In general, the term "gown" refers to any apparel that a woman wears to cover her torso during a surgical procedure. This attire usually consists of pants, a skirt or blouse, gloves, and a headpiece. Although there are many different types of medical gowns available, the standard surgical gown is white, worn in surgery. This uniform description establishes the basic criteria for the documentation, performance, and labeling of surgical gowns employed in the medical facilities. Each type of gown has its own significance within the surgical facility and nursing work environment. Determining the appropriate gown for a particular job is dependent upon the exact requirements of the job, the nature of the job, the training of the staff performing the task, and the facility's dress code.

The most common material used to make surgical gowns is polyester. Most clinical servers wear standard thermal comfort fabrics such as cotton muslin, cotton spandex, cotton duck, and polypropylene. These fabrics are all designed to provide the patient with high levels of comfort and thermal warmth. Thermal comfort garments provide the most optimal levels of support and warmth. While all of these fabrics are extremely comfortable and allow for optimal blood flow and circulation, not all of them will be suitable for all types of jobs.

Nonwoven fabrics are an alternative to the thermal comfort garments. Many hospitals have changed their focus from thermal comfort to greater levels of nonwoven fabric that offers improved airflow. Thermoplastic, or polyester/cotton blends, are gaining popularity in this arena. A surgical gown may be made of a variety of nonwoven fabrics including:

Another option for making surgical gowns is pre-manufactured garments that are machine-washable. Available in a wide range of styles, these garments are also often more affordable than the standard ones. Nonwoven, or "low-grade" thermal comfort gowns can be found at discount stores and online. These gowns, while comfortable, are often of lower quality than the more expensive ones. Pre-manufactured, washable gowns are also available in many online stores. However, these are generally not recommended for use during operative procedures.

In addition to the low-grade, pre-manufactured bras and gowns, there are a number of specialty materials available for less expensive prices. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has replaced the traditional vinyl plastic in most medical work wear because of its greater comfort, flexibility, and durability. Nonwoven fabrics are often used in medical work wear because they provide superior thermal comfort and support, especially in comparison to thermal comfort cotton or polyester. The most common in these specialized medical work shirts is the polyethylene rutala, which is designed to be a non-stretch, wrinkle-resistant medical bra.

Surgical gown material is important when considering the comfort of your work uniform. It's also an important consideration for those who perform in a medical setting that requires them to be extremely comfortable in their work clothes. If you find yourself spending a significant amount of time in the medical office, then you'll definitely want to invest in a surgical bra that's both comfortable and highly supportive so you can provide excellent care to your patients.