Scrubs come in nearly every color of the rainbow, but what does each color actually symbolize? Some hospitals assign certain scrub colors to specific types of staff, while others leave the choice up to each individual. We’ve broken down what kinds of emotions each color evokes, according to color psychology, as well as the most common colors worn by doctors, nursing staff, pediatric nurses, surgical teams, healthcare professionals, and phlebotomists.
Scrub Colors Meaning:
White Scrubs: White scrubs are often traditionally worn by lab scientists and nurses, symbolizing cleanliness and purity. However, white scrubs have fallen out of fashion in many healthcare settings since they’re difficult to keep clean. Despite that, they still maintain a professional appearance and are used in various roles, especially in women’s health and clinical settings.
Black Scrubs: Black scrubs offer a sleek, professional appearance. If you want to come off as more formal in your workplace, black scrubs are a great way to do so. They are popular in both men’s scrubs and women’s scrubs for their elegant, neutral look.
Brown Scrubs: Brown scrubs are like the khakis of the scrub world. They give off neutral, down-to-earth vibes, making them a good option if you want to appear trustworthy in your healthcare role.
Purple Scrubs: Purple scrubs are associated with royalty, but they’re also a popular choice for pediatric nurses or healthcare professionals working with children. Purple scrubs evoke a sense of care and creativity, making them a go-to color in healthcare settings that focus on children’s health.
Blue Scrubs: Blue scrubs is one of the most popular scrub colors in healthcare settings, particularly in operating rooms and among surgical teams. Blue scrubs evoke feelings of trust, dependability, and calm, making them a popular choice for healthcare professionals. Men’s scrubs, in particular, often feature various shades of blue for a professional appearance that’s also practical.
Teal Scrubs: Teal scrubs symbolize peace and healing, making them ideal for both surgical teams and healthcare professionals working in stressful environments. Teal scrub tops and scrub pants are great options because they hide stains well, especially in the operating room.
Yellow Scrubs: Yellow scrubs are strongly associated with happiness and warmth. Wearing yellow scrub tops and pants can bring a cheerful vibe to healthcare settings. While less common, yellow is a great option for healthcare professionals who want to brighten the atmosphere.
Orange Scrubs: Orange scrubs, like yellow, give off an uplifting energy. They are also a great seasonal choice for the fall, making them a fun and professional appearance option for certain healthcare roles.
Red Scrubs: Red is not a common color for scrubs since it’s associated with warnings and blood. While red scrubs are rare in healthcare settings, they may be worn in specific roles for dramatic effect or special events.
Pink: Pink scrubs are perfect for healthcare professionals who work with children or in other nurturing enviroments. Pink scrubs are especially popular in pediatric settings and are a festive choice for occasions like Valentine’s Day.
Burgundy: Burgundy scrubs offer a sophisticated, rich tone that provides a dressier alternative to red scrubs. Burgundy is a universally flattering color that works well for healthcare professionals in many different roles, helping them maintain a professional appearance.
What color scrubs do doctors wear?
Doctors can most commonly be found wearing blue scrubs. Navy blue and royal blue scrubs are popular options for doctors in both men’s scrubs and women’s scrubs. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and some hospitals may require doctors to wear a different color or have no requirement at all.What color scrubs do nurses wear?
What color scrubs do nurses wear?
Nurses often wear light blue or white scrubs to distinguish themselves from doctors and surgeons. White scrubs, though not as common today, offer a clean, professional appearance. Nurses in pediatric settings might wear more colorful options like pink or purple scrubs, adding warmth and care to their interactions with patients.What color do certified nursing assistants wear?
What color scrubs do nursing assistants wear?
Certified nursing assistants typically wear either white scrubs or royal blue scrubs, providing a professional and traditional appearance that suits various healthcare settings.
What color scrubs do surgeons wear?
Surgeons usually wear green or teal scrubs, not only because they tend to be flattering on most skin tones, but they hide stains very well and help reduce eye strain during surgery.
What color scrubs do medical assistants wear?
There is no single scrub color that medical assistants consistently wear across the healthcare industry. Some common options include patterned, pink, or navy scrubs.
What color scrubs do phlebotomists wear? Like medical assistants, there is no particular scrub color that is directly associated with phlebotomists. Popular options include burgundy or blue scrubs, or whatever color is required at your healthcare facility.
Care+Wear Scrub Color Chart
At Care+Wear, we know your scrubs have to withstand a lot of wear and tear. That’s why we launched men’s and women’s scrubs in four of the popular colors found in healthcare facilities: ceil blue, royal blue, navy, teal and black.
Our scrubs are made from soft, flexible fabric and come equipped with plenty of pockets to store what you need. They’re also wrinkle-resistant, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking.
Eric Luera
January 13, 2023
I think the color red should be on the market to be sold. I’m a phlebotomist and our color to wear is red. Please reconsider for that color to be displayed.