Experts say that it only takes a few seconds to make an impression on other people, and this applies to a lot of situations, not just in romantic relationships. Thus, the same is true when it comes to medical professionals, where first impressions may last and trust needs to be built over time with the patients and their families.

When patients meet medical staff for the first time, the first thing they see is how presentable the latter is. Scrubs are the first thing that catches a patient’s attention, and he or she will likely pin his or her first impressions according to the color of the medical professional’s uniform.

Scrubs are used to keep medical staff sterile and gone are the days when everything—from surgical uniforms, to surgical areas—are white. Medical facilities needed to consider another color after finding out that white causes a major eyestrain on the surgeons and almost everyone staying in hospital facilities.

If you want to look professional and create a good first impression, here are the things to keep in mind before choosing the most suitable color for your Keswi scrubs:

1. White

Generally, white means purity and cleanliness. This was the choice of color for medical facilities through the years. However, patients and medical staff were said to suffer from visual fatigue, eyestrain, and headaches using this color. When splashed with blood and other liquids, the stain wouldn’t come off easily on white-colored scrubs, which can be impractical for medical employees who’d have to change to a new set every time.

2. Blue

It seems that this color has replaced white as the standard hue for medical scrubs. This is mainly because blue tones make people feel relaxed and calm. This color sky may also help lower blood pressure and may ease anxiety. In color psychology, it’s said to soothe illness and treat pain, and wearing clothes in this shade could create the impression that you’re dependable and trustworthy.

3. Green

This hue is another common choice among medical professionals, and for good reason. Green is associated with peace, healing, and tranquility, and patients looking at your scrubs long enough may feel these calming effects. Ever wonder why it’s so relaxing to stare at deep emerald-hued trees and mountains? It’s because the color green may help lower a person’s blood pressure, too.

4. Pink

Pink is another strong color choice for scrubs. Patients looking at a pink-colored scrub may find it visually soothing, allowing them to feel relaxed. Pink is often associated with joyfulness, creativity, and femininity. That’s why some nurses assigned in reproductive clinics or obstetrician-gynecology units wear this hue.

5. Red

This color may be attractive to males, but it’s not the best color for a medical scrub. This is a very striking color and could cause your patient’s heart rates to soar, being that it’s thought to increase circulation. And because red represents the color of blood, it may not be a good idea to wear while your patients are on their hospital beds, literally worried sick, and thinking about whether they’ll get through with their health problems.

As a color associated with acting fast and with force, red may be the best color to evoke a sense of encouragement to medical professionals whose exhaustion and stress are taking a toll on them.

6. Purple

This shade is known to evoke mixed emotions to someone who’s looking at it. Likely because this color is actually very polarizing, you either like it or hate it. A sense of royalty and wealth, and mystery, are few of the things linked with this hue.

A light-colored hue such as lilac, may be best for your scrub. These shades are thought to alleviate skin problems, likely because of its relation to a similarly colored and skin-soothing herb called lavender.

7. Gray

You may want to avoid opting for this color as this is commonly associated with being indifferent, indecisive, and unattached—traits you don’t want to have as a healthcare provider.  In addition, it’s said to conjure feelings of sadness in patients, as gray is also deeply associated with depression.

8. Yellow

This bright color is a happy color often associated with the sun. Like the color red, this striking and bright color is said to increase a patient’s heart rates. While thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body, it can cause visual strains, too. Yellow scrubs may be better for use in pediatric clinics and mental health facilities to uplift patients’ moods.

Final Thoughts

People react differently to various colors and hues, and these depend on preferences and past experiences. As a medical professional, it’s imperative to create a sense of professionalism, warmth, and trustworthiness among patients. More than anything else, as a medical staff, you should always stay clean and offer high-quality patient care, no matter the color of your scrub.