What do Different Colour Scrubs Mean?

Go to any hospital or health centre in the world and you’re likely to see medical professionals dressed in scrubs. A lot of the time, you’ll see people in different coloured scrubs, with blue, teal, purple, white, black and green all among the most commonly spotted tones.

Many people believe that these colours denote a person’s role or seniority. However, while this may be true in some health centres, in many cases it just comes down to the personal preference of the wearer or the dress code of the hospital.

For example, doctors and nurses who work with children often choose brightly coloured pink, purple or printed scrubs to create a welcoming atmosphere, while those who work in emergency care might opt for a dark colour like navy or black to hide the sweat patches generated by their fast-paced work. In our experience, surgeons and surgical nurses often favor green scrubs due to their association with sterility and visual comfort during lengthy procedures.

In some hospitals, darker scrubs show that a person holds a position of authority. While in other healthcare settings different colours indicate the various areas of medicine staff specialise in. The surgical team might wear teal scrubs while maternity unit workers might opt for pink or red scrubs. Before investing in new scrubs, we advise you to consult with your supervisor or HR department to ensure compliance.

If you’re looking at scrubs and trying to decide which colour to choose for your new workwear, take a look at our guide to different colour scrubs and how to choose the right set for you.

  

What are the Different Colours of Scrubs?

Scrubs come in a wide range of colours and the most common colours are: 

• Blue
• Teal
• Pink
• Green
• Purple
• Grey
• Black

Blue is an enduringly popular choice for all types of medical workers. Blue scrubs look smart and the colour is closely associated with the medical profession. Teal scrubs and Caribbean blue scrubs are also commonly seen in all types of medical settings. 

Scrubs are also readily available in pink, green, white and purple. Neutral colours like grey and black are becoming increasingly common in health centres. If you like the idea of a neutral colour but want something a little different, why not choose an off-black pewter set of scrubs for your workwear?

 

What Do Dark Blue Scrubs Mean?

Often, dark blue scrubs are worn by doctors and senior nurses in order to differentiate them from more junior staff. Traditionally, nurses wore white outfits, so it made sense for doctors to wear darker shades. However, as roles have become more varied and dress codes less rigid, a lot of medical professionals have chosen to mix up the colour of their scrubs and choose a shade that suits their personality rather than their job title.

Dark blue scrubs are a good choice for people who want a flattering but professional look. They’re also good for hiding stains and marks and can help doctors and nurses to look good throughout the working day.

In some hospitals, blue scrubs are worn by doctors and nurses working on medical wards while teal and green scrubs are worn by surgical staff. In these cases, it’s best to stick to the colour code of your area and speciality to ensure you’re easily identifiable.

What Do the Colours of Nurses Uniforms Mean?

The colours of nurses’ uniforms don’t have any universal meanings, however some hospitals and healthcare centres do use different tones to differentiate roles. Talk to your hospital to find out if they’ve colour-coded their scrubs before you start shopping.

Nursing scrubs come in a wide choice of colours ranging from light, bright whites and greys to deep purples and blacks. Often, more senior nurses will wear darker scrubs. This makes them easy to spot in a crowd and ensures other professionals can find an experienced nurse quickly in an emergency. Trainee nurses and newly qualified healthcare professionals often wear lighter scrubs like pale blue and green.

It’s becoming common for nurses working in gynaecology and obstetrics to choose pink, red or purple scrubs over blue and green options. These warm, welcoming colours make these specialist nurses easily identifiable and help to create a positive atmosphere on the ward.

What is the Significance of Different Colours of Scrubs?

Different colours can have different effects on the look and feel of a hospital or health centre. If you can choose any colour you want for your scrubs, or if you’re a healthcare manager selecting new uniforms, thinking carefully about colour will help you make the perfect choice.

