Whether you call it a theatre cap, a theatre hat or a scrub cap, it is one of the most-worn pieces of kit for nurses and theatre staff, and one of the few parts of the uniform where you get to show a bit of personality. Here is what to know about choosing one.
Why theatre staff wear caps
A theatre cap keeps hair contained and reduces sweat and product transfer during clinical work, which is why it is a standard part of theatre attire for nurses, surgical assistants, scout nurses and anyone else working on the floor. Theatre shifts are long, often 8 to 12 hours on your feet, moving between cases, scrubbing in and out, and working under bright theatre lighting. A cap that is comfortable, breathable and easy to adjust makes a genuine difference across a shift like that.
Theatre etiquette around caps
Most hospitals have specific policies on what can be worn in different theatre zones, including whether reusable cotton caps are permitted alongside or instead of disposable ones. It is worth checking your workplace's dress code and infection control policy before choosing a printed cap for theatre, particularly for restricted or sterile zones. Where reusable caps are allowed, many nurses and theatre staff use prints as a small way to bring some individuality to an otherwise fairly uniform outfit, and as an easy way to be recognised by colleagues across a busy list.
Choosing a theatre cap
A few things matter more in theatre than in a general ward setting:
- Fit that holds for a full list. An adjustable toggle back means the cap will not loosen or slip as a long case runs on.
- Room for hair up. A bouffant shape with a deeper crown is more comfortable than a fitted skull cap if you wear your hair in a bun for theatre.
- Breathable fabric. 100% cotton copes better with heat and sweat than synthetic blends across a long shift.
- Easy to wash between shifts. Theatre caps need washing regularly, so machine washable fabric that holds its print is worth prioritising.
The Scrubbed Up range
Scrubbed Up caps are designed in Brisbane as a one size, fully adjustable bouffant style, so there is no sizing guesswork. The range spans 13 playful prints, from bold and bright to more understated, so you can pick something that suits your day-to-day or your sense of humour on a long shift. Each cap is $20 AUD, 100% cotton and machine washable.
The brand started out making handmade scrub caps during the pandemic and has grown from there, with over 2,400 Etsy orders and more than 200 five star reviews from healthcare workers across Australia. Scrub sets in the same spirit are launching soon.
Browse the full scrub caps collection to find your print, or read our scrub caps guide for more on fit, fabric and care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a theatre cap and a scrub cap?
They are generally the same thing - "theatre cap," "theatre hat" and "scrub cap" are different names used across Australian hospitals for the same style of head covering worn in clinical and theatre settings.
Are theatre caps one size fits all?
Scrubbed Up caps are one size with an adjustable toggle back, designed to comfortably fit a wide range of head sizes and hair types.
Can I wear a patterned theatre cap on the ward or in theatre?
This depends on your workplace's dress code and infection control policy, especially around reusable versus disposable caps in specific theatre zones. Check with your hospital before wearing a printed cap in restricted areas.
How do I care for my theatre cap?
Theatre caps should be machine washed in cold to warm water, ideally after every shift or two, avoiding bleach and high heat drying to protect the print. See our size, fit and care guide for full details.