The Psychology of Scrub Colours — How Patients Perceive You Based on What You Wear
You may choose your scrub colour based on what matches your skin tone, your clinic’s dress code, or simply what’s clean and comfy on a Monday morning, but did you know that patients subconsciously form impressions based on scrub colour?
Colours play a powerful role in healthcare settings. From calming nerves to boosting confidence, your choice of scrub colour could be silently communicating more than you realise. In this blog, we break down what different scrub colours say about you, according to patient perceptions and colour psychology.
Navy Scrubs — Trustworthy, Calm & Professional
💙 The go-to shade for healthcare workers across Australia — and for good reason. Patients associate navy with reliability, experience, and calm authority. It’s often used in hospitals and clinics for staff who need to strike the perfect balance between approachable and capable.
Best for: Nurses, general practice, aged care, hospital staff
Black Scrubs — Sleek, Strong & In Control
🖤 Black conveys confidence, authority, and modern professionalism. It’s ideal for healthcare professionals who want a polished, minimal look without drawing too much attention. Patients may view black scrubs as a sign of someone who is focused, sharp, and dependable.
Best for: Cosmetic nurses, doctors, dental professionals, and clinic owners
Burgundy Scrubs — Warm, Knowledgeable & Experienced
🍷 Burgundy strikes the perfect balance between classic and unique. Patients perceive it as rich, mature, and trustworthy, often associating the colour with seasoned professionals who know what they’re doing.
Best for: Senior nurses, midwives, allied health professionals
Teal Scrubs — Fresh, Friendly & Balanced
💚 Teal is soothing and calm, without being too clinical. It’s often associated with clarity, compassion, and balance, making it a great choice for anyone in patient-facing roles who wants to convey approachability with professionalism.
Best for: Midwives, vet nurses, physiotherapists, paediatrics
Royal Blue Scrubs — Energetic, Reassuring & Positive
🔵 Royal blue is bright, bold, and full of energy. Patients may view this colour as reassuring and uplifting, particularly in high-pressure environments. It suggests a healthcare worker who is attentive, upbeat, and proactive.
Best for: Emergency departments, operating theatres, outpatient clinics
Hot Pink Scrubs — Bold, Kind & Approachable
💖 Wearing pink in a healthcare setting makes a clear statement: you’re warm, confident, and not afraid to bring personality into your uniform. Patients often describe pink-wearing professionals as friendly, nurturing, and emotionally tuned in.
Best for: Paediatrics, midwifery, women’s health, dental & vet clinics
Charcoal Scrubs — Neutral, Smart & Understated
🩶 Charcoal is a great alternative to black, offering a slightly softer look while still conveying maturity and control. It’s subtle, sophisticated, and pairs easily with bold accessories like embroidered logos or coloured compression socks.
Best for: Clinics with neutral dress codes, unisex teams, allied health
Why Your Scrub Colour Choice Matters
While your skill and compassion matter most, your scrub colour can still influence how patients respond to you. First impressions are powerful, especially in healthcare where trust and communication are everything.
🟡 Looking to appear calming and reassuring? Stick to navy or teal.
🔴 Want to project confidence and leadership? Try black or burgundy.
🩷 Want to show warmth and friendliness? Reach for hot pink or royal blue.
Your scrubs are an extension of your brand, so why not use colour to support the experience you want patients to have?
Your scrub colour isn’t just a style choice — it’s a silent signal to your patients about who you are and how you work. Whether you lean toward classic navy, bold hot pink, or calm teal, choosing colours that align with your role and energy can enhance patient trust, comfort, and confidence.
Explore the full range of Comfort Fit Scrubs in every colour at Fit Right Medical Scrubs today and let your wardrobe do the talking.