Objective To study the performance of resistance to dry microbial penetration of key areas of surgical gowns, determine the necessity of evaluation on resistance to dry microbial penetration of key areas. Methods Disposable surgical gowns (fabric was polypropylene SMS non-woven) and reusable surgical gowns (fabric was 100% cotton woven fabric, 99% polyester fiber +1% carbon fiber woven fabric) were selected, 5 groups of specimens were taken respectively, test method of resistance to dry and wet bacterial penetration were performed according to YY/T 0506.5-2009 and YY/T 0506.6-2009 test method. Results Resistance to dry microbial penetration of key area of disposable surgical gowns were 1-4 CFU, two results (A1, A2) of penetration test of resistance to wet microbial penetration were < 2.8 I_B, which did not meet the standard requirements. Resistance to wet microbial penetration of reusable surgical gowns were all > 2.8 I_B, three results (B1, B2, C1) of test of resistance to wet micro-bial penetration were >300 CFU. Conclusion Resistance to dry microbial penetration performance of key areas of surgical gowns is good, key areas of reusable surgical gowns have poor performance of resistance to wet penetration, it is suggested that resistance to dry microbial penetration of key areas of surgical gowns should be evaluated.