In the early days, nurse uniforms were created to differentiate the nurses from other workers–like servants, housemaids, or cooks. The white cap and dress came to symbolize the cleanliness of a medical environment.
But well into the 20th century, that nursing uniform was abandoned for a number of more practical scrubs. From nurse dresses to white coats, the nurse’s uniforms over the years have changed–along with the image of nursing.
Why do nurses wear scrubs? And how have scrubs evolved to be more functional?
To understand modern-day nursing uniforms, we have to go all the way back to the beginning. Let’s take a look at the history and the evolution of nursing scrubs.
The First Uniforms: Nun’s Habits
Before nursing became professionalized in the late 19th century, nuns or family members were involved with the care of the sick or injured.
Because of this, the early nursing uniform was based on the nun’s habit. Many nurses wore simple, long-sleeved, tweed dresses that came down to the ankles. They wore an apron over the dress and a bonnet-style head covering that completely covered their hair.
These uniforms came in dull colors like gray, black, or brown. Variations of this style included jackets, white caps, or short woolen cloaks. Some nurses also wore a sash embroidered with the name of the hospital.
Beyond the simple goal of professionalism, the goal of the uniforms was to protect nurses from infections and unsanitary conditions–despite the fact that gloves and masks weren’t yet part of the outfit.
Many of the nurses during this time period thought the outfits were hideous. But there was another purpose in mind: to guard the nurses against the possibility of immorality or the advances of male patients.
Early 20th Century: Classic White
By the early 1900s, dark colors were switched mostly to white. These colors were considered to be pure and sanitary. It also made the nurse uniforms similar to the doctors’ white coats–which added to the nurse’s image of status.
However, long sleeves and long skirts were still the norm. Aprons were still worn over the outfit. Furthermore, caps were seen as a sign of respect for the profession–often given to nurses only upon graduation.
While surgeons started using gauze masks after 1918, nurses didn’t use protective or sterilized garments until much later in the 20th century.
World War II: Greater Efficiency
During World War I and World War II, nurse uniforms changed significantly.
Nurses in the field needed to move fast, so hems became shorter and the sleeves could be rolled up. Uniforms also evolved to include pockets so that nurses could carry medical supplies or other necessities.
As a further identifier, nurses wore armbands with the red cross.
Between World War I and World War II, hemlines rose even more, until skirts and sleeves were much more manageable for nurses. This was a big step towards making uniforms less restricting and more gender neutral.
The 60s and 70s: From Green to White
By the 1960s, the starched white dress and white hose had become a symbol of the nursing profession. At this time, nurses had increasing control over what they wore. Many hospitals no longer provided nursing outfits–which allowed nurses to buy directly from uniform manufacturers.
As a result, uniforms became more stylish, flattering for the body, and fit the changing times to become more modern.
While the white outfits had been a staple of the nursing profession since the beginning, the color didn’t stick around long. At that time, it was believed that the white apparel and bright white operating lights might cause strain for staff members in the hospitals. As a result, many healthcare uniforms had changed to various shades of green by the 1970s.
These green uniforms soon became standard–and were found to reduce eye fatigue and make bloodstains less obvious.
The 80s and 90s: The Debut of Scrubs
As the years went on, rules for nursing attire relaxed more and more. Instead of dresses and hoses, scrubs replaced the uniform for nurses and other medical personnel.
Scrubs typically consist of a short-sleeved shirt and pants typically tied with a drawstring. The name is derived from the medical environment, which is sterilized or “scrubbed.”
The introduction of scrubs offered a number of advantages. They’re easier to work in and offer a wide range of movement for personnel. They offer pockets and extra space for carrying equipment. Furthermore, they’re easy to clean in order to keep them sanitary enough for hospital use and they can easily be thrown away if contaminated.
Another important factor was that scrubs made the nursing profession completely gender neutral. More and more men were entering the profession at this time, and scrubs were considered appropriate for any gender.
Modern Times: Why Do Nurses Wear Scrubs?
Today, almost all healthcare professionals wear some form of scrubs. Whether working in a hospital, a clinic, a surgical center, or even a dental office, scrubs are an important part of the healthcare field.
These scrubs are made of an inexpensive material and they’re easy to clean–usually owned by the hospital in order to limit laundering or sterility issues. They’re made of durable fabric that absorbs blood and other bodily fluids.
Another vital function of scrubs is to differentiate between different staff positions or departments. Scrubs are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. This can provide a way to distinguish between positions or departments at a healthcare facility.
The result? A nursing staff that presents a unified, professional image for patients, which is what nursing uniforms were meant to do from the very beginning.
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The Bottom Line
Why do nurses wear scrubs? How did it all start?
For nursing, a uniform can play a large role in the way people view the field. When you see a nurse in uniform, you might think about cleanliness, professionalism, or helpfulness.
From the original design in the 1800s to modern day scrubs, the evolution of nursing scrubs has reflected the changing face of our society. Without these vital changes over time, the world of healthcare wouldn’t be the same.
Want to learn more about clothes–including their function, origin, and style? Check out our outfit ideas for more inspiration!
