Learning how to choose scrubs can make a huge difference to your comfort during busy shifts. Whether this is for you as a nurse, doctor, nursing student, medical assistant, or when buying for a healthcare facility, your scrubs should allow you to move comfortably whilst completing your duties.
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know how to choose scrubs that suit you. For example, some scrubs may look great on the hanger, yet they may not feel comfortable for long periods of time. Similarly, some scrubs may have many pockets, but the fabric may be difficult to move in.
Therefore, it is important to look at the fabric, the size, the features, how easy the scrubs are to clean and what the dress code is like at work. This guide shows you how to choose scrubs that match your role, your workplace and your budget.
1. Know Your Scrub Fabric
If you are unsure how to choose scrubs, start with the fabric. It affects how comfortable they are to wear, how easy they are to move in and how easy they are to clean. Therefore, always check the garment’s fabric content and read the care label.
Cotton, Polyester and Blends
Different fabrics offer different benefits. As a result, knowing how each fabric generally works can help you narrow down your choices.
- Cotton: Soft natural fabric which is breathable. However, it may crease more, depending on the weave and the way the manufacturer builds it.
- Polyester: Many people see it as a durable fabric with good shape retention and less creasing. However, how breathable and comfortable it feels depends on how the manufacturer makes it.
- Cotton/Polyester Blend: Offers a great balance of the two, so it may be more practical for comfort, durability and ease of cleaning.
- Stretch Fabric: These contain some elastane or spandex, which gives extra flexibility.
There isn’t one ‘best’ fabric for healthcare professionals. Instead, you will want to find the best option for you, depending on your work environment, how comfortable you want them to be, how you will be washing them and your budget.
Breathable and Moisture Wicking
If you are doing a lot of movement during your shifts or working in a warm environment, look for breathable and moisture wicking fabrics.
Manufacturers design moisture wicking fabrics to move moisture away from your skin and onto the surface of the fabric. However, how well this works depends on the fabric, how the manufacturer makes it, the size and the environment.
Whilst there may be some comfort features, you should always ensure you are washing your scrubs as per your facility’s guidelines. In addition, if the fabric contains any specialist features, check the manufacturer’s information.
Durability and Ease of Cleaning
Ask yourself:
- Can the fabric handle the washing process I will be doing?
- Does the care label say anything about special washing/drying processes?
- Will the fabric crease?
- Will the garment remain looking good?
Always check the fabric content and care instructions before ordering. Also, if you are buying for a team, check that your facility can follow the care process.
2. Find the Right Size
Your scrubs should allow you to move comfortably without constantly adjusting. If they are too tight, you may find they restrict your movement. Likewise, if they are too big, they may snag on equipment.
How a garment fits depends on your body shape, how the manufacturer cuts it and your personal preferences.
Choose a Suitable Fit
Common fits include:
- Classic/Regular: Traditional style offering more room for general movement.
- Slim Fit: Slimmer style, so ensure you can still comfortably bend and reach.
- Relaxed Fit: Extra room in certain areas, which may suit you if you like a more relaxed fit.
- Athletic/Flexible Fit: Designers often build these for movement with a slimmer fit. However, how flexible they feel depends on the garment.
Not all products use the same labelling. Therefore, always check the sizing guide and fit.
Measure Yourself
When ordering online, use a measuring tape and compare your measurements to the sizing guide.
Look out for:
- Chest/Bust: Helps determine if the top will be comfortable.
- Waist: Useful if you are looking for tops and pants with a defined waistband.
- Hips: Helps prevent pulling and tightness when sitting, bending and walking.
- Inseam: Helps you find the correct length of pants.
- Length of Top and Sleeves: Useful if you like more coverage or have specific uniform requirements.
If you are in between sizes, check the fit notes and how stretchy the fabric is.
Try Imagining Wearing Them
Imagine wearing them during a typical shift. For example, can you reach overhead, squat, sit, bend and walk without the fabric pulling?
Also, ensure the waistband doesn’t dig in, the shoulders are comfortable and the pants aren’t too long. Overall, the garment should be comfortable when standing and sitting.
Finally, when you are learning how to choose scrubs online, order one set first so you can see how they fit before buying multiple sets of the same style.
3. Look for Practical Features
Look for practical features to help with your shift. First, think about what equipment you will be carrying and what movements you will be doing.
Pockets
Pockets can be very useful for nurses, medical assistants and other professionals.
Look for:
- Easy to reach pockets.
- Secure zips/closures.
- Suitable depth.
- Pockets in useful places.
However, too many pockets can cause bulkiness. Similarly, pockets that are too full can cause pulling. Therefore, choose a style that suits your needs.
Waistbands, Drawstrings and Closures
Consider if you want elasticated waistbands, drawstrings or a combination. Whichever you choose, ensure the waistband stays in place without digging in.
Next, look at how the manufacturer constructs the neckline, closures and overall garment. Ensure they are easy to wear and remove whilst still offering the coverage you need.
Stretch
Many healthcare jobs involve reaching, walking, standing and bending. For this reason, scrubs with stretch panels or stretchy fabric blends can help. However, comfort depends on the cut, stitching, waistband and sizing.
