TikTok employees described the new shorts “like underwear.”
A few servers at Hooters complained about the uniform change in some locations.
The videos have been viewed millions of times since they were posted on the platform last Wednesday. Hooters servers show off the new black shorts and share their thoughts. Many people describe the shorts more as “underwear.”
A server who requested anonymity out of fear that she might be fired said that some people liked the uniform change when they were informed about it last week. Others were less happy.
The server stated that the girls with more meat in their bones are more likely to ride up. You have a wedgie every day.
Hooters has been criticized for its outdated sexualizing server’s bodies concept in the videos.
Many servers who shared their experiences via TikTok stated that they would continue working for the company and will be wearing the new shorts. The TikTok videos with women that joked about wanting to quit were the ones that received the most views.
TikTok video featuring Hooters employee Jocelyn who jokes she will quit and claims the new shorts “resemble underwear” has more than 1.3million likes and 14.8million views as of Thursday.
Another video posted by @ggnguyen has received more than 3,000,000 likes and been viewed over 16.8 million times. The caption she added to the video was “What’s it supposed to fit?! “
Many Hooters servers who posted about new shorts on TikTok did not want to talk on the record for fear of losing their jobs. Their videos are still available on TikTok and continue to gain more views.
Hooters locations can be operated by either The Original Hooters or Hooters of America. Not all Hooters locations update their uniforms.
According to the website, Hooters of America, LLC, has more than 420 Hooters restaurants across 42 states and 29 other countries. Although it has almost identical branding, the Original Hooters Group, which has 25 locations in Chicago and New York City, Florida, operates independently from Hooters of America.
The shorter shorts were first introduced by Hooters of America in Texas, before being distributed to a wider variety of locations. For greater coverage, servers at Original Hooters locations must still wear longer shorts.
Representatives for the Original Hooters Group stated that their locations will continue to wear the same uniforms as servers for many decades.
In an email, the spokesperson stated that “The Original” Hooters Restaurants in Tampa Bay, Chicagoland and Manhattan will not change their iconic uniform of orange shorts or white uniform tops that has made them universally known.”
Hooters of America stated that it values feedback, both positive and negative, on a more accommodating image policy regarding tattoos, jewelry and hairstyles. This includes new top styles, shorters and the addition of socks.
Hooters of America stated in an email that the new uniforms were the product of a collaboration between Hooters Girls. These uniforms were worn in Texas for several months and received positive reviews from customers and Hooters Girls.
Hooters of America sent an updated statement to NBC News Saturday that stated that Hooters servers will be allowed to wear their old uniforms or the new.
The statement stated that “they can decide which style of shorts best suits their body type and personal appearance.”
The statement continued to state that the “Hooters Girls”, the company’s most valuable asset, are committed to supporting the women who work for them.
“We are excited to see a national trend towards self-expression, inclusion, and diversity that bodes well in our market. “We work constantly with our Hooters Girls in order to refresh and upgrade the image of our brand ambassadors, and to empower them feel their best at work,” reads the statement.
Hooters Uniforms are a contentious topic for many years and were the focus of litigation against the company.
The restaurant chain was sued in a class action lawsuit by approximately 400 current and former employees from the Sacramento region over its uniforms, hours, and pay. According to KCRA, NBC News affiliate, the suit was settled when the restaurant agreed to reduce the uniforms.
Hooters stated that it will work with employees to ensure uniforms reflect current style and are comfortable.
According to NBC’s server, the shorts have not been a problem. She understands that shorter shorts might be uncomfortable for some women.
The shorts were initially rolled out in Texas at several locations. They were apparently well-received, according to the server. She said that the uniform is becoming less popular as it has been introduced to more places across the U.S.
“One of the girls said, “Oh yeah, they are super cute.” “I love them,” the server stated. “And the other girls were like, ‘This is too short. “My privates are hanging out.”
