Even medical attire such as scrubs and lab coats are not outside of the realm of fashion.
In a recent publication from Massachusetts General Hospital, an article on how fashion has impacted the world of medical attire was released. In this article titled “By The Numbers: Fashion Scrubs”, they discuss using statistics how the influence of fashion is both very old and new again.
Back in 1890 a book was published called The Physician Himself, was a guidebook for physicians on how to work and live. In reference to how they should dress, the suggestion was “do not all together ignore the fashions of the day, for a due regard to the customs prevailing around you will show your good sense and discretion.” 12 editions of this book were published.
This year in April a 3 story billboard was put up to advertise the latest line of scrubs from Barco Uniforms, named for the popular ABC series Grey’s Anatomy. Barco Uniforms introduced in 1965 the idea of fashion scrubs, even having fashion model Cheryl Tiegs in advertising, helping launch her career.
The “designer scrubs” movement was reignited in 2013 when the company FIGS with a 1,800 square foot pop up shop on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. The brand between 2014 and 2017 showed a revenue increase of 9,948%.
The medical uniform industry is worth $10 billion dollars in the United States, and $60 billion dollars worldwide, with 90% of healthcare professionals having to purchase their own uniforms.
