What is the best brand for lab coats? 7 things to look for before you buy
Do you need lab coats for a large team? You might be buying for a pharmacy, university research facility, or a food production site, but in every case, brands like Portwest and Premier come out on top.
Specialising in the distribution of protective workwear, Portwest has been manufacturing protective clothing since 1904.
The company has built its reputation for producing workwear made from high-quality fabrics. As have Premier, who excel in professional uniforms across a range of sectors, including healthcare.
When you need a layer of protection for your team, these are the best brands for lab coats (and names are now available at Red Oak, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of branded workwear).
1. Fabric/weight
Fabric determines how substantial a garment actually feels to wear - it also accounts for durability and daily comfort.
The Portwest Lab Coat, for example, (now available at Red Oak) uses a 245gsm Fortis fabric made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton, and is pre-shrunk to help maintain its fit through regular laundering.
For a lighter alternative, the Premier Essential 3 Pocket Work Coat weighs 195gsm and combines 65% recycled polyester with 35% cotton. Generally, the best choice depends on if your staff favour a heavier coat or a lighter-weight option.
2. Freedom of movement
When workwear is being worn for long periods, as lab coats often are, small construction details are massively important.
If you’re buying lab coats for a team, avoid stiff, restrictive garments - staff need adequate space to reach and move between work stations.
Look for a fit that allows this kind fo easy movement - the Portwest Lab Coat features a back vent, an essential comfort feature for long hours.
3. Check how the coat fastens
Lab coats should always look professional, and fastening is often the difference between neat and untidy.
Buyers should be looking for an uncomplicated finish - the Portwest Lab Coat features a concealed stud front, and the Premier Essential 3 Pocket Work Coat uses a five-stud concealed front closure.
So, when you’re comparing coats for laboratory uniforms, it’s worth looking at more than just the general cut of a garment - consider how it fastens, especially if you need secure, professional closures.
4. Pockets
Arguably the most important tip for someone purchasing uniforms is to think about how your staff actually work - what will they need to keep close to hand during a workday?
For pens and notes, you’ll want the Portwest Lab Coat which comes with two lower patch pockets and a chest pocket with a pencil division.
Or, the Premier Essential 3 Pocket Work Coat, offering lower patch pockets and a left-chest pocket with a separate pen division. Workwear should support staff, not leave them without the features that would make each shift easier.
5. Laundering
What are your organisation’s actual laundering arrangements?
If your industry demands intense cleaning, the Premier Essential 3 Pocket Work Coat is suitable for industrial laundering at 85°C and domestic washing at 60°C, so it’s practical where regular high-temperature cleaning is required.
Alternatively, the Portwest Lab Coat is pre-shrunk, and its polyester and cotton blend washes exceptionally well.
Match the garment specification to your organisation’s laundering routine before placing an order, and you’ll be able to choose a coat that stays in excellent condition over repeated wear.
6. Colour/style
White may be the traditional choice for a lab coat, but it’s not the only option.
We stock the Portwest Lab Coat in both white and navy, so it’s easier to choose a look that suits your workplace colours (or helps distinguish between teams or departments).
As an additional benefit, the fabric of this Portwest garment also carries a UPF 50+ rating, meaning it takes around 50 times more UV exposure to cause erythema on protected skin than on unprotected skin.
7. Personalisation/staff identification
As a procurer, you may want to take your workwear the extra mile.
Red Oak can help you personalise laboratory uniforms with logos, staff names or job roles. Lab coats are the perfect opportunity to invest in branded workwear, and we make it possible with our end-to-end uniform service.
Handled entirely at our UK factory, we can finish your coats with custom designs and provide you with a visual proof before production begins.
You’ll benefit from a dedicated account manager who provides ongoing, personalised support alongside an intuitive online procurement portal that gives you centralised control over your ordering.
Reduce admin and give your staff the lab coats they need to enjoy their workday. Don’t forget: we also offer embroidery and screen printing services to personalise your garments.