Updated on: 06.23.2024
Does Amazon have a dress code for the work environment and a dress code for interviews? Believe it or not, the online retail giant does have some guidelines for what employees can and cannot wear while on the job and during the interviews. But what are they, and do they really matter? Let’s take a closer look.
Yes, we can hear you say, “How come dress code is still an issue, the year is 2024!” and you would be right. Still, (unfortunately) a lot of companies perceive well-dressed employees as better performers and they get promoted more frequently (Research). Acceptance for casual attires is on the rise though!
After the pandemic, many companies switched to a hybrid system of work-from-home and be-in-the-office for their employees and Amazon is one of those companies that is trying to find the balance between productivity and employee satisfaction when it comes to office, and at-home, attire.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the Amazon dress code is not as strict as those of some other companies. There is no official “uniform” per se, and employees are generally free to dress in whatever style they feel comfortable with. However, there are still a few guidelines that everyone is expected to follow. Believe it or not, even though it is not a written rule, big companies like Amazon also like to see their employees to be presentable during online meetings where you attend from your comfortable chair at home but the requirements are nuanced.
For starters, during the work environment, clothing should be clean and presentable at all times. While this does not mean that Amazon HR will interfere with your outfit if you come to the office looking like your clothes did not hit the washing machine for weeks, there is a certain etiquette (or unwritten rules) that you are suggested to follow. This means no ripped or frayed clothes, and no offensive slogans or images. In addition, any clothing that might be considered unsafe (such as loose-fitting shirts that could get caught in machinery) is also strictly prohibited.
In this article, we’re going to share all the details you need to know about Amazon’s dress code policy at work as well as the appropriate Amazon interview dress code (you can download the official Amazon dress code policy doc from this Amazon Dress Code Policy link, but there is more to it than the official rule set). These rules also apply loosely for work-from-home jobs as many of those roles will mean you’ll regularly attend online meetings. We’ll start by explaining the dress code in general and then move on to other topics. (Recommended reading to brush up your interview skills: 150 Most Common Interview Questions)
Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
What is Amazon Dress Code Policy at Work (Amazon Corporate Dress Code)?
Amazon has many different departments and in general, there is no strict policy for Amazon office dress code, but there are some basic guidelines that everyone is expected to follow.
The main thing is that clothing should be clean and presentable at all times. This means no ripped or frayed clothes, and no offensive slogans or images.
In short, if there is a restriction somehow, it is because of your safety. Amazon’s dress code is simple. It consists of two rules:
1- Don’t wear anything that would make you look unprofessional.
2- Be mature with your outfit.
That’s it! These simple rules apply to everything from your choice of clothing to your hairstyle and makeup. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
1- Don’t wear anything that would make you look unprofessional
This rule is pretty self-explanatory. Basically, you should avoid anything that might make you look unprofessional or unprepared for work. This includes ripped or dirty clothes, offensive slogans or images, and anything else that might reflect poorly on you or Amazon as a company.
2- Be mature with your outfit
This rule is a bit more general, but it basically boils down to this: dress and act like you’re ready to get the job done. This means being neat and presentable, avoiding distractions, and behaving in a mature and professional manner.
Of course, there will always be exceptions to the rules of Amazon dress code. For example, you might need to dress down for a physical job or dress up for a meeting with an important client. But in general, following these two simple rules should help you stay within the Amazon dress code.
Amazon Dress Code: Are Employees Allowed to Wear Jeans and Sneakers?
Yes, jeans and sneakers are allowed as long as they meet the other guidelines in the dress code policy. This means that they should be clean and presentable, without any ripped or frayed clothes, offensive slogans, or images. In addition, any clothing that might be considered unsafe (such as loose-fitting shirts that could get caught in machinery) is also strictly prohibited.
