Ideally, lab coats should protect both the patients, health workers, and students from health hazards within the clinics and hospital settings if used correctly and if you buy the appropriate lab coat designed for clinic use.
But within the past decade, studies have shown that there is a gradual decline in the number of health workers and students undergoing their clinical clerkship who wear lab coats in clinics in the United States.
Part of the reasons for this decline is based on the assumption that lab coats favor the spread of infection in hospital settings.
This theory believes that as health workers move from ward to ward and from one patient’s bed to the other, they are transferring germs and infectious organisms that may have clung to their white coats to other patients and even themselves or other people they come in contact with.
Hence this puts everyone at risk of getting infected.
However, there have been counter-arguments to this theory.
One of the most popular ones states that the issue of transferring infectious organisms in hospitals cannot be blamed on the lab coats since any cloth worn by the health worker, students or even objects they use can still serve as a medium for transmitting infections.
Furthermore, with a good practice of lab coat use, the risk of transferring germs will be reduced significantly.
Some good practices that could minimize the spread of germs in clinics through lab coats include:
- Having different lab coats for every day you appear for clinic duties
- Washing your lab coats with bleaching agents and detergents before the next use
- Having a good lab coat design for clinic use:
- Have at least 4 buttons to avoid flying out of the free edges
- Remove your white coat and put it in a decontamination container immediately after each clinic day instead of wearing it around.
There are many good reasons why the wearing of lab coats should be encouraged among doctors, health workers, medical students, and students of other medical-related courses.
But most of all, the medical student white coats, and the white coats for doctors help to distinguish health professionals from specialists without formal certifications like homeopathic experts and other quacks selling mixtures out there.
Table of Contents
- What Is A Quality Lab coat Design?
- 15 Best Lab Coats for Students, Doctors, and Health Workers
- VESTEX Signature Stretch Professional Long Lab Coat
- Beauty Journey Professional Unisex Lab Coat
- Meta 1963-48-011- Unisex Twill Lab Coat
- MYRTLE Professional Unisex Lab Coat
- Worklon 437S Sanforized Unisex Lab Coat with Cloth
- VESTEX Signature Stretch Professional Short Lab Coat
- Bordova Consultation Lab Coat
- Red Kap Unisex Specialized Cuffed Lab Coat
- Meta 11653 Unisex 40″ Fluid Resistant Lab Coat
- Custom Embroidered Unisex Lab coat
- Adar Universal Stretch Unisex Lab Coat
- Unisex Embroidered White Lab Coat
- Dr. James Medical Student White Coat
- Meta 6116 Unisex 40″ Lab Coat
- Healing Hands Men’s 5151 Luke Lab Coat
- Final Words on the Best Lab coats for Students
What Is A Quality Lab coat Design?
Whether you are looking for the best white coat for medical students, the best white coat design for doctors, or even the best lab coat for female doctors, there are ground rules that make a quality white coat design.
Our number one tip for buying a lab coat is to ensure that it is Unisex.
Unisex lab coats are those that fit perfectly for both males and females.
According to Dr. James, there are essential elements of a good lab coat design.
Bearing in mind that medics are always busy in clinics and always moving, this means that they need to keep their medical essentials on them at all times.
Things like stethoscopes, notebooks, iPad/tablets, phones, pens, and other items while moving from ward to ward and from clinic to clinic.
Carrying a backpack around in such a condition will be a bad choice as that will be additional stress on them.
Moreover, even having to jot things down at any given time, or having to check up on a medical term or use a medical app on their notepad, carrying a guidebook, manual, tablet, the phone is usually difficult in the fast-paced day-to-day movements.
To fully utilize this efficiency by helping medics with a white coat design that will enable them to keep everything on them in a safe and comfortable manner, as well as to offer overall comfort and easy movement necessary in a hospital or laboratory, we have been carefully selected 15 lab coats for students, doctors and other health workers that were designed to include certain elements that will make your stay in the clinic safer, easier, and more comfortable.
Qualities of a good lab coat you should look out for:
- A good lab coat must be lightweight, comfortable, and at the same time; durable and safe.
- A good lab coat should be unisex so that it can serve anyone at any time when it’s needed.
- It should have chest pockets for your pens, pencils, reading glasses, etc.
- Tablet or notebook pocket located lower by the sides for your mobile phone, notebook, jotter, or manuals
- Another contralateral pocket for your medical equipment like stethoscopes, pen torch, tendon hammer, tuning fork, etc.
