Do Different Scrubs Colors Mean Anything?

I’m sure you’ve seen different types of scrubs ranging from blue, green, white and pink to patterned or floral scrubs. If you happen to work in a hospital, you might be asking; Do different scrubs colors mean anything? Are their specific colors needed or can I wear any scrub with my favorite color?

The answer to the questions above is embedded in the hospital’s policy. Some hospitals do have specific color codes for different types of employees while others allow them to make their own choice.

You can learn more about the scrubs color meaning below as we break it all down, from the green scrubs meaning to who wears black scrubs, nuances between galaxy blue vs royal blue scrubs, and more.

Just know this, though. No matter what color scrubs you’re searching for, you can rest assured we have it here in our luxury scrubs collection at Poppy Scrubs! We’ve created the most comfortable scrubs on the market so you can look and feel your best in the workplace.

Overview of the Different Scrubs Colors

Before we dive into the scrubs color meaning let’s take a step back and unveil all the different scrubs colors you have at your disposal:

The truth is, this isn’t even an exhaustive list of scrubs colors! There are so many variations of each of these colors as well.

So, do different scrubs colors mean anything, or is it really just a matter of personal preference? In some cases, you might have a choice of the color scrubs you wear. But in many hospital settings, there are rules as to who can wear what. Here’s why.

Identification

Many healthcare facilities use contrasting color scrubs to differentiate between departments or between professions. For example, in a large hospital where there are many different medical professionals, it is easier for patients, visitors, and other staff to identify their role if they wear different colors.

If you find yourself in a hospital that doesn’t require you to wear a specific color, it can be fun to make your choice. However, these might lead to confusion like mistaking a resident for a nurse and so on. Patients might also find it difficult the next day to tell who helped them since they might be wearing a different color.

It makes your job easier

Some of these color coding practices may seem arbitrary, but many colors are assigned to different staff for a specific reason. In the past, surgeons wore white scrubs. White is associated with cleanliness, and therefore seems like the best choice.

After the 19th century, green scrubs were adopted with the belief that green is easier on the surgeon’s eyes. After staring at the same thing for a long time, your eyes can become less sensitive (i.e. in long surgeries where everything is red and fleshy colored).

Green is the opposite of red on the color wheel and helps to mitigate this sensitivity and gives the eyes a break.

It keeps you cleaner (or helps you notice you're dirty)

The color choice of scrubs might also be related to common exposures in that field. For example, it would be easier to see blood on white or green scrubs than if the scrubs were red or black.

So most healthcare providers who work in the operating room wear colors where blood can be more readily visible. We have tips on how to get ink out of scrubs and how to get blood out of scrubs if this is something you’re struggling with, along with a guide on how to wash scrubs in general.

The Scrubs Color Meaning Across Different Healthcare Roles

What matters most is you’re abiding by the rules of your specific facility when it comes to scrubs colors - but, here is a general overview of the scrubs color meaning across different roles:

Navy Blue: Often worn by medical surgeons to signify authority and professionalism. It’s a dominant color that's practical for hiding stains, too.
Royal Blue: This bright, noticeable color is frequently chosen for nurses because it stands out against the sterile backdrop of hospital walls and equipment. This way, patients and families can easily and quickly identify nurses.
Hunter Green and Surgical Green: These shades are traditionally associated with surgeons and operating room staff. The color green reduces eye fatigue that can occur from the stark reds of blood and tissue during surgery for a calming visual contrast.
Ceil Blue: A lighter, softer blue used universally in settings that don’t have strict color coding. Pediatricians and general duty nurses wear it for its friendly and approachable perception.
Charcoal and Black: Usually designated for senior staff or administrative professionals within a medical setting. They create a sleek modern look, and they can mask everyday wear and tear as well.
Burgundy: This color can be associated with higher-level practitioners such as nurse practitioners or specialized technicians. It stands out from the more common blues and greens.
Purple: Typically reserved for staff in non-invasive procedural areas such as those involved in care coordination. The idea is that purple symbolizes compassion and understanding, key traits for roles where patient interaction is really common.

Again, the different color scrubs meaning may vary in your own workplace which is why we always suggest asking for guidance if you’re not sure.

Which Color Scrubs Are Right For Me?

Color coding can be good and has a lot of benefits, but it also means you might have to wear a specific color, and not be able to choose. However, the most important thing is to stay within the laws of your workplace and make the most of whatever scrub color you find yourself in.

Poppy Scrubs is rolling out new colors all the time, sign up to be the first to know when new colors drop, and get 10% off your first order by using the form in the footer below. 👇🏻

At Poppy Scrubs, we know your scrubs have to withstand a lot of wear and tear. That’s why we launched the best scrubs for women in eight of the most popular colors found in healthcare facilities: charcoal, burgundy, ceil blue, royal blue, hunter green, navy, purple, and black.

Our women’s scrub tops come in two styles and our women’s scrub pants come in three, including the popular jogger scrubs style. Go ahead and complete the set!

Our soft scrubs are carefully crafted from a flexible fabric that's also liquid repellent and comes equipped with plenty of pockets to store what you need. They’re designed by real nurses, for any caretaking profession. Read our rave reviews here and learn more about what makes our core scrubs the most trusted choice in healthcare!

Final Thoughts on the Meaning Behind Different Scrubs Colors

In closing, do different scrubs colors mean anything? They sure do, but the scrubs color meaning isn’t necessarily universal across healthcare. While nurses in one hospital may be required to wear blue, they might be asked to wear a different color in the hospital down the road.

It’s a lot less standardized than you might have hoped, which is why we encourage you to consult your superior if you aren’t sure which scrub colors to wear. No matter the decision, our fashionable scrubs are available in the color you need.

Learn more about what are scrubs made of, how to wear scrubs fashionably, what to wear under scrubs, why are scrubs blue, the best jogger scrubs, and more in our blog.

Otherwise, whether you’re looking for fitted scrubs or stretchy scrubs, compression socks for nurses, or anything in between, shop Poppy Scrubs today. Who said you had to choose between comfort, style, and professionalism? You can have it all with our stunning scrubs!

Do Different Scrubs Colors Mean Anything? Overview of the Scrubs Color Meaning

Overview of the Different Scrubs Colors