Every business sets its own dress code, usually for safety reasons. If you arrive without the required clothing or footwear, the business can turn you away. If that happens, you won’t be paid for the shift or receive turn-away compensation.
Where to find your shift’s dress code
Before every shift, especially your first one at a new site, open the shift in the Traba app and check:
Attire: what the business wants you to wear.
Requirements: items like steel-toe boots may be listed here instead of in the Attire section.
Shift notes and announcements: last-minute instructions, such as a high-visibility vest being handed out at the door.
If two sections seem to say different things, follow the stricter one, or ask Support before the shift.
Footwear
Footwear is the most common reason workers are turned away.
If your shift says... | What to wear |
Closed-toe shoes | Shoes that fully cover your toes and heel. No sandals, slides, Crocs, slippers, or backless shoes. |
Steel-toe boots | Steel-toe boots that cover the ankle. Steel-toe shoes are only OK if the shift says so. |
Steel-toe (no mention of boots) | Steel-toe boots or shoes. Clip-on steel toe caps may be accepted, but confirm with the on-site supervisor first. |
Steel-toe or composite safety shoes | Either type is fine. |
Composite-toe and slip-resistant shoes do not count as steel-toe unless the shift specifically allows them. Boot color doesn’t matter unless the shift lists one.
Clothing
Unless your shift says otherwise:
Pants: wear long pants. Shorts are not allowed unless the shift allows them. Some shifts require black pants or jeans without rips.
Leggings and athletic wear: some sites don’t allow these. If your shift lists “work pants” or “jeans,” wear those.
Shirts: wear plain shirts with no offensive words or graphics.
Fit: avoid loose, baggy, ripped, or frayed clothing that could catch on equipment.
Cold or outdoor work: dress in warm layers. Hoodies may not be allowed in some cold-storage sites, so check with your supervisor.
Jewelry, nails, and personal items
Many sites, especially food production and manufacturing, follow strict safety and hygiene rules (often called GMP). You may need to:
remove necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other loose jewelry (silicone rings are usually safer)
remove or use clear retainers for visible piercings
avoid fake nails, nail polish, and strong perfume or cologne
If your shift mentions GMP or food production, expect these rules to apply.
Safety gear (PPE)
Items like high-visibility vests, hair nets, gloves, and safety glasses are usually provided on site. If the shift says you must bring your own, you need to bring it. If you’re not sure whether to bring gloves or other gear, ask Support before your shift.
What if I can’t meet the dress code?
Cancel in the app as early as you can, rather than showing up without the right attire. Late cancellations affect your account, but showing up without the right clothes means no pay and no compensation, and the business may block you from future shifts.
I was turned away, but my attire matched the shift details
Don’t leave right away. Message Support in the app while you’re still on site, and tell us:
what the supervisor said was wrong
what you were wearing (a photo helps)
the supervisor’s name
We’ll check your shift details. If the requirement wasn’t listed, we’ll follow up on compensation.
Related: What should I bring to a shift? · Canceled shift / Turned away · New Worker Checklist