- At least 3 button closing
- Elegant contour and seams
15 Best Lab Coats for Students, Doctors, and Health Workers
Based on the qualities listed above for a good lab coat design, below is a list of the available white coats for medical students, doctors, and health workers to use in clinics and hospitals.
These are also good lab coats for female doctors and males as well.
List of all the best lab coats for doctors, health workers, and students:
- VESTEX Signature Stretch Professional Long Lab Coat
- Beauty Journey Professional Unisex Lab Coat
- Meta 1963-48-011- Unisex Twill Lab Coat
- MYRTLE Professional Unisex Lab Coat
- Worklon 437S Sanforized Unisex Lab Coat with Cloth Knot Button
- VESTEX Signature Stretch Professional Short Lab Coat
- Bordova Consultation Lab Coat
- Red Kap Unisex Specialized Cuffed Lab Coat
- Meta 11653 Unisex 40″ Fluid Resistant Lab Coat
- Custom Embroidered Unisex Lab coat
- Adar Universal Stretch Unisex Lab Coat
- Unisex Embroidered White Lab Coat
- Dr. James Lab Coat
- Meta 6116 Unisex 40″ Lab Coat
- Healing Hands Men’s 5151 Luke Lab Coat
VESTEX Signature Stretch Professional Long Lab Coat
Vestex signature lab coat is our number one on the list of the best lab coats for doctors. It is a very good investment for a freshly graduated health worker who still has years of practice ahead.
It is the longer version of the Vestex signature lab coat for students which is just a few inches below the waistline.
Specifications
- It is made of 77% Polyester/23% Rayon meaning that it is durable.
- TRADITIONAL LAB COAT: It was designed especially for the medic who wants the best in style, comfort, and safety. VESTEX reinvents worker protection.
- It has been showed that this white coat design is proven to become less likely to be contaminated with germs or get stained with body fluids due to the high polyester component.
- It was approved by the FDA and over 510(k) apparel has been certified to reduce transferrable germs and repel unexpected and unanticipated splashes, splatters, and stains from body fluids and other contaminants.
- STYLISH PERFECT FIT: Professional design details with notched lapel, center back mock belt, and four-button closure for a great fit and classic fashionable appearance.
- EASY ACCESS POCKETS: It has a left chest pocket with a pen holder and two front patch pockets with a utility hoop and a kangaroo pouch and side slits for convenient pants pocket access.
- ENHANCED COMFORT & FEEL: Fashioned with VESTEX Signature Stretch fabric for a soft feel and full freedom to move. Moisture-wicking breathability provides comfort all day long.
Beauty Journey Professional Unisex Lab Coat
This is number 2 on our list of the best white coats for doctors.
The good thing about Beauty Journey white lab coats is that they are made with a blend of polyester and cotton material, resulting in a perfect blend of softness & durability.
The coats are perfect for those working in an environment where there is a presence of hazardous chemicals like medical laboratory scientists, hematologists, and pharmacy technicians.
Another strong quality is that it can be easily cleaned using a washing machine and detergent without a decrease in its quality.
Specifications
- It comprises of 73% Polyester, 20% Cotton, 7% Spandex
- Has up to 4 Button closures
- Machine wash friendly
- HIGH QUALITY – Made using a high blend of Cotton and Polyester; providing you with softness, as well as durability.
- MACHINE WASHABLE – This lab coat is easy to take care of. The Durability allows you to wash this lab coat again and again without wear or tear.
- It has professionally hemmed edges that are carefully graded for quality control and product durability.
Meta 1963-48-011- Unisex Twill Lab Coat
The Meta 196-48-011 medical student white coats are made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
It comes with a pleated back and sewn-down belt for a tailored look.
This particular lab coat design is generously cut with double-sewn cuffs to extend sleeve lengths as necessary.
It is equipped with two lower pockets, one chest pocket with a pen divider, and two interior pockets for carrying different medical essentials where it is most comfortable for you.
It also has side slits.
The fabric was made with soil release properties for easier washing.
Specifications:
- It is unisex
- Package Dimensions : 14 x 10.5 x 1.26 inches; 1.15 Pounds
MYRTLE Professional Unisex Lab Coat
This is actually a lab coat for female doctors specifically.
It is exactly what a passionate female medical professional needs as a companion when at work.
It makes you appear super crisp, tidy, driven and most of all its boosts your confidence about your professional appearance from the very first instance of you wearing it.
It has 4 main features that will make you fall in love with this white coat design i.e. Comfort, Fitting, Utility/Usability, and Attractiveness.
