What’s the best type of lab jacket for nurses? What lab jacket brand do I wear? And as a nurse, what features do I look for in a lab jacket?
Those are great questions that I have received from nursing students and nurses. Since my old lab jacket was becoming discolored and worn, I decided to purchase a new one. Therefore, I thought I’d review my new lab jacket and share some tips of what features I look for when buying a lab jacket.
Do Nurses Wear Lab Jackets?
First, I want to clear up a misconception that some people have regarding lab jackets. Some people think that lab jackets are only for doctors, but this simply isn’t true. While doctors have traditionally been called the “white coats” of the healthcare industry, lab coats are now a common (and sometimes necessary) apparel choice for many healthcare professionals, including nurses.
In fact, many nursing schools require nursing students to purchase a lab jacket prior to starting clinical rotations. When I was in nursing school, I not only had to purchase a lab jacket, but I also had to sew the school’s logo patch onto the sleeve. So yes, nurses wear lab coats too.
Why Do Nurses Wear Lab Jackets?
Aside from possible nursing school (or employer) apparel requirements or dress codes, nurses and other healthcare professionals may opt to wear a lab jacket for the following reasons:
- Nurses may wear lab coats out of convenience. Lab coats often come equipped with pockets that can help you keep track of nursing supplies such as tape, scissors, alcohol prep, pens, penlights, etc.
- Nurses may wear lab jackets for added protection. Because lab coats provide an extra layer of clothing over your skin, they act as an added barrier against germs and bodily fluids.
- Nurses may wear lab coats for added style. In addition to the practical uses of lab coats, some nurses may feel more stylish by adding a cute lab jacket to complement their overall outfit.
- Nurses may wear lab jackets for comfort. It’s no secret that many healthcare facilities keep the temperature very cool, and scrubs are often thin and airy. Therefore, wearing a lab coat can help you stay warm during your nursing shift.
My Cherokee Women’s Fashion White 30” Lab Coat Review
I’ve worn several different brands of lab coats before, and I tend not to be brand loyal with my apparel. If a particular item has the features I’m looking for at a great price, I’ll buy it.
So, after shopping around online for different lab jackets, I eventually purchased the Cherokee Women’s Fashion Lab Coat (*affiliate advertising link). Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase. I think this jacket is super cute, and for you male nurses out there, they also carry men’s lab coats as well.
Here are the features I prefer in a lab jacket, which is why I decided to buy this particular style and brand:
- It was very affordable. I paid less than $25 for this lab jacket, which was a great deal considering the quality and fit.
- It is 30” in length, which is just right for me. I don’t like lab jackets that are too short or too long. At 30”, I felt that it was just right.
- I love the way this lab jacket fits overall. I don’t like to wear anything too tight, because it feels too restrictive when I’m moving around. Likewise, I don’t like anything too baggy, either. This lab coat fit me just right.
- The front princess seams give this jacket a fitted look. In addition to the overall fit, the princess seams in the front give the jacket a fitted or tailored look, which I think makes the coat look more stylish and super cute.
- The waist is adjustable. There are two buttons on the back of the lab jacket’s belt that allow you to adjust the waist for an even more comfortable fit.
- It has a total of four buttons in the front. This is a great feature, because some lab jackets don’t have buttons or zippers. Although I don’t always button my lab jacket, I do like having the option available.
- It has two deep pockets in the front. I’m a sucker for pockets in scrub tops and lab jackets. I have always placed my nursing supplies in my pockets while I work. This lab jacket has very nice, deep pockets that will allow you to store lots of supplies in them.
- The material is just the right thickness. This lab jacket is thick enough to keep you warm, but at the same time, it’s not so thick that you’ll burn up in it. The fabric is also breathable, and it is made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
- The sleeves are just right. I like long sleeves on a lab coat (as opposed to the shorter sleeves), primarily to prevent germs or bodily fluids from contacting my skin.
- On the downside, this particular lab jacket does NOT have a breast pocket or inside pockets, which some nurses might prefer, but that wasn’t a deal breaker for me.
Overall, I have always preferred to wear lab jackets as a nurse, and I was very happy with the Cherokee Women’s Fashion lab coat. It fits great, looks super cute, and has nice, deep pockets in the front – all at a great price point. If you’d like to purchase the same lab coat I’m wearing in the video and pictures above, you can view it here: Cherokee Women’s Fashion Lab Coat (*affiliate advertising link).
*Disclaimer: I was not paid or encouraged to write this honest review. I merely selected a new lab coat that I liked online, and I decided to review it. However, we also use affiliate advertising links on this website, so any purchases made through those links will help support our site. Thank you!