How to choose medical clothing — a complete guide

You wear medical apparel for twelve, and during on-call shifts easily up to twenty-four hours straight, constantly in motion and often in uncomfortable circumstances. It must be comfortable, durable, easy to wash, and able to endure hundreds of cycles without losing its shape or color. In this guide, we will go through everything that matters when choosing — materials, cut and size, types of apparel, colors by department, care, and what each profession wears — so you can pick pieces that feel great to work in.

What to Consider When Choosing Medical Apparel (Quick Overview)

Before diving into details, keep six criteria in mind:

1. Material — determines comfort, breathability, and durability. 2. Cut and fit — women's, men's, or unisex; freedom of movement. 3. Size — measure yourself, do not rely solely on your "usual" S/M/L. 4. Type of apparel — top, trousers, lab coat, dress/skirt depending on your work. 5. Color — often guided by department customs or dress codes. 6. Maintenance — how it washes and how long it lasts.

We will go through each point step-by-step. You can find the full range in the medical apparel category.

Materials and Their Properties

Material is the most important parameter — it determines whether you feel hot in your clothes, whether it wears out quickly, and how it looks after the fiftieth wash.

Cotton — comfort and breathability

Cotton feels pleasant on the skin, absorbs sweat well, and lets the skin breathe. The disadvantage is that it wrinkles easily, shrinks more, and holds its shape less effectively. Pure cotton is therefore better suited where maximum comfort is the priority.

Polyester and blends — durability and shape retention

Blended materials combining polyester and cotton (typically in ratios around 65/35) are the most common choice. Polyester adds abrasion resistance, faster drying, as well as color and shape retention, while cotton adds comfort. A blend is a great compromise for everyday shift work.

Elastane — freedom of movement

Added elastane (usually a few percent) gives the fabric elasticity. In practice, this means the clothing moves with you — during bending, squatting, and lifting patients. For trousers and modern scrubs, elastane is a major plus.

Viscose and functional materials

Sometimes you will also come across viscose (a pleasant, draping material made from cellulose, but less durable) or functional blends that wick moisture away better and dry faster. Functional fabrics will be appreciated mainly by those who move a lot during a shift or work in warm environments.

Comparison of materials — what to expect from them

How to recognize quality — fabric weight, shrinkage, colorfastness

Details reveal quality: fabric weight (GSM) — higher weight tends to be more durable but warmer; low shrinkage (a quality piece will not shrink significantly after washing); and colorfastness (color does not fade even after repeated high-temperature washing). You can also recognize it by craftsmanship: straight and reinforced seams (double seams at stressed areas), quality pockets with firm stitching, smoothly running zippers or snaps, and clean edging. Cheap pieces can be spotted by crooked seams and fabric that sags after a few washes.

Antibacterial treatment — what it involves

Some fabrics have an antibacterial (antimicrobial) treatment that reduces the multiplication of bacteria in the textile, thereby preventing odors. It is a useful addition for comfort and hygiene of easy maintenance — not a substitute for proper washing and disinfection. Always check the specific properties of a given product.

Cuts and Sizes

Even the best material won't help if the apparel fits poorly. Address cut and size just as carefully as the fabric.

Women's vs. Men's vs. Unisex Cut

• Women's cut is usually shaped at the waist and tailored to the female figure. You can choose in the women's medical apparel category.

• Men's cut is straighter and broader in the shoulders — see men's apparel.

• Unisex cut is a universal compromise, practical where uniforms are shared or ordered in bulk.

Cuts of trousers, tops, and lab coats

Besides size, also consider the specific cut:

• Trousers — classic straight cuts fit almost everyone, tapered cuts look neater, and modern joggers with elastic waistband and ankles are most comfortable for movement. Watch the waistband type (elastic vs. drawstring) and the number of pockets.

• Tops — classic tops pull over the head, wrap tops suit pregnant workers and offer easy dressing, while tunics are longer and looser. Wrap and A-line cuts are more forgiving than fitted ones.

