Origin of Johnny Coat

A johnny, also called a "johnny coat," "johnny-shirt," "johnny gown" or "hospital johnny," has been called "the great equalizer" because it puts all hospital patients on an equal footing with the staff. Obviously, the gown was originally designed to maximize access to the patient's body by medical staff. But, according to the site, several Word-smithing nurses say it got its name because going to the "john" is a lot easier in one of these nonrestrictive gowns.