Why You Won't See Chick-Fil-A Employees Wearing Much Jewelry

Chick-fil-A employees follow very strict dress codes on what to wear and what not to wear, but the rule on jewelry falls somewhere in the middle. According to the Chick-fil-A employee handbook, the jewelry worn must be “modest in appearance” and “in good taste.”

All employees can wear class or wedding rings, but large, dangling earrings are not allowed, and earrings on male employees are deemed unacceptable. Female cashiers are allowed to wear two pairs of earrings on their lower lobes, while female members of the kitchen staff are allowed to wear three pairs.

Apart from jewelry, facial hair aside from a “neatly trimmed mustache” is also unacceptable, and no “extreme” nail polish should be worn. Sunglasses are forbidden at all times, as customers should be able to see the eyes of the employee.

While the Chick-fil-A dress code sounds absurd, it’s possible the company is simply following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, which prohibit any jewelry on “arms and hands” while preparing food. The gender-specific earrings guidelines, however, are Chick-fil-A’s own.