Why Are Scrubs Blue?

Scrubs are so iconic and recognizable - we immediately associate them with healthcare when we see someone wandering around in a pair of scrubs. Although they come in different colors, blue is probably one of the most iconic scrubs colors out there.

But why are scrubs blue, and who wears blue scrubs? Different institutions often have rules about the colors of scrubs that are worn, and who wears them. It can be difficult to decipher, but it’s important to understand which scrubs you need.

Here at Poppy Scrubs, we have every color of scrubs you could imagine! In this guide, we’ll help you understand who wears blue scrubs, the difference between galaxy blue vs royal blue scrubs, and everything else you need to know about scrubs colors.

When you’ve figured out which color scrubs are right for you, you can shop our amazing fade-proof color range of luxury scrubs. We’ve got you covered when it comes to blue scrubs - we have more shades than you ever knew existed, including:

So, why are scrubs blue? Use this guide to learn everything you need to know about blue scrubs, then shop Poppy Scrubs to find the perfect pair of comfortable, fashionable scrubs!

Why are scrubs blue? The iconic blue scrubs worn by our healthcare heroes are more than just a uniform; they serve several important functions that go beyond aesthetics. Let’s take a look.

Psychological Benefits

The color blue is known for its calming and soothing effects, which can be particularly beneficial in a high-stress environment like a hospital. Blue is associated with tranquility and trust, helping to put patients at ease during procedures and consultations.

For healthcare workers, wearing blue can also promote a sense of calm and focus, which is crucial when performing delicate tasks or making critical decisions. The psychological impact of blue is significant, contributing to a more serene and controlled environment.

Stain Management

One of the practical reasons for the popularity of blue scrubs is their ability to hide stains. As all healthcare workers know, scrubs can easily be stained or splashed from the many substances they’re exposed to. Dark colors like blue tend to be more forgiving when it comes to stains!

Blue scrubs can mask stains better than lighter colors, which helps you look cleaner and more professional throughout your shift. This is a big reason why blue has been favored over other colors that might show stains and spills more easily.

Color Standardization

The use of blue scrubs also plays a role in the standardization of medical uniforms across different facilities. By adopting a common color, hospitals and clinics create a consistent appearance that helps to clearly identify healthcare personnel.

Another reason why doctors wear blue scrubs is because it’s less likely to cause eye strain compared to brighter colors. This makes it a practical choice for anyone working long shifts under intense lighting conditions, like surgeons.

Who Wears Blue Scrubs?

Blue scrubs are a common sight in medical facilities, and they are often associated with specific roles within the healthcare system. So, who wears blue scrubs? Let’s take a look.

Surgeons and Surgical Teams

One of the most recognizable groups that wear blue scrubs is the surgical team. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and other operating room staff often wear blue to create a uniform appearance and to distinguish themselves from other medical personnel.

The choice of blue is also practical in the surgical environment, where the color contrasts well with the red tones of blood, helping to reduce eye strain and maintain focus during surgical procedures.

Nurses and Nursing Staff

In many hospitals, nurses and other direct patient care providers also wear blue scrubs. This color choice helps to differentiate them from doctors, who might wear white coats or different colored scrubs, depending on the facility's policies.

Blue scrubs for nurses are not only practical for managing stains but also help create a calm and professional appearance, contributing to a reassuring environment for patients.

Technicians and Support Staff

Various medical technicians, including radiology techs, lab technicians, and other support staff, may also wear blue scrubs. In settings where different departments are color-coded, blue scrubs might be assigned to these professionals to ensure they are easily identifiable.

Why are scrubs blue for technicians and support staff? This color-coding system can improve efficiency within the hospital by making it clear who is responsible for specific tasks or procedures.

Doctors and Emergency Room Staff

In emergency departments, blue scrubs are commonly worn by a range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). But why do doctors wear blue scrubs in the ER?

The choice of blue helps maintain a sense of order and calm in the fast-paced and often chaotic environment of an ER. It also provides a consistent and professional appearance for those dealing with urgent and critical situations.

