No leggings or crop tops: The dress code at a North Carolina restaurant has sparked conversation online
The dress code at Kim’s Kafe in Greensboro has drawn comparisons to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ with one comment saying: ‘I got kicked out before I even arrived.’
A soul food restaurant in North Carolina is facing criticism for its dress code, which many on social media are labeling as outdated.
Kim’s Kafe in Greensboro shared its dress code rules on Facebook on Sunday, explaining that these guidelines have been in place since summer.
The rules include the following restrictions:
- No shorts
- No crop tops
- No leggings
- No T-strap shoes
- No white T-shirts
- No short skirts
- No “skimpy clothing”
- No “visible cleavage”
“People nowadays are leaving little to the imagination, so our dress code is quite strict,” the restaurant stated. Photos on Facebook show parts of the dress code displayed on the restaurant’s front door, and it is also prominently featured on their website.
When YSL News reached out for a comment on the dress code, Kim’s Kafe declined, stating: “We’re not interested; too many reporters are calling.”
Controversy Surrounds the Dress Code
The Facebook announcement about the dress code has generated substantial attention and controversy, with over 10,000 responses as of Wednesday afternoon.
Several commenters likened the dress code to the oppressive atmosphere of the Margaret Atwood novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Sarah Gathings quipped: “I got kicked out before I even got there.”
James McKay remarked: “I’d literally have to buy new clothes just to visit your establishment.”
Others pointed out that the dress code is not practical during the hot and humid summer months typical of the area. Kaitlin Stover commented, “It’s summer, and you’re banning shorts and white T-shirts? Good luck with that.”
According to attorney David Daggett, enforcing such a dress code is legal, as long as it is applied uniformly to all customers. He explained to WCNC-TV in Charlotte, “If I don’t want anyone wearing blue shirts in my establishment, I can enforce that rule as long as I refuse entry to everyone with blue shirts, without discriminating against any specific individuals.”
