Description

A doctor’s white coat is most commonly called a lab coat, but can also be referred to as a physician’s coat, medical coat, or clinical coat, with the specific style (long or short) sometimes indicating their level (e.g., attending vs. resident). It’s a protective garment, a symbol of professionalism

When used in the laboratory, lab coats protect against accidental spills, e.g., acids. In this case, they usually have long sleeves and are made of absorbent material, such as cotton, so that the user can be protected from the chemical.