Dressing for Science

The usual picture of a scientist shows someone in a long white coat, working in a lab. And indeed, that's a very practical idea for science clothing - for some scientists. For other scientists working in the field, it might be more appropriate to wear insulated coveralls in cold weather, or a neoprene wetsuit when diving under water. And what about when scientists are presenting their research at a university or conference? Some scientists dress like gentlemen in suits, but what is the option for a scientist who dresses like a lady?

Here's one option, worn by Dr Mary Phillips. She has just defended her PhD, and posted on Twitter a charming photo of herself wearing a dress that honours her studies in brain science. The dressmaker is Shenova, and this link shows 42 of their dresses designed with images about science.

Got a conference coming up where you're presenting your paper on DNA? There's a dress with a striking image of DNA's double helix spiral. Want to show your support for your sister the rocket scientist with a nice dress, to wear at holidays and family events? There are lots of places making dresses, or shirts, or men's neckties to showcase images from science. Other websites such as Litographs make custom shirts and scarves and blankets too, printed with words. Those would be particularly interesting for researchers in history and library science.

It sounds frivolous to speak of pretty dresses when there are serious scientists doing important work. But it is also important for people to look and feel good when they are doing that important work. Some people are still adjusting to the idea of women working in the sciences at all. It doesn't hurt for a woman to wear a scarf printed with every word of her thesis, or for a proud parent or grandchild to wear a shirt celebrating their family's first scientist.