Nurse uniforms have undergone many changes since they first emerged in the 1800s. From the days of floor-length white dresses with aprons to today’s colorful and varied nursing scrubs uniforms, what nurses wear has changed based on functionality, professionalism, and the role of the nurse. Even nurse shoes have changed over the years, with tons of brands on the market now vying for the best shoes for nurses. In this blog, we explore the origins and evolution of nursing attire—from head to toe.
The Early Day of Nurse Uniforms
Before the introduction of modern nursing in the 19th century, nuns provided nursing care to the sick and injured. As a result, the first nurse uniforms derived from the nun’s habit. Interestingly, the nuns wore sandals or no shoes at all, with robes covering their feet. As you can imagine, that was not the most sanitary practice, and their feet were vulnerable to parasites and other conditions.
Florence Nightingale’s efforts during the Crimean War helped turn nursing into a respected occupation, and she established a nursing school in 1860. Thereafter, the nurse’s uniform began to look more professional to help distinguish trained nurses from those who were not. It was actually one of Nightingale’s students who designed the first recognizable nurse uniform, which included a long dress with a white apron and white frilly cap. In addition to signifying professionalism, the aprons helped nurses protect their other clothes from stains, fluids, and germs, and the cap prevented their hair from getting in the way.
By the 1870s, hospitals began requiring all nurses to wear uniforms. As part of the new standard, black lace-up boots made of durable leather became the norm for nurse shoes. These nurse shoes had low heels and were sturdy and practical. They protected the feet from spills, sharp objects, and the weather when nurses were outdoors or on the battlefields during the wars.
Nurse Uniforms During the World Wars
The nursing uniform changed very little from the 1880s until World War I, A full-length dress with a high neck, an apron, and hair covering were the norm. Not only designed for protection against illness and stains, this uniform was also considered an expression of feminine virtue.
During World War I, it became clear that the former styles of nursing uniforms were no longer practical. As the war brought in vast numbers of wounded, nurses needed to be fast and efficient. The bulky aprons started to disappear, shortened skirts increased mobility, and nurses who were often out in the elements received jackets.
Military nurses also wore tippets—short, cape-like garments worn over the shoulders—with badges sewn on to denote rank. Uniforms varied slightly across different schools, military groups, and care facilities. The color of the nursing uniform, sleeve lengths, and even the style of the cap could also signify rank. In World War II, some nurses were even supplied with pants as a more practical alternative to the skirt or dress, especially on the battlefields.
During the 1900s, some care facilities began to shift to all-white uniforms. By the 1940s, all-white nurse uniforms were common in medical facilities as a way to promote and demonstrate cleanliness. By this time, more companies were also designing and promoting nursing shoes, and nursing shoes with glossy white leather were overtaking the older black boots. One style of nurse shoe that became popular was the white lace-up Oxford with a small, chunky heel. (You often see these nurse shoes in movies and shows depicting nurses of the era.)
Outfitting a Growing Population of Nurses
As the popularity of the nursing profession grew, uniforms continued to change. By the 1950s, there was an increased need for uniforms that could be mass-produced and easily cleaned. Style also drove some of the changes. Sleeves and hemlines became shorter, and caps varied from a pill box style to a pointed version. Eventually, nurse uniforms would become even less complex.
Open-neck shirts and pants surfaced in the 1960s as more men became nurses. Dresses likewise adopted open necks. Uniforms featuring green hues also started to appear in healthcare facilities to reduce the eye fatigue caused by all-white clothing in all-white rooms. In the world of nurse shoes, comfort and support became an increasing priority, with a demand for supportive arches and cushioned insoles. By the 1970s, disposable paper caps replaced cotton ones. By the end of the decade and into the 1980s, hats started disappearing altogether.
Nursing Scrubs Uniform and Comfy Nursing Shoes Arrive
Since the 1990s, scrubs have replaced the traditional nurse’s uniform in most hospitals and healthcare facilities in the U.S. and Europe. Today’s nursing scrubs uniform features shirts or tunic-style tops and trouser combinations. The clothing is functional, easy to clean and care for, and provides more comfort and mobility. The scrubs available at nursing uniform stores have also expanded with many colors, shapes, fabrics, and prints to choose from. While some employers let their nurses choose what scrubs they wear, other facilities dictate the preferred types and colors of nursing scrubs uniforms. These colors can correspond to a department or role.
Just like their outfits, nursing shoes have also come a long way—which is critical for how much time nurses spend on their feet! Today, beyond enjoying the practicality and comfort of the nursing scrubs uniform, nurses have the flexibility to find the best shoes for their feet and style. While opinions abound about the best shoes for nurses, athletic shoes are a popular choice. Favorites include brands like Hoka, New Balance, Skechers, Brooks, and On Cloud. (While not quite as popular, some nurses argue that clogs or other slip-ons are the best shoes for nurses.)
The best shoes for nurses generally have features like good shock absorption, gel cushioning, moisture-wicking fabrics, and slip-resistant properties. New materials and manufacturing methods also allow nurse shoes to be lightweight while still being high-quality and long-lasting. These improvements have helped nurses on long shifts reduce discomfort, strain, and fatigue.
Nursing shoes and uniforms have evolved significantly over the centuries. Functionality and protection have been longstanding requirements for both, while uniforms can also distinguish expertise and role. While we can’t predict precisely how nursing uniforms will change in the future, we do expect they will continue to get more functional while ensuring nurses are comfortable and protected on the job.
