How to Choose a Gown for the White Coat Ceremony?
You're choosing a piece of clothing that won't be worn just once on the day of the ceremony; it will be with you every day throughout your internship. We've compiled all the guidelines regarding size, fit, fabric, pockets, and faculty rules in a single guide.
Short Answer: How to Choose a Ceremonial Gown?
Short answer: First, choose your gown according to your faculty's rules , then check the length, fit, fabric, and pocket design . Since your ceremonial gown will also be the one you wear every day during your internship, it's not enough for it to just be new and white; it must allow for comfortable movement and be easy to care for.
- If the faculty has set rules regarding height, collar, pockets, and emblems, follow those rules first.
- Choose your size keeping in mind that you'll be wearing a shirt or a thin sweater underneath.
- The sleeve should end at or slightly above your wrist; it shouldn't tighten around your shoulder when you bend down.
- Bringing a spare apron for your internship makes laundry days easier.
What is the White Coat Ceremony?
The white coat ceremony is a ceremony where medical students don their white coats for the first time, marking the symbolic beginning of their journey into the medical profession. The timing varies depending on the university: in many faculties it takes place at the beginning of the first year, while in others it occurs at the start of the clinical phase.
Details regarding the lab coat (color, size, name tag placement) are usually included in the faculty's announcements. Checking the student affairs office announcement or asking upperclassmen before purchasing is the easiest way to avoid buying the wrong model.
6 Criteria to Consider When Choosing a White Coat
Faculty rules
The length, collar style, number of pockets, and placement of emblems and name tags for white lab coats may vary depending on the faculty. Read the announcement; ask if you are unsure.
Size
For students, medium to tall, usually knee-length, is preferred. It shouldn't restrict movement when sitting or bending, and it shouldn't obstruct movement when walking.
Body and fit
Consider the garment you'll be wearing underneath. If it's too tight, it will constrict your shoulders and arms; if it's too loose, it will look messy. Compare your measurements to the size chart on the product page.
Material
It will be worn for long hours and washed frequently. A breathable fabric that holds a good crease and doesn't shrink during washing will make things easier. Read the fabric and care information on the product page.
Pockets
The breast pocket is good for pens and small notes, while the lower pockets are for a phone and a small notebook. Choose your pockets carefully, thinking about what you plan to put in them.
Closure and collar
Button or snap fasteners should be considered in terms of quick on and off and durability. Collar style determines the overall look.
For more information on how to take measurements, you can also read our Scrubs Size Selection Guide ; chest, shoulder, and arm measurements are the same for aprons.
White Coat Models at Owlet Medical
Below are some women's and men's gown styles you can choose from for ceremonies and internships. Size chart, fabric and care information are available on each product page; please check there before purchasing.
Apron models
View the Medium Size Women's Apron product → 
View the Mandarin Collar Apron product → 
View Men's Doctor's Coat Product →You can view all models on the doctor's gowns and men's gowns pages.
How much should a white lab coat cost?
Prices vary depending on the fabric, cut, and stitching quality. At Owlet Medical, as of October 2026, gown models are listed at around 1,300 TL. Please check the product page for the current price as it may change depending on promotions and stock availability.
Consider that you'll be wearing the gown not just for the ceremony, but several times a week throughout your internship. Dividing the price by the number of uses gives a more accurate comparison than just the number on the tag.
Preparing for the Ceremony Day: 5 Steps
After the Ceremony: White Coat or Scrubs?
Doctor's gowns are generally used in outpatient clinics, wards, and classrooms; however, there will also be units where you will need to wear scrubs during your internship. We explained which is preferable in which situation in the article "Doctor's Gown or Scrubs? ". A complete list for internships can be found in the guide "What Should Medical Students and Nurse Interns Wear?" .
Simple scrub options for internships.
Brief Summary
- The first rule when choosing a white coat is to read your faculty's announcement.
- A good white lab coat doesn't restrict you when sitting, standing, or bending over.
- For white lab coats, the sleeve length should be at or slightly above your wrist.
- Always check the fabric and care instructions for the white lab coat on the product page.
- Since you'll be wearing a second white lab coat every day during your internship, it will make things easier.
- Calculate the cost of the white lab coat by dividing it by the number of times it will be used.
- A white lab coat and scrubs complete your internship wardrobe.
- Height and body shape should be considered together when choosing a white lab coat.
- The white lab coat you will wear at the ceremony is the same coat you will use during your internship.
- White lab coat fabric should withstand frequent washing.
- The pocket in a white lab coat should be large enough for a phone and pen.
- The sleeves of the white lab coat should end at wrist level.
- If the faculty has set rules regarding white coats, follow those first.
- Label instructions are essential for white coat care.
- A good white lab coat allows for comfortable movement during long hours.
- Browse our white lab coat models on the product page.
- Choosing a white lab coat will also be useful during your internship.
Terminology Notes
Get help choosing a white lab coat and uniform.
If you are unsure about the size or model, you can contact the Owlet Medical team.
Frequently Asked Questions About the White Coat Ceremony
How do you choose a white gown for a white gowning ceremony?
A white gown is worn. For details such as length, collar, and pockets, please refer to your faculty's announcement.
How should I choose my white lab coat size?
Considering the garment you'll be wearing underneath, compare your shoulder and arm measurements to the size chart. If you're between two sizes, the larger size is usually preferred for greater freedom of movement; make sure the sleeve length isn't too long.
Do I need to buy a separate white gown for the ceremony?
No. You can use the same apron for both the ceremony and the entire internship. Since it will be washed frequently, it might be sensible to get a second apron.
What should the length of a white lab coat be?
For students, a medium to tall height, usually close to knee height, is preferred. If the faculty has specified a height requirement, that rule takes precedence.
How should I wash my white lab coat?
Follow the instructions on the label. Avoiding washing white fabrics with colored items and treating stains immediately will make things easier.
How much does a white lab coat cost?
At Owlet Medical, as of October 2026, gown models are listed at around 1,300 TL. Please check the product page for current prices.
After the ceremony, are scrubs also required along with the white lab coat?
It depends on the rules of the unit where you will be interning. Scrubs may be required in areas such as operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units.