What do most doctors wear? A comprehensive guide to medical professional attire

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 study, over half of all patients consider a doctor's attire to be important, influencing their perceptions of quality of care. The question of what do most doctors wear is complex, with the answer depending heavily on their specialty, location, and daily tasks.

Quick Summary

A doctor's attire, such as scrubs, white coats, or business casual, is determined by their work environment, specialty, and patient interaction needs. These choices are a balance between comfort, professionalism, hygiene, and patient trust.

Key Points

Variety by Setting: A doctor's attire depends largely on their work environment, such as a hospital, operating room, or private clinic.
Scrubs for Function and Hygiene: Scrubs are a common choice for their comfort, functionality, and crucial role in infection control, particularly in high-risk areas like the ER and OR.
The White Coat's Mixed Message: The traditional white coat symbolizes professionalism and authority but faces scrutiny over hygiene concerns and potentially creating a barrier with patients.
Patient Perception Matters: Studies indicate that patient perceptions of a doctor's competence and trustworthiness are influenced by their attire, often varying by patient age and specialty.
Specialties Influence Choices: Some specialties, like pediatrics or psychiatry, may avoid white coats to build better rapport with their patients, who may find the attire intimidating.
Protocols Evolving: Dress codes are not static, with many institutions adopting modern policies like 'Bare Below the Elbow' to improve infection control.

The attire of a doctor is not a static uniform but a dynamic set of clothing choices influenced by a variety of factors. While the public often pictures a doctor in a white coat, the reality is far more nuanced. From the comfort and utility of scrubs to the formal authority of business attire, a physician's dress code is strategically selected for the demands of their role.

The Common Types of Medical Attire

The Ubiquitous Scrubs

Scrubs are perhaps the most recognizable medical uniform and are worn by a wide range of healthcare professionals, including physicians. Originally designed for surgeons in the operating room to provide a sterile environment, they have since become commonplace in many clinical settings. The key benefits of scrubs are their comfort, functionality, and ease of sanitation. Scrubs are typically made from durable, easy-to-clean materials that can withstand frequent and harsh washing, which is crucial for infection control.

Many hospitals and clinical facilities use a color-coding system for scrubs to help patients and staff quickly identify different roles and departments. For example, surgeons might wear a specific color like blue or green, while different colors might denote other medical staff or departments. Scrubs are worn not only by surgeons but also by emergency room physicians, hospitalists, and any doctor who performs frequent procedures or works in an inpatient setting.

The Symbolic White Coat

For over a century, the white coat has been the quintessential symbol of the medical profession, representing authority, purity, and scientific rigor. The transition from the black attire worn by doctors in the 19th century was tied to the shift towards scientifically-based medicine and antiseptic principles. Today, the white coat continues to be a powerful symbol for many, and studies show that patients, particularly older ones, often view a physician in a white coat over business attire as more knowledgeable and trustworthy.

However, the white coat is not without controversy. Concerns about hygiene have led to policies like "Bare Below the Elbow" in some institutions, which restrict long sleeves to reduce the transmission of bacteria. Some doctors, particularly psychiatrists and pediatricians, may forgo the white coat to appear less intimidating and build rapport with patients. A study at the Mayo Clinic found that instructing physicians to wear business attire only was a way to break down barriers with patients. The white coat's role in modern medicine is debated, balancing its symbolic value against practical and relational considerations.

Business Casual in Clinical Settings

For doctors in outpatient clinics, private practices, or administrative roles, business casual attire is a common choice. This may include tailored trousers, skirts, collared shirts, and sometimes a white coat worn over the top. This dress style aims to strike a balance between professionalism and approachability. In a setting where long-term relationships with patients are fostered, a less clinical, more personal presentation can be beneficial. However, depending on the practice's specific protocols and patient population, this can vary significantly.

Specialty and Location

The doctor's work environment is a primary driver of their dress code. Surgeons and emergency physicians are almost exclusively in scrubs due to the high-risk nature of their work and the need for sterile, easily changeable garments. Conversely, a family medicine doctor in a private office might opt for business casual to cultivate a less formal, more comfortable relationship with their patients. For hospital-based physicians, like hospitalists or residents, a white coat over scrubs is a common sight, providing a layer of protection and identification.

Infection Control and Patient Perception

Hygiene and patient perception are two of the most significant considerations. The move towards easily laundered materials like those used for scrubs directly addresses the issue of microbial contamination. While the traditional white coat has historical ties to cleanliness, studies have shown that they can harbor dangerous microbes if not laundered frequently. The constant balancing act between projecting a professional, trustworthy image and ensuring a hygienic environment is central to medical dress codes. A study found that wearing scrubs increased patient perception of professionalism, friendliness, and empathy compared to formal office attire. This suggests that what a doctor wears can significantly impact the patient-doctor relationship, affecting trust and satisfaction.

Comparison of Doctor Attire Options


Feature	Scrubs	White Coat over Business Attire	Business Casual Only
Primary Use	Operating room, emergency, inpatient care	Clinic, hospital rounds, outpatient settings	Private practice, administration, certain specialties
Infection Control	Excellent (designed for sanitation, easily laundered)	Fair (potential for germ transmission if not laundered often)	Fair (standard clothing not designed for sterile environments)
Patient Perception	High trust, especially for surgical/ER settings; viewed as empathetic and professional	High trust, authoritative, especially with older patients	Less formal, can improve rapport in some settings
Comfort and Functionality	Excellent (loose-fitting, durable, made for long shifts)	Moderate (restrictive compared to scrubs)	Moderate (can be restrictive depending on clothing type)
Symbolism	Team-oriented, functional	Authority, tradition, knowledge	General professionalism

Conclusion

There is no single answer to the question of what most doctors wear, as their attire is a dynamic reflection of their specialized role, work environment, and the needs of their patients. From the sterile functionality of scrubs to the authoritative presence of the white coat and the approachable vibe of business casual, each choice serves a purpose. The evolution of medical dress codes reflects a modern focus on balancing tradition with practical concerns for hygiene, patient comfort, and effective communication. Ultimately, a doctor's attire is more than just clothing; it is a communication tool that shapes how they are perceived and can influence the patient-doctor relationship. The decision of what to wear is therefore a thoughtful one, constantly adapted to the specific demands of a given situation to ensure the best possible care. For more on how attire affects patient views, see this comprehensive review from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many hospitals use color-coded scrub systems to easily identify staff roles and departments. For example, surgeons might wear a specific color like blue or green, while emergency room staff or nurses wear different colors assigned to their roles.

While still a powerful symbol of the profession, the white coat's use is evolving. Some doctors forgo it due to concerns about germ transmission or to seem more approachable to patients. Its use often depends on the specific clinical setting and institutional policy.

'Bare Below the Elbow' is a guideline in some healthcare settings requiring staff to wear short-sleeved shirts or coats and minimize accessories below the elbow. The policy is designed to prevent the transmission of germs.

Some doctors in private practice may wear scrubs, especially if they perform outpatient procedures. However, it's also common for them to wear business casual attire, sometimes with a white coat, to foster a less clinical atmosphere.

Patient preference varies by context. A study found that many patients view doctors in a white coat over formal attire as most trustworthy, but patients in emergency or surgical settings often prefer doctors in scrubs.

Doctors initially wore black attire in the 19th century to represent the solemnity of their work. They shifted to white coats in the early 20th century as a symbol of scientific advancements, cleanliness, and sterility, following the advent of antiseptic principles.

White coat syndrome is the phenomenon where a patient's anxiety upon seeing a doctor in a white coat leads to a temporarily elevated blood pressure reading. It is a recognized issue that affects a significant number of patients.