Why the Howie Collar Might Just Save Your Neck

You’re mid-experiment, pipette in hand, when — oops — a splash of that unknown solution flies toward your face. It’s the kind of moment that makes you grateful for your safety goggles — but what about your neck? That’s where the Howie-style lab coat collar comes to the rescue. More than just a fashion statement, the Howie collar could be the unsung hero of your lab safety gear. Let’s dive into why this high-collar design is not just a relic of the past — it’s a smart, science-backed safety feature that might just save your skin.

What Exactly is a Howie Collar?

The Howie-style lab coat collar has its origins in the UK, where laboratory safety became a significant concern in the 1970s due to the increasing use of hazardous chemicals and biological agents.

In 1978, the UK Department of Health and Social Security commissioned a report to establish new safety standards for laboratory practices, including lab clothing. This report was chaired by Scottish bacteriologist Sir James William Howie. Although the wrap-around, full-coverage lab coat with a high collar had already been in use in the UK, the report helped formalize these designs as safety standards. Over time, lab coats with this design came to be known as "Howie-style" lab coats, and the distinctive collar became referred to as the "Howie-style collar.”

Photo by National Library of Medicine on Unsplash

Why Is the Howie Collar Safer?

At first glance, the Howie collar might just look like a higher neckline — but it’s more than a design choice. It’s a deliberate safety feature that protects one of the most vulnerable areas of your body: your neck.

🧪 It Shields You From Chemical Splashes

A traditional open-collared lab coat leaves a gap at your upper chest below your collar bone — a perfect entry point for chemical splashes. The Howie collar, on the other hand, fully encloses the chest area and covers some of the neck, creating a better barrier between your skin and hazardous substances.

Our Lab Coat Project survey showed that 4 out of 10 scientists want better protection from chemicals. The Howie collar directly addresses this concern by sealing off one of the most overlooked exposure points.

🦠 It Blocks Pathogen Contact

The Howie-style collar was originally designed for clinical settings where pathogen exposure was a major concern. In microbiology labs or medical research facilities, airborne contaminants can settle on exposed skin. The high collar minimizes this risk by covering the neck and preventing direct contact.

In environments where infectious agents are handled daily, this design could be the difference between a close call and an actual infection.

🔥 It Buys You Time in Heat or Fire Incidents

No lab coat is fireproof unless treated with flame-retardant material, but the Howie collar still offers an advantage. In the event of a fire or heat-related incident, exposed skin is the first to burn. A high, enclosed collar reduces direct skin exposure, potentially minimizing burns and buying you critical seconds to react.

The Howie Collar in Action

The practicality of the Howie collar has made it a go-to choice in high-risk lab environments:
✔️ Chemical labs – Where splash protection is essential
✔️ Microbiology and medical research – Where contamination risks are high
✔️ Pharmaceutical production – Where strict safety and cleanliness standards are enforced

Interestingly, while the Howie-style collar is widely adopted in the UK, it’s still catching on in the US and other countries. Open-collared coats remain common, often favored for comfort and breathability — but as awareness around lab safety grows, the Howie collar is gaining traction.

Some scientists don’t want to trade comfort for safety, and often find a high collar choking them when they sit and lean forward. But what if you could do both? With the new design from The Lab Coat Project, you can! The collar comes with lapels folded down, but in a few seconds you can pop it up and snap it for extra protection. Plus, there’s enough give above the top snap to prevent that choking feeling everyone hates.

Should You Switch to a Howie Collar?

If you’re handling hazardous chemicals or biological materials, the answer is a resounding yes. The Howie-style collar provides a simple but effective layer of protection where it matters most — your skin.

When safety comes down to small design choices, even the height of a collar could mean the difference between a close call and a dangerous injury. So next time you reach for a lab coat, ask yourself: Is your chest fully covered?

Because in the lab, the safest bet is full coverage.

🔬 Looking for a lab coat designed for real scientists? One that’s built for safety, comfort, and even style? Check out The Lab Coat Project today! The collars are even convertible — wear them up for extra protection or fold them down for comfort when the risk level is lower.