You may have seen doctors and nurses wearing long-sleeve garments during their workday. But why do they do this? For many, it's a matter of well-being. These garments worn underneath the medical uniform are also called "underscrubs," and they bring several health and comfort benefits to healthcare professionals.
Underscrubs help regulate body temperature and quickly wick away sweat with moisture-wicking technology to prevent discomfort and restriction of movement. This is why they help ventilate the skin in hot climates while keeping body heat in cooler temperatures.
For professionals who constantly change environments due to air conditioning in institutions, underscrubs provide an extra layer that helps maintain a stable body temperature despite the heat or cold.
Additionally, underscrubs offer an extra layer of protection and provide another way to style uniforms and gear by adding an additional dimension of color.
Let's explore three advantages of wearing underscrubs beneath your medical uniform.
Breathable Material for Thermoregulation
The moisture-wicking material, which removes moisture, is behind the thermoregulation of underscrubs and other garments.
Let's discuss how this type of material emerged in everyday clothing. It all began in the 1990s with the brand Under Armour. Its founders developed technology for sportswear that addresses the discomfort of sweating. This is how moisture-wicking fabric arrived in a prototype called “The Shorty.” Its synthetic material transfers liquid through the fabric’s microfibers, rather than trapping it, and dries it on the surface.
This is why moisture-wicking fabric is highly breathable, making it ideal for those working in regions with excessive heat.
Additionally, underscrubs typically feature color and sweat protection, preventing discoloration in high-sweat areas or due to deodorant use.
An Extra Layer for Your Medical Uniform
After the COVID-19 pandemic, various government bodies worldwide recommended that healthcare staff not mix their medical uniforms with other personal garments. They also advised against wearing them outside healthcare institutions due to the risk of spreading the virus.
Underscrubs can serve as the initial layer for professionals arriving at work. Upon entering the healthcare environment, they put on their tops and medical coats. When leaving, they can remove the top and comfortably go home with fewer risks of spreading bacteria. This is a practical way to protect their health and those around them.
It’s important to clarify that the protection provided by underscrubs does not exceed that of any athletic-cut garment. A medical coat should be worn over the uniform if extended arm protection is required. This is especially relevant for nurses, as it is estimated that this role suffers more workplace accidents than any other profession, particularly when administering injections.
Elasticity that Provides Comfort
In addition to thermoregulation, underscrubs are made with elastic fabrics that allow free movement for healthcare professionals, just like sportswear fabrics. These features are crucial for generating and maintaining comfort during the long workdays faced by healthcare staff.
Additionally, underscrubs are perfect for workers whose activities demand significant physical activity, such as climbing stairs or navigating spaces in a facility. With this garment under the medical uniform, they can move and maneuver their bodies for hours without being affected by sweat.
The elasticity of these garments also ensures that, when using the correct size, they fit perfectly to the body. This prevents injuries caused by overly tight clothing or accidents due to a loose fit.
In conclusion, underscrubs are an essential companion to medical uniforms, both in extreme climates and high biological risk environments. They are also comfortable and enhance the feeling of protection for professionals against potential workplace accidents.
Click here to explore our Colorchain catalog of differentiated medical wear and our selection of underscrubs.
