Historical Predecessors to Angelica Scrubs

Scrubs have been worn by medical professionals for many years. In the early 20th century surgeons did not wear any sort of special surgical attire besides perhaps an apron used to keep most of the blood off of his clothes. In these days there wasn't much concern expressed regarding cleanliness and sterilization in the operating room. It wasn't until the 1940s that surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff began sterilizing instruments and other materials in the operating area. It was during this time period that surgeons and support staff started wearing sterile scrubs similar to the Angelica scrubs that we sell here at Scrubs Unlimited. Originally all scrubs were white but operating room staff soon noticed that the combination of the white clothing and bright surgical lights was causing excessive eye strain during long procedures. Eventually hospitals began adopting scrubs similar to Fashion Seal scrubs that were made in various shades of greens that were easier on the eyes.

By the beginning of the 1970s, the clothing and protective gear worn in the operating room closely resembled the scrubs that are worn today. These clothing options featured V necked shirts with short sleeves and drawstring pants. This medical attire was dubbed as "greens" because of the light green cotton and polyester blend material that they were made out of. While the Fashion Seal scrubs that Scrubs Unlimited provides may be similar in style to these "greens", they now come in a variety of patterns, colors, and fits. These scrubs when partnered with cloth caps, surgical masks, gowns, and gloves make up the uniform worn by most surgeons and surgical support staff members. Scrubs Unlimited's collection of Angelica scrubs displays the stark difference between modern surgical wear and that that was worn in the early 20th century.