Why choose coloured coats for healthcare workers?

Uniforms for healthcare and beauty sector have changed significantly over the years. They have developed over time to respond to the demands of these professionals. Obviously, they must be comfortable and facilitate freedom of movement, transpirable to reduce the presence of micro-organisms, and easy to wash to guarantee optimal levels of asepsis. In addition, the colours of these work clothes allow us to recognize health workers at a glance.

Who wears health-care uniforms?

Nowadays, we can find a wide variety of colours among healthcare professionals, in some cases they may even wear printed coats. However, some specific sectors still follow standard colours in their workwear.

When we go to a hospital, for example, we are sure to see white coats and blue or green pyjamas. However, coloured coats are also the uniform of other professionals such as: veterinarians, pharmacists, dentists, medical clinics, physiotherapists, etc.

The use of this type of clothing is not exclusive to doctors and nurses; any professional who works in the healthcare sector must wear medical tunics, coats or pyjamas.

The evolution of colours in workwear coats

The colours of hospital uniforms also changed in parallel with the introduction of sterilisation and hygiene techniques. Gradually, the clothing of these professionals began to project an image of safety and confidence, using white as the basic colour. The American doctor, Hunter Robber, was the first to request uniforms for operating rooms that, for reasons of hygiene, would completely cover the surgical team.

 
These uniforms were also white, as it was believed that they would be easier to wash. However, over time, this colour proved to be unsuitable for surgical environments. These white clothes promoted fatigue, so other colours were looked for, which would also soften the red of the blood. In 1914, the colour green was introduced in operating rooms and in the middle of the 20th century, sky blue uniforms also appeared among surgical uniforms, a colour that fulfils the same function as green.

Hospital uniforms today

Today, tunics and pyjamas used in hospitals come in three colours: white, blue or green. The latter is usually used in operating rooms and emergency areas. Doctors, nurses and guards usually wear white or blue. The choice of these tones was not chosen at chance, they are used because they transmit tranquillity and calmness to the patients.

Advantages of coloured work coats

Although hospitals and public health care centres follow the standard colours, in some specific cases and specialised clinics they often take some liberties with their uniforms. It is possible to find garments in other colours, with prints or small touches of colour to give personality to the classic white work coat.

Printed jackets for pediatric care

Pediatricians, nurses and healthcare professionals working with children often add colour to their clothes. For example, they often wear a white coat and a printed coat. Remember that white coats can also have small colourful details, for example in the pocket where healthcare workers often carry pens.

Coloured coats for closeness

The reason to add colour to a pediatric coat is very simple: we are talking about environments where children feel insecure, this type of clothing creates a more childlike atmosphere and allows to connect with the children and attract their attention, distracting them while the professionals do their tasks. 

On the other hand, obstetrics and gynaecology clinics and areas often introduce vibrant colours in their uniforms, such as red or pink, to create a sense of confidence, femininity and intimacy. The same is true for beauty salons, where other colours such as navy blue, which conveys elegance and sophistication, are also included.

Colours inspired by TV series

Do you want to know a curious fact? Navy blue became fashionable in healthcare thanks to the furore produced by the series "Grey's Anatomy". As we mentioned earlier, each country and each hospital impose its own colours, so the series based on a fictional hospital in Seattle inspired others to introduce blue into healthcare uniforms.

Colour details for the traditional white coat

The colour white for medical coats was introduced at the end of the 19th century with the aim of detecting stains so that they could be removed as quickly as possible. A measure designed to increase the hygiene required in healthcare environments. However, over time, some patients developed what is known as the "white coat syndrome". In other words, they experience fear or distress at the sight of such coats and their blood pressure shoots up. This is why some doctors, such as pediatricians, often go for little coloured paintbrushes to put their patients at ease.

Accessories to project a more relaxed image 

A touch of colour is not the only way to convey a more relaxed image to the patient. Accessory items such as pins, pens or other are often added to medical coats.

In Norvil we offer you the best fashion workwear for healthcare professionals. Coats or pyjamas with beautiful designs and several properties like transpiration, comfort and elasticity. We do not renounce to the comfort and efficiency necessary to carry out such an important task.