Scrubs have been around since the 1970s when doctors and nurses opted to wear this uniform in operating theatres. Over the years, the design of scrub tops and pants has changed, becoming more acceptable as workwear in other industries besides the medical profession. With scrubs being more comfortable and fashionable, other workplaces have adopted this clothing as part of their uniform.
If you’re wondering whether to add scrub tops to your workwear wardrobe, read on to find out whether they would be suitable for the job you’re performing. But, let’s first talk about why this unique type of clothing is worn in the healthcare industry.
Why do healthcare professionals wear scrubs?
Working in the healthcare environment requires keeping it sterile while caring for vulnerable patients. Scrubs have been designed for infection control, minimizing the risk of transmitting germs to sick or older people.
Scrubs are also more comfortable and practical when working in an environment that requires having freedom of movement when monitoring or handling patients. In addition, they’re easier to clean with fabrics designed to handle high temperatures when being laundered.
Designers have become adventurous with different colors, patterns, and style designs in scrubs, turning these items into popular workwear for various healthcare professionals. While scrubs are typically designed to include both the top and pants, some healthcare workers opt to wear scrub tops with their own choice of bottoms.
Now, where can you make use of these exciting outfits?
5 workplaces where you can wear scrub tops
1. Hospitals and clinics
It’s not unusual to see doctors and nursing staff wearing scrubs in hospitals and clinics, and this was the first workplace to adopt this type of uniform. Scrubs were first used in operating theatres by surgeons and nurses, replacing the conventional long white surgery gown.
The traditional green sets weren’t only more comfortable, but they also prevented glare from theatre lights from blinding the operating team during surgery. These “surgical scrubs” later became acceptable work gear for nurses and doctors working in the wards.
2. Home healthcare
If your job involves caring for sick, elderly, or disabled people in their own homes, wearing scrub tops is a practical option. Like nurses in hospitals, your duties entail monitoring your patients’ wellbeing, helping them when they’re up and about, giving them baths, and feeding them. Your tasks will likely involve wound care and cleaning up other body fluids.
In this field of work, it makes sense to wear hygienic clothing, easy to wear, and gives you free movement. Scrub tops also create a professional appearance, reassuring your home patients that they’re in good hands.
3. Dentist rooms and surgeries
Another workplace where it’s acceptable to wear scrub tops is in a dentist’s room or surgery. Both dentists and their assistants opt to wear this clothing item to maintain a sterile environment when working with their patients. The dental assistant’s role entails preparing the patient for procedures and handling instruments that need to be kept sterilized at all times.
Once again, the practicality of wearing scrub tops means both the dentist and assistant can perform their tasks unimpeded by clothing that could hamper their work. Patients are also more comfortable when their healthcare professional wears a recognized uniform, helping them feel safe when undergoing dental procedures.
4. Veterinary hospitals
If you’re a veterinarian or veterinary assistant, you’ll find wearing scrub tops practical and easy when working with animals. Your role often involves preparing sick animals for operations, caring for them when recovering from procedures, feeding them, and keeping them clean.
Veterinarians are also involved in handling animals while performing surgical procedures. Various tests need to be taken before and after operations and physical examinations. These tasks require being unhampered by workwear, and scrub tops are an excellent solution.
5. Beauty spas
One place you never expected to see scrub tops is the beauty spa! However, beauty technicians are also turning to fashionable scrubs as part of their uniforms. Scrub tops have come a long way from being bulky, boring work gear with today’s designs, including gathered waists, attractive necklines, and tunic styles.
Beauticians not only look professional but feel good when wearing these scrub tops. They can perform massages, pedicures and manicures, facials, and other spa treatments unhindered. And they can toss their workwear into the washing machine, knowing it’ll be ready and hygienic for the next day’s work.
Final thoughts
Gone are when healthcare workers only wore scrubs in the hospital environment. This type of clothing has become an acceptable uniform for many other industries, including those mentioned in this article. Early education teachers, laboratory technicians, occupational therapists, pediatricians, and physicians are also turning to scrub tops as part of their workplace wardrobe.
If your workplace dress code gives you the flexibility to choose your workwear and you work in any of the professions mentioned above, consider adding scrub tops to your wardrobe. You’ll be glad you did when you discover just how valuable and convenient this type of clothing is!
