A study revealed that employees with well-fitting uniforms are 22% happier. To achieve this, among many reasons, the clothing size must be right for each individual.
Have you ever worn a top that was too wide or long and felt uncomfortable or restricted? This common issue affects healthcare professionals, whose uniforms are not always made specifically for them. Ideally, garments should allow unrestricted movement, provide the right breathability with appropriate space between the clothing and the skin, and have the right pant length to avoid tripping.
Although healthcare institutions do their part by providing uniforms, they may not realize that the lack of sizing options brings numerous disadvantages for healthcare workers.
From better physical performance and improved mental well-being to the dignity of the profession, let’s explore why using properly sized medical apparel is crucial for the healthcare sector.
Better Physical Performance During Work
There is a connection between wearing overly tight clothing and developing cardiovascular problems. Therefore, we should choose clothing that fits naturally to our bodies, especially for high-impact activities like sports or exercise. This applies to medical uniforms as well.
Healthcare professionals are in constant motion with little rest between tasks. Climbing stairs, visiting patients, moving heavy equipment, and other repetitive tasks throughout the day require high physical performance.
For them, wearing garments that fit their body type is essential to allow free movement and provide greater protection—preventing workplace accidents. A uniform that is too tight can hinder movement, while one that is too loose can expose the skin to biological risks, even with fluid-resistant uniforms.
Increased Mental Well-Being
The work environment for healthcare professionals involves constant risks, such as sharp objects and biological fluids that can cause illness or allergies. These risks increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study in Peru revealed that the concern about the virus heightened the psychological distress of medical staff.
Not feeling protected by their clothing adds to the anxiety for doctors, nurses, and other staff, which can seriously affect their mental health.
To alleviate these feelings, medical uniforms and lab coats must serve their role as personal protective equipment, including proper sizing. Wearing well-fitted apparel helps professionals avoid unnecessary exposure and feel supported by essential protection.
Dignification of the Profession
It is crucial for healthcare professionals to convey confidence and security in the workplace. This directly involves their clothing, which should be well-presented and high-quality. To feel dignified in their profession, uniforms for nurses, doctors, and other roles should represent and identify them effectively.
This can be affected by how well the clothing fits, as an ill-fitting uniform can make someone appear less competent. Unfortunately, this issue is more common for women.
The healthcare field remains a highly conservative environment, placing women at a disadvantage. For them, it is essential to reflect their professionalism, as they may receive negative attitudes or comments about their qualifications based solely on appearance. Thus, clothing becomes an additional tool to communicate their skills and competence.
Viewing medical uniforms as an essential tool rather than regular attire helps us understand that generic sizes are inadequate. Therefore, professionals who purchase their own uniforms and institutions providing uniforms should opt for tailored sizes. Only then will medical uniforms fully meet their purpose, bringing both physical and mental benefits.
Explore our specialized medical apparel catalog with detailed sizing charts and a quiz to customize garments to your measurements here.
