A Guide to the Best Hospital Clothes for Medical Professionals
Being a medical professional is one of the most challenging jobs out there. Long shifts, emotional labor, and too little sleep can be very hard.
But finding your perfect hospital clothes can make a difficult shift so much better.
Wearing a personalized jacket or a comfy set of scrubs can help you show off your unique fashion sense. After all, everyone wants to stand out over the general hospital clothes worn today!
In this article, we give you the ultimate guide on how to find your ideal work clothes. We cover the different types of medical clothing and the different features to look out for.
We also discuss how to show off your sense of style with personalized clothing items. Plus, we talk about how to take care of your clothing so it stays looking fresh for as long as possible.
Different Types of Clothing
As a medical professional, there are several essentials you need in your wardrobe. Let's check out a few of the key ones!
Scrubs and Lab Coats
Having a few pairs of good-quality scrubs will stand you in good stead when running around on your shift. They protect against cross-contamination, and they make you look well-maintained!
For doctors, having a lab coat is a helpful item of clothing. Not only does it identify you as a doctor, but it also gives you extra protection and pockets.
Warm Clothing
If you are working at night or live in a colder climate, then you will need warm clothing. Having a cozy sweatshirt or fleece can make your shift much more enjoyable.
Look for a fleece that is lightweight and has good coverage down over your hips. You want something that won't ride up when you're walking or stretching.
Downtime Clothing
Sometimes, on a break, you might need to leave the hospital grounds for a while. Changing your whole outfit can be time-consuming and impractical.
So having some downtime clothing available is a good idea. A simple yet stylish t-shirt is the best swap for your scrubs.
You could even get a personalized t-shirt that shows which department you are from. There are so many colors to choose from, so you can find something that matches your style.
Supportive Shoes and Socks
Being a healthcare professional means you can be on your feet for hours at a time. To make sure you keep good posture and foot health, comfortable and supportive shoes are a must.
Search for something with good arch support and a non-slip sole. You also want them to be splash-resistant and easy to clean.
Wearing socks made from flexible, breathable material also means you won't rub blisters. A lot of people go for compression socks, as this can aid circulation if you're on your feet for long periods.
Other Accessories
As well as your clothes, there are a couple of items that will make your life a lot easier.
The first is a spacious tote bag or backpack. This can help you to keep everything together and organized. Look for bags with plenty of pockets and loops for your various pens, books, and other accessories.
Having your morning caffeine is also essential for those early shifts! So getting a good quality thermal tumbler will help you sip coffee on the go. Plus, getting it personalized means it won't get lost amongst other staff's cups in the break room.
If you are someone who prefers a cold beverage, then you could go for a stainless steel tumbler. These vacuum-sealed cups will keep you well-hydrated on the move.
Plus, they come with a reusable straw of either metal or plastic. So they are also great for the environment!
Getting enough sleep is essential for medical staff to do a good job. So having a comfortable blanket you can use on a late shift can be a lifesaver!
What to Look for in Medical Professional Clothing
This section covers different things to consider so you can buy your ideal hospital clothes. We will cover in detail how to find the right fabric, fit, and functionality for your work life.
Hospital Dress Code
Most hospitals will have a clear dress code for how they want their medical staff to look. This is important to abide by for several reasons, the first being identifiability.
In a crowded hospital, distinguishing between medical staff at a glance is important. This is useful for other staff members to see who is who, especially in emergency situations.
Different types and colors of clothing can also be very helpful for patients. It allows them to ask the right people for help if they need it, which alleviates stress and confusion.
Quality medical clothing also makes you look more professional and approachable to patients!
So whether you are buying clothes for yourself or as a gift, make sure they meet the dress code of your hospital!
Staff and Patient Safety
A lot of hospitals strive to achieve recognition for excellent nursing staff. One key accreditation is getting Magnet Status.
To meet the criteria, hospitals have to show that they have the best nursing and care practices. This includes having high-quality medical clothing to reduce the spread of infections.
Avoid clothing that has too many loops or fastenings. These can get caught on things, which is a hazard in a medical environment.
Functionality and Comfort
Although looking professional is important, it is also essential that you are comfortable. Working long, often emotional shifts can be difficult for medical staff.
So finding comfortable clothes that meet your functionality criteria is also very important. Here are a few things to consider in that respect.
Fabric
There are four main fabrics which most medical clothing is made from;cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex. Each material offers different benefits and varies in price. So it depends on your personal preference which one works best for you.
Particularly when wearing scrubs, breathability and flexibility are important. You also want something that is durable against the general wear and tear that occurs during a shift.
