"Scrubs" and "lab coats" are often used loosely, but in a hospital they are different garments with different jobs. Ordering the right mix — and the right fabric for each — keeps staff comfortable, hygienic and clearly identifiable. Here is the difference and how to choose.
What are scrubs?
Scrubs are the short-sleeved top and drawstring trouser sets worn by clinical staff — nurses, surgeons, technicians and support staff. They are designed to be simple, comfortable for long shifts, easy to move in, and easy to launder at high temperatures for hygiene. Their minimal design gives germs few places to hide and makes frequent washing practical.
What are lab coats?
Lab coats are the long white (or coloured) coats worn over regular clothing or scrubs, typically by doctors, consultants, pharmacists and laboratory staff. They serve as a protective layer and a professional, recognisable marker of role and seniority. They are worn open or buttoned and are easy to remove if contaminated.
Key differences at a glance
- Worn by: scrubs — nurses, surgeons, technicians; lab coats — doctors, pharmacists, lab staff (often over scrubs).
- Purpose: scrubs are the primary clinical garment; lab coats are a protective, professional layer.
- Design: scrubs are a top-and-trouser set; lab coats are a single long coat.
- Hygiene: both need frequent hot-washing; scrubs are changed and laundered most often.
Fabric and hygiene
Both need durable, breathable fabric that survives repeated industrial washing without fading or shrinking. Poly-cotton blends are common because they balance comfort, durability and colour retention — see our cotton vs poly-cotton guide. Comfort matters for staff on long shifts; hygiene durability matters because these garments are washed constantly.
Colour coding
Many hospitals use scrub colour to identify departments or roles — for instance, one colour for nursing, another for surgery, another for support staff — while lab coats are often white but increasingly coloured for departments too. Decide your colour scheme before ordering so dye lots stay consistent across the whole batch.
How to order the right mix
Map garments to roles: scrubs for clinical and support staff (usually two to three sets each), lab coats for doctors and lab personnel. Add a buffer for new hires and laundering rotation. Then plan sizing carefully — see our sizing guide — and follow our hospital uniform ordering guide for the full process.
Order scrubs and lab coats in bulk
Oceanic Apparels manufactures scrubs, lab coats, nurse and doctor uniforms in bulk, with colour coding and logo embroidery — manufactured in Chennai and shipped across India, MOQ 100. Tell us your role mix and colours and we will quote within 24 hours. Request a healthcare uniform quote or WhatsApp +91 94440 17738.
Written by Winston, Marketing Manager at Oceanic Apparels Private Limited — a uniform manufacturer based in Chennai since 2002.
