As clinics plan ahead for the year to come, healthcare uniform trends for 2026 are already taking shape. Based on ordering patterns throughout 2025, clinics are moving away from short-lived fashion trends and prioritising consistency, comfort and long-term value.
At Infectious Clothing Company, we work closely with healthcare teams across Australia, giving us real insight into the uniform choices clinics are already locking in for 2026.
Trend 1: Timeless Colours That Are Easy to Reorder
Colour consistency remains one of the most important considerations for clinics planning uniforms.
For 2026, clinics continue to favour colours that are professional, practical and widely available across established scrub collections:
- Navy
- Ceil blue
- Black
- Teal
- Deep green
These colours are consistently stocked across Wink, Dickies and Cherokee collections, making future reorders simpler.
Trend 2: Comfort-Driven Fabric Choices
Comfort-first design has moved from a “nice to have” to an expectation. Healthcare professionals are choosing scrubs with:
- Stretch for ease of movement
- Breathable, lightweight fabrics
- Durability for frequent washing
Collections such as Wink Boundless, Wink W123, Wink Renew, Dickies Balance and Cherokee Revolution reflect this shift toward performance-focused workwear.
Trend 3: Modern Fits That Still Look Professional
In 2026, clinics are embracing modern fits while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.
Modern Classic fits remain the foundation for most teams, while jogger scrub pants continue to gain approval for active and outpatient roles.
This balance allows clinics to support staff comfort without sacrificing brand presentation.
Explore popular options in our jogger scrub pants collection.
Trend 4: Consistency for Growing Teams
With ongoing staff movement across healthcare, clinics are prioritising uniform ranges with long-term availability.
Rather than frequently changing styles, clinics are selecting established collections that can support:
- New staff onboarding
- Replacement orders
- Multi-site consistency
This approach reduces admin time and ensures a cohesive team appearance year after year.
Trend 5: Embroidery as a Standard, Not an Extra
Custom embroidery has become a standard part of clinic uniform programs. Logos and name embroidery help reinforce professionalism and brand recognition.
As a result, clinics are planning embroidery earlier in the ordering process to ensure consistent placement and timely delivery.
Learn more about our custom embroidery service.
What These Trends Mean for Clinics in 2026
The biggest uniform trend for 2026 is planning ahead. Clinics that finalise colours, collections and branding early benefit from:
- Better stock availability
- Smoother embroidery turnaround
- Faster uniform rollout for new staff
Get ahead of the January rush and secure your clinic uniforms early.
Common scrub problems (and how to fix them)
- Why Your Scrubs Fade After Washing (And How to Stop It)
- Scrubs Too Hot at Work? How to Choose Breathable Scrubs for Long Shifts
- Scrubs Showing Sweat? What Causes It (And How to Avoid It)
- My Scrubs Don’t Fit Right — Is It the Brand or the Cut?
- Why Cheap Scrubs Cost More in the Long Run (Cost vs Cost-Per-Wear)
FAQs
What are the main healthcare uniform trends for 2026?
Clinics are prioritising classic colours, durable stretch fabrics, modern fits and long-term consistency.
Are jogger scrubs still popular in 2026?
Yes. Jogger scrub pants continue to grow in popularity, especially for active and outpatient roles.
Should clinics order uniforms before the new year?
Yes. Ordering early helps avoid delays and ensures consistent uniforms for new and existing staff.
