When we think of surgeons, we may automatically picture them wearing green scrubs, cloth masks, and head caps. This hasn’t always been the case! If you’d been wheeled into the operating room (or “operating theater”) before the 20th century, your surgeon would likely have been wearing their own clothes, perhaps topped with a butcher’s apron – yikes! Over the years, the apparel of medical professionals has evolved to keep them safe and comfortable, protect patients, and help foster confidence and comradery in medical facilities.
Pre-20th Century – 1970s
Before, and even into, the 20th century, separate uniforms for medical professionals were far from the norm. After the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, wearing masks became commonplace, but it was more to protect doctors than patients. It was normal for surgeons to wear their street clothes into the operating room through the early 20th century, because dressing to demonstrate one’s class in society was a higher priority than sanitation techniques (which were at that point, still a contentious topic).
In the 1940s, thanks to advances in the science of wound infection and aseptic technique, many hospitals adopted the practice of wearing medical drapes and gowns. If you’d stepped into a surgery wing in the 40s, though, you’d have likely been in a sea of white, as it was seen as a sign of the cleanliness of a hospital. Soon, though, staff realized that the combination of bright lights and all-white attire was causing eye strain among hospital surgeons. It was then that green scrubs became the default color for surgeons, leading to the attire being called “surgical greens.” As more healthcare workers began wearing the V-neck top, drawstring pants, surgical cap, and mask in a variety of colors, “surgical greens” became a less accurate name for medical clothing as a whole. Because they are worn in a sanitized or “scrubbed” environment, the uniforms we use today became known as scrubs.
1970s – Present
Scrubs in the last 50 years have remained largely the same, with small tweaks to fit, style, and material to make them more comfortable, practical, and flattering. Scrubs are now available in a vast range of colors and prints, giving hardworking medical professionals the opportunity to show off their personality. It’s not uncommon to see scrubs featuring cartoon characters, florals, or animals on nurses, pediatricians, and veterinarians (who now also wear scrubs!).
In some cases, medical staff in the same department opt to wear the same color (for example, OB-GYNs in pink, surgeons in green, doctors in dark blue, and nurses in light blue) to help patients recognize their care professionals, and make it easier to locate specific specialists in emergencies.
Beyond aesthetic changes, new materials have been integrated into scrub manufacturing. While earlier renditions were simply cotton and polyester, they can now be purchased in materials like spandex, rayon, and bamboo. Some scrubs are even woven with silver, copper, or other antimicrobial agents to help maintain the sterile environment necessary to keep patients and medical professionals safe from infectious diseases. The use of moisture-wicking materials is also common in present day scrubs, as they keep wearers’ sweat at bay, in addition to adding another layer of protection from other hazardous workplace fluids they may encounter. Especially in extensive surgeries, this can ensure the surgeon and his support staff are comfortable, hygienic, and focused on the task at hand.
The Future of Scrubs
While it might seem there’s no room for growth in the scrub department, the integration of “smart” fabrics could improve the future of healthcare. Non-invasive technology could be used to detect dangerous spikes in stress, heart rate, or blood pressure, or to adjust body temperature to keep wearers cool and dry during high-stress situations.
For now, though, scrubs are essential in the modern-day medical environment to keep healthcare workers comfortable, clean, and ready for anything that comes their way. We’ve come a long way since the butcher apron!
Looking to upgrade to the latest scrub styles and technologies? Come check out our latest offerings at our Scrub Truck! Click here to find an event near you!
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