PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887116
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887116
The global medical lab coats market continues to grow steadily as healthcare institutions, research facilities, and medical schools expand worldwide. According to the report, the market size stood at USD 1.08 billion in 2024, driven by rising healthcare employment, increasing emphasis on infection control, and the growth of medical and research institutions. The market is expected to increase to USD 1.15 billion in 2025, eventually reaching USD 1.83 billion by 2032, representing a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.
In 2024, Asia Pacific dominated the global market with a 53.7% share, supported by strong production capabilities in the medical textile sector, rising healthcare investments, and growing awareness of infection prevention among medical professionals and students.
Key Market Insights
Medical lab coats-also known as doctor's coats or white coats-serve as essential protective apparel for healthcare professionals, researchers, and medical students. These coats symbolize professionalism while ensuring protection from pathogens, laboratory chemicals, and bodily fluids. The market has evolved in recent years with innovations in design, durability, comfort, antimicrobial fabric technologies, and sustainability-focused materials.
Key players operating in this market include FIGS, INC., Medline Industries, LP, ANSELL LTD., O&M Halyard, Cardinal Health, BARCO UNIFORMS, and V.F. Corporation. Companies are increasingly engaging in acquisitions, store openings, sustainability initiatives, and product launches to strengthen their global presence. For example, in August 2024, Medline Industries, LP acquired Ecolab's global surgical solutions business to enhance its medical apparel portfolio.
Market Dynamics
Drivers - Expansion of Medical Schools and Research Institutes
A major driver of market growth is the rising number of medical colleges and research institutions worldwide. Each new institute increases demand for lab coats among students, faculty, researchers, and staff. For instance, the National Medical Commission (NMC) approved eight new medical colleges in Maharashtra in October 2024, raising total MBBS seats to 4,850. Similarly, the University of Georgia received authorization to establish a new School of Medicine in 2024.
In Australia alone, 4,302 students enrolled in first-year medicine programs in 2023, illustrating the rising global demand for medical education and corresponding apparel.
Driver - Increasing Emphasis on Infection Control
Healthcare settings increasingly prioritize preventive care and infection control, fueling the adoption of lab coats as essential PPE. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow 12.6% from 2021 to 2031, resulting in rising demand for protective medical apparel.
Restraints - Unethical B2B Practices
The market faces restraints from unethical B2B sellers offering used lab coats, increasing contamination risks. With some regions lacking strict regulations for medical apparel, improper resale of lab coats can undermine safety standards, particularly in emerging markets.
Opportunities - Growing Implementation of Apparel Guidelines
Emerging countries are introducing stronger safety guidelines for medical clothing. For instance, the Delhi Government mandated regulated medical attire in healthcare facilities, and U.S. universities organized Lab Safety Awareness initiatives. These developments create opportunities for manufacturers to introduce high-quality, compliant lab coats.
Challenges - Compliance With Global Safety Standards
Manufacturers must adhere to stringent safety and quality regulations across regions, such as OSHA standards in the U.S. and PPE Regulation compliance in Europe. Meeting multiple regional requirements increases production complexity and cost, posing challenges for market players.
Market Trends
The shift toward sustainability is reshaping the medical lab coat market. Manufacturers are launching eco-friendly, recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact. For example, AmorSui launched a fully recyclable PPE lab coat in December 2023 with chemical and fluid resistance.
Additionally, lab coats with antimicrobial, fluid-resistant, and durable fabrics are in high demand, especially post-COVID-19, as hospitals adopt stricter hygiene protocols.
Asia Pacific
With a valuation of USD 0.58 billion in 2024, Asia Pacific leads the market due to strong medical textile production, rising healthcare investments, and increasing brand collaborations-such as Classico's 2024 ambassador partnership with Dr. Nomi Mayuka.
North America
North America held the second-largest share in 2024. Growth is supported by advanced healthcare systems and rising apparel distribution networks. Cardinal Health's construction of a new distribution center in Texas in January 2025 reflects this trend.
Europe
Europe benefits from rising medical school enrollments and regulatory initiatives promoting standardized medical uniforms. The U.K. increased medical school places from 6,000 to 7,500 between 2018 and 2021, driving apparel demand.
Latin America & Middle East & Africa
Steady market growth is expected, driven by expanding healthcare sectors, more medical graduates, and rising awareness of hygiene and professionalism.
Conclusion
The medical lab coats market will grow from USD 1.08 billion in 2024 to USD 1.83 billion by 2032, supported by expansion of medical education, rising healthcare employment, and growing emphasis on infection control. Innovation in sustainable materials and advanced protective fabrics will continue shaping the future of medical lab apparel globally.
Segmentation By Usage
By Distribution Channel
By Region