Disposable versus reusable medical gowns: A performance comparison

•Medical gowns are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and medical professionals.•Due to shortages of PPE during surge capacity situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC recommends washable cloth isolation gowns be used.•Multiple-use gowns are superior from an environmental perspective, as well as, from a protection and durability standpoint.•Reusable gowns provide greater water resistance, strength, and pilling resistance than disposable gowns.•Industrial laundering does not negatively affect the protection or performance of reusable gowns across the expected service lifespan.