Is It Weird to Wear Scrubs Outside?

As a healthcare worker, your scrubs are more than just attire—they’re a part of your identity. Whether you’re rushing from a busy hospital shift to a quick errand or grabbing a coffee after a long day of patient care, you may wonder: Is it weird to wear scrubs outside? After all, it’s practical and comfortable, but how do others perceive it?

Let’s explore this question and explore the reasons why healthcare professionals sometimes wear scrubs outside of the clinical setting, the concerns it raises, and the alternatives that might be worth considering.

Why Healthcare Workers Wear Scrubs Outside

There are plenty of reasons you might find yourself in medical scrubs outside of the workplace, and none of them are particularly strange or out of the ordinary. Healing Hands scrubs are designed for comfort and durability, which is perfect when you’re rushing between shifts or running errands. We offer various types of scrubs in different styles and materials, giving you flexibility for your work environments.

Plus, wearing scrubs can be a time-saver for those who are juggling long hours, tight schedules and everything else that comes with being a healthcare professional.

Here are a few reasons why many healthcare professionals end up wearing scrubs outside:

• Comfort: Let’s face it—scrub tops and scrub pants are some of the most comfortable clothes you can wear. When you’ve been on your feet for hours, comfort is a top priority. Whether you’re going straight from the hospital to the grocery store or just need to grab some coffee, keeping your scrubs on just feels easier. And why not? They’re breathable, flexible and allow you to move freely.
• Convenience: Some nurses, doctors, and other medical workers head straight from the hospital to a second job or class, especially for those enrolled in medical school or nursing jobs. Wearing your medical scrubs can save you the hassle of changing into street clothes after a long day.
• Uniform Identity: For many healthcare professionals, scrubs serve as a visual marker of their profession.¹ You’re part of a medical facility, and wearing scrub attire helps people recognize your role, whether it’s at a coffee shop or in a medical emergency.

At the end of the day, wearing scrubs outside can be a matter of personal preference and convenience. However, there are some important considerations regarding hygiene and public perception.

Hygiene Concerns with Wearing Scrubs Outside

While hospital scrubs' practicality and comfort make them appealing, a few hygiene-related issues should be addressed. After all, scrubs are worn in environments where bodily fluids, germs and potentially infectious diseases are present.

Scrub color meaning can be a subtle way to distinguish between different medical specialties and identify professionals' roles, but hygiene is the real concern when you're in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

1. Contaminated Scrubs

Your scrub pants and scrub tops may come in contact with dirty scrubs, bacteria and even soiled scrubs that could be contaminated. In places like the operating room or the emergency room, exposure to blood, bodily fluids and other substances could transfer to your attire. Even if you don’t visibly see contamination, there’s always the potential for harmful germs or bacteria to be lurking.

2. Infection Control

We all know that infection control is a huge part of healthcare, and that includes protecting yourself, your patients and even the general public from cross-contamination.² When you leave a clinical environment, germs and infection could hitch a ride on your scrubs, which could be harmful to others.

3. Hospital Cleanliness

Another thing to consider is that hospitals and clinics are designed for clean scrubs, which means they are typically washed and sanitized regularly. When you wear women's or men’s scrub jackets outside, they can pick up additional contaminants, especially if you’re sitting on public transportation or visiting a store, which could make your scrub attire less hygienic.

Social Perceptions of Wearing Scrubs in Public

Let’s be real: the general public may not fully understand the comfort and convenience of wearing scrubs after a long shift. For some, scrubs are strongly associated with the hospital setting, and they might wonder why someone is walking around in hospital scrubs in places like a café or supermarket. It’s a cultural perception that’s tied to the professionalism of your role.

1. Respect for the Profession

Some people might see scrub tops and scrub pants as a sign of professionalism and take pride in the fact that healthcare workers wear them. After all, you’re putting in long hours taking care of others. Others may not fully understand the necessity and might think it looks unprofessional to wear scrub attire in public spaces.

2. Convenience vs. Perception

From a social perspective, there’s a balance between the convenience of wearing scrubs after a long day and how others perceive you. If you’re heading to a restaurant, store or public space, wearing medical scrubs might be perfectly acceptable in some settings, but in others, it might feel like a sign that you haven’t fully “clocked out” of your healthcare role.

3. Stigma Around Worn Scrubs

For healthcare workers, worn or dirty scrubs can also create a stigma. While scrub caps and hats may add a level of professionalism, wearing soiled scrubs outside could invite unwanted attention, whether from others questioning your hygiene or simply feeling like you’re not separating work from your personal life.

What Scrubs Can You Wear Outside?

Healing Hands scrubs are designed with versatility in mind, making them a great choice for both clinical and casual settings. With their blend of style, comfort and functionality, certain pieces are perfect for wearing outside work without compromising on professionalism.