It is not just a saying that ‘The first impression is the last impression but it is actually a reality, especially in the medical profession where hygiene, tidiness, and cleanliness is of utmost importance.
MYRTLE is made of eye-catching, difficult to stain, and wrinkle-free fabric that holds its place, texture and looks after multiple washes.
It is made of premium quality fabric composed of 65% Cotton & 35% Polyester which is extra soft, breathable, comfortable, and unlike the majority of the lab coats for females available in the market.
Specification:
- Can be worn by both males and females (Not just females)
- Package Dimensions : 6 x 5 x 3 inches; 1 Pounds
- 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton
- Button closure
- Machine Wash
- Soft fabric, as well as durability.
- Professional Medical Lab Coat.
- 2 Waist Pockets and Chest Pocket with Pen Holder.
Worklon 437S Sanforized Unisex Lab Coat with Cloth
Worklon is a unisex lab coat with three outside pockets and a cloth knot button.
It is made of 100% sanforized cotton.
Two-piece attached back belt with two cloth knot buttons for adjustable closure.
The dimensions are 9.5 x 7.9 x 5.6 inches; 1.61 pounds and it is one of the most perfect lab coats for students bearing in mind its durability.
VESTEX Signature Stretch Professional Short Lab Coat
Vestex is one of the most durable and top-notch quality lab coats for students that is available in the US.
The design is sleek and simple and it’s not so long and big like those lab coats worn by senior doctors.
It passes the waistline by just a few inches.
Specifications:
- It is made of 77% Polyester and 23% Rayon
- Has more than 3 button closures
- Designed especially for the medical student who wants the best in style, comfort, and protection.
- FDA approved
- Enriched with professional styling details with notched lapel, and three button closure for a classic fashionable appearance.
- EASY ACCESS POCKETS: has a left chest pocket with pen holder and two front pockets with utility hoop and a kangaroo pouch for convenient access to cell phone and med school essentials.
- ENHANCED COMFORT & FEEL: Fashioned with VESTEX Signature Stretch fabric for a soft feel and full freedom to move around during clinical rotations.
Bordova Consultation Lab Coat
Bordova 32″ Unisex Consultation Coat is the perfect lab coat design for a great number of professionals.
It has a sturdy make and a roomy, comfortable fit.
Important features it comes with are two patch pockets and one chest pocket with a pen divider.
Specifications
- Made of 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton
- Up to 4 or more button closures
- Machine Wash
- Great med outfit: Make your patients feel welcomed in your office. This consultation coat will tell that you are a confident professional that cares about his looks and style.
- Unisex
- Large size: This lab coat for doctors measures 32 inches and can be worn in almost all sizes.
- Useful design: Designed and tested by doctors in everyday’s clinics and ward round. It has received a high approval because of the roomy patch pockets, and sleeves that don’t disturb when you work with your hands.
Red Kap Unisex Specialized Cuffed Lab Coat
Red Kap Unisex Specialized cuffed lab coat design is made of knit cuffs that keep sleeves from interfering with work.
It also has a chest pocket and two lower pockets.
It is a lab coat for students who are still in the preclinical classes and who do lots of lab work.
Specifications
- It comprises of 80% Polyester and 20% combed cotton
- USA made
- Snap closure
- Machine Wash
- Produced with 5 oz. performance cotton/poly blend poplin.
- Has elastic cuffs designed to protect your wrists, plus an exterior left chest pocket & two lower exterior pockets for medical essentials.
- Requires minimal pressing or ironing.
- They’re made with UV non-yellowing buttons for long-lasting whiteness through industrial laundry processing.
- Weave type: Woven
Meta 11653 Unisex 40″ Fluid Resistant Lab Coat
This white coat design is one of the best any professional can think of buying.
The reviews alone would make any medic who is interested in style and appearance give this lab coat a try.
Whether you are a medical professional, scientist, veterinarian, dental technician, pharmacist, or student, this is a lab coat you will love and be able to rely on.
Specifications
- Made of 99% Polyester and 1% Carbon
- 5 button closures
- Comes with a notched lapel, pin striping, and a flattering silhouette that exudes confidence and poise.
- Made with our air textured polyester and carbon fiber blend, this lab coat features static control, is wrinkle-resistant, liquid repellant, and most importantly; breathable.
- The carbon fiber adds a stylish detail of pin striping to this lab coat. Additionally, the loose back belt, and kick pleat assure that you will be comfortable without limitation of movement.
- Has 2 large lower square patch pockets and a square breast pocket, you will have ample room to securely stow most of your tools and notes.
