For medical professionals who spend all day on their feet, finding the right pair of scrubs is essential to provide them with the comfort, support, mobility, and protection they need to get them through a long, demanding shift. Yet, if you’ve ever found yourself readjusting scrubs that are baggy, uncomfortable, or unflattering, you aren’t alone. Over a third of Sermo respondents in a small-sample poll hadn’t yet found a scrub brand that they love.
Finding a well-fitting pair of scrubs that offers the right balance between comfort and function can be particularly challenging for women in healthcare. Medicine as a profession was a traditionally male-dominated field up to the 1960’s, and scrubs were often not designed for women’s bodies — even those labelled “unisex”.
Fortunately, this has begun to change, and several brands are now offering scrubs designed to meet the needs of female physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Yet, you may find yourself wondering what you should look for in scrubs, and which brands are the best for women in clinical practice. This article will explore these very questions and break down which brands offer the best combination of fit, function, and style as voted by women in medicine.
What matters most when choosing scrubs
Scrubs are most commonly worn by female clinicians in patient-facing, hospital-based, or procedural roles. In particular, nurses, advanced practice providers, residents, and physicians in acute or surgical specialties rely on scrubs that not only fit properly but also work well functionally and complement their style and personality. This means that there is a lot to consider when choosing scrubs. In particular, one pharmacist on Sermo claimed that comfort and freedom of movement are essential in a good pair of scrubs, saying:
“After long shifts, a scrub that fits well and doesn’t irritate your skin makes all the difference. Fabric quality also matters (as they must be) soft, breathable, and durable through frequent washings.”
Below, we’ll take a deeper look at some of the most important things women in medicine should look for when searching for scrubs, according to a small-sample Sermo poll.
Comfortable fit
Perhaps the most important thing to look for in scrubs is a comfortable fit, as the right sizing and style can have a big impact on your mobility, appearance, and confidence on the job. In fact, the majority of respondents in a Sermo poll asking what matters most when choosing scrubs claimed that having a comfortable fit for long shifts was their top priority. Unfortunately, scrubs are often baggy, which can not only make them unflattering but can also cause them to get in the way or catch on something, which isn’t ideal in an emergency. When choosing scrubs, make sure to look for a comfortable design that is tailored without being too restrictive.
Professional appearance and cut
Not only can baggy scrubs get in the way, but they can also make you look unprofessional. This is why appearance and cut were the second most sought-after features in scrubs in the Sermo poll. Choosing fitted scrubs can provide a sleeker, modern look, which is essential as your professional appearance can also make your patients feel more comfortable during their treatment. However, it’s essential that you ensure that the scrubs you choose are still loose enough, and offer sufficient stretch and flexibility, to ensure full range of motion during your clinical duties.
Fabric quality
Fabric quality is another critical factor to consider when purchasing scrubs, as you’ll want to choose a material that strikes the right balance between comfort and mobility, while still providing durability when exposed to harsh conditions and frequent washing. Cotton is a classic choice for medical scrubs, as it’s soft, breathable, and comfortable. However, cotton scrubs are not very durable and may shrink or wrinkle after washing, so it may be better to choose scrubs that incorporate additional materials such as spandex or polyester.
Polyester blends are a common choice, as they are often more affordable and are designed to withstand frequent washing. Alternatively, spandex blends are often preferred due to their added flexibility and comfort, allowing for range of motion while still offering a professional fit. Ultimately, the best fabric will depend on your needs and preferences, though a high-quality blend will offer the best combination of comfort and function.
Pockets
While comfort, style, and fit are often the first things medical professionals look for in scrubs, you shouldn’t underestimate the value of scrubs with plenty of pockets. Medical professionals are constantly on the move and need to be able to carry small tools, pens, phones, and medical instruments from one patient room to the next. This makes it essential that you look for scrubs that offer a variety of pocket options, so you can conveniently store your essential tools while on the move.
Easy to clean
Considering you may wear scrubs for long hours every day, you need to prioritize choosing scrubs that are easy to maintain. High-quality scrubs should be easy to care for and durable enough to withstand frequent washing without losing their color, shape, or integrity. This is where it can be helpful to invest in more expensive scrubs that will last longer under these harsh conditions, as cheap scrubs may have to be replaced more often, leading to higher costs over time.
7 top scrub brands for women
Many women in healthcare still use the boxy scrubs provided to them by the hospital due to convenience. One dermatologist surveyed on Sermo about the scrubs they use stated:
“I’m good with the ones I get from my hospital’s dispensing machine, sure they fit like a box but that’s a trade off for not having to wash them!”
However, as more brands develop scrubs specifically designed to meet the needs of female healthcare providers, you may find yourself ditching uncomfortable hospital-issue scrubs for something more fashionable, functional, and comfortable. Here’s a look at some of the highest-rated scrub brands for women you may want to try, as recommended by women in the Sermo community.
FIGS
When asked which scrub brand is their go-to for fit and comfort, a majority of respondents to the Sermo survey said that FIGS was the best scrub brand for women. While FIGS scrubs come with a higher price point, ranging $60-$90, these scrubs are prized by women across healthcare specialties for their style, comfort, and durability. FIGS scrubs are known for being soft and breathable, making them ideal for long shifts. They’re also quick drying and wrinkle-free, ensuring you always look your best. The primary downside of FIGS scrubs is their cost, and a common complaint is that these scrubs do not have enough pockets.