For example, scrub jackets are ideal for layering over casual outfits when you’re running errands or grabbing coffee. Their sleek designs and soft fabrics give you a polished look while keeping you comfortable.

Jogger-style scrub pants are another excellent option for outside wear. Their modern silhouette and flexible materials make them look more like athletic wear, making them a natural fit for casual outings or quick errands.

Occasions where these scrubs shine include:

• Running errands after work
• Traveling to and from shifts
• Casual meetups in healthcare-friendly communities

Healing Hands jogger scrubs for women and men combine fashion with function, ensuring you look great and feel at ease, no matter the setting.

Alternatives to Wearing Scrubs Outside

If you find yourself uncomfortable with wearing scrubs in public but don’t want to compromise on comfort, there are plenty of alternatives to consider. When looking for alternatives, consider the longevity of your scrubs to make sure you're investing in durable and long-lasting options.

Let’s explore a few options that can help you feel more comfortable and professional without sacrificing comfort.

Changing Clothes Before Leaving Work

One simple alternative is to change into street clothes before leaving the medical facility. It doesn’t take much time, and it gives you a fresh look as you transition from work clothes to casual wear. This is especially useful if you’ve been exposed to hospital or surgical scrubs, where hygiene might be a concern.

Using Scrub Jackets or Cover-ups

If you’re comfortable in your scrub pants but want a more polished look, consider wearing men’s or women’s scrub jackets over your scrub top. Healing Hands Scrubs offers women’s and men’s scrub jackets that are stylish, comfortable and practical for healthcare workers who need an extra layer when heading out.

Healing Hands Scrubs features a range of scrub jackets in various colors and styles, perfect for showcasing your personality while staying professional.

Wearing Scrub-Style Apparel for Comfort

If you love the comfort of scrubs but prefer not to wear them in a clinical setting, consider wearing scrub-style apparel designed for casual settings. Scrub-style clothing, like casual scrub pants or scrub tops, can give you that same comfort without looking like you’ve just walked out of the hospital.

Knowing When (And When Not) to Wear Your Scrubs in Public

Now that we’ve covered the reasons why you might choose to wear your scrubs outside and the hygiene and social considerations, let’s talk about when it’s a good idea to wear them in public—and when you might want to reconsider.

When It’s Okay to Wear Scrubs Outside

There are situations where wearing medical scrubs outside is perfectly acceptable and even convenient. Understanding the context can help you make the decision that’s right for you. Here are a few situations where wearing scrubs may be totally fine:

• After Your Shift: Wearing scrubs to grab coffee or run errands after a shift is generally fine, especially in healthcare-friendly areas. If you’ve been in a hospital, your scrubs are likely sanitized, so hygiene concerns are minimal.
• Quick Errands: Scrubs are comfortable and practical for quick trips like picking up food or going to the store. Just be mindful of hygiene in crowded spaces.
• When You’re on Call: If you’re a nurse, physician, or medical professional with a packed schedule, wearing scrubs between appointments or when on-call can save time and make transitions easier.

When It’s Better Not to Wear Scrubs Outside

On the flip side, there are times when wearing scrubs outside might not be the best choice, especially when hygiene and professional perception are concerns.

• Exposure to Contaminants: If you've been exposed to bodily fluids or infectious diseases, it's best to change before heading out to avoid spreading germs.³
• Social or Formal Events: For formal occasions or social events, consider changing into regular clothes. Wearing scrubs might make others feel uncomfortable or signal that you haven’t fully separated work from your personal life.
• Maintaining Professionalism: If you're in a setting where professionalism matters, such as interacting with patients or public events, opt for street clothes or a white coat to maintain a polished image.

Final Thoughts: Is It Weird to Wear Scrubs Outside?

So, is it weird to wear scrubs outside? The short answer is: not really. It all depends on the context and your own personal preferences. For healthcare workers, wearing scrubs outside of the hospital or medical facility is often a matter of practicality and convenience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, heading home after a shift or are just in need of comfort, scrub attire can be a lifesaver.

And remember, no matter where you wear them, choosing comfortable, high-quality attire like women’s scrub sets or men’s scrub sets from Healing Hands can help you feel confident, energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. With Healing Hands, you can feel your best, no matter where you are.

Sources:

¹ Healthcare Channel. Infection control: How scrubs play a vital role in healthcare hygiene. https://healthcarechannel.co/infection-control-how-scrubs-play-a-vital-role-in-healthcare-hygiene/. Accessed on December 6, 2024.

² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC's Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/core-practices/index.html. Accessed on December 6, 2024.

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Environmental Cleaning Procedures. https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/hcp/cleaning-global/procedures.html. Accessed on December 6, 2024.