If you’re working at the warehouse, there will be some kind of rules depending on the location. For example, in some locations, warehouse employees need to follow some dress code rules such as:
- Hair above shoulders
- No long hair
- No Scarves or Baggy clothing
- No earrings bigger than 2″
- No necklace bigger than 3″
- Work Boots and Sneakers allowed
- No sandals or open-toed shoes
- No headphones or AirPods
- No hoodies on in buildings
So there you have it! Amazon dress code policy is pretty simple and straightforward. As long as you avoid anything that would make you look unprofessional or unprepared for work, you should be fine. Just remember to be professional at all times, and you’ll be good to go!
Amazon Dress Code: Can Employees Have Tattoos or Piercings?
There is no strict policy on tattoos or piercings, but employees are expected to keep them professional and tasteful. This means that any tattoos or piercings that might be considered offensive, provocative, or otherwise inappropriate for the workplace are not allowed. In addition, any visible body art must be covered up while at work.
As with everything else, there may be exceptions to this rule depending on the job or department you’re in. For example, some jobs (such as customer-facing positions) may require employees to cover up their tattoos and piercings for the sake of professionalism. But in general, these guidelines should help you stay within the Amazon dress code.
Amazon Dress Code: Examples for Different Roles
The specific business attire you choose at Amazon can vary depending on your department and the level of interaction you have with clients or customers. Here are some suggestions that we think might make sense:
Customer Service, Sales, and Public Facing Roles at Amazon
These positions often require a more polished look since you’ll be dealing with external stakeholders. Try going for pants in neutral colors like black, navy, or khaki. Pair them with button-down shirts, blouses, or polos. Skirts or dresses that are not too short are also appropriate (we know it is subjective, so you should decide what is appropriate here). Avoid overly casual attire like ripped jeans or full graphic tees. Try to go with closed-toe shoes like clean sneakers, or dress boots.
IT, Engineering, and Warehouse Roles
These departments tend to have a more relaxed environment. Jeans with a shirt or a sweater are very common among the “IT folks”. You can also opt for chinos as well. If you have client meetings, presentations or other external-facing tasks, consider a button-down shirt or a blazer to give you a more professional look. Safety is the highest priority in warehouse roles, so ensure your clothing allows for freedom of movement and adheres to any specific safety guidelines outlined by your department. More often than not, Amazon will have strict guides for warehouse clothing and safety equipment that you must wear.
Management Roles
As a manager, you want to project an image of authority and leadership without being too strict. Opt for a more formal business or a more serious casual approach. Consider dress pants/jeans with a button-down shirt and blazer. Skirts or dresses are acceptable, but ensure they are professional.
Amazon Dress Code: Building Your Amazon Work Wardrobe
Creating a work wardrobe for Amazon doesn’t need to break the bank. More often than not, your clothes lying around at home should be sufficient (ironed well, obviously 🙂 ). Consider incorporating clothing pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Look for classic staples like slacks, jeans, skirts, dress pants, button-down shirts, blouses, and sweaters in a variety of colors. These pieces can be easily combined to create a professional look.
When choosing clothing, prioritize comfort and practicality. Everybody loves to have a colleague who wears neon-colored shirts from time-to-time, but practically ultimately wins in a corporate environment. For roles that keep you on your feet throughout the day, choose breathable fabrics that allow for movement throughout the workday. For example, cotton or linen shirts are great options, while wool or wool-blend pants can be comfortable for colder weather. Remember, whether you’ll be spending a good portion of your day sitting or walking, ensure your clothing allows for ease of movement and avoids being overly restrictive.
Amazon Dress Code: Dressing for Success (Even Virtually) at Amazon
While Amazon’s dress code leans towards business casual, there are some considerations we need to take into account for online meetings and work-from-home scenarios. Here’s how to ensure you present a professional image even when working remotely:
Business Casual on Top
From the pandemic era, we’ve all seen camera fumbles of senior managers wearing boxer shorts below their button-down shirts. So our first recommendation is, don’t be like them 🙂 For video calls, choose to dress professionally from the waist up. A crisp button-down shirt, a well-fitting blouse, or a polished sweater will create a polished look. Go for solid colors or subtle patterns that show well on camera. D not use overly busy graphics with your shirts. Consider the lighting in your workspace – lighter colors might appear washed out on camera, while darker tones can project a more clean look.
