People who work in the medical and scientific professions wear lab coats as part of their uniforms. Professionals wear them not just to adhere to the dress code of a particular hospital, laboratory, or medical institution but also to protect themselves.
When working in such vital environments where your job demands you to be alert, agile, and responsive, it is critical to wear clothing that allows you to be comfortable and relaxed at all times.
Importance of Lab Coats
The lab coat is a vital tool in your career and daily routine, whether you’re a healthcare professional or a lab worker. The white uniform identifies you distinctively from other staff members. It instills trust and confidence in your patients or collaborators that they are in safe hands. And, of course, it acts as a barrier against harmful chemicals and contaminants and protects you from their effects. Therefore, it is essential to choose your lab coat wisely. The best lab coats will make you look like a stud as well.
Tips for Choosing the Right Lab Coat
Due to the number of alternatives available, doctors frequently struggle to select the correct lab coat. With so many different styles, materials, lengths, and functionalities to pick from, it can be tough to choose one that meets your needs.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you’re looking for a lab coat:
Work Setting
The most crucial thing while purchasing a lab coat is perfect for a specific job.
For example, superior covering coats must defend against pollutants and harmful contaminants in a hospital. You might wish to wear a consultation coat that looks and feels excellent in a clinic. Knit cuffs and a full closure are a perfect choice if you work in a dentist’s clinic because they protect against splatter. Similarly, vets require a lab coat that does not collect pet hairs.
Body Shape
Taking the body type into consideration is critical for female doctors. This, however, is not always the case with guys, but females should wear a lab coat that flatters their body type to appear excellent at work.
Darts, princess seams, and tapered cuts are standard features of fitted, customized embroidered lab coats that improve your body shape. However, you must be careful when selecting these fitted lab coats appropriate for your body type.
The Fabric of The Lab Coat
Manufacturers typically combine two or more materials to balance cost and quality of protection. The exact fabric criteria for your lab coat are determined by the hazards you face.
In brief, the following materials are widely used for lab coats:
Poplin
It is sometimes referred to as broadcloth. It is light, breathable, and durable, which gives a silky and smooth feel on touch.
Twill
This fabric is made by weaving weft threads under and over numerous warp threads to create a thicker feel. This fabric is well-known for its durability and is perfect for chilly climates.
Micro Sanded
The surface of these lab coats is abraded to give them a flexible drape and a flannel feel. This lab coat is unsuitable for vets since hair clings to it more than other fabric combinations.
Furthermore, customized lab coats are also available in unique fabrics such as barrier protection and fluid resistance. Likewise, comfortable stretch fabric with antibacterial properties is a popular option.
Length of Lab Coat
When all of the conditions above are met, the length of your lab coat should be considered. A lab coat length that hangs just above the knee is optimal. So that the lab coat fits snugly around your torso and hips, allowing you to sit, stand, and move your arms effortlessly.
The coat’s length should fall at least to your thighs; if it falls above your thighs, it may be inappropriate for a consultation coat. Therefore, make sure that the coat you purchase is neither too short nor too long. Otherwise, it may have an impact on your overall performance.
Sleeves Length
The length of your sleeves is critical in providing you with the proper protective barrier. If you’re dealing with hazardous compounds in the lab, your skin should not be exposed. Also, the sleeves should not be overly lengthy.
If they extend past your wrist while your hands hang, it is excessively long and may obstruct your job. So, when your arms are at your sides, the sleeves of your lab coat should come to just over your thumb. However, when you’re in a working position, the ends of your sleeves should reach your wrist with your elbows bent.
Circumference
The circumference of your lab coat must allow you to completely close it with buttons, zips, velcro, or snap closures. Go up a size if you intend to layer with sweaters or hoodies underneath.
Pockets
Lab coat pockets are the essential thing to consider in terms of functionality. You’ll need a lab coat with plenty of pockets in strategic locations so you can carry and use your tools with ease. Pens, a stethoscope, your phone or tablet (or both), and several other items may be required. Having a lab coat with the right pockets will make navigating through the workplace and simplify your job routine.
Multiple online stores offer customized lab coats from where you can get the custom embroidered lab coats according to your convenience and choice.
