What to Wear in the Outpatient PT Clinical Setting as PT Students: A Comprehensive Guide

It's a question that I've received more than once. "What should I wear?!" First things first, always check with your clinical instructor (CI) before your clinical rotation begins to see if they require a specific dress code. If they don't give you specifics beyond "business casual" then you can use the list below as a guide for brand and clothing options. 

Tops:

• Lululemon: Align jackets, Swiftly tech shirts, cotton blend tees, love crewneck
• Athleta: Professional and atheltic tops, sweaters and jackets
• Nike: Polos and quarter zips
• Patagonia: Tops and quarter zips
• Calia: Golf shirts
• H&M: Full-length and non-cropped long sleeves and short sleeves
• Uniqlo: T-shirts
• LOFT: Shirts or sweaters
• Nuuds: Crew neck bodysuit or T-shirt and a cardigan
• Under Armour: V-necks or polos
• Lands' End: Polos

Bottoms:

• CRZ Yoga Golf Pants (Amazon)
• Betabrand Pants
• Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants
• Old Navy Pixie Pants
• Target All Motion Joggers
• Joggers from Old Navy

Footwear:

• Usually any type of clean atheltic sneaker will pass. Some popular brands are: On Running, Brooks, Asics, Allbirds, Toms, Hokas

Scrubs:

• Figs: Scrubs and Scrub Tops
• Jaanuu
• Cherokee Infinity
• Mandala
• Mediclo
• Other popular places to find scrubs: Walmart, Amazon, Sketchers and even in thrift stores!

Additional Tips:

• Prioritize Comfort: Remember that you need to be able to move comfortably and easily in this setting as you may have to demonstrate exercises. You don't want to feel limited by your clothing!
• Stay Professional: Make sure that you have a belt if you need one and that your tops aren't cut too low. It's also probably a safe practice to avoid wearing shorts in this setting. 
• Layer Wisely: Clinics can vary in temperature, so layering items like lightweight jackets or quarter zips can be beneficial. Keep one in the clinic so you don't have to remember to bring it every day. 
• Invest in Good Footwear: Clinic days can get long and you might not be used to standing all day. Your feet will thank you later!
• Ask for Discounts: Many brands offer student or healthcare discounts. Don’t hesitate to ask and take advantage of these savings.

Dressing appropriately for the outpatient PT clinical setting involves finding the right balance between comfort and professionalism. Use this guide to build a versatile and functional wardrobe that meets the demands of your clinical responsibilities while showcasing your personal style. And remember, always check for student or healthcare discounts to make the most of your budget!