The Evolution of Fashion in the Medical Field

You may never have noticed it, but just like our everyday clothes, there are fashion trends in the field of medical uniforms. This might seem surprising, when medical uniforms worn in hospitals and healthcare facilities are expected to adhere to certain guidelines and it's common for all healthcare professionals to wear similar uniforms and they are generally plain. However, in private practices (such as dentists, physiotherapists, veterinarians, general practitioners, etc.), medical clothing trends do indeed exist and are increasingly growing!

Whether it's about addressing practical questions, changes in social norms, or concerns for comfort and aesthetics, medical attire has truly evolved over the decades, striving to become more and more comfortable and adapting to the diverse needs and different preferences of those who wear them. So, let's take a look at the various styles of nurse uniforms from the last century to the present day.

Let's start with the nursing style during the First World War.

It might seem surprising and even absurd, but at the beginning of the last century, women were just starting to work.

During this time, society was deeply religious and modesty was highly valued. In order to conform to societal norms, the attire worn by doctors, nurses, and other female healthcare professionals of that era was based on the 'classic' women's attire of the time. Floor-length skirts and dresses, long sleeves—women were expected to be covered from head to toe. Even when it came to hair, covering was necessary. But then, how were nurses distinguished from other women? An apron, a badge embroidered with a cross, and a white head covering. These visual cues were what made them recognisable and authoritative in the eyes of others.

What about nurses during World War II? What did they wear in the 1950s?

In the post-war period, as a general trend, very few women were wearing pants. This is why nurses wore very uniform white coats over skirts, which, although slightly shorter by now, were almost always accompanied by opaque tights to stay modest.

It wasn't until about twenty years later that the medical style began to unfold. However, it still remained somewhat timid...

What was the style like in the 1970s?

Towards the 1970s, a less rigid style emerged. With more freedom and vibrant colours, medical coats began to be seen as real garments, even though they remained work attire. As photos from this era are primarily in black and white, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact introduction of colors into nurses' uniforms. However, it can still be estimated that the beginning of the "clothing liberation" started around this time. The head covering, though, continued to exist but was worn less frequently. The same applied to stockings, as women gradually started to move away from them.

Was there a significant difference in medical uniforms in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, the dress code persisted. The dress itself became more fitted, and colors became more pronounced, especially in the United Kingdom. The shoes remained more or less the same, and head coverings continued to be emblematic in nurses' attire but were no longer obligatory and started to fade away.

The drastic change of the 1990s.

It wasn't until the 1990s that radical changes began to appear: long skirts were replaced, and it was during this period that nurses started wearing pants. Pants were more comfortable and practical for facing their long and demanding workdays, and they no longer wore skirts or dresses. Similarly, the head covering was completely abandoned. Likely deemed quite uncomfortable, one thing was certain: nurses were preferred without it!

Fashion after the turn of the millennium until today.

Today, you probably haven't missed it: no more head coverings and no more dresses for our nurses! Now scrubs, often white or green/blue depending on the departments. The styles and materials are far removed from those used in the early days of medicine. Heels are forbidden as they are impractical and known to cause various muscular discomforts. Moreover, rubber clogs have gradually become the popular nurse's footwear, even though they are slowly being replaced by sneakers or other shoes. While pants might not be mandatory (this can still depend on the nursing services), they have become normal to the extent that it's now uncommon to see nurses wearing anything other than scrub trousers.

Medical scrubs are now available in vibrant colours and patterns as well. Just like everyday clothes, they are designed for different body types and are made from various materials with different properties (anti-sweat fabric, 100% cotton, stretchy material, or materials suitable for sensitive skin, among others).

Thanks to research and development in the medical textile sector, new scrubs and medical attire have emerged in the market. The goal? To meet the needs of healthcare professionals, adapt their attire to their requirements, ensure that individuals of all body shapes can find suitable clothing (with scrub sizes ranging from XXS to 5XL), diversify options by offering a variety of colours, shapes, and materials.

One thing is certain: the evolution of fashion in medical scrubs is excellent news for healthcare personnel. Not only can they choose their attire more freely, but they can also express their personalities through numerous colour options. This not only helps them feel comfortable in what they wear but also brightens the days of everyone they encounter along the way.

October 7, 2023

Tagged: Exciting events

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