• Blue – Blue scrubs are commonly found and frequently selected for their soothing influence. They epitomize trust, reliability, and professionalism making them a great choice for all types of healthcare environments. We suggest the Cherokee WW620 V-Neck Caribbean Blue or the Cherokee 4700 Scrubs V-Neck Ceil Blue.
• Teal – another popular choice, teal scrubs are often worn by surgeons and surgical nurses. The color is selected not only for its calming properties but also for its association with cleanliness and sterility, essential attributes in operating room environments. We suggest the Cherokee WW610 Mock Wrap Teal or the Cherokee WW645 V-Neck Teal.
• Green – like teal, green scrubs are linked with cleanliness and are a common choice among surgical teams. Surgeons and surgical nurses frequently choose green scrubs for their association with sterility and their ability to provide visual comfort during extended procedures. teal and green may be used interchangeably depending on personal preference or institutional guidelines. We suggest the Cherokee 4700 V-Neck Hunter Green and the Cherokee WW610 Scrubs Mock Wrap Hunter Green.
• Black – black scrubs can have a very formal look. Black helps to conceal stains and dirt, which is handy in busy emergency situations. Additionally, their professional and authoritative appearance makes them ideal for healthcare workers in high-stress environments such as emergency departments. We suggest the Cherokee WW698 Black and the Cherokee 4700 Scrubs Top V-Neck Black.
• White – white scrubs are also a popular choice for private clinics. You may well also see dentists and dental nurses wearing white scrubs as they give the wearer a clean, crisp appearance where maintaining a sterile environment is paramount. We suggest the Cherokee CK865A White and the Cherokee WW610 Mock Wrap White.
• Grey – grey scrubs are increasingly popular, they have a modern feel but are less formal than black or white outfits. This makes them perfect for health centres that want a contemporary, but approachable, aesthetic. We suggest Cherokee 4801 Mock Wrap Tunic Grey and the Cherokee 4700 V-Neck Grey.
• Pink – bright pink scrubs are often found on paediatric wards and in maternity units. Pediatric nurses, child life specialists, and pediatricians commonly wear pink scrubs to create a friendly and welcoming environment for young patients and their families. We suggest Cherokee WW610 Mock Wrap Electric Pink and the Cherokee 4700 V-Neck Shocking Pink.
• Red – red and burgundy scrubs are also commonly found in clinics and on wards specialising in women’s health. A little bolder than pink scrubs, they’re often chosen by more senior nurses and doctors. We suggest the Cherokee 4700 V-Neck Red.
• Purple - Purple scrubs are favored by some healthcare professionals, particularly those working in specialized units or with specific patient populations such as mental health nurses. Purple represents creativity, dignity, and respect, qualities valued in providing individualized care.

The colour of your scrubs can have a big impact on the look of your workplace. Find out more, and select the perfect set of scrubs for your role, by exploring our collection today.

FAQ

What Color Scrubs do Surgeons Wear?

Surgeons typically wear scrubs in solid colors such as green, or teal because of their established association with sterility and visual comfort during surgeries. These colors are selected for their ability to reduce eye strain under the bright operating room lights while maintaining a professional appearance. However, it's essential for surgeons to follow the dress code policies of their hospital or surgical facility. Ultimately, the choice of scrub color should prioritize both functionality and adherence to institutional regulations.

What Color Scrubs do Nurses Wear?

Nurses typically wear scrubs in a range of colors, determined by both workplace guidelines and individual preferences. Among the common choices are blue, teal, navy, black, green, and occasionally, patterned or printed designs. The specific color may vary based on factors such as the nurse's specialty, institutional dress code, or identification protocols. Ultimately, nurses should select scrubs that meet both workplace regulations and their personal comfort and functional needs.

What Colour Scrubs do Doctors Wear in Australia?

When selecting scrubs, doctors should prioritize comfort and professionalism. Opting for colors like navy, black, or dark shades of blue or green can convey a sense of authority and cleanliness, while also helping to hide stains in the fast-paced hospital environment. However, it's important to adhere to any specific color-coding systems or dress code policies established by the hospital or healthcare facility. Ultimately, doctors should choose scrub colors that not only meet institutional guidelines but also make them feel confident and ready to provide the best possible care to their patients.

What Colour Scrubs do Midwives Wear?

When it comes to selecting scrub colors for midwives, it's essential to consider both practicality and professionalism. Midwives should opt for colors that promote a calming and approachable atmosphere while also maintaining a sense of professionalism. Colors like teal or green are often preferred for their association with serenity and cleanliness, ideal qualities in a birthing environment. However, it's crucial to consult with your hospital's dress code policies to ensure compliance with any color-coding systems or guidelines in place. Ultimately, midwives should choose scrub colors that not only reflect their personal style but also contribute to a positive and comfortable birthing experience for their patients.

 

Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.