed appropriate to be exposed. If a tattoo expresses violence, nudity or profanity, it must be covered up.
If for some reason you have a tattoo that can’t be covered up (face/neck tattoo), you’ll have to consult your individual store manager about how to deal with it.
Can Kohl’s Employees Wear Leggings?
Happily, Kohl’s staff are allowed to wear leggings as long as they follow a couple of rules.
The leggings must be black or blue denim, and they can only be worn with shirts that go past your bottom in case they’re slightly see-through.
Can You Have Colored Hair At Kohl’s?
Kohl’s likes to put an emphasis on expressing individuality, and therefore unnaturally colored hair is perfectly acceptable, as long as it’s styled professionally.
Does Kohl’s Allow Hats?
Unfortunately, Kohl’s staff aren’t allowed to wear hats in-store.
There is an exception, though, if the employee is driving a company truck, although it’s uncommon. This also applies to the hoods on sweaters.
Can You Have Facial Piercings/Wear Jewelry At Kohl’s?
Kohl’s allows employees to have one facial piercing, and they don’t put any restrictions on ear piercings.
They don’t have any restrictions on necklaces, bracelets, or other jewelry, allowing their staff to be as creative with their dress as possible within their dress code.
Does Kohl’s Allow Painted And/Or Fake Nails?
Kohl’s allows their associates to wear both fake and painted nails.
They do however stress that depending on the department you’re working in, the nails can break off and the paint can chip. They don’t recommend it for all staff.
Do Kohl’s Sephora Employees Have A Different Dress Code?
The employees who work the Sephora counter at Kohl’s have a slightly different dress code:
- Dark-colored tops (preferably black)
- Black business casual pants or black denim
- Black casual or active footwear
- Kohl’s lanyard and badge
Some store locations in California, Colorado, Malibu, Illinois, and Oregon may have slight variations in their dress code.
Does Kohl’s Ever Relax Its Dress Code For Special Occasions?
Currently, Kohl’s requires their staff to be in the dress code all year round.
However, some store locations allow more leniency on their dress code, so dress on occasions such as Pink Shirt Day, Earth Day, and the holiday season may vary per store.
If you want to figure out Kohl’s other policies, make sure to check out our posts about Kohl’s drug test and Kohl’s price adjustment policies, and find out if Kohl’s takes coupons.
Conclusion
The Kohl’s dress code is business casual. For tops, staff are allowed to wear black collarless t-shirts, knit sweaters/tops, and dresses. For bottoms, they can wear jeans, capris, and skirts that are black, dark blue denim, or beige.
Leggings are also allowed as long as they’re a solid dark color and paired with a shirt that covers your bottom. The pant length for capris must be no shorter than mid-calf, and skirts/dresses must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knees.
Patterns and graphics are not allowed on any clothing items. Individuality is heavily emphasized at Kohl’s.
Therefore, tattoos, colored hair, and facial piercings are perfectly acceptable as long as they’re deemed appropriate (no profanity, graphic imagery, or nudity). Kohl’s Sephora staff may have to follow a separate dress code, although the code varies per store.
