Guide to Buying a Lab Coat

For professionals in medicine and other sciences, a lab coat stands out as possibly the most essential piece of clothing for the workplace. A lab coat marks you as an accomplished professional, while also protecting you from the dangers and messes that come with the job. Because so many people need them, various types and styles of lab coat saturate the market. This can make it difficult to choose the one that is best for your day-to-day needs.

By determining what you need the lab coat to do, you can determine what features you need it to have. These considerations can help you choose material, construction, and even fasteners. Use these 3-steps to find your perfect lab coat.

1. Coats for the Medical Office

If you work in clinical care, you are just as likely to seek a coat that offers protection, but you are more likely to come in contact with something messy than something dangerous. Fortunately, most new medical lab coats contain dual action Teflon, which helps to prevent against staining. If you need a clinical lab coat, one that includes this treatment is likely to stay whiter longer.

Medical lab coats should also offer all-day comfort and durability. Doctors, nurses, and other clinical professionals walk, crouch, bend, and even run on a regular basis. If you need a lab coat that stands up to this kind of activity, look for one that features reinforced seams, triangulated corner stitching, and bar tacks at common stress points.

2. Style Considerations

Because a lab coat is professional attire, its style should reflect the wearer's position. A good lab coat sits comfortably on the body and looks well-kept, even when it carries a variety of tools and equipment. If your role allows you to wear a cotton lab coat, this fabric typically offers a nice silhouette. You can also choose from a variety of cuts available on the market. Lab coat manufacturer Landau, for example, offers a number of flattering cuts for women. Landau’s Smart Stretch Lab Coat, for example, flatters a smaller frame and pairs well with a professional skirt. Whether you prefer a tailored look or a more traditional square cut, there are lab coats available to suit your needs.

3. Sizing

The key to looking professional in any style lab coat is a piece that fits. You can typically find lab coats in either unisex or ladies' styles, and it is important to know how each relates to sizing of street clothes.