Reusable laboratory clothing: how can protection, comfort and repeated use be combined?

In the lab, garments are as critical a barrier as gloves. Reusable garments combine protection, ergonomics and low environmental impact: textile lab coats, tunics and trousers, jackets, aprons (including cryo models), overshoes/footwear and technical socks. Designed to withstand repeated laundering, they maintain hygiene and SOP compliance while reducing single-use waste. The right choice depends on the material, the applicable standards and the laundering/traceability requirements specific to your operation.

Which reusable lab clothing should you choose, and how?

• Reusable fabric lab coat: cotton or polycotton blend (twill 190–300 g/m²) for durability, mandarin or lapel collar, press-stud fastening, straight sleeves or knitted cuffs. Antistatic options (EN 1149-5) or hydro-/oleophobic finishes. Compliant with EN ISO 13688 (general requirements). Ideal for analytical work, non-sterile microbial culture, basic chemistry.
• Reusable tunic and trousers: ergonomic “scrub”-style cuts, practical pockets, breathable fabrics that withstand 60–75 °C laundering. Perfect for microbiology, quality control, logistics areas.
• Reusable jacket and coat: thermal layer for cold rooms or dispatch areas; favour lightweight linings, industrial-laundry compatibility and freedom of movement.
• Reusable apron: PVC/PU on textile backing or coated polyamide for splashes. Some partial-protection models meet EN 13034 PB[6] (light chemical splashes). Choose length and lateral coverage according to the workstation (glassware washing, media preparation).
• Reusable cryo apron and gaiters: multi-layer insulation, water-repellent outer, designed for liquid nitrogen splashes and cold contact. Common references tested to EN 511 (cold) and EN 14058 (cool environments). Pair with cryo gloves.
• Reusable footwear: washable clogs or shoes, SRC slip-resistant soles, ESD versions available (EN ISO 20347). Some models are autoclavable up to 121 °C; avoid side perforations in wet areas.

Key criteria: expected level of protection (light chemical, cold, ESD), fabric (weight, composition, repellency), comfort (fit, weight), laundering, marking/traceability (labels or RFID). A well-chosen garment improves adherence to procedures and reduces cost per use.

Type	Principle	Applications
Fabric lab coat	Durable, washable textile barrier	Basic chemistry, microbiology, quality control
Cryo apron + gaiters	Multi-layer insulation, water repellency	LN2 handling, cryostorage
Reusable footwear	SRC sole, ESD depending on model	Wet areas, glassware washing, logistics

Which sectors use reusable protective clothing?

The life sciences (cell culture, microbiology, histology) rely on lab coats and gowns to ensure hygiene and safety. In the food industry, washable aprons and footwear secure wash-down tasks, sample preparation and wet areas. In chemistry and environmental labs, splash-resistant fabrics are preferred for aqueous work. Cryogenic PPE (aprons, gaiters) is essential for biobanks, LN2 cryostorage and liquid nitrogen transfers. Finally, in academic and industrial R&D, reusables cut waste and integrate with in-house or outsourced laundry workflows.

The different types of reusable laboratory clothing available

Frequently asked questions about reusable laboratory clothing

How to choose the right material for a reusable lab coat?
Polycotton offers durability and easy care; pure cotton tolerates high wash temperatures. Add a water-repellent and/or ESD finish according to your risk profile, and pick a fabric weight (g/m²) that matches your comfort.

How many wash cycles will a reusable garment withstand?
Depending on fabric and make, typically 50–100 cycles. Follow the manufacturer recommendations for temperatures, detergents and drying to preserve performance and fit.

Are cryo aprons resistant to chemicals?
They are optimised for extreme cold and LN2 splashes. For chemical hazards, choose aprons certified to EN 13034 PB[6] or coated materials suited to the chemicals involved.

Can reusable footwear be autoclaved?
Some polymer clogs are autoclavable up to 121 °C; check the technical datasheet. Otherwise, washing at 60–90 °C is adequate, with complete drying before reuse.

Which standards to look at for everyday lab use?
EN ISO 13688 (general requirements), options EN 1149-5 (ESD), EN 13034 PB[6] for light chemical splash; EN 511/EN 14058 for cold protection depending on the equipment.

Is reusable really more sustainable than disposable?
Yes, cost and impact per use drop when laundry is optimised. Favour robust fabrics, suitable wash cycles and, where possible, recycled fibres to maximise the benefit.