Everything you need to know about healthcare workwear

When it comes to healthcare workwear, there are specific requirements you need to meet. Nothing new for you, perhaps but do you really know all the rules and the reasons behind them? To make sure your healthcare clothing meets every standard, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions for you.

Why wear special clothing in healthcare?

There’s not just one reason we use dedicated healthcare workwear, there are several. The most important one is hygiene. Healthcare clothing was introduced more than 150 years ago for this very reason. While people used to believe that uniforms protected against bacteria and infections, today’s workwear is specifically designed with hygiene in mind.

Other reasons to wear healthcare workwear:

• Visibility: Healthcare professionals must be immediately recognizable.
• Professionalism: Workwear reflects quality and gives staff a sense of pride.

What do you wear in healthcare?

What you wear as a healthcare professional depends on your role but even within roles, there’s a lot of variation. However, all healthcare workwear must meet certain core requirements:

• Hygiene: The well-known WIP/SRI guidelines regarding washability (60°C) and material choice. The fabric must not absorb dirt.
• Comfort: Occupational health laws require clothing to allow freedom of movement. Fabrics must be breathable and safe, without loose parts.
• Sustainability: While not legally required, most organizations set their own standards, such as long lifespan and eco-friendly production.
• Functionality: Your organization likely demands practical features like enough pockets, easy closures, and clear color coding.
• Appearance: A professional look is essential. Many organizations require uniformity, cleanliness, and recognizability.

Is healthcare workwear mandatory?

That depends on your role and the organization you work for. In medical settings like hospitals and dental practices, wearing specially developed workwear is mandatory. In areas like disability care, this may vary depending on internal guidelines.

Healthcare workwear by Company Fits

At Company Fits, we know from experience exactly what standards your organization’s healthcare clothing needs to meet. You can choose custom-made workwear tailored to the preferences of your organization and employees. Our Fits Care collection also offers a range of modern standard garments, available in various colors and ready to be branded with your logo.