Wear & Care
In healthcare, appearance says a lot—especially in fast-paced hospital settings. Scrubs aren’t just about comfort and function; they’re part of a visual system that helps teams and supervisors quickly identify who’s who. And one of the most important cues in that system? Color. For medical assistants (MAs), the shade you wear can signal your role, reflect your department and, in some cases, even allow you to show a bit of personality.
So, what color scrubs do medical assistants wear, and how do you find the right ones for both code and comfort? Let’s break it down.
Do Medical Assistants Wear Scrubs?
When Scrubs Are Standard
In most clinical roles, medical assistants are expected to wear scrubs. They’re specifically designed for healthcare, making them more comfortable, functional and durable than your everyday clothes. They also instantly signal medical authority to patients while you’re performing duties like taking vitals, prepping rooms or assisting with procedures.
When Scrubs May Not Be Required
Front-office or administrative MAs may wear business casual or branded polos instead. But unless your workplace specifically says otherwise, scrubs are the norm.
What Color Scrubs Do Medical Assistants Wear?
Once scrubs are part of your dress code, the next question is color. It’s more than just personal preference—scrub colors often carry meaning, from department ID to professional presentation.
Most Common Colors
MAs typically wear neutral shades like navy, ceil blue, grey and black. These tones look polished, coordinate easily and are rarely restricted. Blue, especially, is associated with calm and clinical trust.
Facility and Department Guidelines
Some hospitals and clinics assign specific colors by role. For example, RNs might wear royal blue, techs in green and MAs in grey. Your best bet is to check your organization’s dress code to be sure.
Trendy or Themed Options
In pediatrics, during holidays or more casual environments, MAs are encouraged to wear playful prints or bright hues—like those in our Tooniforms collection. Coordinated, monochrome group sets have also become a popular trend. If your workplace is flexible, it’s a fun way to show off your personality while maintaining a polished team appearance.
Want to decode the meaning behind scrub colors? Check out our Scrubs Color Meaning Guide.
How to Know What Color to Wear
Start With Your Employer
If you’re unsure what shade to pick, don’t be shy. Ask your manager or colleague, or review your dress code policy. Many healthcare facilities outline assigned scrub colors by role or department.
When in Doubt, Choose Neutrals
If you're waiting on guidance and in a rush, go for navy or charcoal grey. They’re professional, widely accepted and easy to build a rotation around.
Top Cherokee Scrubs for MAs
Built for Comfort, Designed for Real Shifts
Whether your work sticks to grey or lets you wear pink on Wednesdays, Cherokee’s got you covered. We offer a wide range of scrub styles in the colors MAs wear most—so you can match your team without blending in. From stretchy scrubs to durable classics, our collections are made for real shifts and real needs.
What to Look for in a Scrub Vest
Cherokee Recommendations for MAs
Our collections like Workwear Revolution and Workwear Originals are known for performance fabrics, flexible fits and inclusive sizing—all at prices that make team colors easy.
Explore our most popular trendy scrub pant styles to stand out while sticking to the dress code.
Where Style and Policy Meet
Accent Layers and Accessories
Underscrubs, scrub jackets or even fun socks can add personality and color while staying within the dress code. These details help you stay comfortable and show a bit of your personal style, too.
Coordinated or Matching Sets
Pair scrub tops and pants from the same collection for a sleek look. Or, if your dress code allows it, try mixing approved shades for a color-blocked look that still feels clean and professional.
The Right Color, Made to Work for You
Whether your scrub color is assigned or up to you, Cherokee makes it easy to find a look that fits your role, your shift and your style. Our scrubs combine comfort, durability and modern design—so you can focus on what matters most: doing your job with confidence.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Browse our curated scrubs made for medical assistants and make every shift your most confident one yet.