Medical Scrubs vs Hospital Uniforms vs Lab Coats in South Africa: What’s the Difference & What’s Best for Your Role
By Courtney Kidgell
The terms “scrubs,” “hospital uniforms,” and “lab coats” often get used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes in South African healthcare. Understanding the distinctions helps professionals pick what’s appropriate and helps teams maintain a clear, professional standard.
Medical Scrubs
Definition
Two-piece garments (top and pants) designed for functionality, hygiene, and ease of movement.
Where they’re used
Hospitals, clinics, dental practices, veterinary clinics, aesthetic spaces.
Key features
- Lightweight, washable fabric
- Easy to disinfect
- Often colour-coded by department
- Designed for mobility
Best for: Frontline clinical staff; nurses, doctors, surgeons, dentists, therapists.
Hospital Uniforms
Definition
Structured garments; often button-up tops, tunics, or dresses paired with trousers or skirts. These lean more formal than scrubs.
Where they’re used
Administrative hospital staff, nursing colleges, some private hospitals with traditional dress codes.
Key features
- More formal silhouettes
- May include collars, buttons, or belts
- Less stretch, more structure
- Not always ideal for clinical tasks
Best for: Administrative teams, nursing students, private hospital staff with specific codes.
Lab Coats
Definition
White coats worn over other clothing or scrubs, primarily for protection and identification.
Where they’re used
Laboratories, consulting rooms, universities, pharmacies.
Key features
- Usually long-sleeved, knee-length
- White cotton or polyester blend
- Symbolic of medical authority in some settings
- Not a substitute for scrubs in clinical environments
Best for: Lab technicians, pharmacists, lecturers, clinicians during consultations.
How to Choose
- Clinical role: Scrubs are usually the right pick.
- Formal or administrative setting: Uniforms or coats create a more structured look.
- Consulting/lab work: Coats for protection, worn over clothes or scrubs.
Many South African facilities combine these for example, doctors wearing scrubs with a white coat during ward rounds.