Ordering scrubs for a team is one of the most common — and most underestimated — responsibilities for practice managers. The wrong decisions can lead to ongoing issues with sizing, colour mismatches, staff dissatisfaction and time-consuming reorders.
This guide explains what practice managers should know before ordering scrubs for a team, helping clinics avoid common mistakes and build a uniform system that works long-term.
Start With a Clear Uniform Strategy
Before selecting specific scrub styles, clinics should define a clear uniform strategy. This prevents confusion as teams grow and change.
Key questions every clinic should answer:
- Which roles will wear scrubs?
- Will colours differ by role or department?
- Will the clinic provide uniforms or require staff purchase?
- How will new staff be onboarded and reordered?
Clinics that answer these questions early experience fewer uniform disputes and smoother onboarding.
Common Sizing Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Sizing is the most common source of frustration when ordering scrubs for teams. Scrub sizing varies significantly by brand and cut, and a single size chart rarely works for everyone.
To minimise sizing issues:
- Choose brands with inclusive size ranges
- Offer multiple fits or cuts within an approved range
- Allow staff to try fitting sets where possible
- Use brand-specific size charts rather than generic sizing
Many fit complaints are caused by cut rather than size. This is why understanding brand vs cut differences in scrubs is critical for clinics.
Colour Consistency Is Critical for Clinics
Colour inconsistency is a major issue for clinics that reorder uniforms over time. Even similar shades can vary across brands or be discontinued.
Best practice for colour consistency includes:
- Selecting core colours with long-term availability
- Using the same brand and range for all staff
- Recording exact colour names and product codes
This prevents mismatched uniforms when new staff join or replacements are required.
Plan for Stock Continuity and Reorders
Uniform ordering is rarely a one-off task. Staff turnover, growth and wear make reorders inevitable.
When selecting scrubs, clinics should consider:
- Whether the range is designed for long-term production
- How easy it is to reorder individual pieces
- Supplier support for ongoing clinic programs
Clinics that choose low-cost or short-term ranges often face replacement issues later. This is why cost-per-wear matters more than upfront price.
Fabric Choice Affects Comfort, Heat and Longevity
Scrub fabric plays a major role in staff comfort and satisfaction — especially in Australian conditions.
Common fabric-related issues clinics encounter include:
- Scrubs that feel too hot during long shifts
- Visible sweat and moisture discomfort
- Fading after frequent laundering
Choosing breathable, durable fabrics designed for repeated washing improves comfort and reduces replacement frequency.
Embroidery Setup Should Be Done Once — Correctly
Embroidery improves identification and professionalism, but inconsistent setup can slow future orders.
Best practice embroidery setup includes:
- Finalising logo placement early
- Using consistent thread colours
- Saving digitised logos for future use
- Applying the same layout across all garments
Learn more about embroidery services →
Group Orders Simplify Uniform Management
Handling uniforms individually increases admin workload and inconsistency. Group ordering creates clarity and control.
Benefits of clinic group orders include:
- Centralised sizing and colour control
- Consistent embroidery across the team
- Streamlined onboarding for new staff
- Clear records for future reorders
Explore clinic & group ordering options →
Choose Brands Designed for Team Wear
Not all scrubs are suitable for clinics. Team uniforms require consistent sizing, durability and long-term availability.
Clinic-friendly brands designed for repeat ordering include:
Cherokee Scrubs · Dickies Scrubs · Wink Scrubs
These ranges support ongoing reorders and multi-staff uniform programs.
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FAQs: Ordering Scrubs for a Team
How many scrub sets should clinics provide per staff member?
Most clinics provide 3–5 sets per staff member to allow rotation and reduce laundering pressure.
Should clinics allow staff to choose their own style?
Allowing limited fit options within an approved range balances consistency and comfort.
What’s the biggest mistake practice managers make?
Choosing scrubs based on price alone without considering long-term availability and reordering.
How can clinics manage uniforms for new staff?
By standardising a core range and working with a supplier that supports ongoing reorders.
Is embroidery worth the extra cost?
Yes. Embroidery improves identification, professionalism and team cohesion.
