10 Best Lab Coats for Nurse Practitioners

Many nurse practitioners choose to wear a lab coat because it serves multiple purposes.

It gives you a professional appearance and makes it known that you are in the medical profession. It also gives you places to hold many essential medical tools.

Here are 10 of the best lab coats.

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Best Lab Coats for Nurse Practitioners

1. Dickies Unisex Lab Coat

The 40-inch length of this Dickies Unisex Lab Coat provides extra coverage and protection for busy nurse practitioners.

It also boasts multiple pockets, including a chest pocket and two lower pockets. The lower pockets feature a handy side entry for easy access to pants pockets.

The material is lightweight and easy-to-clean. The polyester/cotton blend can be machine washed to disinfect the lab coat after each use.

There are also four front buttons that can be buttoned up, or left open for a variety of looks.

Pros:

• Long length
• Easy access to pants pockets
• Machine washable fabric

Cons:

• Sizing runs a little big
• Material is on the thin side
• Customer complaints of buttons coming loose

Check the price of the Dickies Unisex Lab Coat on Amazon.

2. Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Lab Coat

This stylish Grey's Anatomy Women's Lab Coat is perfect for the nurse practitioner who wants to look professional but also fashionable at the same time.

It has a modern, tailored design that cinches in at the waist, giving a nice shape to the lab coat, instead of the traditional boxy look.

The fabric is thicker so you are less likely to see through to what’s underneath.

It also resists yellowing, therefore you should be able to get several years of use out of it. The back features a vent for added breathability and comfort.

Pros:

• Tailored fit looks great
• Fabric is resistant to yellowing
• Breathable back vent

Cons:

• Sizing runs small in the bust
• Sleeves are a little long
• Fabric is stiff

Check the price of the Grey's Anatomy Women's Lab Coat on Amazon.

3. Utopia Wear Professional Men’s Lab Coat

This Utopia Wear Professional Men's Lab Coat is ideal for any nurse practitioner who works in a setting where they may be exposed to spills and other accidents.

The cotton/polyester blend fabric is thick enough to protect your clothing, while also being lightweight and comfortable. It’s also machine washable so that it’s a breeze to clean.

The 41-inch length is extra long so that it covers a majority of your clothing, keeping them safe and protected. There are 4 handy buttons on the front of the lab coat, as well as 3 generously-sized pockets.

Pros:

• Easy-to-clean fabric
• Long length preserves clothing
• Plenty of pocket space

Cons:

• Customer complaints of buttons falling off
• Stiff fabric
• Sleeves are a little short

Check the price of the Utopia Wear Professional Men's Lab Coat on Amazon.

4. Dickies Scrubs Women’s Lab Coat

If you’re looking for a transitional piece for spring and fall, this Dickies Scrubs Women's Lab Coat is a great option. It has 3/4 length sleeves that can be rolled up if you’d like a shorter sleeve.

Four large pockets in the front hold several items, and one pocket has a utility strap with a D-ring so you can hang things from it.

The fabric is a nice blend of cotton and polyester so it’s machine washable, but also very durable. The 30-inch length is long enough to cover the bottom, but you can still sit comfortably in it.

Pros:

• 3/4 length sleeves
• 4 large pockets
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Tight in the arms
• Sizing runs large
• Not very breathable

Check the price of the Dickies Scrubs Women's Lab Coat on Amazon.

5. Cherokee Women’s Lab Coat

A perfect fit and length is what you’ll find with this Cherokee Women's Lab Coat. It cinches in at the waist and flares out a bit at the hips to give you a nice shape.

The material is lightweight and breathable thanks to the back vent, but it is also thick enough to cover and protect the clothing underneath.

Four large front pockets keep your belongings secure while the five front buttons can be worn buttoned up or unbuttoned for a variety of looks.

It is machine washable, but dry it on low to avoid pilling.

Pros:

• Fit-and-flare style
• Breathable back vent
• Large front pockets

Cons:

• Tumble dry on low to avoid pilling
• Sleeves are a little too long
• Fabric wrinkles easily

Check the price of the Cherokee Women's Lab Coat on Amazon.

6. Barco’s Women’s Lab Coat

A must-have for any nurse practitioner who carries around their tablet all day, this Barco's Women's Lab Coat has two generously-sized front pockets that fit most standard tablets, including an iPad. There are also three other pockets for storing other necessities.

The 34-inch length jacket and long sleeves covers a majority of the clothing worn underneath, so you don’t have to worry about staining your scrubs or professional work clothes.

The cotton/polyester fabric blend resists yellowing and is machine washable for easy cleanup. Princess seams and a back band lend some style to this lab coat.

Pros:

• 2 front tablet pockets
• Fabric resists yellowing
• Princess seams and other nice details

Cons:

• Sizing runs big
• Fabric is heavy
• Tends to wrinkle easily

Check the price of the Barco's Women's Lab Coat on Amazon.

7. Dr. James Unisex Lab Coat

This Dr. James Unisex Lab Coat has just about everything you could want or need in a lab coat. The fabric is thick and durable, yet also soft and comfortable.

There are two large pockets big enough for holding a tablet, and a smaller pocket for holding a cell phone. A chest pocket is convenient for holding pens and your ID badge.