• Lab coats — vary in length (shorter consultation vs. longer laboratory coats) and number of pockets; a longer coat protects clothing better, a shorter one is more comfortable for moving around.

How to measure yourself correctly

Do not rely only on the size you wear normally — every brand cuts differently. Measure your:

• chest circumference (over the widest part),

• waist circumference,

• hip circumference,

• back length (for lab coats and dresses, total length). 

Compare the measured values with the size chart of the specific manufacturer.

Size chart

Exact dimensions for individual sizes can be found in the table for each product. If you are between two sizes, choose the smaller size for looser cuts (scrubs) and the larger size for lab coats worn over clothing.

Types of Medical Apparel — Navigation

Depending on your work and department, you will reach for different types. Here is an overview with links to individual categories:

Tops and scrubs

The foundation of every uniform. A top (often as a set with scrub trousers) is comfortable, practical, and quick to put on. You can choose from tops and scrubs, either solid-colored or patterned.

Medical trousers

Scrubs belong with comfortable trousers — straight, tapered, or a modern jogger cut with an elastic waist. Find an overview in the medical trousers category. 

Doctor and laboratory coats

A lab coat is a classic for doctor's offices, laboratories, and consultations — as well as common equipment for medical students during hospital practice, where coats are worn most often. They differ in length and cut — select in the lab coats category.

Dresses and skirts

For doctor's offices and aesthetic medicine, medical dresses and skirts are an elegant choice. They are also suitable for standard wards, especially in summer, providing necessary breathability and comfort.

Medical footwear and socks

You spend the whole shift on your feet — quality footwear and socks determine comfort more than it seems. During long standing, you will appreciate compression socks, which support venous return, relieve swelling and foot fatigue, and help prevent varicose veins.

Caps and accessories

Surgical caps complement the uniform and add personality with a print or color.

Top vs. Scrubs vs. Tunic — What is the difference

Terms are often confused, yet the difference is simple:

• Scrubs is an English term for a set of a loose top and trousers worn by staff in operating rooms and wards. In Czech, "scrubs" and "medical top" are commonly used as synonyms.

• Top is the upper garment — it can be part of a scrubs set or an individual piece.

• Tunic is usually a longer, looser upper garment, often wrap-around or with closures. 

In practice, you mainly choose between a shorter top (scrubs) and a longer tunic based on what is more comfortable.

Colors of Medical Apparel by Department

The color of a uniform is often not random — many workplaces follow customs that help distinguish staff. However, this is a convention, not a rule, and varies from workplace to workplace:

Why do surgeons wear green or blue? It is neither accident nor just habit. After staring at red blood for a long time, an "afterimage" in an opposite, green-blue shade appears on the retina; green and blue environments and clothing suppress this effect and fatigue the eyes less. Furthermore, green and blue stand out better in the OR as a contrast to human body tones.

Before buying, check if your workplace has mandatory colors.

Medical Apparel by Profession and Department

Different professions have different priorities:

• Nurse — comfortable top and trousers with enough pockets for small tools.

• Doctor — often a coat over regular clothes, or scrubs on the ward.

• Surgeon — loose scrubs, usually in green or blue.

• Dentist and aesthetic medicine — presentable, more elegant cuts (tops, tunics, dresses).

• Pediatrician — cheerful colors and patterns that calm small patients.

• Medical student — universal coat and top to start with (see also stethoscope tips for nurses and choosing a stethoscope for your kit).

• Physiotherapist — flexible clothing with freedom of movement that withstands frequent bending and squatting.

• Orderly and support staff — durable, easily washable pieces where frequent higher-temperature washing is not an issue.

• Veterinarian — practical scrubs that tolerate dirt and fur, and wash easily.

Dress code and workplace rules

In addition to personal preferences, the employer's dress code plays a role. Some facilities prescribe colors, apparel types, and rules for name tags. Before investing in a whole set, verify the internal guidelines of your workplace — saving yourself an unnecessary purchase.

