Scrubs, Suits, and Saris: Medical Dress Codes Across Cultures

Dress Codes and White Coats Around the World: What Doctors Wear and Why It Matters

Introduction: More Than Just a Uniform

For most people, the white coat is synonymous with authority, cleanliness, and professionalism. For medical professionals, it’s also a badge of honor, a rite of passage, and a subject of debate. But step outside your own hospital and suddenly, you might not recognize the uniform at all. From saris in India to scrubs in Scandinavian clinics, the idea of what a doctor should wear isn’t just practical—it’s deeply cultural. This article dives deep into how medical dress codes vary globally, why they matter, and what they say about the relationship between medicine, society, and identity.

The White Coat: A Global Icon?

The white coat has been a staple in Western medicine since the 19th century, symbolizing science, hygiene, and detachment from the “unclean” world. But not every country embraces it equally.

In the United States, white coats are often reserved for outpatient clinics and ceremonial events like the iconic “White Coat Ceremony” for med students. In the UK, doctors—especially in the NHS—are more likely to be seen in bare below the elbows attire, with infection control policies dictating dress. White coats are less common and sometimes even banned.

Contrast that with Latin America, where the white coat remains a central symbol of respect. In Mexico and Argentina, patients often expect doctors to wear them. Not doing so may lead patients to question a doctor’s professionalism.

In Japan, white coats are standard, but there’s also a cultural emphasis on neatness and modesty—clean shoes, tucked-in shirts, and no overpowering cologne. In South Korea, younger doctors might embrace tailored suits under their coats, blending corporate aesthetics with medical norms.

Scrubs vs Suits: What’s Worn Where?

North America

Scrubs dominate hospital floors in Canada and the U.S.—they’re comfortable, easy to wash, and meet infection control standards. You’ll often see different colors to denote roles: surgeons in green or blue, nurses in navy, pediatric staff in cheerful prints.

But attendings in outpatient settings often wear professional business attire under their white coats: a shirt and tie or a blouse and slacks.

Europe

In Scandinavia, minimalism reigns supreme. White cotton scrubs, slip-on shoes, and name badges are the standard. Personal clothing stays in the locker room. Jewelry and even nail polish are frowned upon, in line with strict hygiene policies.

Meanwhile, in France, many hospitals issue lab coats over casual clothing. You’ll often spot doctors in their own jeans, paired with a facility-issued white coat. Practicality meets a touch of Parisian style.

Africa

Dress codes across Africa vary greatly depending on the region and institution. In Nigeria, white coats are still widely used in clinics and hospitals, often over Western business attire. In South Africa, you’ll find a mix: scrubs in public hospitals, formal attire in private practice, and white coats common to both.

In rural areas, where resources are limited, strict dress codes often give way to practical necessity. Doctors may wear whatever is clean and available, prioritizing function over formality.

Gender, Culture, and Religious Attire

Cultural norms strongly influence what doctors wear—and what's considered “appropriate.”

In Muslim-majority countries, like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Indonesia, female doctors may wear hijabs with their uniforms. Some wear lab coats over abayas or loose-fitting garments. Medical dress codes in these settings often strike a balance between religious modesty and professional hygiene.

In contrast, female doctors in Brazil may lean toward more fitted attire, and in India, saris are still worn by some physicians—especially older generations. However, younger doctors are increasingly choosing salwar kameez or Western-style clothing for comfort and mobility.

Infection Control vs Cultural Expression

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major reason why many countries now reconsider traditional white coats. Long sleeves, neckties, and wristwatches are often banned in places like the UK, Sweden, and Australia. The goal: minimize bacteria transmission.

But this often clashes with patients’ expectations. In many countries, a doctor not wearing a white coat is mistaken for a nurse or technician. Cultural expectations of what a doctor “should” look like can be hard to change, even when science suggests a shift.

This has led some hospitals to adopt creative solutions: short-sleeved white coats, washable uniforms that mimic the traditional look, or clear policies with patient education to explain attire changes.

Power, Perception, and the White Coat

What a doctor wears is not just about hygiene—it’s also about authority and trust.

A 2022 international study showed that patients were significantly more likely to rate doctors as “competent” and “trustworthy” when they wore white coats, especially in Latin America, Asia, and parts of Africa.

In Western Europe, patients valued approachability and communication over attire. A doctor in a hoodie? In the Netherlands, that might be fine. In India? Likely not.

In some countries, uniforms also serve to reinforce strict hierarchies. The attending wears the white coat. The resident wears a shorter one. The intern? Maybe none at all. This visual hierarchy reflects deeper power dynamics within healthcare systems around the globe.

A Day in the Life: Global Examples

• In Kenya, a rural doctor dons a lab coat over their personal clothes and rubber boots for muddy commutes.
• In Japan, a hospitalist layers a sleek white coat over a designer suit—then changes into slippers upon entering the ward.
• In the U.S., a pediatrician puts on cartoon-printed scrubs, knowing it calms children more than a sterile white coat ever could.
• In Sweden, a resident wears government-issued scrubs, changes shoes before entering the hospital, and keeps jewelry in a locker.
• In India, an OB-GYN switches from sari to scrubs between clinic hours and deliveries.

These snapshots highlight the incredible diversity of doctor attire—and the reasons behind each choice.

Should Doctors Choose Their Own Dress Code?

This question raises heated debate. Autonomy is important, but so are public health, institutional standards, and patient expectations.

Some argue that letting doctors choose their attire fosters individuality and workplace satisfaction. Others say it introduces confusion or inconsistency—especially in large hospitals where roles need to be clearly identifiable.

Global institutions like the WHO have not imposed specific dress codes but encourage infection prevention best practices, which often translate into policies banning rings, long sleeves, and wristwatches.

In the end, what works in Tokyo may not work in Timbuktu—and that’s okay.

The Future of Medical Dress

As medicine becomes more globalized and patient-centered, dress codes will continue evolving. Telemedicine introduces another layer—what should a doctor wear on a video consult? Can a white coat still matter through a screen?

There’s also increasing attention to gender-neutral attire, inclusive dress codes, and sustainable uniforms made from eco-friendly materials.

In a world where tradition, science, and culture intersect, the white coat—whether cherished or challenged—remains a powerful symbol.