A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a body having a closed front, an open back, and sleeves. The closed front extends below a wearer's knees when the garment is donned. The closed front incorporates a section of elastomeric material that extends generally from an upper chest region of the garment to a location above a bottom edge of the gown that is also below the wearer's knees when the garment is donned. A border region of non-elastomeric material extends generally transversely across the closed front between the bottom edge of the garment and a bottom of the elastomeric material.