Why Teachers and Professors Need to Start Wearing Scrubs in the Classroom

Though many schools have reopened – or plan to do so soon – things are far from “normal.” As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on and it looks like several months will pass before a vaccine is available to members of the general public, everyone involved in the education system needs to take precautions to prevent illness and keep everyone safe.

In most places, everyone is already required to wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid sharing classroom supplies. Another step educators can take is wearing men’s scrub tops, or women’s, along with stylish scrub bottoms. While they are most frequently associated with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, scrubs are excellent to wear in the classroom, too. Keep reading to discover a few reasons why teachers and professors need to start wearing scrubs in the classroom.

Cleanliness and Professionalism

Today’s scrubs a far cry from the boxy, pajama-like apparel from years past. They come in a vast assortment of colors and patterns, as well as form-flattering fits. They’re comfortable and allow the wearer to move freely, but they also maintain a clean, professional appearance appropriate for any environment.

Compared to other garments, scrubs are much easier to keep clean. They can be disinfected at home using antimicrobial laundry detergent. Many are also made with antimicrobial fabric. When viewing a comparison of bacteria on scrubs, it is clear scrubs stay much cleaner than “normal” clothes and are, therefore, less likely to spread viruses and bacteria.

Scrubs are durable and designed to withstand frequent washes in hot water. As a teacher or professor, this means you’ll be able to wash and sanitize your workwear in your home washing machine on the highest temperature setting without worrying about damaging it.

Many school districts, colleges and universities have updated their dress codes to allow teachers and professors to wear scrubs because they are easy to keep clean and, thanks to modern styles, there are plenty of fashionable, professional-looking scrub tops for women as well as men.

Plenty of Pockets for Storage

Few things are more frustrating than outfits that don’t have pockets – especially when your job requires you to carry several things with you during the day. Even if you don’t need to carry several things during “normal” times, the coronavirus pandemic probably has you keeping things like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, gloves and an extra mask or two with you at all times.

When you wear scrubs instead of a dress or another pocketless garment to work, you will not have to worry about how to keep all of those things (plus your cell phone, badge and other essentials) on your person. Because they are designed for healthcare professionals who need to keep a multitude of supplies with them during their shifts, they have lots of deep, spacious pockets to hold all of your gear.

Affordability  

Filling your closet with new clothes for work can cost a fortune, especially when you are shopping for business casual attire as opposed to casual wear. Scrubs, however, are much more affordable. They cost significantly less than garments like dresses, slacks, nice skirts, sweaters and blazers – even when you purchase the best, most stylish pieces. Buying five sets of scrubs costs less than filling your wardrobe with your “usual” workwear and allows you to look professional without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind, too, because they are so affordable, accidentally damaging a set of scrubs is not as costly of a mistake as, say, ruining your favorite dress slacks. With teachers and professors needing to do more cleaning in their classrooms than ever before, wearing affordable scrubs that can easily be replaced if they are ruined by bleach (or anything else) just makes good financial sense.

Comfort and Durability

When it comes to comfort and durability, scrubs are a clear winner in the world of workwear. They are designed to move with the wearer rather than restricting them. This can be especially useful for pre-K and kindergarten teachers who are always on the move. They are also much more comfortable than dress clothes for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting in front of a computer.

In addition to being designed to handle high-temperature washing, scrubs are well-sewn and are reinforced at common stress points. This makes them much less likely to rip or tear and cause an embarrassing moment while you are on the job. With several fabrics, cuts and features to choose from, everyone can find scrubs that fit their bodies perfectly and will last them throughout the entire school year (and beyond!).

The Bottom Line

While the idea of wearing scrubs to school may seem like a foreign one, doing so is likely to become the norm in many districts over the next several months. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers and professors need work attire that is easy to sanitize and durable enough to withstand frequent washes. And with many doing double-duty to teach students both online and in-person, they deserve to wear something comfortable as they navigate their long, sometimes seemingly endless days. Wearing comfortable clothing could even be incorporated into calming techniques for the overworked and overwhelmed teachers and professors throughout the United States.

Changing what you wear to work may not seem like a big change, but doing so could have a huge impact on the safety of your students, yourself and your community. In addition, wearing scrubs could enhance your comfort and make it easier to survive even your longest and most difficult days. Scrubs definitely are not just for nurses anymore! If your administration has updated the dress code to allow scrubs, consider investing in a pair or two to wear to work. Chances are, you will love them!