Medical scrubs are a uniform that should keep healthcare providers comfortable, but also protected and safe. The right model shouldn't limit your movements, nor should you feel uncomfortable because the garment traps sweat.
If you're searching for mens scrubs and you're a first-time buyer and don't know what qualities and features they should have, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping.
Consider the Materials
The selection of fabrics will affect the quality of the scrubs and how breathable they will be. Also, it'll determine the comfort against the skin, stain resistance, colour fade, and how the fabric drapes on your body. The proper material blends are the best way to choose properly fitting scrubs that will help you go through the day.
- Cotton - this is a lightweight, soft, durable fabric that doesn't build up static. It's thin enough so it's breathable, and it drapes well on everyone. Cotton is a good choice for the summer months. With frequent washing, the dye tends to fade. It may also shrink if it's washed or dried improperly. It'll require ironing as it wrinkles easily. However, it's easy to clean and doesn’t demand any special care. It's often blended with other fibres.
- Polyester – it’s a synthetic fabric, that's wrinkle-resistant, easy to maintain, durable, and dries quickly. It won't shrink. Polyester is moisture resistant, not absorbent, so tends to trap sweat and heat. It's not as smooth against the skin as cotton and builds up static if fabric softener is not used.
- Spandex (Lycra, elastane)- this is the same fabric that leotards are made of and s often used as a blend to add stretchiness to fabrics, in quantities of less than 10%. It returns to its original shape quickly.
- Rayon - this is a semi-synthetic fabric and comes in different weights and qualities. It drapes well and looks silky, but isn't very durable. It easily wrinkles, and may stretch or shrink when wet.
None of these materials is ideal, but if you blend two or more together, the result is more than excellent. Some of the most common blends are polyester and cotton and polyester and spandex.
The first makes scrubs that retain shape, and are stain and wrinkle-resistant, while still feeling comfy. The polyester and spandex blend creates durable scrubs that keep their shape; the spandex adds stretchiness without sagging.
Get the Right Fit
- General - most mens scrubs can be found in the general fit category. These are flexible and stretchy, designed to maximize your range of movement in the arms and legs.
- Tops - it's important to consider the sizes. Men's and unisex scrubs offer a boxy cut in the waist and are longer in length, compared to women's. It's important that the top fits below the hips, so they're properly covered while you're being active at work.
- Bottoms - your bottom scrubs should complement your shape and work duties. Men mainly choose straight-leg bottoms. However, no matter how simple the fit seems, it's a good idea to measure yourself, especially if you're shopping online.
Loosely put the measuring tape around your natural waistline and write down the measuring size. For your hips, stand with your feet a few centimetres apart and measure around the fullest part of your hips while wearing your undergarments. Finally, measure the inseam. Measure along inside your leg (from below the crotch to 2.5cm below the ankle). Your bottom scrubs should feel comfortable and should put any pressure on any part of your waist, hips or legs. Also, you should be able to walk or even run freely.
Choose the Cut
Male scrubs should have straight lines and accentuate the shoulders. If you wear short sleeves, they should be flattering and show a little bit of biceps. When it comes to neckline, you can choose V-neck but avoid getting a model that goes below the armpits. You can also choose a crew neck even though most medical personnel chooses V-neck as it's easier to put on and of.
Finally, consider the waistband. Choose the type of closure that works for you: drawstring, elastic, button-front, or a mix. The important thing is that it moves with you, and you like how it suits you.
Don't Forget the Pockets
Pockets are important for healthcare providers. These people carry lots of things around such as stethoscopes, pens, thermometers, phones, etc. Consider the things you carry around with you on a regular day at the job. This will help you choose the type and number of pockets. It's good to have bottoms with two to four deep pockets, and a top with one chest pocket.
What About Colours
Some healthcare provider workers have a choice to choose the colour of their scrubs. If your workplace allows you that you can choose from many colours such as khaki, green, burgundy, navy or light blue, and of course white. Be sure to check more than one brand as not all of them offer the same hues. Also, consider how dynamic your job is and how often you'll be exposed to stains. This will determine how often you'll need to wash your scrubs (which can affect their durability and colour fade).
