When you first enter the healthcare industry after spending years studying in labs and libraries, it can be an overwhelming experience. It seems like everyone around you is dressed the same, yet very different. By following these seven steps, you will learn how to choose scrubs that will help you both blend in with your surroundings, while also allowing you to maintain your individuality. 

What You Need to Think About When Buying Scrubs

1. What is Your Healthcare Profession?

The healthcare industry covers a variety of professions, both in and beyond the hospital. Over the years, apart from hospital staff such as nurses and doctors, many other healthcare branches have incorporated scrub uniforms in their workspaces. 

• Nurse or a Doctor – you should consider buying scrubs with more elasticity to keep you comfortable during your demanding shifts. 
• Veterinarian – choose scrubs that are composed of hair-resistant and easy-care fabrics that can be washed at higher temperatures.
• Dentist – you should choose scrubs made of loose-fitting, fluid-resistant materials that protect you from spraying fluids and bacteria, while ensuring you have the freedom to move your arms easily.

2. The Best Fit and Style for Your Taste

Scrubs are one of the most versatile and recognisable uniforms in the world. They come in a variety of styles and fits, which can make it hard to decide which ones to get, when you are just starting out.

Guide to Scrub Shirts

The right scrub shirt should fit comfortably over your torso. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose in the shoulders in order to allow you to freely move your arms without restricting your movement, while still maintaining a professional appearance. The shirt should fit well over your torso and cover the waistband of your pants.

Guide to Scrub Pants 

When it comes to scrub pants, unlike tops, there is a slight difference in preference between scrub pants for men and pants for women. As a woman working in healthcare, you might like a more modern style of scrub pants, like ones with straight or flared legs.

When it comes to buying scrub pants for men, in recent years, there has been an emergence of new designs and cuts. Men’s medical pants are known for their high functionality. They tend to be more relaxed with several strategically placed pockets for carrying essentials. 

Jogger and cargo scrubs are among the most well-liked types of men’s scrub pants that you should take into account. They’re known for being stretchy and breathable, which makes them great for long shifts where you need to move around quickly. Look for a balance of professional and relaxed, and your comfort should be put above all else.

When purchasing scrub pants, look at the number of pockets and the style of the waistband. Above all, scrub pants must be comfortable and enable you to respond quickly during emergencies.

3. Don’t get Overwhelmed by Colour and Design

In a hospital setting, colour usually helps identify different departments and specialties within the hospital. Blue is the most popular choice of scrub colour, being used by doctors and nurses all over the world. 

Surgeons usually wear darker scrubs to cover stains from fluids that may get on their uniform while they are operating, while doctors in departments such as pediatrics or gynecology have lighter scrubs to soothe their patients during examination.

If you are an independent worker, not tied to a dress code, you are free to choose whichever pattern or colour you like. Keep in mind your scrubs need to look professional and ease your patients during stressful times in their lives.

4. Be Picky When it Comes to Materials

​When it comes to materials, scrubs are an image of versatility. You can find them made from a single fabric or a blend of two or more fabrics. Some of the most common scrub fabrics are: cotton, spandex and polyester.

Cotton is the most common material used when designing scrubs. It’s durable and elastic, offering breathability and freedom of movement. Scrubs need to be washed at higher temperatures, which is a downside when it comes to cotto,n as it easily wrinkles and doesn’t hold colour well.

Although polyester isn’t the most comfortable material, it has built a stellar reputation in the healthcare industry for being wrinkle-free, quick-drying and extremely durable.

Spandex is often blended with cotton to provide the ultimate stretchiness to scrubs, while also preventing them from becoming baggy and sagging after a long time of use.

5. The Overwhelming World of Sizes

Before buying your first scrubs, make sure you take all of your measurements. Measure your bust, waist, hips, and the inseam along your legs. Don’t hold the measuring tape too tightly. Scrubs tend to be naturally a looser fit, so if you measure a few extra centimetres, it shouldn’t be a problem.

​Keep in mind that measurements may vary between different fits. A smaller size of a relaxed fit may be equivalent to a larger size of a slimmer fit

6. Be Stylish and Practical, Consider Additional Features

When designing scrubs, functionality is the primary consideration. They have a variety of adjustable and customisable features added for practicality.

The pockets are by far the most eye-catching and practical detail. Scrubs come with multiple functional pockets, both on the bottom and the top. They are designed to store and provide easy access to pens, medicine, and other key items.

Scrubs often have adjustable features as well. They are characterised by their elastic band and adjustable pants string, which makes scrub bottoms comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

7. Personalise Your Scrubs Based on Your Tastes

If you want to stand out while following the workplace uniform guidelines, here are some ways to do so:

You can embroider your name and title on the chest pocket of your scrubs. This is one of the most practical personalisation techniques as it helps patients identify you more easily.

Consider adding iron-on patches or badges to your scrubs, especially if you work closely with kids. It’s fun and it makes you appear more approachable.

One of the most used personalisation techniques in medicine is adding a coloured undershirt under your scrubs. It adds a pop of colour and can provide warmth in colder settings.

Mix and match your scrubs. Add a patterned bottom with a solid coloured top, and vice versa. Experiment with designs and colours, and make your workplace fun.