Uniforms, Identity and Digital Visibility in Nursing

We read with interest your recent editorial (Jackson and Davidson 2025) reflecting on the symbolism, history and evolving meaning of nursing uniforms. The authors skilfully trace the journey from strict, gendered dress codes to the present-day use of scrubs that emphasise comfort, functionality and equality. As nurses who have practiced and trained in diverse cultural contexts, we write to offer a complementary perspective that explores the parallels between nursing, military and retail uniform practices—particularly in relation to identity, symbolism and the role of social media in shaping contemporary public understanding. Uniforms are far more than garments. Across professions, they are potent symbols that communicate values, cultivate identity and evoke pride. Nowhere is this more evident than in the military, where uniforms are imbued with ceremonial, historical and functional significance (Dweeb Life Staff 2024). Through platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, military organisations now engage audiences globally by sharing compelling imagery and stories about their attire. These narratives illuminate the evolution, purpose and honour associated with military uniforms. They underscore that a soldier's uniform is not just clothing—it is a representation of duty, discipline, unity and sacrifice. Similarly, in nursing, the uniform has long carried symbolic weight. From the crisp white veils of the past to today's scrubs, the evolution of nursing attire reflects not only changing norms but also the profession's response to clinical, cultural and practical demands. However, just as military branches have turned to digital platforms to amplify understanding and appreciation of their uniforms, so too can the nursing profession leverage social media to revitalise and modernise the public narrative around our own attire. Indeed, uniforms, whether in hospitals or on the battlefield, tell powerful stories—of service, resilience and identity. Contemporary retail marketing has also embraced the symbolism of uniforms. In a crowded and rapidly evolving marketplace, Australian and global retailers face intense pressure to differentiate themselves (Australian Retailers Association 2019). Many have successfully turned to social media and strategic branding to build awareness and loyalty. Notably, some have rediscovered the power of uniforms as vehicles for communicating brand values. A well-designed uniform can immediately convey professionalism, creativity and consistency—without a single word. It is a visual shorthand for trust and alignment. Nursing can learn from this. While social media has elevated the visibility of fashion and branding, nurses have a parallel opportunity to use uniforms—coupled with digital storytelling—to convey the values of our profession: compassion, leadership and integrity. The recently updated International Council of Nurses definitions of nursing and nurse (International Council of Nurses 2025) reflect an expanded professional scope that includes advocacy, system leadership, research and evidence-informed care. These definitions recognise nurses as autonomous professionals who work across care settings, advance public health, respond to disasters and shape policy. This broadening of the nursing role invites an important question: does our current clinical uniform—often generic scrubs—adequately reflect this professional identity? While scrubs offer practicality and inclusivity, they may fail to distinguish the unique role of nurses, especially in environments where multiple health professionals wear similar attire. In military and retail contexts, uniform design evolves purposefully to signal role, rank and identity. The same strategic thinking could be applied to nursing. Many healthcare institutions have begun differentiating uniforms by colour or style to assist patients in identifying staff roles—an approach both functional and symbolic. However, even more than that, such variations can visually communicate the scope of practice, level of responsibility and professional progression within nursing itself. Moreover, ceremonial practices such as the capping or pinning ceremonies in countries like the Philippines continue to preserve the symbolic importance of uniforms even when not worn in practice. These rites mark entry into the profession, honour tradition and foster a shared sense of belonging. While some may view such practices as outdated, they remain meaningful for many nurses, particularly in diaspora communities. They represent continuity, heritage and pride in nursing identity. The digital age offers new opportunities to reinforce these values. Social media, particularly professional platforms like LinkedIn, can serve as powerful spaces for nurses to showcase their contributions, present their professional image and influence how the public perceives nursing. Our recent work (Babate and Sa'at 2025) highlights how digital presence can amplify the visibility of nurses as leaders, innovators and thinkers—roles that are often underrepresented in mainstream narratives. Uniforms, when shared with context and intention on social media, can become part of this broader strategy to elevate the profession's image. Ultimately, uniforms in nursing must evolve beyond function. They must speak to the heart of who we are as a profession. Whether in a hospital, a university or a humanitarian crisis, what nurses wear should reflect the professionalism, inclusivity and strength that define our role. Thoughtful design, complemented by storytelling—digital or otherwise—can make our identity visible in meaningful ways. We thank you for reigniting this important dialogue. By exploring intersections with military and retail uniform practices and integrating social media's power to shape public awareness, we can extend this conversation to consider not just what nurses wear, but what our uniforms communicate about the future of nursing. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.