Instacart Dress Code in 2024: Official Guidelines and Shopper Best Practices
As an Instacart shopper, you‘re free to wear pretty much whatever you want while fulfilling orders from stores and delivering to customers. But following some key dress code recommendations can help you shop safely and project a professional image.
Instacart‘s Official Stance: Safety First
While Instacart doesn‘t enforce rigid uniform standards, they strongly suggest:
Closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes. Accidents happen, and steel-toe boots or non-slip sneakers can protect you if a heavy item drops. One study found food delivery drivers have a high injury rate, so injury prevention is key.
Hair tied back. As you shop for produce and deli items, you don‘t want loose strands falling in. Sanitation is critical when handling food, so contain your hair.
Identification. Wearing Instacart-branded gear makes you easily recognizable if store employees or customers need to find you. But it‘s not mandatory.
Dress Codes Compared: Instacart vs. Other Delivery Apps
| App | Required Uniform | Suggested Attire |
|---|---|---|
| Instacart | No set uniform | Closed-toe shoes, hair tied back, ID badge optional |
| DoorDash | No | Red bag for hot items |
| UberEats | No | Nothing specified |
So Instacart offers more guidance than other popular delivery apps regarding dress code best practices.
The Infamous Instacart Shirt: Wear It or Ditch It?
Instacart may send new full-service shoppers a screaming bright green tee in their starter kit. But you‘ll get plenty of laughs wearing it out. As one Instacart shopper said:
"Dude those green shirts are so stupid and dorky looking, I never wear it."
Many shoppers opt for lower-key identification instead:
- Branded hat or bag
- Custom Etsy merch
- Lanyard with ID badge
The shirt does clearly identify you. But comfort trumps all when you‘re lifting loads for hours on end.
Outfit Inspiration For Gig Economy Workers
As an independent contractor, you have freedom over your presentation. But smart personal branding can help your business.
For Instacart shopping, opt for:
- Stretchy, breathable fabrics that move with you
- Pockets to stow your phone within easy reach
- Layers to put on/take off as store temperatures vary
And steer clear of:
- Revealing or sloppy clothes
- Logos/designs some may find offensive
- Impractical footwear like flip flops
Bottom line: dress like the competent professional you are! Confidence and courtesy are the best accessories.
Word to the Wise: Comfort Above All
When you‘re first starting out as a gig worker, the independence is thrilling but also daunting. My advice for new Instacart full service shoppers? Ditch dress code worries and wear whatever helps you complete orders efficiently.
Leave pretense behind and prioritize safety, ease of movement, and practicality first. The rest will fall into place!