What Do Blue Scrubs Mean?

So we now have an idea of who wears blue scrubs, but what do blue scrubs mean? Blue scrubs can mean many different things, so it ultimately comes down to who is wearing them and what the specific institution’s rules are.

Blue is a color often associated with professionalism, reliability, and trustworthiness. In the context of healthcare, blue scrubs help reinforce the image of medical professionals as competent and dependable.

Blue scrubs are often worn by specific groups of healthcare professionals, such as surgical teams, nurses, or emergency room staff, making it easier for patients and colleagues to identify the responsibilities of those wearing them.

Blue is also a color that is closely associated with cleanliness and hygiene, both of which are essential in medical settings. The choice of blue for scrubs emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sterile environment and preventing the spread of infection.

Can You Wear Scrubs in Other Colors?

Generally, you can wear scrubs in different colors, but it depends on your workplace’s rules regarding how colors are used to identify role or rank. Make sure you understand who wears black scrubs and the green scrubs meaning before buying scrubs in different colors.

You also need to think about what to wear under scrubs - you may need to wear a long-sleeved shirt under your scrub shirt in a specific style or color. And, make sure you know how to wash scrubs in order to preserve their colors!

It’s not just different scrubs colors you can choose from, either. There are so many types of scrubs, including fitted scrubs, waterproof scrubs, and jogger scrubs. You can think about how to wear scrubs fashionably and choose a color and cut that suits your style while sticking to the rules.

Upgrade Your Work Wardrobe With Comfortable, Stylish, and Functional Scrubs Today!

Here at Poppy Scrubs, we’ve got the best scrubs for women. Our scrubs will have you looking great and feeling confident on the job, and most importantly, staying comfortable! Whether you need jogger scrubs vs regular scrubs, you’ll find your favorite core scrubs in a range of different styles and colors.

What Makes Poppy Scrubs So Special?

First of all, our women’s scrub pants and women’s scrub tops are designed by a nurse - they’re made by someone who really understands what you need in a good pair of scrubs: flattering fits, functional pockets, and the softest, most comfy fabric you’ve ever met.

What material are scrubs made of at Poppy Scrubs? Our water-repellent, 4-way stretch, wrinkle-free fabric is the most durable, low-maintenance fabric out there. These stretchy scrubs are ultra-flattering without being tight - just try them!

We also have the best jogger scrubs, with a perfectly sporty cut that’s available in two different leg lengths. All our scrubs go through 10,000 hours of wear testing - when we say they’re built to last, we mean it!

If you want to understand the differences between Poppy Scrubs vs Figs, you really just have to try our scrubs for yourself. We guarantee they’re the most flattering, comfiest scrubs you’ve ever worn - and they work as hard as you do!

Browse Our Most Popular Styles and Colors Today!

As well as having you covered with different shades of blue, our soft scrubs are available in a range of other colors, including:

And, as well as our scrub pants and tops, we also have compression socks for nurses, designed to keep you pain-free and comfortable even during the longest shift. There are some adorable prints to choose from - check them out!

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Why Doctors Wear Blue Scrubs

So, what do blue scrubs mean? Ultimately, blue scrubs are worn by different healthcare professionals depending on the specific rules of their workplace, and sometimes also personal preference.

Blue scrubs are a popular choice because they’re such a classic, they hide stains well, they look professional, they have a calming effect, and they reduce eye strain. Those are some of the reasons why doctors wear blue scrubs, along with many other healthcare workers.

If you’re in need of a new pair of comfy blue scrubs, you’ll find a great selection of blues here at Poppy Scrubs. We’ve got you covered, light to dark, and all our luxury scrub pants and top-rated scrub tops are available in different cuts and sizes to keep you comfortable and confident.

Find your perfect shade of blue and slide into the most comfy scrubs ever - shop Poppy Scrubs today!

Why Are Scrubs Blue?