Wearing Scrubs in Public: Can You Wear Scrubs in Public?

The debate about going out in the public with your scrubs has been around for a long time, especially among medical professionals. Scrubs aren't meant for public use. 

However, we believe that there are situations when one can’t help but wear them outside of the hospital. So, can you wear scrubs in public? Perhaps a better question is, should you wear scrubs in public? 

We took a minute to think about the pros and cons of wearing scrubs in public. We’ll share our thoughts below, including some tips on wearing hospital scrubs in public if it’s not something you can avoid. 

If this is something you find yourself doing frequently, we encourage you to at least upgrade to the most fashionable scrubs the healthcare industry has to offer, available right here at Poppy Scrubs.

Discover styles you’ll be proud to show off outside of the workplace. Our fitted scrubs are available in a wide range of different scrubs colors and will be turning heads everywhere you go, in the best way possible! 

Can You Wear Scrubs in Public?

First things first, can you wear scrubs in public? Absolutely! There are places it could be seemingly practical to wear your scrubs. For example, if you're just getting off work and need to grab groceries on your way home, we wouldn't blame you for wearing your scrubs out. 

Just remember, they might have some extra germs on them that you could spread around the grocery store. This being said, going out after work in your scrubs should be for a short trip, and try to keep your germs to yourself. 

Of course, the specifics of your job will dictate just how acceptable wearing scrubs in public is. If your job requires attending to contagious patients or a sterile environment, you shouldn't wear your scrubs outside of work. 

In some situations, your employer may even provide scrubs for you that you leave for the hospital to launder. Remember to be conscious of your exposure to communicable pathogens during the day, and keep your germs to yourself.  

Why Do People Wear Scrubs in Public?

It may not be ideal, but people do wear scrubs in public. The truth is, it’s unavoidable in some cases. 

Maybe you’re trying to grab lunch and don’t want to change into your street clothes just to get a bite to eat. Or, perhaps you’re heading from work to the gym and are worried about catching looks as you walk through the lobby.

There are a seemingly endless number of circumstances that may have you wearing scrubs in public. But our advice is to wear your workwear with pride. The work you do on a daily basis is about as important as it gets, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of!

That being said, wearing scrubs out and about certainly isn’t ideal. Random strangers (and our mothers, brothers, friends, second cousins, and that one guy you met once at a party) find out that you work in medicine, and ask you about all their medical problems. 

To avoid seeing everyones moles, and hearing about everyones bowel movements, avoid wearing your scrubs in public. If you look like a normal person, you might fly under the radar (kinda like superman). 

Tips on Wearing Scrubs in Public

While wearing scrubs outside the hospital might be practical or necessary at times, remember that you represent the broader medical community every time you do so. 

Your appearance and behavior can impact public perception, so conduct yourself with professionalism. Here are some tips to consider when wearing scrubs in public spaces:

• Mindfulness of Your Actions and Surroundings: Whether it's stopping at a coffee shop or running errands, your actions can reflect on the entire healthcare sector. This is especially important if your scrubs or outerwear display hospital logos that can be traced back to your workplace.
• Identification and Privacy: Always remove your ID badge when stepping out in public to not only protect your privacy but also avoid those uncomfortable, annoying situations where you might be asked for medical advice based on your attire.
• Consideration of Germ Transmission: Remember that scrubs can carry germs from the hospital to the public and vice versa - particularly if your day involves interaction with immunocompromised patients like those undergoing transplants or cancer treatment. Always practice good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly and using proper protective equipment at work to keep your patients safe.
• Choosing Appropriate Times and Places: Quick errands where changing might be impractical is one thing. But avoid places where prolonged exposure to crowds might increase health risks whenever possible. 
• Opting for Discretion When Possible: While it’s important to wear your work attire with pride, consider the context of your outing. If the trip isn’t urgent or could create an unnecessary risk of exposure, changing out of scrubs is safer and more respectful.

Long story short, we recommend trying to avoid wearing scrubs in public whenever possible. But if you must wear scrubs outside of the workplace, you might as well look good doing it - which is where our luxury scrubs come in.

If You’re Going to Wear Scrubs in Public, Look Good Doing it!

Poppy Scrubs has created scrubs that are as comfortable as they are stylish, the first of their kind. It all started when our founder, who was a nurse herself, decided to stop settling for less than the best in her workwear. 

Now, women across healthcare can experience the best of both worlds: scrubs that are comfortable and flattering! They’re also practical with a stretchy scrubs material that moves with you rather than against you, strategically placed pockets, and moisture-resistant fabric.

We have so many different types of scrubs to choose from as well, from classic women’s scrub pants and women’s scrub tops to jogger scrubs. Our core scrubs are available in the following colors:

• Eggplant scrubs
• Burgundy scrubs
• Hunter green scrubs
• Grape scrubs
• Purple scrubs
• Surgical green scrubs
• Black scrubs 
• Aqua scrubs
• Galaxy blue scrubs
• Teal scrubs
• Caribbean blue scrubs

• Ceil blue scrubs
• Charcoal grey scrubs

So, take a look at our comfortable scrubs and see for yourself why we’re the #1 choice across all realms of healthcare. Once you see and feel the Poppy difference, you’ll never go back!

Bringing Our Guide on Wearing Hospital Scrubs in Public to a Close

So, can you wear scrubs in public? While it’s technically allowed, it’s not always a good idea. There are health and safety concerns associated with bringing germs out into the world, or bringing the germs from the outside world into a healthcare setting. There’s also the frustration of being asked random healthcare questions by passerbys.

That’s why ultimately we advise changing before heading out into the world whenever possible. A quick errand here and there is fine, but try not to make it a habit if possible.

We have more tips on how to wear scrubs fashionably, what to wear under scrubs, galaxy blue vs royal blue scrubs, what are scrubs made of, how to wash scrubs, who wears black scrubs, green scrubs meaning, why are scrubs blue, the best jogger scrubs, and more.

But whether you’re looking for the best scrubs for women or compression socks for nurses, remember that your search ends here at Poppy Scrubs. Our soft scrubs are second to none in the workplace and when you do need to head out into the public eye, you’ll at least look stylish!