Whether you’re looking for lab coats or searching for nursing scrubs, ensuring you have a suitable medical uniform for your daily duties is an important part of maintaining a professional appearance and maximizing your comfort. But with a wealth of options from scrubs brands such as Fashion Seal Healthcare, Landau Scrubs, and WonderWink Scrubs in the All Seasons Uniform catalog, it can sometimes be difficult to choose.
So, to help you find the perfect pair of scrubs, I’ve designed this guide to the different types and sizing of popular sets of scrubs so you can find exactly what you need.
Importance of Scrubs in Healthcare
Scrubs are an essential part of healthcare attire for several reasons. In the medical field, hygiene is paramount, and scrubs are designed to be easily laundered at high temperatures. This ensures that contaminants can be effectively removed. It also helps prevent the spread of infection. Healthcare workers wear scrubs in part to maintain a sterile environment at work, which is crucial for patient safety. Professionally, scrubs provide a uniform appearance, making healthcare staff easily identifiable and conveying a sense of order and trust.
Beyond hygiene and professionalism, scrubs are also designed for comfort and practicality. Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, they make it easy for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to move freely and quickly between patients. Finally, scrubs can offer a degree of safety. They act as a barrier against bodily fluids and some offer additional protection like fluid resistance or antimicrobial properties. This protects healthcare workers from potential exposure to harmful substances and contributes to a safer work environment.
Things to Consider While Choosing the Best Scrub Fit
Choosing the Right Scrubs for Your Needs
“While I know you want to look fashionable, there are definitely options that include both fashion and comfort. And trust me, after a few shifts of constantly moving and wiping things off yourself, you will be way more concerned about how you feel than how you look.”
Lisa Malone to nursejournal.org
There are many factors to consider when choosing scrubs, and to make your search easier, I’ve listed some important tips below. Keep these in mind as you review your options.
Consider Your Body Type
Modern scrubs come in various styles and cuts, and what works for one person may not be the best option for another, so it’s important to understand your specific body type. Take note of your body shape and size to find the best scrubs for you and try different fits that flatter your figure and that feel comfortable.
Comfort and Mobility
Healthcare workers need scrubs that allow comfort and mobility in a variety of environments. Whether on the ward, in the operating theater, or attending to outpatients, soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton or a cotton blend can help with air circulation. This helps prevent you from feeling too hot or sweaty during long shifts. Additionally, antimicrobial fabrics can help reduce odors and keep you feeling fresh over long shifts.
In addition, stretch panels or gussets in scrub tops and pants can help provide free and easy movement, making it easier to perform your duties without feeling restricted. Finally, modern jogger scrubs often include spandex or other stretch materials that can provide excellent comfort and mobility throughout the day.
Fabric and Durability
Look for scrubs made from high-quality materials that are known for their durability. Fabrics such as polyester, polyester blends, and rayon are often chosen for their resistance to stains, fading, and wrinkling. Additionally, these fabrics tend to hold their shape better after multiple washes.
It’s also worth considering your daily duties or the expectations of your workplace. If you work in an environment where you regularly deal with bodily fluids or stains, you may want to choose scrubs with moisture-wicking or stain-resistant properties to ensure they stay looking clean and professional.
Finally, pay close attention to the care instructions for both scrub pants and tops. Scrubs with easy-care requirements that can withstand frequent washing without losing their color or shape will likely be more durable in the long run.
Different Types of Scrubs
In the past, scrubs were all fairly uniform but thanks to technology, there are options for scrubs that cover a large variety of needs and preferences.
Classic Fit Scrubs
Classic fit scrubs are the most common and widely available style. They have a traditional, relaxed fit with straight legs and a comfortable, roomy feel. These scrubs are suitable for various body types and offer a timeless and professional look.
Jogger Scrubs
Jogger scrubs are a popular variation of traditional medical scrubs that offer a more contemporary and athletic-inspired style. They are designed with a modern fit and often feature a tapered leg with elastic cuffs, similar to jogger pants commonly worn for exercise or leisure.
Fitted Scrubs
Fitted nursing scrubs have a more tailored and flattering silhouette. They are designed to hug the body and accentuate the wearer’s shape rather than hide it. Fitted scrubs often have darts or princess seams for women, and v-neck or mock-wrap details. These scrubs work well for those who prefer a more form-fitting and fashionable option.
Unisex Scrubs
Unisex scrubs are designed to fit both men and women comfortably. They typically have a more relaxed fit with straight or slightly tapered legs. Unisex scrubs prioritize functionality and tend to have a more generous cut, accommodating a wide range of body types.
Petite and Tall Scrubs
For healthcare professionals who are shorter or taller than average, there are specialized scrub options available. Petite scrubs are designed with shorter inseams and sleeves to provide a better fit for those with a petite stature. Conversely, tall scrubs have longer inseams and sleeves to accommodate taller individuals.
