Scrubs - The Evolution of Medical Attire

Scrubs - The Evolution of Medical Attire

Scrubs - The Evolution of Medical Attire

The titles of "doctor" and "nurse" most often conjure up a mental image of a person wearing a specific style of loose, yet structured apparel. Just as law enforcement officers are known by their uniform and badge, medical personnel are automatically recognized by the scrubs that they wear.

But why scrubs? Doctors used to wear business suits and historical midwives wore the same homespun gowns as the rest of the neighborhood. Surgeons wore butcher aprons and dentists wore whatever they liked. Why the change?

As knowledge of health care grew during the early 1900s the idea of medical sanitation was introduced to a public that previously had no concept of transferable germs. Over the next several decades it became apparent that the garments of those practicing medicine could contaminate medical areas (after all, historical surgeons didn't change their butcher aprons between surgeries). During the 1940s sanitary attire was fully introduced to the medical community.

At first medical attire was white since it was most obvious when the garment had become sullied and posed a medical threat. During the 1950s the switch was made to green apparel since the white uniforms reflected too much light and sometimes had a blinding (rather than soothing) affect. By the 1970s scrubs were a huge success. They were comfortable, functional, and cost-efficient to produce. Scrubs were originally called "the uniform" or "surgical greens". They gained their contemporary name out of association with their environment and use: they were worn only in rooms that had been scrubbed clean and they were donned when medical professionals would go through the procedure of scrubbing their hands and arms before surgeries.

Most modern scrubs are short-sleeved, v-necked tops with draw-string waisted pants. However, various neck-lines and sleeve lengths have developed and a wide-variety of colors and prints are available. Many medical institutions and hospitals assign different scrubs colors to different departments. It is also not unusual to see colorful cartoon-print scrubs worn by medical personnel who work with children. Today, scrubs have evolved beyond simple standards of comfort and function. The colors and cut of the garments are regularly used to reflect the personality and specific occupation of the doctor or nurse who wears them.

Although scrubs are most popular in the U.S. and Canada, their appeal continues to grow in other countries as well. Their functionality and ease of use are practical and they allow patient care personnel to be easily and quickly recognized - a far cry from the original attire of medical professionals.

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