Return to site

Scrubs 101: A Beginner's Guide to Smart Shopping

· Health and Beauty

Buying the proper uniform may feel like a simple task, but today's market offers many designs, colours, and options, making the process a bit overwhelming. If you are starting a new job as a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic, you'll need a set of scrubs. A scrub suit typically consists of a loose-fitting top and pants, which should prioritize both comfort and protection, enabling one to work without distraction.

You should consider various factors such as design, neck cut, colour and style. Medical personnel often choose mock neck scrub top, in white or other calming colours such as blue or green. It feels comfortable, easy to put on and off and it surely will make your neck look slimmer and more elegant.

Neck Types

Scrub top

There are four common styles of neck cut when it comes to scrubs, including V-neck, mock wrap, round, or square neck cuts. What you'll choose depends mainly on your personal preferences. The most important factor is whether the design provides a comfortable fit. A mock wrap scrub top offers a contemporary twist to basic scrubs, available in a variety of styles, fabrics, colours, and colour combinations, with multiple pocket features. A mock wrap scrub top can be easily paired with various unisex and women's scrub pants styles. In addition to the mock wrap cut, there are other options for neck cuts, such as v-neck and round-neck uniforms. U-shape, split neck, scoop neck, and other variations are also available. However, it's a good idea to ensure that your employer approves of the chosen style.

Basic or Trendy?

The choice between a trendy or basic style of scrubs varies from person to person. In the healthcare industry, not everyone prefers to wear basic scrubs; some people opt for a more fashionable approach. It's important that your scrubs provide comfort in terms of material and design. If you're newly employed in a healthcare facility, it's a good idea to observe what your colleagues are wearing. Your decision should be based on whether you feel at ease with a trendy appearance or a more traditional tunic design. If the majority of your co-workers wear basic scrubs, you may not wish to stand out. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect scrub that suits your preferences.

Pockets or No Pockets?

Scrubs with pockets

Pockets in scrubs are crucial as they provide an extra space for carrying essential items such as thermometers, keys, phones, pens, stethoscopes, and other medical instruments. However, some medical professionals may prefer scrubs without pockets as they may find them to be an unnecessary burden, adding weight to their uniform and causing additional stress to their neck and shoulders. When choosing scrubs, be sure to opt for those with both pockets and patch pockets, as this will provide ample space to store all necessary items.

Patch pockets are quite useful as they allow for easy access to frequently used items such as pens and thermometers. Nevertheless, if you find pockets to be cumbersome and cluttered, it is recommended to choose scrubs without pockets. However, it's important to note that certain items such as alcohol pads, scissors, and gloves should be kept in pockets for convenient use. It's worth noting that some designers may not include pockets in women's scrubs as bulky pockets may interfere with the female body shape.

Consider the Fabrics

In most cases, scrubs are made from a cotton-polyester blend fabric, known for its comfort and durability. Manufacturers often include polyester, rayon, and spandex. What's important is that you choose a fabric blend that will feel comfortable, and breathable and won't tear after extended wearing and washing. Avoid scrubs made of synthetic fabrics as they can easily make you sweaty; they also trap odours and you truly don't want to smell near patients and co-workers.

White or Coloured Scrubs?

Scrubs in colour

The traditional choice for doctors' and nurses' uniforms is white, as it shares cleanliness and allows for easy identification by patients. However, there's also the choice to choose coloured scrubs. The most popular colours for scrubs are green and blue, as they are calming and don't show stains easily. In contrast, white scrubs are prone to staining, with even the smallest mark being visible. Before deciding on coloured scrubs, make sure that the healthcare facility where you work permits this choice. It would be inappropriate to get scrubs that clash with the employer's designated colour scheme.

Light or Dark Colours

If there are no specific rules, it's better to go for dark colours such as black, navy blue, dark brown, or maroon. When considering coloured scrubs, it's also worth considering the difference between light and dark shades. Green and blue scrubs are commonly used and are suitable for individuals of any body type, as they are resistant to stains. Dark colours, such as navy or black, are particularly flattering for plus-size individuals, as they create a slimming effect. On the other hand, light colours can draw attention and potentially make a person appear larger. Some healthcare professionals even choose to change the colour of their uniforms seasonally, to boost their mood.

If You're On a Budget

Even if you're on a budget, be sure to invest in scrubs of top quality. Buying a more expensive scrub suit may affect your budget, but will last longer, therefore, saving you money in the long run. It's crucial to consider if these scrubs will be worn and washed frequently; that will determine the choice of durable fabrics. I recommend buying one pair of more expensive scrubs and three others that are more affordable. This way will allow you to rotate them and ensure prolonged coverage.