May 15, 2026

Phlebotomy Scrubs: What to Wear for Blood Draw Shifts

As a phlebotomist, what you wear for the job matters. Whether you need vet med scrubs or hospital scrubs, they have to hold up through long shifts and dozens of blood draws without slowing you down.

To choose the right attire, you need to consider several important factors. From comfort and durability to color choices and beyond, read on to understand everything you should look for in phlebotomist scrubs.

What Do Phlebotomists Actually Wear in the Medical Field?

If we’re talking basics, then the standard phlebotomist outfit consists of:

A scrub shirt and scrub pants
Closed-toe, non-slip shoes
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
In some job settings, phlebotomists also wear a lab coat, though this is largely dependent on employer and country requirements

From a compliance perspective, scrubs are the standard because they are designed for the medical field.

However, some establishments, like hospitals, enforce strict dress codes that even mandate what colors you can wear. Others allow more freedom, allowing you to inject a little fun into your job and create a look that reflects your personality.

5 Key Features for Phlebotomist Scrubs

It’s important to choose good-quality scrubs that provide protection and comfort while you work.

1. Stretch for comfort

We can all agree that phlebotomy involves working in awkward positions to properly draw blood.

Rigid scrub materials, like cotton, restrict movement and can actually chafe the skin. Therefore, choose scrubs with built-in elasticity that allow you to work efficiently without the experience of feeling “stuck.”

For instance, the Dr Woof collection of scrubs features a signature 4-way stretch. The unique blend of Polyester, Rayon, and Spandex gives you full movement set yet looks smart and professional.

2. Breathability

Hospitals and clinics are notoriously warm, and all the movement is bound to work up a sweat.

Pure Polyester scrubs are not breathable. They trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable. Cotton is breathable, but it absorbs moisture and starts to feel heavy and clingy.

Instead, order fabric blends that offer breathability and moisture-wicking, like polyester, rayon, and spandex. These help regulate your temperature and keep you dry as you work, improving the overall experience.

3. Durable and washable

Stains, sweat, extended wear. Your scrubs go through a lot, so it's important to take this into account before choosing your next set.

You must be able to frequently wash your scrubs without them losing their shape or integrity.

Good-quality scrubs won’t suffer any of the following, even after repeated washes:

Fading
Thinning
Sagging
Mishaping

This isn’t just about maintaining a professional appearance. You need reliable scrubs that can keep up with continuing demands without falling apart after a few weeks.

For phlebotomy specifically, fluid resistance is worth looking for. Dr. Woof scrubs are designed to resist absorbing fluids, so accidental splashes are easier to wipe away instead of soaking into the fabric and setting as stains.

4. Pockets, pockets, pockets

Pockets are arguably one of the most overlooked nurse accessories, and there never seems to be enough of them!

Think about what you have to carry around with you daily. We’re talking tourniquets, sterile wipes, gauze, pens, notebooks, etc. And that’s before you’ve even found space for your phone and penlight.

Poorly designed scrubs either lack sufficient pockets or place them awkwardly, which gets in the way of your movement.

Choose scrubs that offer multiple, deep pockets in both the shirt and the pants. Look for angled, balanced designs that don’t spill their contents the moment you bend over. Every detail should account for how you actually work.

5. A flattering fit

From a comfort perspective, scrubs that are too loose look untidy and can get in the way, while those that are too tight restrict movement and increase discomfort

From a feel-good perspective, you want to feel confident in what you wear. Just because they are scrubs, it doesn’t mean they can’t flatter your body type.

Scrubs that offer multiple cuts, like flared, straight, or flare-legged pants, allow you to build a functional wardrobe without sacrificing style. Choose options that offer elastic and drawstring waists, so you can adjust them to your ideal comfort level (and not risk them falling down!).

Best Scrub Colors for Phlebotomy

Patients are typically anxious about blood draws, and the colors you wear can play a role in how they feel during the experience.

These colors can instill more confidence in patients and offer a subtle charm to your overall appearance:

Burgundy or maroon are common scrub colors because they are very efficient at hiding stains and maintaining a professional appearance throughout the day.
Blue creates a calming touch for patients, while green is associated with healthcare and cleanliness.

What about pink scrubs?

Pink scrubs can be a great choice in more relaxed environments.

Softer shades can feel approachable and help put nervous patients at ease, while brighter tones add a little personality and fun.

Just keep in mind they show stains more easily, so they’re best suited to lower-risk or shorter shifts.

What Not to Wear as a Phlebotomist

We’ve talked extensively about what you should wear as a phlebotomist, but you should also acknowledge what isn't acceptable.

Here’s a quick checklist, so you can avoid them:

Open-toe shoes: Clinical environments require closed-toe shoes to protect against fallen sharps and spills while at work.
Heavy fabrics: Thick scrubs reduce ventilation and can make you overheat. It’s better to wear lightweight scrubs and add layers of thin fabrics underneath. That way, you can remove some layers if you get hot.
Excess jewelry: Dangling accessories, rings, and bracelets are a hard no. They can get caught and interfere with blood draws.
Unsuitable socks: Your socks have to be as breathable as your scrubs and keep you comfortable throughout your shift. Choose compression socks as these reduce swelling and discomfort. Bamboo is a great lightweight fabric with moisture-wicking properties.

Essential PPE for a Phlebotomist

PPE provides an essential safety barrier to reduce the risk of contamination from patients and any other potential source.

Here’s what you should be using:

Gloves: Single-use disposable gloves are non-negotiable. Proper hand hygiene before and after use is just as important.
Face protection: While not always required, masks and eye protection (like face shields or goggles) must be used when there is a risk of splashing or exposure. Overall, this type of PPE is more common in emergency settings.
Disposable gowns: Made from fluid-resistant material, gowns protect your scrubs from soiling. Again, these are commonly worn when there is a higher risk of splashing and contamination.
Respirators: If you are handling patients with airborne diseases, then an N95 respirator is necessary.

Ready to Upgrade Your Phlebotomy Scrubs?

At Dr Woof, our attire is created by healthcare professionals, not fashion designers, so we understand exactly what is needed for the job and the continuing demands of the role.

It’s not just about comfort, practicality, and looking professional. You should also feel confident and stylish during long shifts, because how you feel in your scrubs affects how you show up for your patients.

FAQs

What kind of scrubs do phlebotomists wear?

Phlebotomists wear a standard shirt and pants scrub set, along with appropriate PPE to protect from patient blood.

What is the dress code for a phlebotomist?

The typical dress code for phlebotomists includes scrubs, an ID badge, and closed-toe shoes. Common scrub colors include burgundy, maroon, and blue.

However, it depends on each medical establishment's dress rules as to what their phlebotomists wear. For example, some require lab coats and additional personal protection equipment.