Choosing Medical Scrubs Colors at Your Hospital

If you are getting ready to upgrade the hospital uniform dress code at your hospital and are ordering new medical scrubs, you may be wondering what specific colors might be best. While colors do help distinguish different roles, you need to also consider the implied meaning behind various colors from your employees’ and patients’ perspectives.

Wondering how to choose scrubs that come across as both professional and approachable? The secret is in the color. Colors have a powerful, albeit subconscious, effect on people, and choosing scrubs by color can be a great way to make the very best first impression on patients. 

Read on to discover what the different scrubs colors mean and how to make the best choice for your hospital. 

1. Purple

Many hospitals are switching to purple scrubs because they are very trendy right now. There are various shades like lavender and eggplant. The color represents strength and is often associated with royalty. Patients find this color of scrubs appealing, as well, because it is something different than the green and blue scrubs they normally see.

2. Red

Red scrubs are perfect for hospital administration, laboratory, and pharmacy employees. Lighter shades like pink can uplift patients’ spirits, especially with younger female children. They’re also a great choice for scrubs for women working in maternity wards. Alternatively, darker shades like burgundy can have a calming effect on patients.

3. White

White is a very traditional color that hospitals used to use to indicate cleanliness. Yet, white shows every little splatter of blood and other bodily fluids quite easily. White lab coats are acceptable when combined with a colored scrubs or when they are frequently changed and kept clean.

4. Yellow

This color signifies positivity and happiness. It can also represent sunlight. The best places to use yellow scrubs in the hospital are in pediatric care areas and hospice care areas. Patients in these areas find the color uplifting.

5. Black

Black can be slimming and is a popular and trendy color in the fashion industry. Black is suitable in educational settings and is commonly worn by medical students. It is also appropriate in hospital settings in labs, pharmacies, or administrative areas for both women’s and men’s scrubs.

6. Blue

Blue is a very common scrub color choice because blue tends to have a calming and soothing effect that helps to relax patients. If you are going to stick with blue, consider a new shade. For instance, if you currently use light blue scrubs, you could try dark blue instead.

7. Green

Green scrubs are another very commonly used color. Green is associated with peacefulness and tranquility. Patients liken this color to healing, too, since it helps lower blood pressure and is calming on the eyes. Just like our tip about blue scrubs, if you are already using green scrubs, consider switching to a new shade of green.

8. Brown

Brown is another color that can work nicely for certain hospital staff. Brown scrubs can be appropriate for janitorial and maintenance positions in hospital settings since it does hide stains well.

9. Orange

Orange is a popular scrub color with younger millennials. It signifies creativity, encouragement, and determination. Orange is an ideal color for medical employees who interact with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients since it helps promote increased mental activity.

10. Tan

Tan is another color that is well-suited for maintenance, janitorial, and cafeteria employees. It also helps hide most dirt, dust, and food splatters.

Considerations Beyond Color

Color may be the first thing anyone notices about scrubs, but there are many more factors to consider when choosing the perfect uniform for your hospital employees. 

Material

Scrubs don’t just need to be durable and easily cleanable; they also need to withstand long shifts and continuous wear without becoming wrinkly or causing discomfort to their wearers. As such, the material your scrubs are made of needs to be carefully selected to be lightweight, breathable, and liquid-resistant. At Prudential Uniforms, our scrubs come in two fabric options: 

• 55/45: A blend of 55% cotton and 45% polyester. 
• 65/35: A blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton twill

These fabric blends make Prudential scrubs easy to wash, while also ensuring they withstand ample wear while still looking clean, neat, and professional. 

Fit

Most scrubs will be worn for at least eight hours at a time, so comfort is paramount. Steer clear of scrubs that are too baggy or too tight, as they can become a workplace hazard or make their wearers uncomfortable. Instead, opt for a true-to-size fit that won’t get in the way but won’t make your employees feel constricted, either. 

Why to Choose Prudential Overall Supply for Your Hospital Scrubs

Although color has a powerful impact on the people who wear and see your hospital scrubs, there is no definitive right and wrong answer when it comes to picking colors for your staff. As such, it can be beneficial to get feedback from your employees about what colors they like.

At Prudential, we understand that a lot more goes into choosing the perfect scrubs than just picking a color. That’s why we prioritize comfort, safety, and durability by producing reversible scrubs with set-in sleeves and convenient drawstring pants in all the most popular scrub colors. 

We also offer a specialized medical uniform laundry service, making maintaining and cleaning your scrubs simple and efficient. It also ensures all scrubs are cleaned in a way that keeps them in great shape for much longer. 

Looking for premium, quality hospital uniforms and medical apparel? Browse our collection online or contact Prudential Overall Supply at 800-767-5536 for further assistance today!