Exploring 10 Different Types of Hospital Gowns

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While all hospital gowns may follow the same basic shape, they are not created equal — and, in fact, certain types of hospital gowns have very different purposes. Some are meant to be worn by doctors,  nurses, and other medical professionals, while others are designed to be worn by patients. Read on to discover what you need to know about the different types of hospital gowns.

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What are the Different Types of Gowns in Healthcare?

The different types of gowns in healthcare can be categorized into two areas: medical gowns and patient gowns. The former offers protection and coverage for medical professionals working in the healthcare setting, while the latter caters to patient comfort, patient dignity and coverage, and ease of access for healthcare workers in patient care. Within these categories, there is an array of options to suit the needs of any healthcare provider or patient.

Medical Gowns

These gowns are worn by doctors, nurses, surgeons and other medical personnel to protect the wearer from bodily fluids, germs and bacteria. These gowns may be referred to by many names, including surgical gowns, isolation gowns, surgical isolation gowns, non-surgical gowns, procedural gowns and operating room gowns. The different styles of gowns offer different levels of protection for low to high risk situations, which is why it’s appropriate to always choose the right gown. The main types of medical gowns are:

• Non-surgical gowns: These multipurpose gowns are worn when there is a low to moderate risk of contamination, but medical personnel still need more protection than just their scrubs. They are not worn during surgical procedures or when there is a higher risk of contamination. They are made of multi-ply material that is usually coated or treated to provide fluid resistance.
• Coveralls: These are worn when a high level of protection is needed (for instance, when working with blood that could transmit hepatitis or HIV). These gowns are made of plastic or another kind of waterproof fabric that repels fluid. As the name suggests, this protective apparel is worn over scrubs or other gowns for added protection.
• Surgical and surgical isolation gowns: These gowns are designed for surgery, as the name implies. Surgical gowns are used during controlled procedures when the risk of contamination and splashes is a bit lower. Protection is concentrated mostly on the cuffs up to the elbows and the front from the chest downwards. Surgical isolation gowns provide more protection for the upper chest and arms as well as the rest of the body. They are used during surgical procedures with a higher risk of contamination.

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Patient Gowns

Patients also wear gowns for various medical procedures, whether it’s a routine exam or an experimental surgery. These gowns are not designed for protection, but rather so that medical personnel can easily access the patient for exams or surgery. Pretty much everyone has had to wear a patient gown at some point or another, as it’s a staple of hospital clothes for patients — but do you know all the different types of hospital gowns? Here are the ones that you need to know:

• Disposable: Disposable medical gowns are usually made of paper and are designed to be used once and thrown away. While they are cheaper to purchase than fabric gowns, the cost may add up over time as disposable gowns cannot be reused, so they must be purchased more often.
• Fabric: These gowns are usually made from cotton, polyester or a blend of both. They can be rewashed and reused, cutting down on waste. They are also thicker than disposable gowns, which provides more coverage and makes them more comfortable.
• Classic patient gown: This is the classic hospital gown and the one you are most likely to have worn before. The front panel provides full coverage while the back is cut down the middle so the gown can easily be put on and taken off. These gowns are usually made with neck and waist ties in the back, though there are a few versions that use snaps instead of ties as well, similar to our open back shirts for seniors. For this gown type, follow our guide on how to put on a hospital gown.
• Snap-front gown: A variation of the classic gown, snap-front gowns provide convenient access to the chest and abdominal area for medical procedures while maintaining patient dignity. Typically made from light and breathable hospital gown materials like cotton or poly-cotton blends, these gowns are designed to keep patients comfortable and secure.
• Wrap style: This less popular style of gown provides more coverage but can make it harder for clinicians to access patients. For this type of gown, the ties are located in the front and the two front panels overlap to provide more coverage for patients.
• IV gowns: These gowns have slits up the shoulders to provide easy access to an IV line. The slit may simply be left hanging open or it may be lined with snaps so that the sleeves can be opened and closed as needed.
• Incontinence gowns: These are specially made for individuals who experience bladder or bowel control challenges. Constructed from waterproof or absorbent hospital gown materials, these gowns often include features like built-in absorbent pads or snap closures for added convenience and protection. If your loved one struggles with incontinence, look into our incontinence clothing for adults to ensure protection from hospital to home.

If you’re staying in the hospital long-term, they might give you the option to wear other garments, such as adaptive clothing, that also provide easy access but that are more comfortable than a standard hospital gown. Find the best gifts for hospital patients and Shop Silverts’ adaptive clothing today for free shipping on U.S. orders over $20.

Sources: 

Cleveland Clinic. Urinary Incontinence. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17596-urinary-incontinence. Accessed on September 25, 2024.