Moisture Wicking and Antibacterial
Some garments advertise being moisture wicking and antibacterial. Therefore, treat each as a specific feature.
Moisture wicking refers to how the manufacturer designs the fabric to manage moisture. In contrast, antibacterial garments may aim to limit microbial growth on the fabric. In both cases, how well they work depends on the garment.
However, this doesn’t mean they are sterile. In fact, they should not replace washing your hands, using the correct PPE and following infection control procedures at your facility.
4. Choose the Right Colour and Style
The colour and style of your scrubs will impact how professional you look. However, you should always check the uniform policy at your workplace.
For example, some hospitals and clinics have specific colours for different departments, jobs or levels of training. Nursing students may also have specific uniform requirements.
Before ordering, check:
- Do you need a specific colour?
- Does your employer require matching tops and pants?
- Can you have logos/embroidery?
- Are there any restrictions on sleeve lengths, necklines or styles?
- Does your facility have a specific uniform standard?
If you can choose your own colour, pick one that you like and that works for your environment. For instance, black is a great all round colour for many uniform requirements. Teal, Turquoise, Pink and Ceil Blue may also be suitable.
If you want matching uniforms, take care to ensure the colour is right. After all, different companies may use different colour names. In addition, the garment may not look the same due to different lighting in the photographs. As a result, if you are ordering for a team, ask for information or samples first.
5. Durability and Value for Money
Whilst the price of the garment may be important, you should also consider how well it will fit into your routine, how easy it is to clean and how comfortable it will be to wear.
Check the Care Label
Before ordering, check how to wash and dry the garment. For example, some fabrics are more delicate than others. In addition, high temperatures can impact certain fibres, finishes and elastic.
Always follow the care instructions from the manufacturer. However, if they don’t seem to match your washing policies at work, ask the supplier or uniform coordinator at your facility for clarification.
Check Quality of Fabric
Look at the product description and images. Ensure:
- Reinforced stitching covers the areas you use most.
- Seams are neat.
- Waistband and drawstrings look well made.
- Pockets sit securely and evenly.
- Fabric content and care information is clear.
However, you won’t be able to see everything from images. Therefore, if you are ordering online, check the product details, returns policy and how much support the seller can offer.
Consider How Often You Will Wear Them
A practical way to choose is to think about how often you will wear the garment. For example, a set that fits well, matches your workplace and is easy to clean may offer better value for money. Therefore, don’t just choose based on price.
If you work multiple shifts a week, a small rotation of sets that fit will help with your washing days. However, how many sets you need depends on how many shifts you work, your washing facilities and your uniform requirements.
Similarly, if you are ordering for a clinic or hospital, make sure the sets are consistent. In addition, check sizing information, fabric details, colours, care instructions and replacement options.
Quick Checklist: How to Choose Scrubs Before You Order
Before ordering your next set of scrubs, ask yourself:
- Fabric: Have I checked the fabric content, comfort and care instructions?
- Size: Do my measurements match the sizing guide?
- Movement: Can I comfortably bend, reach, sit and walk?
- Pockets: Are there enough pockets for practical storage?
- Features: Do they have any stretch, moisture management or other features I need?
- Colour: Does it match my employer’s or school’s uniform policy?
- Durability: Does the product description explain how the manufacturer makes the garment and how easy it is to clean?
- Value: Does it fit into my work routine and how often I will wear it?
- Order: Have I checked the sizing details, returns policy and product details?
If you can answer yes to all of these, you will be in a better position to choose scrubs that will work for you.
FAQs
What is the best fabric for medical scrubs?
There isn’t one ‘best’ fabric. For example, cotton is a natural feeling fabric, while many people see polyester as durable with less creasing. In addition, blended fabrics can offer a combination of features. Therefore, look at the fabric content, comfort, care requirements and what you need at work.
Should scrubs be tight or loose?
Scrubs should be comfortable to move in. Therefore, choose a size that suits your body shape, what you will be doing and your personal preferences. Also, check the sizing guide.
How many sets of scrubs should I have?
This depends on how many shifts you work, your washing facilities, workplace policies and how often you can wash your uniforms. As a result, having enough sets will help with planning.
Should I look at moisture wicking scrubs?
They may be useful if you like garments that manufacturers design to manage moisture. However, how well they work depends on the fabric and how the manufacturer makes it. Therefore, check the product details. Also, remember they don’t replace appropriate hygiene at work.
Can I wear any colour?
Not always. For example, hospitals, clinics and educational institutions may have specific uniform colours. Therefore, check with your organisation.
Shop EZMEDWEAR Scrubs
Knowing how to choose scrubs comes down to what you need at work. First, choose a suitable fabric, then find a size that allows you to move. Next, look for features that make your daily tasks easier. Finally, ensure the colour, care requirements and overall fabric work for you.
However, the best option may not be the one with the most features or the most stylish. Instead, choose one that will fit into your work routine, be comfortable to wear throughout your shift and meet your workplace requirements.
At EZMEDWEAR International, we understand healthcare professionals need practical workwear. Therefore, look at our available options and compare the details to find a style that will work for you.
To get started, look at our Black Medical Scrubs, Teal Medical Scrubs and Ceil Blue Medical Scrubs.