Are your uniform scrubs making an excellent first impression?

Your clothing says a lot about you at first glance, especially in the medical profession. You must be presentable from head-to-toe to come across as neat and professional.

Modern scrubs come in several fits, patterns, and colours. Ultimately, the best scrubs for you will depend on your personal preferences. Do you want a tailored look, or do you prefer a scrub that’s breezy and loose-fitting? Maybe bright colours or prints are your thing?

Finding stylish scrubs that are functional can be a challenge. Regardless of the style you choose, nurse scrubs must be comfortable. They shouldn’t limit your movements. 

Show up ready to work and excited about your scrubs with this guide to the best scrubs for nursing.

How Should Scrubs Fit?
When choosing scrubs, you must pay special attention to their fit. Compare uniforms based on their comfort and quality, and don’t forget that you’re going for a polished look.

Comfortable but High-Quality
When it comes to uniform scrubs, you don’t have to compromise style for comfort. Modern synthetic fabrics give you the best of both worlds being comfortable and durable and often feature stretch for extra comfort.
Pay attention to the fit of the overall uniform, making sure the waist isn’t too tight. Also, be sure the waistband will keep your scrubs in place as you bend down.
When choosing scrubs, look for pants that are made of high-quality materials. Some discounted brands will use thin materials that you can see through, indicating a poorly made product. 

Trendy yet Professional
In a hospital setting, you should strive to project a professional appearance. Don’t ruin it by allowing your intimates to show through your uniform.
The cheap, thin scrubs that we just mentioned are not enough to keep your underwear from showing through. This is especially true with lighter coloured pants. You shouldn’t have to buy special underwear each time you wear your favourite white scrubs to work.
You also never want to wear a revealing scrub top. Some scrub tops come in V-neck styles, which are cute but can show too much if you’re not careful. If you’re worried about how professional your uniform is, stick to a timeless scrub design.

Choose Scrubs That Complement Your Body Type
Not only must your scrubs follow any uniform policies for your job, but you must also be sure they fit correctly. To get the right fit when shopping for scrubs, choose according to your body type.

Pear or Apple Shape
If you have a broader chest, waist, and hips, you have an apple shape. People with a pear-shaped body have a smaller chest combined with a wider waist and hips. 
While you might struggle to find scrubs that flatter your body, there are a few options that should work well.
Women with a pear or apple shape should stick with solid colours or bright colours with dark side panels. If you’re adventurous, try a printed top with embellishments along the neckline. It’s essential that your top fits well and is not too tight or too loose. Choose straight, flare, or wide-leg pants for the best, most flattering result.
If you are a man built with a pear or apple shape, you should consider darker scrub tops. If your job allows it, try a polo shirt instead of a scrub top. Choose relaxed-fit pants in solid colours and make sure it’s something you’re comfortable wearing for those 12-hour shifts.

V-Shape
V-shape is how we describe bodies with wide shoulders and a skinny waist. If you’re V-shaped, you probably have a broad chest, but smaller hips.
V-shaped women look best in solid-colour tops, empire-waist tops, and mock-wrap tops. The latter two inches above the waist, but fit well in the chest. These fits, in addition to V-neck tops, elongates the torso. When selecting bottoms to go with these tops, try flare, cargo, or wide-leg fits if a straight leg isn’t your thing.

Again, a polo shirt works well for men with this body shape. If that’s not allowed where you work, try layered, V-neck, and unisex tops. Layered tops are also a possible option. V-shaped men look best in cargo, fitted, and drawstring pants.

Hourglass Shape
Hourglass-shaped people have thin waists with large hips and chests. Hourglass is a familiar shape for women.
Women with hourglass shapes should search for flattering tops that stretch. Mock wrap tops and empire waist tops are excellent options. Pair these with straight, wide leg, or flare pants.

Take Your Measurements
Before you go shopping, make sure you take your measurements. 
To measure yourself, take a flexible tape measure and measure yourself around your chest, waist, hips, and inseam. For the most accurate results, have someone else take your measurements for you.