Cherokee
Another recommended choice in the Sermo survey of the best scrubs for women was Cherokee. This is unsurprising, considering Cherokee is a well-known name in the medical apparel industry, recognized for providing durable, high-quality scrubs that can keep up with long days on the hospital floor. With scrub sets made from breathable, stretchy fabrics starting at just $40 per set, Cherokee scrubs are not only affordable, but they provide the reliability, fit, and lasting comfort healthcare providers can depend on. Additionally, with sizes available that go up to 5XL, Cherokee scrubs are also inclusive of many body types.
Barco
Another popular scrubs option for women is the Skechers line by Barco scrubs (who is also famous for their “Grey’s Anatomy” scrubs). Skechers scrubs are not only affordable, with sets ranging from $40-$50, but they are also a popular choice due to their durable and stretchy polyester/spandex blend, which provides all-day comfort. They also provide plenty of storage, with some tops having as many as 6 pockets. Additionally, the pants have zippered pockets, ensuring that you don’t lose your critical tools throughout the day.
Dickies
For a durable, reliable option that won’t break the bank, many healthcare professionals turn to dickies. Dickies scrubs are often considered the workhorse of the healthcare industry, as they provide a great balance of comfort and durability, while offering affordable scrub sets starting at $30-$40. These scrubs also provide deep, roomy pockets, making them a popular option for healthcare providers on the go.
Heartsoul
If you’re looking for guaranteed comfort to get you through your day, consider checking out Heartsoul scrubs. Healthcare professionals love these scrubs because their jogger-style pants not only come in flattering cuts, but they are made from a soft and stretchy fabric that feels more like activewear than a uniform, providing comfort that lasts. They’re also available in a range of lively color choices, allowing you to bring your own personal style to the workplace.
Medelita
For stylish scrubs that elevate medical attire to a new level, consider Medelita, as these scrubs are designed for women who want comfort without sacrificing polish. While these scrubs are on the pricier side, starting around $80-$100 per set, these scrubs are designed with style in mind, offering precise tailoring that flatters a wide range of body types, while still offering enough stretch to ensure comfort and durability. These scrubs are also quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, making them ideal for busy clinicians who want a put-together look without all of the work.
Healing Hands
Rounding the recommended scrub brands for women according to the Sermo survey is Healing Hands, which is known for designing soft and breathable scrubs meant to keep you comfortable throughout long shifts. These scrubs are soft and flattering, providing a yoga-pant-like feel while still giving you a professional look. These scrubs are often praised for their fit, fabric quality, and durability, making them a great choice for busy healthcare professionals looking for a reliable option that will handle long shifts without losing shape.
Ultimately, each of these scrub brands for women offers different benefits and drawbacks, and the scrub brand that will work best for you will depend on your individual preferences and clinical needs.
The challenges of women’s scrub fit
While more brands are finally developing scrubs designed to meet the needs of women in healthcare, women still face challenges finding scrubs that fit properly. This is unsurprising given that scrubs have traditionally been designed for men, or “unisex”, and are often either loose and boxy or too tight on women, which can limit movement and comfort during long shifts. This is because even as the number of women in healthcare increases, many brands continue to focus on designing unisex scrubs that do not fit the female body properly. This can lead to inconsistency in fit when purchasing scrubs, as many women in healthcare surveyed by Sermo claimed that the scrubs they had tried were either too boxy or too tight, and generally were not true to size.
Additionally, many women find that sizing is inconsistent across brands, making it difficult to find a good fit. While improvements are still needed in the industry to ensure more consistent and inclusive scrub sizes are available for female practitioners, choosing a brand that designs scrubs specifically for women can help ensure that you get the best possible fit. Additionally, make sure that you check the description of any scrubs you’re considering buying, as many brands offer various fits, such as slim, regular, and relaxed fits. Choosing the right fit is essential in order to ensure your comfort throughout the day.
Desired improvements in scrub technology
While scrubs for women in healthcare have come a long way, improvement is still needed to ensure proper fit and comfort for practitioners spending long hours on their feet. In particular, female healthcare providers surveyed by Sermo who were asked what improvements they hope to see in women’s scrubs said that they wished scrub brands would focus on better stretch and mobility, and that they wished popular brands would design more inclusive fits for women of all sizes. Other desired improvements in scrub technology that women in healthcare wish to see in the coming years include increased fluid resistance, enhanced antimicrobial technology, and more functional pocket configurations specifically designed for carrying medical tools and devices.
The bottom line
With many healthcare professions being male-dominated in the past, women in healthcare have had a hard time finding scrubs that fit their needs and fit their body types. The good news is that things have started to change, with many major scrub brands now offering designs that meet the unique needs of women in medicine, with a focus on proper fit and flexibility to ensure mobility during long shifts.
Yet, with so many brands to choose from, it can be difficult to know which will work best for you. Ultimately, the “best” scrub will depend on your personal preferences, such as whether you prefer stylish scrubs or those that favor function by providing fluid resistance and extra pockets. Regardless of what your preferences are, it’s essential that you ensure that the scrubs you pick offer the mobility and durability to support professional performance.
If you aren’t sure which scrub brand for women will best suit your needs, consider joining Sermo’s community. Sermo offers a platform for physicians and healthcare providers to share their insights on fit and quality, allowing peers to discover the best brands that truly withstand the demanding hours and physical requirements of clinical medicine.
