McDonald’s Uniforms From 1950 to 2017

Earlier this month, McDonald’s unveiled a new lineup of uniforms for its employees, taking a far more casual, monochromatic approach to its dress code. Critics say the uniforms bear a strong resemblance to garb worn by evil factions in Star Wars, and the Washington Post questioned whether the change was “hot or existentially depressing.” The gray-toned uniforms, hats, and matching aprons are a break from the traditionally colorful (and sometimes pinstriped) uniforms McDonald’s has produced for its American restaurants over the years. They give off a rather austere vibe for a chain whose mascot is a clown.

Designers Waraire Boswell and Bindu Rivas developed the new uniforms, which are available to employees at all U.S. locations starting this month. As McDonald’s enters a new era of uniforms that lack golden-arches or the chain’s patented yellow and red accents, here’s a look back at how its employee uniforms have evolved over the years — from sterile white to blue to red to stripes — beginning with the chain’s start in the 1950s.

1950

McDonald’s/Official

1955

Tim Boyle/Getty Images

1973-1974

The National Museum of American History

McDonald’s/Official

1976

Etsy

1978

Ethan/Flickr

Barbara Alper/Getty Images

1988

Kevin Horan/Getty Images

1994-1996

Sharon McKeller/Flickr

2009

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

2011

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

2014

Annette Bernhardt/Flickr

2017

McDonald’s/Official

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