Custom Embroidered Unisex Lab coat
This is among the few medical student white coats that the distributors help you to customize with your professional or official names without taking a dime.
Above all, it is a Unisex lab coat for all.
Specifications
- Up to 5 button closures
- Machine washable
- Freely add your text to get a unique personalized Lab Coat.
- Made of one-piece, lined, notched lapel, three pockets.
- 5-ounce weighted
- Made of 80/20 poly/combed cotton performance blend poplin.
- Left chest pocket with a pencil stall.
- Embroidered in the USA.
Adar Universal Stretch Unisex Lab Coat
Adar is also one of the best medical student white coats.
This lab coat design has been in the market for over 45 years providing top-of-the-line lab coats to medical professionals all over the globe.
It is known for its exceptional quality, comfort & stylish designs.
Specifications
- It is made with 55% Cotton, 42% Polyester, 3% Spandex
- It is a Unisex Lab Coat with Four Snap closure
- It is a great lab coat for doctors, nurses, dentists, and health professionals as a whole.
- It offers a contemporary fit with a stretch performance twill fabric for easy movement.
- This Lab Coat has 2 large patch pockets with attached sectioned pocket, 1 Chest Pocket with tailored welt, standard lapel and it is tagless for optimal comfort.
Unisex Embroidered White Lab Coat
The added point for this lab coat is that it can be customized with your professional name and title by the manufacturers for free.
Specifications
- Free personalized lab coat with your name or business name
- Unisex
- You can get up to 3 lines for FREE. No additional cost to add more than one line.
- Left chest patch pocket with bartacked pencil stall
Dr. James Medical Student White Coat
Remember Dr. James that described the qualities of perfect lab coats for students?
He has his own personal white coat design which he created using the same principles he listed.
Below are the specifications of his own official lab coat.
Specifications
- It is made of 100% Cotton
- Has a snap closure
- Machine washable
- It is unisex and offers a relaxed and comfortable fit suitable for all body shapes and sizes.
- This LABTEX industrial-grade fabric is made up of 100% cotton with a hardwearing but soft hand finish.
- Fashioned in Milan Italy by Dr. James
Meta 6116 Unisex 40″ Lab Coat
We have already established that the Meta white coat design is among the best in the market from our previous reviews of similar lab coats.
This one is not left behind either in terms of quality.
Specifications
- it is made of 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton
- Has 3 button closure
- Unisex
- Has a notched lapel, and a flattering silhouette that excludes confidence and strength.
- It is made with our soft stretch tri-blend fabric, this lab coat features static control, is wrinkle-resistant, liquid repellant, and most importantly, breathable. Additionally, the 2 piece sleeves assure that you will be comfortable without limitation of free movement.
- Has a total of 7 pockets. It will definitely exceed your storage expectations. Comes with 2 oversized lower patch pockets to hold iPad, a breast pocket with pen divider and a concealed inner pocket for each of the lower patch pockets.
- This lab coat design will work for you whether you are a medical professional, scientist, veterinarian, dental technician, pharmacist, student or just starting your career.
Healing Hands Men’s 5151 Luke Lab Coat
This six-pocket lab coat is the last on our list of available lab coat designs in the United States.
Specifications
- It is made of 97% Polyester and 3% Spandex
- Up to 4 button closures
- This medical student lab coat is machine washable
- It is lightweight, soft, breathable, and wrinkle-free.
- Body Length Measurement (based on size medium): 38”
- This lab coat design has classic notched lapels that look sleek, a four-button closure, pocket access slits at the side seams, and a back waistband that provides superior fit and movement.
- It was made with special dyes that give you a brighter white that stays white for longer, even after multiple washes.
- This medical student lab coat has two deep front patch pockets with a pen slot and a hidden cell phone pocket, two inside pockets, and one patch chest pocket with a pen slot, perfect for nearly any accessory you want right at your fingertips. No matter where you work or what your job is, you’ll definitely appreciate lots of pocket space.
Final Words on the Best Lab coats for Students
If you are a medical student or a health worker living in the United States or anywhere in the world, you will definitely need more than one lab coat for your clinical rotations and for other duties in the hospital like ward rounds and clinics.
In making the decision for a good lab coat design, you should consider lab coats that are unisex, have plenty of pockets for your medical school essentials, and most of all, a lab coat that is durable.
All the above-listed lab coats meet these qualities, and we have included links to purchase them directly from the manufacturers.
We wish you the best experience you can ever get during your work in the clinics and hospital wards.
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