In the healthcare industry, first impressions matter. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, or veterinarian, your scrubs are more than just a uniform - they’re a representation of your professionalism, confidence, and dedication to patient care. Choosing the right scrubs can boost your confidence, enhance your image with patients and colleagues, and even improve your overall work experience. Let’s explore how selecting the perfect scrubs can make all the difference.

Why your scrub choice matters

Your choice of scrubs impacts how others perceive you. Studies have shown that patients associate clean, well-fitting scrubs with professionalism, approachability, and competence. A study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine found that 53% of patients considered physician attire important to their care and preferred healthcare providers in scrubs over business attire, associating them with trust and expertise.

Additionally, scrubs play a key role in workplace hygiene. High-quality medical scrubs made from durable, breathable fabrics help prevent the spread of contaminants, ensuring a safer environment for both healthcare professionals and patients.

How the right scrubs boost confidence and professionalism

1. Fit and comfort: 

Wearing scrubs that fit well can enhance confidence and allow for better mobility throughout the day. A snug yet flexible fit ensures comfort, making it easier to focus on patient care rather than adjusting your attire. The Koi Next Gen scrubs from Happythreads offer a modern, tailored fit that provides excellent flexibility and comfort.

2. Fabric and durability:

The best scrubs are made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that withstand frequent washing at high temperatures. Our Koi Lite collection and Koi Basics collection is designed with lightweight, stretch fabric that keeps healthcare professionals cool and comfortable all day long.

3. Pockets and functionality: 

Practicality is key. Scrubs with multiple pockets allow you to carry essentials like pens, notepads, and medical tools, keeping everything within easy reach. The Koi Lite Serentiy scrub top is a great option, featuring multiple pockets and a zipper neckline for added class.

The power of printed scrubs: building patient connection

Printed scrubs can play a vital role in patient interactions, particularly in paediatric, dental, and veterinary settings. Fun and engaging prints help to ease patient anxiety and create a welcoming atmosphere. Our collection of printed scrubs, such as animal prints for veterinary professionals or cheerful patterns for paediatrics, can make a lasting impression. Patients, especially children, often respond positively to bright, playful designs, which can help build trust and make clinical settings feel less intimidating.

Choosing the best scrubs for a professional look

• Stick to industry-approved colours: While some workplaces allow colourful scrubs, others have strict dress codes. Blue, green, and navy scrubs are common choices as they create a sense of trust and calmness. The Koi Next Gen Always In Motion jacket is a stylish yet professional option for layering.

The psychological effect of scrub colour: how different scrub colours can evoke different feelings in patients

• Blue and green: Promote calmness and trust, commonly worn in surgical and medical settings.
• White: Associated with cleanliness but can feel intimidating to patients, making it less common outside of lab coats.
• Pink and purple: Warm, friendly tones often used in paediatrics and maternity wards. Research has found that children experience lower anxiety levels when nurses wear pink scrubs compared to navy blue.
• Bright colours and prints: Help create a more approachable atmosphere in dental offices, paediatric clinics, and veterinary settings.
  
• Black: In a recent study, black scrubs were most frequently associated with negative traits. Participants ranked them as least knowledgeable, least skilled, least trustworthy, and least caring, with some even perceiving them as resembling a mortician’s uniform. This suggests that while black scrubs may appear sleek and stylish, they could negatively impact patient perceptions.

Opt for wrinkle-resistant and stain-resistant scrub fabrics

• Stain-resistant scrubs ensure you always look presentable, even on the busiest days. The Koi Lite Wellness Fleece jacket is a durable and stylish outer layer that resists wrinkles and stains.

Consider budget and value

• While high-quality scrubs are an investment, affordability is an important factor. We offers a range of scrubs that provide durability and comfort at competitive prices, ensuring you get value for money without compromising on quality. Shop our collection of budget scrubs.

Lab coat or no lab coat?

A white lab coat is a symbol of authority in many medical fields, but it can also evoke feelings of anxiety in some patients, particularly children. In contrast, wearing scrubs alone often makes healthcare professionals appear more approachable. Some workplaces may opt for coloured lab coats to soften the clinical feel while still maintaining professionalism. Explore our range of white lab coats.

Enhancing your image with patients and colleagues

Patients feel more comfortable when their healthcare providers appear professional and approachable. Clean, well-fitted scrubs in calming colours can make a positive impact on patient interactions. Likewise, colleagues and supervisors are more likely to view you as dependable and prepared when you dress professionally.

Your scrubs are an extension of your professional identity. Investing in high-quality, well-fitting medical scrubs can improve confidence, enhance your workplace image, and contribute to better patient experiences. Whether opting for solid colours, professional prints, or lab coats, choosing the right workwear is key to making a positive and lasting impression every shift.

References & further reading

• Patient Preferences for Physician Attire
• Association Between Patient Perception of Surgeons and Color of Scrub Attire
  
• The Effect of Nurses Uniform Color on Situational Anxiety in the School Age Inpatients Children
• Exploring people's perceptions of healthcare uniforms
• Patient Perspectives Regarding Healthcare Professional Attire