This morning I was thinking about how diverse scrubs are. With so many fashions, prints and styles available, it’s hard to imagine that there was a time in recent history when scrubs only existed in the basic v-neck shirt and drawstring pant form and a time before that when they didn’t exist at all. How far we’ve come!

Nursing uniforms in general have existed since the 1800s. According to an article from the Center for Nursing Advocacy, the first uniforms were developed in 1874 at New York’s Bellevue Hospital Training School. These uniforms were a step in the right direction, but the fact that nurses weren’t wearing gloves or masks was not! Throughout the beginning of the 1900s the uniform developed and the majority consisted of ankle length white dresses with collars. These uniforms displayed the professional identities of female nurses. The uniforms continued to develop and change throughout the first part of the century, conforming to the styles of the times, but always remaining formal. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that scrubs emerged onto the scene. They were basic, usually white and then mostly green, but they were scrubs. Not only were they comfortable, but they were designed for women and men! Nursing isn’t just for women anymore.

 It was only 40 years ago that scrubs were developed and look how much they have already changed from the original white or green tops and pants. We still have the basics, but now there are tons of other options in addition to the basics. Stylish scrub tops, boot leg scrub pants and colors and patterns that go hand in hand with the latest fashion trends. With so many changes in just the last 40 years, I can hardly imagine the fashion and function that scrubs from Lydia's will offer in the next 40 years. What do you think your scrubs will look like in the future?