Pockets and Practical Details Worth Looking For

In medical apparel, little things matter that you will only appreciate during shifts:

• Pockets — how many there are and where. Chest pocket for name tag and phone, side pockets for small tools, and ideally a thigh pocket on trousers. The freer your hands are, the better.

• Reinforced seams in stressed areas (shoulders, pant crotch) extend lifespan.

• Reflective or contrast elements are useful for paramedics and field staff.

• Suitable closures — snaps or zippers are faster than buttons and easier to disinfect.

How Many Pieces of Apparel You Need

You cannot rely on a single piece in daily operations. A practical minimum is three sets — one you wear, one in the wash, and one in reserve. For higher workloads or split shifts, more pieces are useful. Furthermore, multiple sets wear out more slowly because they are washed less frequently, lasting longer than a single "worn-out" uniform. Therefore, it pays off to get several tops and trousers right from the start.

Care and Washing — How Apparel Lasts Longer

Proper maintenance extends the lifespan and appearance of your uniform:

• Wash according to the label — higher temperatures (often around 60 °C) are common for medical apparel for hygiene reasons, but always respect the symbol on the specific piece (elastane blends may require less).

• Skip fabric softener — especially for fabrics with elastane, where it degrades elasticity and breathability.

• Wash inside out — protects color and print.

• Air dry and steam iron rather than using high temperatures, so the material does not suffer unnecessarily.

• Treat stains immediately — pre-washing or soaking significantly increases the chance that the stain disappears.

Having multiple pieces to rotate pays off — uniforms wear out less and you always have a clean replacement.

Why Reach for Our Own Collections

The flagship INFINITE MedStyle collection is sewn directly in Czechia with an emphasis on materials, fit, and durability in demanding operations; the INFINITE Flex and INFINITE Essentials collections are proprietary brands developed in Czechia. You can choose across categories — from tops and scrubs to trousers and coats — in women's and men's cuts.

Most Common Mistakes When Choosing Medical Apparel

Avoid errors that cost money and comfort:

• Buying a single set. Uniforms need rotation — one piece wears out quickly and you have no backup.

• Ordering "usual" sizes without measuring. Every brand cuts differently; without measuring, it is easy to pick the wrong size.

• Betting solely on price. The cheapest fabric sags and fades after a few washes — a quality piece ends up cheaper per day worn.

• Ignoring the material. Pure cotton wrinkles and shrinks heavily; for all-day shifts, an elastane blend is more practical.

• Overlooking the workplace dress code. Before buying five pieces in your favorite color, check what your employer allows.

• Forgetting proper care. Fabric softeners and high heat ruin elastane — lifespan drops unnecessarily fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What material is best for medical apparel? The best compromise is a polyester/cotton blend (often around 65/35), ideally with added elastane for flexibility. Cotton provides comfort and breathability, polyester provides durability and shape retention.

• What is the difference between a top, scrubs, and a tunic? Scrubs is a set of a loose top and trousers; a top is the standalone upper part; a tunic is a longer and looser upper part. In Czech, "scrubs" and "top" are commonly used as synonyms.

• At what temperature should medical apparel be washed? Usually at higher temperatures (often around 60 °C) for hygiene reasons, but always follow the label symbol. Materials with elastane may require a lower temperature.

• Can I use fabric softener on medical apparel? Preferably not, especially with elastane fabrics — fabric softener worsens elasticity and breathability. You can better protect color and print by washing inside out.

• How do I choose the correct size? Measure your chest, waist, and hip circumferences and compare with the manufacturer's size chart — every brand cuts differently. Between two sizes for scrubs choose the smaller, for coats over clothing choose the larger.

• What do the colors of medical apparel mean? Colors usually distinguish staff (e.g., green in ORs, pink in pediatrics), but this is a convention, not a rule — verify specific colors at your workplace.

Summary

When choosing medical apparel, consider in this order: material (elastane blend for comfort and durability), correct size (measure yourself), type according to your job, and finally color according to department customs. And don't forget maintenance — proper washing determines how long your clothes last. Find the complete offer in the medical apparel category.

article prepared by: Jana