Why do doctors in hospitals wear white coats?

For many aspiring doctors, the white coat represents the pinnacle of medical authority. It’s such an iconic piece of clothing that medical schools hold special ceremonies—called 'white coat ceremonies'—to celebrate the moment new students first wear their white coats.

However, the white coat wasn’t always the standard. If you've watched period dramas set in the 19th century or earlier, you might remember the family doctor arriving in a well-tailored black suit. According to Medelita, black was chosen for both practical and symbolic reasons. Black signified formality and seriousness, matching the somber tone of medical consultations. It also helped hide stains much more effectively than lighter-colored clothing.

By the end of the 19th century, doctors and researchers had started to understand the critical importance of maintaining cleanliness in medical settings to stop bacteria growth and the spread of infectious diseases. The color white symbolized purity and sanitation, prompting hospitals to adopt white sheets and clothing as part of their fight against germs.

As Dr. Mark S. Hochberg noted in a 2007 article for the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics [PDF], the color white also symbolized truth and transparency. The term candor, which means “openness” and “freedom from mental bias,” comes from the Latin verb candere, which means “to be white and shining.”

The transition from black to white in doctors' attire occurred rather quickly, as shown in two paintings by American artist Thomas Eakins. In his 1875 painting The Gross Clinic, Dr. Samuel Gross and his colleagues, all dressed in black suits, perform surgery on a man’s leg. Just under 15 years later, Eakins created The Agnew Clinic, showing a new group of doctors, now wearing white shirts and smocks, performing surgery on another patient.

While white coats help doctors stand out in busy hospitals, they can also have a negative effect on some patients. 'White coat syndrome' or 'white coat hypertension' describes the increase in blood pressure some individuals experience when entering a doctor's office or clinical setting. To ease patient anxiety, some doctors, particularly pediatricians, occasionally forgo the coat.