What is the official dress code for Trader Joe's employees?

Real employees wear bright Hawaiian shirts or solid-colored t-shirts with the store logo, paired with casual pants like jeans or khakis and closed-toe shoes.

How do I make a realistic Trader Joe's name tag?

You can print the red Trader Joe's logo onto cardstock, cut it into an oval shape, write your name on it, and laminate it or cover it with clear tape before pinning it to your shirt.

What props can I carry to make the costume more obvious?

A classic Trader Joe's canvas tote bag, a small tray of sample cups, or a plush toy representing the hidden stuffed animals found in their stores are perfect props.

Trader Joe's Employee

Trader Joe's Employee Costume

Bring the friendly neighborhood grocery store vibes to your next party.

Dressing up as a Trader Joe's employee is a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable, highly recognizable, and lighthearted costume. The look centers around the store's signature tropical aesthetic, featuring a bright Hawaiian shirt and a custom name tag. It is an incredibly easy DIY project that relies on everyday wardrobe staples and a few simple props.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $15–40

See yourself as Trader Joe's Employee →What you need Buy the Trader Joe's Employee costume

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What you need for a Trader Joe's Employee costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Trader Joe's Employee costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Trader Joe's Employee at Spirit ↗

Hawaiian shirt
A vibrant, short-sleeved button-down shirt with a bold tropical floral or hibiscus print.
DIY: Use any bright, floral short-sleeved button-down shirt from your closet or a thrift store.
Amazon
Oval name tag
A red or white oval-shaped badge featuring the Trader Joe's logo or 'Crew Member' text and a handwritten name.
DIY: Cut an oval out of red cardstock, write your name in bold black marker, and pin it to your shirt.
Amazon
Dark jeans or khakis
Comfortable, casual pants in blue denim or tan khaki to match the store's relaxed dress code.
DIY: Use any comfortable pair of jeans or casual pants you already own.
Amazon
Sample tray with tiny cups
A small plastic or cardboard tray holding small paper portion cups to mimic the store's famous sample station.
DIY: Carry a small cardboard box lid filled with empty paper soufflé cups.
Amazon
Trader Joe's canvas tote bag
The classic heavy-duty canvas shopping bag with the red Trader Joe's logo printed on the side.
DIY: Use any reusable canvas grocery bag you have at home.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Trader Joe's Employee costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on your choice of blue jeans or casual khaki pants.
2
Button up the vibrant Hawaiian shirt, leaving the top button open for a relaxed, friendly look.
3
Write your name clearly in black permanent marker on the oval name tag, then pin it to the left side of your chest.
4
Sling the Trader Joe's canvas tote bag over your shoulder.
5
Prepare your sample tray by placing several small paper portion cups on it to hand out to 'customers' at the party.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair neat, casual, and pulled back if long. Makeup should be minimal and natural to match the friendly, everyday grocery worker aesthetic.

Trader Joe's Employee for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: One person dresses as a Trader Joe's employee while the other dresses as a popular store product, like a box of Joe-Joe's cookies or a bag of Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.
group: A whole crew of employees wearing different Hawaiian shirts, with one person carrying a hand bell to ring for assistance.
kids: A miniature version featuring a small Hawaiian shirt, a custom 'Crew Member in Training' name tag, and a tiny shopping cart.
Plus size: This look is highly inclusive; Hawaiian shirts are widely available in relaxed, loose-fitting cuts that offer maximum comfort.
pet: A small red bandana or a miniature Hawaiian pet shirt paired with a tiny felt name tag attached to the collar.

Tips

Wear your most comfortable sneakers, as real grocery store crew members spend all day on their feet.
Fill the sample cups with actual treats like gummy candies or chocolate chips to share with party guests.
If you want to play a specific role, write 'Captain' (Store Manager) or 'Merchant' on your name tag instead of 'Crew Member'.

Trader Joe's Employee costume FAQ

What is the official dress code for Trader Joe's employees?: Real employees wear bright Hawaiian shirts or solid-colored t-shirts with the store logo, paired with casual pants like jeans or khakis and closed-toe shoes.
How do I make a realistic Trader Joe's name tag?: You can print the red Trader Joe's logo onto cardstock, cut it into an oval shape, write your name on it, and laminate it or cover it with clear tape before pinning it to your shirt.
What props can I carry to make the costume more obvious?: A classic Trader Joe's canvas tote bag, a small tray of sample cups, or a plush toy representing the hidden stuffed animals found in their stores are perfect props.

Did you know? Trader Joe's employees wear Hawaiian shirts because the company's founder, Joe Coulombe, wanted to evoke the feeling of being culinary adventurers searching the world for cool items to bring home.