In the late 1800s, doctors switched from wearing black to white coats to symbolize cleanliness and a scientific approach to medicine.

Historically, medicine was a somber profession with few effective treatments, so physicians wore formal black attire similar to clergy or funeral directors. This changed significantly during the late 1800s as the work of scientists like Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister popularized germ theory. By the 1880s, the medical community realized that cleanliness was essential to preventing infection and reducing mortality rates in hospitals.The transition is famously captured in two paintings by Thomas Eakins. His 1875 work, 'The Gross Clinic,' shows doctors in dark street clothes, while his 1889 painting, 'The Agnew Clinic,' depicts surgeons in white gowns. This visual shift documented the profession's move toward a sterile, laboratory-based environment. White was chosen because it easily shows dirt or blood, forcing frequent laundering and ensuring a higher standard of hygiene.By 1915, the white coat had become the standard uniform for hospital physicians in the United States and Europe. While it remains a symbol of authority, modern research has identified 'White Coat Hypertension.' A study published in the journal 'Hypertension' suggests that up to 15 to 30 percent of people with high blood pressure readings in a clinical setting actually have normal pressure in their daily lives. This anxiety-induced spike has led some pediatricians and psychiatrists to ditch the coat to create a more relaxed environment.