The 40-inch length is ideal if you want something that covers a lot of your clothing. Many who wear it will see that it hits mid-thigh, although that will depend on your height.

Pros:

• Tablet and smartphone pockets
• Long length covers clothing
• Thick and durable fabric

Cons:

• May be too large if you’re petite
• Snap button closure
• Sleeves are short

Check the price of the Dr. James Unisex Lab Coat on Amazon.

8. Natural Uniforms Unisex Lab Coat

If you’re looking for a classic lab coat, this Natural Uniforms Unisex Lab Coat is the one. It’s made from a nice, soft cotton/polyester blend fabric that is machine washable.

The 40-inch length comes down to about mid-thigh, which is a traditional length for most lab coats. There is a button closure with a back belt that also buttons for some added style.

Two large lower pockets hold many essential large items while the chest pocket is convenient for storing smaller items. The lab coat does run big, so err on the side of caution and size down if you are between sizes.

Pros:

• Machine washable
• Classic look
• Large pockets

Cons:

• Sizing runs big
• Material isn’t very thick
• Buttons aren’t durable

Check the price of the Natural Uniforms Unisex Lab Coat on Amazon.

9. Dickies Everyday Scrubs Men’s Lab Coat

This Dickies Everyday Scrubs Men's Lab Coat is ideal for those working in a more casual medical setting.

Since the material is on the thin side, it doesn’t provide as much protection as a thicker material would.

On the plus side, the thinner material is also breathable and will keep you comfortable during your shift.

The shorter length is easier to sit in than longer lab coats, but it also leaves the pants exposed to spills.

There are several pockets, including two front pockets, a chest pocket, and an inside pocket that’s ideal for holding your smartphone.

Pros:

• Breathable fabric
• Several pockets
• Comfortable to sit in

Cons:

• Material is on the thin side
• Doesn’t provide coverage for pants
• Wrinkles easily

Check the price of the Dickies Everyday Scrubs Men's Lab Coat on Amazon.

10. Vogrye Professional Unisex Lab

What makes this Vogrye Professional Unisex Lab coat unique is that it’s also offered in the color black.

If you aren’t required to wear the traditional white lab coat, the black lab coat looks sharp and professional.

The polyester/cotton fabric blend is thick and durable, and also has a bit of a sheen to it for some extra style.

The two front pockets are large enough to hold a tablet or foldable clipboard while the chest pocket can hold smaller items. It’s machine washable and can be ironed if it becomes wrinkled.

Pros:

• Comes in black and white
• Durable fabric
• Large front pockets

Cons:

• Sleeves are a little too long
• Customer complaints of several loose threads
• Buttons don’t always line up correctly

Check the price of the Vogrye Professional Unisex Lab on Amazon.

Lab Coat Buying Guide for Nurse Practitioners

1. Length

The length of a lab coat can have a big impact on how effective and comfortable it is. Longer lab coats are more ideal if you work in an environment where you may encounter frequent spills or stains.

The long lab coat will protect a majority of the clothing underneath the lab coat from getting dirty or damaged.

Longer lab coats are more difficult to sit in, so unless you need the length to protect your clothing, a shorter lab coat may be better for you.

Shorter lab coats still look professional, but they don’t cover the bottom and legs so they are easier to sit in and don’t require undoing buttons in order to sit comfortably.

2. Pockets

The size and number of pockets is very important when it comes to choosing the right lab coat.

The more pockets, the better, since nurse practitioners need a lot of tools in order to perform their job efficiently.

Pockets that are large enough to fit a tablet or smartphone are ideal if you need to do research or record notes for a patient’s electronic medical record.

Having some hidden pockets are a nice bonus to keep items like a smartphone or wallet secure while you are working.

Every lab coat should have a chest pocket in order to prominently feature an ID badge.

3. Washing Instructions

Pay close attention to the washing instructions on a lab coat.

Nurse practitioners encounter a lot of germs and debris on the job, most of which can end up on their lab coat.

Cleaning the lab coat should be easy, since it will need to be done frequently.

Most lab coats are machine washable. To keep your lab coat looking brand new, follow these general washing instructions:

• Wash white items separately from colors
• Use a heavy-duty detergent
• Wash on the hottest setting allowed by the care instruction label
• Pre-treat stains before washing
• Avoid bleach as it can turn a lab coat yellow
• Only machine dry it if it clearly states it’s safe to do so
• Use an iron on the lowest setting to remove wrinkles

4. Thin vs. Thick Material

There are pros and cons to both thin and thick materials.

Thin materials are more breathable than thick, but they are also see-through and don’t provide as much protection from spills and stains.

Thick material is more durable than thin, but it can also make you hot and uncomfortable. Choose a lightweight fabric that is thick enough to cover the clothing underneath with a back vent for breathability.

5. Buttons

Most lab coats feature buttons in the front. Buttons look more professional than a zipper closure. Be sure that buttons are durable and can withstand frequent washes.

Snap buttons are not ideal as they can come undone easily and don’t look as professional.

Final Thoughts

A lab coat is an essential garment for any nurse practitioner.

Not only does it give you a professional appearance, but it also stores many of the tools you will need to perform your job correctly.

Consider these lab coats when you are looking for one that’s high-quality and comfortable.

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