Pockets
You can never have too many pockets, right? For healthcare workers, extra pocket space is ideal for storing all your essentials.
Look for clothing that has deep, well-constructed pockets. This maximizes how much you can carry with you.
The pockets should preferably have a fastening. This stops anything from falling out when you're rushing about.
Closure Style
Another consideration that often gets overlooked is the closure style of the garment. Some garments have no closures at all, they have a pullover style.
This is good for items like scrubs, as there are no points where contamination can get through.
But it can be impractical for warmer clothing, as this needs to be taken on and off more often. In this case, zippers are often the best option for medical workers.
Snap closures and buttons are other popular options, as well as velcro and drawstrings.
Remember that sometimes you might be wearing gloves or carrying medical items. This can make it more challenging to undo your jacket. So whatever fastening you choose, make sure it is easy to undo in any circumstances.
Clothing Fit
When you choose your work clothes, they should fit in a practical and flattering way. Clothes that are too tight can restrict your movement. This can make you feel uncomfortable throughout the day.
On the other hand, large clothing may interfere with medical procedures by draping. It could also cause a trip hazard.
So when you buy new clothing, make sure that you check out the size guide provided by the company. This will tell you how to take your measurements and provide a sizing guide for each style of clothing.
Different fits will have different measurements, even if they are the same dress size. So also take into account your own body shape.
Making Healthcare Worker Clothing Personal
In a sea of scrubs, it can be hard to feel like you stand out in your work clothes. An easy and stylish solution to this is personalized nurse gear.
Here are a few reasons why personalizing work clothes is a great idea!
Subtle, Yet Stylish Designs
Personalizing your workwear can look eye-catching, without interfering with functionality. It can also make you more easy to identify, which in busy hospital corridors can be an advantage.
At MacAttack Gear, there is a huge range of colors and designs that you can choose from. You can opt for custom embroidery, which will make your
Do you know a recent medical or nursing college graduate? Then personalizing some medical clothing items is also a great idea for a gift. It is both a thoughtful and practical way to add to their wardrobe!
Personalizing for Groups
Another great thing about personalizing clothing is that you can do group orders. You can maintain a professional group appearance without compromising on individual style.
Personalization is practical, as people won't get their uniforms mixed up. It is easy for things to go missing when everyone is wearing the same thing.
It can also create a sense of morale and team cohesion. Having matching outfits can make people feel closer to their colleagues. This can make a more relaxed, positive working environment.
Patient Benefits
Although there are many benefits for staff, personalization can also help patients. It can make you seem more approachable, which is good in a stressful environment like a hospital.
It can prove to be a conversation starter for some patients, especially if you have a fun design. This is perfect for pediatric departments as well. The children will like the bright colors and motifs.
Personalizing a jacket is much easier for patients to read than a lanyard. The staff members' names and departments can be front and center, so there is never any confusion.
How to Care for Your Work Clothes
As a hard-working medical professional, you need to keep your work clothes hygienic. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your clothes so they last for a long time.
Pre-Treat Stains
A side-effect of working in the medical profession is that you are working with a lot of body fluids. Although most of them will wash out with ease, some might be tougher to remove.
Don't scrub the fabric hard to get stains out, as this can cause rips and thinning of the material.
Instead, soak your medical clothing in disinfectant before washing to lift the stain. If it is a tough mark, then you can also try stain remover to get rid of it.
Keep Work Clothes Separate
In order to keep up good hygiene, washing your work clothes in a separate load is best. This prevents cross-contamination with your personal clothes.
You may also need to wash your work clothes at higher temperatures than your regular clothes. Avoid using fabric softener too often. It can affect the moisture-wicking and thermal properties of the material.
Dry With Care
Tumble drying on low heat is okay on some occasions. But air-drying your scrubs or jackets is much better. This prevents them from shrinking or damaging the fabric.
This will also help to keep them flat and wrinkle-free. Plus, it will keep fleeces and sweatshirts feeling soft and fluffy.
If in doubt, always check the care instructions on your items!
Find Your Perfect Hospital Clothes
Choosing your perfect hospital clothes is an important decision. They will make your work life more comfortable and enjoyable when you get the right fit. So, take time to think about which fabric, fit, and style works best for you.
Don't forget that you can try personalizing your work clothes! This will help you stand out from the boring general hospital clothes worn today.
Whether you are looking for a gift or updating your work wardrobe, choose MacAttack Gear. As a nurse-run company, we understand your clothing needs as a medical professional.
We have a huge range of items, from jackets to scrubs, all perfect for the busy nurse or doctor. For over 15 years, we have been personalizing items, including brands like The North Face.
So check out our new releases here, and find your ideal look today!