Professional Scientific and Medical Lab Coats

The right lab coat depends on where it will be worn and any requirements set by your workplace, laboratory, school or university. A standard lab coat is a good general-purpose choice for laboratories, education, healthcare and many professional environments. Howie lab coats provide greater coverage, typically using a high collar, wrap-style front and concealed fastening, and are often chosen for clinical and laboratory environments where additional coverage is preferred.

You should also consider the garment material, length, fastening, cuff style and pockets. If you are buying a lab coat for a course or workplace, always check whether your institution specifies a particular style or material before ordering.

A standard lab coat usually has a conventional front opening, lapel-style collar and straight-cut design. It is a versatile option widely used in laboratories, universities, schools, healthcare settings and other professional environments.

A Howie lab coat is designed to provide greater coverage. It typically has an offset or wrap-style front, high collar and concealed fastenings, with many styles also featuring knitted or elasticated cuffs. This makes Howie coats particularly popular in laboratories, clinical environments and applications where more comprehensive coverage of everyday clothing is desirable.

Requirements vary between universities, departments and courses, so students should check their course guidance before buying. Standard white lab coats are commonly used by students studying subjects such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, chemistry, biology, biomedical science and veterinary science. Some departments may instead specify a Howie-style coat, particular cuffs, a specific length or other features.

Fit is also important. Your lab coat should provide comfortable coverage without excessively restricting movement and should allow room for normal clothing underneath. Food Safety Direct supplies men's, women's and unisex laboratory coats in a range of sizes, as well as a dedicated selection of lab coats and laboratory PPE for university students.

Lab coats are commonly manufactured from polycotton or cotton. Polycotton combines polyester and cotton to produce a practical, durable garment that is generally easy to care for, making it a popular choice for everyday laboratory, educational and professional use.

100% cotton lab coats provide a natural-fibre alternative and may be preferred or required in some environments. However, material alone should not be used to determine whether a garment is suitable for a particular hazard or procedure. Where your work involves chemicals, biological materials, heat or other specific risks, follow your organisation's risk assessment and PPE requirements when selecting protective clothing.

Yes. Lab coats can be personalised with embroidered names, job titles, departments, company branding and logos, helping organisations create consistent and easily identifiable laboratory clothing. Embroidery can be suitable for individual garments as well as larger requirements for businesses, universities, laboratories and healthcare organisations.

For larger quantities, Food Safety Direct can also help with bulk and bespoke requirements, including different garment colours, styles and specifications depending on the order. If you are outfitting a team or department, it is worth discussing your requirements before ordering so that sizing, garment style, embroidery and any customisation can be planned consistently.