If We Told the Truth: What Lubbock Workplaces Actually Want You to Wear

Every workplace in Lubbock has some version of a dress code. It usually sounds fancy...“business casual,” “professional attire,” “no denim except on Fridays.” But if we’re being honest?

None of us are following those rules. Not even close.

So what if the dress codes actually reflected what people really wear to work in West Texas? The hoodies, the dusty boots, the denim that HR pretends not to see, the “I did laundry at 2 a.m.” outfits, the “I’m not paid enough to iron this” looks...

Here’s what Lubbock jobs would require if their dress codes finally admitted the truth.

1. Teachers

Honest Dress Code:
“Anything you can sprint in. Bonus points if it has pockets big enough for 42 Expo markers. Wear shoes that survive standing for eight hours, and sweaters that hide existential dread.”

2. Nurses & Healthcare Workers

Honest Dress Code:
“Scrubs that are clean-ish, Crocs covered in mystery fluids, and a ponytail holding on by hope alone. Accessories: ID badge, pen someone stole from a patient room.”

3. Oilfield Workers

Honest Dress Code:
“Fire-resistant gear, boots that can kick a hole in a truck door, and a hat that hasn’t been washed since 2017. Facial hair required. Must smell faintly like diesel or Copenhagen.”

4. Restaurant Servers & Bartenders

Honest Dress Code:
“All black everything… except for that one stain you can’t identify. Apron pockets packed with pens, straws, ranch cups, and trauma.”

5. Radio Hosts

Honest Dress Code:
“Hoodie, jeans, baseball cap, and vibes. You’re allowed one ‘trying today’ outfit per month. Slippers are acceptable as long as no one important visits the studio.” (Honestly friends, I'm looking down at my outfit in the radio station today...and it's straight up jam-jams all the way. Um. Yep. I'll grace you with a photo of yours truly...)

6. Retail Workers

Honest Dress Code:
“Corporate shirt from 2008 and jeans that have seen some things. Shoes must squeak. Must wear a smile that says ‘I’m dead inside, but welcome in!’”

7. College Students Working On Campus

Honest Dress Code:
“Tech hoodie, backpack with nothing you actually need, and pajama pants disguised as ‘athleisure.’ Also, a coffee cup that contains more creamer than actual coffee.”

8. Grocery Store Employees

Honest Dress Code:
“Khakis that never fit right, an apron with permanent pineapple stains, and shoes made for walking 12 miles indoors.” (What the heck is up with khakis and why are we still putting up with them? They literally look HORRIBLE on EVERY body type...)

9. Hospitality & Hotel Staff

Honest Dress Code:
“Business casual on top, absolute chaos on the bottom. (Yes, we see the Crocs behind the desk.) Hair must be slicked back by 7 a.m., whether you slept or not.”

10. Tech / Office Jobs in Lubbock

Honest Dress Code:
“Polos, jeans, and a cardigan, stolen from a conference room chair in 2019. No one knows where it came from originally.”

11. Uber / Delivery Drivers in Lubbock

Honest Dress Code:
“Whatever you were already wearing. If you put on real pants for this job, you’re overqualified.” (Honestly, almost all of you are overqualified. Y'all got some nice-ass cars to just be driving Uber. I'm onto you all.)

12. Stay-at-Home Parents

Honest Dress Code:
“Mix of athletic wear, laundry-day outfits, and things with suspicious sticky spots. Hair optional.”

The truth is, Lubbock doesn’t do “fancy dress codes.” We do practical. We do comfortable. We do “it’s gross out there and I’m too tired to care.” So if HR ever gets brave enough to rewrite the rules, this is what they should start with.

Because at the end of the day, West Texans show up to work ready to hustle...just maybe not ready to iron, and who really cares as long as we get the job done?

Check out the galleries below for some more silly stuff to keep your day rollin' along the right way...