Record measurements in the following way:

Chest (or bust): Measure underneath your arms, around the fullest part of the chest

Waist: Find your natural waistline while holding the tape measure loosely
Hips: Stand with your feet together to measure around the fullest part of your hips

Inseam: Measure along the inside of your leg to an inch below your ankle
Have your measurements handy as your shop, especially online, to be sure you get the perfect fit. For a fitted look, choose your correct size. If you like your scrubs to be loose, select a size up.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Nurse Scrubs
Once you know your size, you can have fun deciding which scrubs are right for you. There are dozens of styles, patterns, and colours to choose from. 

Here are some factors to consider as you search:

Price
For the most part, you get what you pay for with quality scrubs.
You might get lucky and find cheap ones that work well for you, but keep in mind how well scrubs will last over time. If you pay more now, you may find yourself falling in love with scrubs that will last you a long time.
As seasons change, you may find many collections of high-quality scrubs on sale.

Trend
Scrub styles change with the seasons, as with any other items of clothing.
You can’t go wrong with basic scrub styles, though. If you’re planning to work as a nurse for a long time, you’ll thank yourself for investing in scrubs with a standard fit.
Standard doesn’t have to mean boring, though. Trust your decision, knowing that comfort will always be “on-trend.”

Neck Shape
Scrubs tops are designed with several neck types, including V-neck, mock wrap, round, and square. Modern designers have even added U-shape, scoop neck, and split-neck styles.
These neck shapes give you the ability to step out of the box with your uniform. Try on multiple styles to see which flatters your neckline and chest the most. Once you know which style you prefer, it’ll be easier to make a decision next time it’s time to refresh your work wardrobe.

Pockets
If you keep things in your pockets, you’ll be happy to discover that you can buy scrubs with pockets, too! We all know how much nurses love their pockets.
Traditional scrubs have chest pockets, but if you find that it draws too much attention to your chest, you can skip them. However, if you’re someone that likes to keep a pen in your chest pocket, you’re in luck.
Some scrub pants also have patch pockets, which are more popular for men than women.

Colour
White and blue are the classic colours used to signify doctors and nurses. Many hospitals now allow their employees to pick scrubs in the colour of their choosing.
Colours are a fun way to show your personality. If there aren’t any rules, go wild, but know that dark colours hide stains much better than lighter shades.

Long or Short
If you’re taller or shorter than the average person, you can find well-fitting scrubs, too. Most brands provide tops and bottoms in long and short styles.
Pay attention to the brands that offer these styles, so you don’t have to waste time and money visiting a tailor with your work uniform.

Fit
We’ve discussed fit a bit already, but we cannot stress enough how important it is when choosing your uniform.
Most scrubs are designed in a loose-fit, but modern scrubs also come in slim varieties.
Whichever you choose, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your scrubs. You’ll be at your best when you’re wearing scrubs that fit well.

Side Slits
Some scrubs are designed with side slits. These are stylish, but functional, too. They will allow you to bend more freely and provide air to keep your scrubs from becoming too hot.
If you’re tall, be careful. Side slits can show torso skin when you reach if your tops aren’t long enough.

Drawstrings or Buttons
Most scrub pants come with a drawstring or buttons to keep them up on your hips. Bottoms with elastic waistbands are usually the most comfortable.
With drawstring pants, make sure they don’t slide down your hips as you walk or bend over. The last thing you want is to show your underwear to your patients or coworkers!

Shop the Best Scrubs for Nursing
If you’re new to shopping for scrubs, don’t worry, you’ll find a style and fit that is flattering and comfortable. It just takes a little trial and error to get the best nursing scrubs.

Remember, go for high-quality materials instead of searching for a discount. Not only will this save you time and money, but you’ll also look your best on the job.
We have scrubs for nurses working in any industry, in a variety of styles. Check out our collections and shop the best scrubs for nursing. Create an account and save your favourite selections!

Best scrubs brands Australia: Dickies, WonderWink, Zoe and Chloe and Infectious.

Best scrubs collections: Dickies EDS, Dickies Xtreme Stretch, WonderWink Origins, WonderWork and W123.