Mind Your Background
While the focus should be on you, the background during video calls can also create an impression. Choose a clutter-free and professional backdrop. A simple, solid-colored wall or a bookshelf with tasteful decoration are good options. If privacy is a concern, consider using a virtual background feature offered by most video conferencing platforms.
Boxers or Not??
Working from home allows for more comfort in virtual meetings and you might be tempted to join the meetings with your shorts. However, maintain a level of professionalism. At the very least go with decent sweatpants, or better yet, jeans, or a knee-length skirt. Avoid pajamas, yoga pants, or anything with overly casual graphics / messages. Remember, you might need to stand up unexpectedly during a call, so ensure your outfit is work-appropriate from head to toe. In summary, we definitely suggest you to dress like you’re going to the office while you’re working at home, as science proves it is really beneficial.
Recommended reading: How to prepare for your Amazon Interviews.
Amazon Dress Code: How to Follow the Dress Code Policy?
There is no need to worry too much about following the policy. Just use common sense and avoid anything that would make you look unprofessional or unprepared for work.
The type of clothing you are required to wear to Amazon offices varies depending on your job function. If you’re ever unsure about whether or not something is allowed, just ask your supervisor or HR representative. They should be able to give you a clear answer.
Generally, if you work in an administrative role, you can dress casually but still professional. That said, common office clothing like slacks, blouses, dress shoes, and dresses are all great wardrobe options for when you first start working with Amazon as well as during your entire employment period.
Amazon Dress Code: What to wear to an Amazon Interview (Amazon Dress Code for Interviews)?
If you’re applying for a job at Amazon, it’s important to know the Amazon interview attire. As you know there are several steps involved when it comes to the Amazon interview process. Let’s take a look at the basic rules of Amazon interview dress code.
After you applied to the job you want, and you got a call back, this is good news! Typically, first step would be a phone screening in which the interviewer doesn’t see you so you can be more relaxed.
The next step is a video interview, and it’s recommended to dress as if you were going to an in-person interview. The idea is that you want to make a good first impression, so it’s important to look neat, presentable, and professional.
If you’re invited to an on-site interview, it’s important to dress for success. This means wearing clothing that is professional and appropriate for the job you’re interviewing for.
For example, if you’re interviewing for a job in customer service, you might want to wear business casual attire. But if you’re interviewing for a job in IT or engineering and especially for a management role, you might want to dress more formally in a suit or dress shirt and pants.
Suggested reading: Our specific article about What to Wear to Amazon Interview?
In general, it’s always better to err on the side of being dressy rather than too casual. After all, you want to show that you’re serious about the job and that you’re ready to work hard.
Keep in mind that your hiring manager will let you know what the dress code is for in-person interviews after you’ve passed the initial video interview. So if you’re ever unsure about what to wear, just ask.
The most important thing is to be yourself and to relax. Amazon is known for being a relaxed and casual workplace, so try not to stress too much about the interview process. Just do your best and you’ll be fine.
Amazon Warehouse Dress Code Policy
As expected, Amazon’s dress code policy for warehouse employees is designed with both safety and professionalism in mind. The company requires employees to wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles to prevent accidents and ensure stability while navigating around the warehouse. Typically Amazon will provide high-visibility vests to enhance visibility and promote safety in busy warehouse environments (similar to your run-of-the-mill soccer bibs) to reduce the risk of collisions and ensure smooth operations.
Final Thoughts on Amazon Dress Code Policy
As mentioned above, there are certain times when you may have to follow different rules. However, generally speaking, the dress code policy outlined here should apply to everyone who works at Amazon.
We hope this Amazon Dress Code article has helped you understand how to dress for an Amazon interview. We also recommend checking out our other guides like Amazon Hiring Process or Amazon Behavioral Questions for acing your next interview.
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