Plus Size Scrubs
Plus size scrubs are specifically tailored for healthcare professionals who wear larger sizes. These scrubs offer a more generous cut and provide extra room in the waist, hips, and bust areas.
Maternity Scrubs
For pregnant professionals in the healthcare industry, maternity scrubs offer the necessary comfort and flexibility to accommodate a growing belly. These scrubs often feature adjustable waistbands, stretch panels, or side vents to provide room for the expanding abdomen while maintaining a professional appearance.
Scrub Materials
The materials your scrubs are made with make a big difference in their comfort and fit, so it’s important to know what feels right for you. Some different scrub materials you can choose from include:
Spandex Blends — Adding spandex to other fabrics provides stretch and increased mobility, making scrubs more comfortable for physically demanding jobs.
Cotton — Breathable and comfortable, cotton scrubs are soft against the skin but can wrinkle easily and may not offer the best stain or fluid resistance.
Polyester — Polyester scrubs are durable and wrinkle-resistant. They hold their shape well and are often more affordable, but may not be as breathable or comfortable as cotton.
Cotton/Polyester Blends — Combining the benefits of both fibers, these scrubs offer a balance of comfort, durability, and affordability.
Rayon — Rayon scrubs offer a comfortable feel and good moisture absorption, but may be less durable than other options. They’re widely regarded for their softness and breathability.
Scrubs Fit Guide — How to Find Your Scrubs Size
When you’re ready to purchase, you’ll need to know how to find the right size and fit to avoid dealing with returns. The best way to make sure your new scrubs fit right is to take accurate measurements of your body before purchasing. You should measure your bust, waist, hips, inseam, and height, and compare those measurements with the sizing guides provided by the manufacturer.
It’s also important to think about the clothes you already wear and find comfortable. Do you prefer when your clothing is fitted or loose? Do you have aversions to any types of fabric? These questions can help you figure out which scrubs to buy. These charts will help you find the right fit.
Women’s Scrub Size Chart
Men’s Scrub Size Chart
Anatomy of a Medical Uniform
When you think of a healthcare professional, you probably picture something very specific as their uniform. Take nurses, for example. You may see them wearing comfortable clog-style shoes and nursing scrubs. Doctors may be dressed similarly, but are often also wearing lab coats. A radiology tech may trade the lab coat out for a protective vest.
No matter what, scrubs are the foundation of medical uniforms. Scrubs are generally made up of two parts: scrub tops and scrub pants. In each of those categories, you’ll find sub-categories
that offer different features. To name a few:
Scrub Pants
- Cargo — Features extra pockets for storage
- Jogger — A stylish, modern look resembling athletic pants
- High-Waisted — Sits higher on the waist than normal scrub pants to provide more coverage
- Boot Cut — Flared at the ankle to fit over shoes or boots
- Drawstring Waist — A simple drawstring is used to adjust the fit at the waist
- Elastic Waist — eliminates the need for adjusting or tying the waist
Scrub Tops
- V-Neck — Seen most commonly, a fashionable neckline
- Crew Neck — A rounded neckline
- Mock Wrap — The top is closed, but is designed to look like a wrap top
- Wrap Top — More versatile and adjustable due to snaps or strings that close at the sides
Scrub Design Features
There’s a reason scrubs are the preferred uniform for medical professionals. In addition to looking nice and feeling comfortable, scrubs are extremely practical thanks to the many features they come with.
- Multiple Pockets — Scrub tops and pants often have several pockets for storing essential tools, pens, notepads, and other small items. These pockets are strategically placed for easy access.
- Drawstring or Elastic Waistband — Scrub pants typically feature a drawstring, elastic waistband, or a combination of both for a secure and adjustable fit, accommodating different body shapes and sizes.
- Reinforced Seams — Strong stitching at stress points, like pockets and seams, enhances durability and prevents ripping or tearing.
- Side Slits (Tops) — Slits at the sides of scrub tops allow for greater freedom of movement, especially when bending or reaching.
- V-Neck or Crew Neck (Tops) — Simple necklines are easy to clean and allow for comfortable layering.
- Durable Fabric — Scrubs are made from fabrics that can withstand frequent washing and maintain their color and shape. Blends of polyester and cotton are common for this reason.
- Easy Care — Scrubs are designed to be easily laundered, often tolerating high temperatures for effective disinfection.
- Fluid Resistance — Certain scrub fabrics are treated or designed to repel liquids, offering a degree of protection against spills and bodily fluids.
- Antimicrobial Properties — Some scrubs are treated with antimicrobial agents to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Conclusion
As you can see, choosing the best scrubs involves balancing several factors. Prioritize comfort and mobility by selecting the right size and fit, considering fabric type and stretch. Think about the specific demands of your job – do you need extra pockets, fluid resistance, or antimicrobial properties? Don’t forget about durability; look for reinforced seams and quality materials that can withstand frequent washing. Finally, consider your budget and personal preferences regarding style. Through careful research and using these tips, you can find scrubs that not only meet your professional needs but also keep you comfortable and confident throughout your workday.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.