Written by Ben Chuang

Doctors’ attire has evolved over the years to meet the unique demands of medical environments, balancing hygiene, practicality, dress codes, and professionalism. Today, a doctor’s wardrobe often includes white coats, medical scrubs, and even formal attire for specific occasions.

In this article, we’ll explore the various types of clothing doctors wear, why they wear them, and situations in which each is appropriate.

 

The White Coat: A Symbol of Authority and Trust

Everyone knows that doctors wear white coats. One of the most iconic pieces in a physician's wardrobe is the doctor's white coat, symbolizing professionalism and trust. White coats have been part of the medical field for over a century, initially introduced to signify cleanliness and sterile conditions.

Today, many doctors still wear white coats in clinical or hospital settings when interacting with patients. They give an impression of authority and provide adequate protection and reassurance. These white coats from Dickies are bestsellers on Amazon.

White coats are designed with practicality in mind, often featuring multiple pockets for stethoscopes, pens, and other essential tools. Many doctors prefer lightweight, breathable fabrics for a white coat that is easy to clean and maintain.

Modern white coats often incorporate advanced fabric technologies for stain resistance, making them easier to keep sanitary between washes. These features make white coats a reliable choice for doctors across various specialties.

 

Medical Scrubs: Emphasizing Comfort and Hygiene

Medical scrubs are a staple in hospitals and clinics, especially for doctors who work in sterile environments or frequently interact with patients.

Scrubs are typically made from lightweight, durable fabrics that can withstand regular washing at high temperatures, an essential feature in controlling contamination and preventing the spread of germs and infection.

Doctors wear scrubs in settings like surgery, emergency rooms, and patient wards. They come in a variety of colors, though green and blue scrub colors are the most common for reducing eye strain during extended shifts under bright lights.

Additionally, many brands like figs have introduced advanced designs that cater to doctors’ needs, such as antimicrobial fabrics and four-way stretch material to ensure comfort throughout long shifts.

For those interested in professional-looking scrubs, consider products that feature both functional and fashionable elements.

Some popular scrubs brands offer collections that balance style with functionality, making them ideal for doctors who want to look professional while staying comfortable on the job.

 

Dress Shirts and Business Attire: Formal Looks

Although scrubs and white coats are the norm in clinical settings, there are times when doctors ditch the white coat and opt for a nice dress shirt or button-up shirt, such as when working in an office setting or medical school.

A slim-fit dress shirt, slacks, and sometimes even suits are worn for special occasions such as conference attire, presentations, or meetings with administrative professionals.

This attire reflects a business professional dress code, and respect for the significance of these events, where the white coat would not be appropriate compared to a dress shirt.

Many doctors and medical professionals prefer a non-iron black dress shirt made with stretchable, breathable fabrics.

For added convenience, wrinkle-resistant non-iron shirts are common choices, as they provide a polished look with minimal effort.

When selecting business attire for nurse practitioners and medical students, doctors often seek out brands that offer high-quality, durable clothing that can withstand the rigors of a busy professional life.

 

What Shoes Do Doctors Wear?

Many doctors prefer high-quality, supportive shoes like non-slip soles and cushioned insoles to provide comfort and stability. Croc clogs are popular while on the clock.

Business casual sneakers designed specifically for healthcare professionals are a popular choice, as they combine style and functionality, catering to the demands of healthcare workers in a fast-paced work environment.

Running shoes with cushions like the Adidas Ultra Boost or the trendy Hoka sneakers are popular for healthcare workers.

 

Recommendations for Buying Doctor’s Attire

For doctors, finding attire that meets the demands of their profession while looking polished is essential. Here are some tips when selecting medical wear or getting gifts for a doctor:

• Choose Breathable Fabrics: Look for high-quality medical scrubs and white coats made with lightweight, breathable materials that allow airflow and reduce heat.

• Opt for Functional Designs: Many brands now offer scrubs such as figs, white coats, and other medical linens with extra pockets, antimicrobial fabrics, and wrinkle-resistant finishes.

• Invest in Quality Footwear: Doctors who work long hours should prioritize footwear that provides excellent arch support, cushioning, and non-slip features.

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• Consider Cotton Fabrics for Formal Attire: For conferences or presentations, a classic white dress shirt made of 100% cotton with a high thread count ensures comfort and a professional appearance during occasions that don't call for white coats.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about What do Doctors Wear

What is a doctor's outfit called?

A doctor's outfit is commonly called medical attire or a medical uniform, which usually includes scrubs, a lab coat, and sometimes a stethoscope. The specific components may vary based on the doctor's role, specialty, and setting.

For example, surgeons typically wear scrubs and caps in sterile environments, while physicians in clinical or hospital settings may wear a lab coat over professional attire.

What do professional doctors wear?

Professional doctors wear white coats in clinical settings, and sometimes a combination of medical scrubs or business-casual attire. The doctor's white coat serves practical and symbolic purposes (such as the new graduate's white coat ceremony), signaling the doctor's role while providing ease of movement and cleanliness.

Do doctors wear lab coats or scrubs?

Doctors may wear either lab coats, scrubs, or white coats, depending on their work environment and specialty. White coats are often worn in outpatient settings or when interacting with patients, symbolizing professionalism and authority. In contrast, scrubs are preferred in surgical and other sterile environments for their ease of cleaning and practicality.

What do doctors wear scrubs?

Physicians wear scrubs for their comfort, functionality, and ease of cleaning, especially in surgical or high-contact medical settings. Scrubs are designed to reduce contamination risks, as they are simple to launder and replace.

The fabric is usually durable and comfortable, allowing doctors and medical staff to move freely and focus on patient care without worrying about damaging their clothing.