Who Usually Wears Purple Scrubs?

18 November, 2025 Marketing Department

You’ve probably walked into a hospital or clinic, looked around at all the different scrub colors, and wondered, “Okay, who wears what here?” Then someone in purple walks by—calm, composed, and clearly busy—and you think, “So… what does that color mean?”

The short answer: there’s no universal rule for purple scrubs. Each hospital, clinic, or school sets its own color-coding system. But over the years, violet uniforms have become a favorite for certain roles and departments—especially those that balance clinical expertise with warmth and compassion.

If you’re a hospital admin, clinic owner, or nursing school planning to standardize scrub colors, here’s a closer look at who usually wears purple scrubs and why this hue might be the perfect choice for your team.

1. Nurses and nursing students

In many facilities, purple scrubs are assigned to nurses—particularly those who need to be easy to recognize, but still approachable and friendly.

Purple (and its softer cousin, lavender) is often used for:

  • General ward nurses

  • Nursing students in training

  • Float nurses who move between different departments

Why it works: purple strikes a nice balance between professional and comforting. It stands out enough to be noticed in a busy ward, but it doesn’t feel as “harsh” as some very bright colors. For patients and families, that can make a big difference in how safe and supported they feel.

If you’re part of a nursing school or training program, violet uniforms can also help your students stand out while still blending in well with hospital teams during duty.

2. Nursing assistants and patient-care staff

Some hospitals and long-term care facilities assign purple to nursing assistants and patient-care techs, such as:

  • Nursing aides

  • Healthcare assistants

  • Patient care associates

These are often the people who spend the most time at the bedside—helping with basic care, monitoring patients, and supporting nurses and doctors.

Purple is a great fit because it gives off a vibe of:

  • Dependability – patients know, “If I see this color, that’s the person who helps me with day-to-day needs.”

  • Warmth and empathy – perfect for roles that require constant interaction and reassurance.

If you want patients to easily identify “the people they can always approach,” putting your care assistants in violet can make that connection clearer.

3. Specialty departments: where purple really shines

Purple scrubs are also popular as a signature color for specific hospital units or clinics. Here are some examples of departments that often choose purple:

Pediatrics and NICU

Soft lavender or playful violet shades give off a gentle, child-friendly feel. They pair well with fun prints, character-themed designs, or pastel accents, helping to ease anxiety for kids and parents.

Maternity and women’s health

Purple is often associated with care, dignity, and empowerment, making it a strong choice for:

  • OB-GYN clinics

  • Labor and delivery units

  • Postpartum wards

It feels warm and caring while still looking polished and professional.

Oncology and palliative care

In sensitive spaces where patients need both medical expertise and emotional support, purple helps communicate:

  • Calm

  • Compassion

  • Respect

Many teams choose violet uniforms to visually reinforce that balance of strength and gentleness.

Rehabilitation and mental health units

For psych, rehab, or wellness-focused units, purple can symbolize healing, introspection, and transformation. It’s ideal for environments where emotional comfort is just as important as physical care.

4. Clinics, wellness centers, and non-hospital settings

Outside the hospital, purple scrubs are common in:

  • Private clinics and diagnostic centers

  • Dental clinics

  • Skin, aesthetics, and derma clinics

  • Wellness and spa-like medical facilities

  • Home-care and community nursing services

In these settings, violet can feel a bit more “branded” and boutique, helping your practice stand out while still looking clean and clinical.

Pairing purple scrubs with a matching logo, subtle embroidery, or coordinated jackets creates a cohesive look that patients will remember.

5. What purple (and violet uniforms) say about your brand

Colors speak—even before your staff does.

Purple and violet shades often convey:

  • Creativity – you pay attention to design, details, and overall experience.

  • Care and empathy – you value emotional support, not just medical treatment.

  • Individuality – your facility doesn’t just follow the crowd; you choose what fits your identity.

  • Calm confidence – you know what you’re doing, and you don’t need loud colors to prove it.

So when a patient sees your team in violet uniforms, the unspoken message is:
“We’re here to care for you—with skill, heart, and a personal touch.”

6. Is purple the right scrub color for your team?

If you’re deciding whether to assign purple to a specific role or department, ask yourself:

  • Who needs to stand out quickly?
    Nurses, assistants, or specialty staff who are frequently approached by patients are great candidates for violet.

  • What feeling do you want patients to have when they see this team?
    If the answer is comforted, reassured, cared for, purple is a strong choice.

  • Does it fit your brand colors?
    If your logo already has hints of purple, violet uniforms can tie everything together beautifully.

  • Will it work across all genders and sizes?
    Deeper violets, plum, or muted grape tones often look great on everyone, making it easier to standardize.

Just remember: every institution has its own dress code, so it’s always good to align your color choices with existing guidelines—or build a new system that’s clear and consistent.

7. Tips for designing violet uniforms that look polished and professional

Once you’ve decided to go with purple scrubs, the details matter. Here are a few design ideas:

  • Choose the right shade

    • Light lavender for pediatrics, maternity, and wellness.

    • Medium violets for general nursing and auxiliary staff.

    • Deeper plum for more formal or senior roles.

  • Add contrast panels or piping
    Pair violet with white, charcoal, or navy accents on collars, sleeves, and pockets for a more structured, premium look.

  • Highlight your logo nicely
    Embroidery in white or silver on violet fabric looks clean and elegant. You can also add name embroidery for a more personal touch.

  • Prioritize comfort and movement
    Opt for breathable, durable fabrics that can handle long shifts, frequent washing, and constant movement without fading or losing shape.

  • Think of the full set
    Coordinate tops, pants, and optional jackets or warm-ups in compatible shades so your team looks cohesive from head to toe—not just when they’re wearing the scrub top.

Dress your team in violet uniforms with Craft Clothing

If you’re ready to introduce violet uniforms to your hospital, clinic, or school, Craft Clothing can help you bring that vision to life—from the shade of purple, down to the stitching on each pocket.

We specialize in high-quality custom uniforms designed to withstand tough, routine use while keeping your team comfortable, confident, and proud to represent your brand. Whether you’re outfitting a single department or your entire facility, we’ll work with you on:

  • Fabric selection and color matching

  • Design mockups, logo placement, and embroidery

  • Sizing for different body types

  • Cohesive sets for various roles and departments

Your patients will see the difference. Your staff will feel it.

Ready to explore violet for your team? Start designing your custom violet uniforms today and create a look that’s as caring and professional as the people who wear them.

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