Doctors and lab coats

We all associate white lab coats with doctors. Maybe that is because all doctors, in every sense, do wear lab coats white in color. The doctors that cut people up and sew them together wear them, and the ones that peer into microscopes in laboratories to find new things also wear them.

Why is it white?

Have you ever wondered why doctors wear white lab coats? The coats are there for obvious reasons; to prevent their clothes from being soiled. But what about the color (or the lack of it)? Well, it is simple theory. White coats allow you to detect the slightest germs or dirt on yourself. Since the work that doctors do have a pretty high hygiene quotient it is very important that they act upon the slightest possibility of germs or infection immediately on contact with themselves.

Designer lab coats

• A lot of companies have now started making lab coats with a little variation in their design. Different colors, cuts and embroideries can be seen sported by doctors in different fields of science. However, there is always an ongoing debate on if medical practitioners should be allowed to wear lab coats of any color other than white. The significance of white seems to be more highly esteemed than necessary.

• It depends on the medical or research institute if the doctors working there are allowed to wear lab coats that are of different colors. Maybe various departments have a specific color to code them and distinguish between the different specialties.

• If you want to experiment with the color, design or length of your lab coat, you may do so as long as it is not against the ethics of your work place. There is a dress code in every work place that everyone working at must adhere to.

• If you are looking to experiment with your lab coats you may buy a few from the market. There are a number of manufacturers who cater to the varying tastes of doctors. You may customize your existing coat with your name tag or the logo of your institute.

To button or not to button

As far as lab coats are concerned, they are to be worn by anyone who is a doctor on duty; be in the medical line or in the research base. However, buttoning up the coat is usually left to the discretion of the wearer. Most people don’t pay much attention to this aspect of the coat as long as it is not specified as a rule. You may keep it open or closed as you wish to, depending upon your convenience.

The make

Lab coats are usually made from a material known as poplin which is very comfortable for everyday wear. However, it is also quite costly. Therefore, a lot of people prefer polyester which is also stain resistant. Cotton on the other hand is not easy to maintain clean. Some coats are made from a mix of spun polymer and combed cotton.