During my time as a pre-med biology major, I spent a fair share of my time in various labs: general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, anatomy, environmental science, and so on.

They ran the gamut from “dry” computer-based labs in physics to dissection labs that didn’t require a lab coat per se (but I usually wore one because who wants pickled cat juice on their clothes?) to lab coat and goggles-required wet labs – like the weekly four hour gen chem lab I dreaded so very much – to really wet labs, like the one time in environmental science that I volunteered to trudge into the Charles River wearing waders to collect water samples.

I imagine that my fellow fashion-loving science majors have all felt the tinge of jealousy on lab days as we watch our humanities-studying peers walk by in their stylish, open-toed shoes or the business majors head to presentations in their snappy corporate wear and polished heels.

It’s easy to fall into the rut of sweatpants and sneakers when you know that most of your outfit is going to be covered by a lab coat anyways, but come on, my fellow geek chic scientists! We keep hearing that “science is sexy”, so let’s rise to the occasion. (Although you really should never ever wear heels to a four hour lab. Trust me on this.)

Read on for tips and ideas about how to look cute, comfortable, and ready to get experimentin’ in lab! 

Table of Contents

Top 6 Tips for Lab Dressing

• Fitted 3/4 Sleeves. A three-quarter sleeve eliminates the possibility of your cuffs peeking out from under a lab coat and getting stained, or worse, ignited on a Bunsen burner. Avoid billowy sleeves for the same reason.
• Thin Layers. Prevent bulk under your lab coat by wearing thin layers that you can easily remove if it gets warm. Conversely, lots of labs are freezing, so it’s nice to have a light jacket or cardigan on hand.
• Rock that Ponytail, Work that Updo. I’m sure it says this in your lab syllabus, but long-haired ladies, don’t forget to put your hair up in a ponytail or bun.
• Close-toed shoes. Okay, I’ve definitely been guilty of wearing ballet flats to lab and calling it a day, but keep in mind that the top of your foot is just as susceptible to caustic chemicals as your toes. If you’re clumsy in lab like me, you’ll want to make sure that the hydrochloric acid you spill doesn’t end up burning a hole in your flesh.
• Spills and Stains. While we’re on the topic of stains, you’ll probably want to leave your absolute favorite family-heirloom-that-could-never-be-replaced clothes at home, just in case of the event of a spill.
• Glasses vs. Goggles. Depending on your lab’s policies, you may be able to wear lab glasses instead of lab goggles. If you find that your goggles are constantly steaming up or if you wear eyeglasses, lab glasses are an easier option. But remember the cautionary tale of Carol and always wear your safety equipment if you’re told to!

4 Stylish & Lab-Appropriate Outfits

Try these ideas for ensembles that are perfectly functional for lab, but also won’t look out of place once you take off your goggles and head out into sweet, sweet freedom the street.