What Scrub Colors Mean in Hospitals: Green, Blue, Navy, and More

Ever wondered why surgeons almost always wear green or blue, while ward nurses wear other colors? Scrub colors have reasons behind them — some scientific, some practical.

Why are surgical scrubs green or blue?

Green and blue sit opposite red on the color wheel. In the operating room they reduce eye fatigue and the afterimage effect surgeons get from looking at blood and tissue for long periods. Before the mid-20th century, surgical clothing was white — which turned out to be glaring under operating lights.

That's why forest green scrubs are still the standard in many operating rooms.

Navy and black: professional and practical

Dark colors hide stains well, making them popular for long shifts and high-activity units like the ER. Navy scrubs also look sharp and professional.

Pastels for pediatric patients

Sky blue, sage green, and other soft tones feel friendlier to children and are common in pediatric, dental, and maternity settings. See our sage green scrubs.

Color-coding by profession

Some hospitals color-code doctors, nurses, midwives, and support staff so patients can easily tell who is caring for them. If your institution wants to introduce color-coding, our team uniform service can help.