Medical Lab Coats Types and Styles

Pick out a comfortable yet functional lab coat to wear at your medical practice

Medical uniforms almost always include white lab coats. Doctor scrubs and other medical lab coats exude an air of professionalism and trust and are worn by virtually everyone in the medical field. There are also a lot of functional advantages to the white lab coat: You can keep pens and a prescription pad in your pocket, you can protect your scrubs and clothes from spills, and you can show off your personality by choosing a special style or pattern.

Lab coats come in a wide variety of styles. Some are made from just men or women, while others are unisex and can be worn by anyone. Since there is such a variety of medical lab coats types and styles, consider the following before you shop:

1. Ask yourself how long your medical lab coats should be. An unwritten rule in the medical world is that doctors wear longer coats while nurses and other staff wear shorter ones.

2. Think about how many pockets you prefer for your lab coat to have. Two main locations for pockets are the breast and hip areas. Some have pockets inside, too.

3. Consider what type of closure works best for your coat. Quality lab coats can come with buttons, snaps or even zippers to close the front of the coat.

 

Choose unisex medical lab coats to keep down cost

These coats will fit almost everyone, as they most often come in small, medium and large sizes. Since they are unisex, they have fewer stylistic features and may fit a bit more awkwardly for someone with, say, large shoulders or hips. Still, they are affordable in most cases, and you'll be able to find one that fits you. Discount lab coats often come in bulk quantities, so you may be able to buy unisex coats for your entire office that way.
Try: Browse through the different styles of unisex lab coats at Lydia's Professional Uniforms and Scrubs AC.

Find womens lab coats that are functional and flattering

Women's lab coats have a bit more tailoring to them than unisex coats. They usually are more fitted, coming in at the waist and flaring a bit for the hips. This is not just for aesthetics; it allows the woman to move more comfortably while wearing the coat. For women who are pregnant, maternity lab coats are available.
Try: Take a look at the extensive offerings at Cherokee by UniformsAndScrubs.com. There are quite a few attractive coats available at ADVANCE Healthcare Shop.

Buy disposable medical lab coats for protection

A disposable garment has a plastic coating or weave that repels liquids and usually keeps them from soaking through to your medical scrubs or uniform. Although nothing short of a biohazard suit will completely protect you from all types of bodily fluids, a disposable lab coat is a good idea for medical staff that are exposed to any type of contamination. There are a variety of weights, colors, sizes and styles available, depending on your needs.
Try: Check out the lightweight, fluid-repellent disposable lab coats at AIW, which all have pockets for convenience. The disposable lab coats and gowns at QuickMedical come in handy for surgeries, emergency services and phlebotomy.

 

• Lab coat embroidery is popular among medical staff. This gives the coat a personal touch and distinguishes which jacket belongs to whom when the coats aren't being worn. It also identifies you and your position to patients and peers.

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