At one time, almost all lab coats were over-sized long white coats. Today, they come in a wide variety of styles and even an assortment of colors although white is still the most popular.

 

Lab coats are available in different lengths: knee length, mid-thigh length, and hip length jackets. Your employer will probably specify the length of your lab coat as the longest lengths might be reserved for personnel that are more senior. Most lab coats have long sleeves in order to protect the arms against splashes, however some labs like microbiology labs might prefer 3/4 length sleeves to prevent contamination of the cuffs and to allow for easy access to the forearms for frequent hand washing.

 

If your laboratory works with infectious agents or chemicals, your employer may supply disposable chemical resistant lab coats for you to wear. These lightweight, almost paper-thin yet durable lab coats protect you and your clothing from chemical splashes and spills.

 

You can choose unflattering over-sized lab coats or fitted lab coats that make a fashion statement. You can choose a lab coat made from names well known in the fashion world as well as leaders in uniform apparel like Baby Phat, Dickies, White Swan, Cherokee, and Urbane.

 

Your employer will limit your choices in lab coats. The department you work in will dictate the color, hem length, and sleeve length. However, even if you must wear a white lab coat, you can still show your individuality by choosing a unique style. The style of the lab coat can be altered by adding a belt, the positioning of the pockets, embroidery, and type of closure such as buttons, snaps, or zipper.

 

Local uniform stores don't generally carry a large selection of lab coats although they will certainly have several choices. To see what styles are available and to find something you really like, shop online or send for uniform catalogs so you will have a lot more styles to choose from.

 

Lab coats and medical uniforms in general have come a long way in the last decade. There are many colors, prints and styles available on the market for you to choose from within the dress code of your place of employment. The function of a lab coat is to keep you safe while working around sensitive electronics, chemicals, or biological substances, but there is no reason why you cannot look good while doing it.