Wrong scrub sizing is the single most common reason for returns at Infectious — and it's almost always the same mistake: assuming that your usual clothing size will transfer directly to a scrubs brand you haven't worn before. It won't. A Medium in Cherokee Infinity is cut differently from a Medium in Dickies EDS Signature, which is cut differently again from a Medium in Wink W123. Different fit philosophies, different ease allowances, different stretch characteristics — the same size label means different things across different brands.

This guide walks through exactly how to measure yourself for scrubs, what those measurements mean for each brand we stock, how to read a size chart correctly, and what to do when standard sizing doesn't work for your body type. Ten minutes with a tape measure before you order will save a return, a reorder delay, and a first shift in the wrong size.

Quick Answer: To size scrubs correctly in Australia, measure your chest (widest point), natural waist (narrowest point) and inseam (crotch to ankle), then compare against the specific brand's size chart — not a generic AU size guide. For stretch fabrics (Cherokee Infinity, Wink W123, Dickies Balance), size up if between sizes. For non-stretch fabrics (Dickies EDS Signature), size to your largest measurement. If you're over 180cm or under 160cm, inseam length is the most important variable — Cherokee Infinity is the only brand stocked at Infectious offering petite and tall options. Call our team on 1300 661 475 for sizing advice before ordering.

Browse All Scrubs once you have your measurements — or see individual brand size charts for Cherokee, Dickies and Wink.

In this guide:

1. How to measure yourself for scrubs

2. Brand-by-brand size charts: Dickies, Cherokee and Wink

3. Fit types: classic, modern, relaxed and jogger

4. Plus-size scrubs: what to look for

5. Petite and tall sizing in Australia

6. Troubleshooting common fit problems

7. FAQs

How to measure yourself for scrubs

You need a flexible fabric tape measure and ideally a second person to help with the back measurements. Take measurements over light clothing or underwear — not over a thick jumper or existing scrubs. Stand in your natural posture, not pulled up straight or slouching.

Four measurements cover everything you need to size both tops and pants across all three brands:

Chest / bust

Wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest — across the fullest point of the bust for women, across the widest point of the chest for men. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Do not pull in or puff out.

Used for: top sizing across all brands

Natural waist

Measure at the narrowest point of your torso — typically an inch or two above your navel. Bend sideways and note where your torso folds naturally; that crease is your natural waist. Keep the tape snug and horizontal.

Used for: pants sizing, drawstring reference point

Hip

Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat — typically 18–23cm below the natural waist. This is the critical measurement for pants sizing if you have a significant hip-to-waist ratio. For non-stretch fabrics, size to this measurement.

Used for: pants sizing — most important for non-stretch fabrics

Inseam

From the crotch seam to the ankle bone. The easiest method: take a pair of well-fitting trousers you own, lay them flat, and measure from the crotch seam to the hem along the inner leg. Most Australian scrub brands stock one regular inseam (~79–81cm). If you're under 160cm or over 180cm, inseam is your most critical measurement.

Used for: pants length — critical for petite and tall buyers

Write your measurements down before you open the size charts. Having your actual numbers in front of you — rather than trying to remember them while scrolling through a size table — is the single most effective way to avoid ordering the wrong size. Chest, waist, hip, inseam: four numbers, thirty seconds.

Brand-by-brand size charts: Dickies, Cherokee and Wink

These size charts are based on body measurements in centimetres — not garment measurements. Compare your tape measure numbers directly against the ranges below. If your measurement falls exactly on a size boundary, use the tie-breaking rules noted for each brand.

Dickies EDS Signature & Balance — women's sizes

Size	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)	Hip (cm)
2XS	76–81	58–63	84–89
XS	81–86	63–68	89–94
S	86–91	68–73	94–99
M	91–97	73–78	99–104
L	97–104	78–84	104–111
XL	104–112	84–91	111–119
2XL	112–120	91–99	119–127
3XL	120–128	99–107	127–135
4XL	128–137	107–116	135–144
5XL	137–147	116–126	144–154

Dickies EDS Signature has no stretch — size to your largest measurement. If your bust and hip point to different sizes, choose the larger. Dickies Balance has 4-way stretch — size to your bust measurement and the stretch accommodates.

Cherokee Infinity & Workwear Professionals — women's sizes

Size	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)	Hip (cm)
XS	79–84	61–66	86–91
S	84–89	66–71	91–97
M	89–96	71–78	97–104
L	96–104	78–86	104–112
XL	104–112	86–94	112–120
2XL	112–122	94–104	120–130
3XL	122–132	104–114	130–140
4XL	132–142	114–124	140–150
5XL	142–152	124–134	150–160

Cherokee Infinity has 4-way stretch with a generous cut — size down one if you prefer a closer fit. Workwear Professionals has modest stretch — true to size in most cases. If between sizes, size up.

Wink W123 — women's sizes

Size	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)	Hip (cm)
XS	81–86	63–68	89–94
S	86–91	68–73	94–99
M	91–97	73–78	99–104
L	97–104	78–84	104–111
XL	104–112	84–91	111–119
2XL	112–120	91–99	119–127
3XL	120–130	99–109	127–137

Wink W123 has a fitted cut — runs slightly smaller than Dickies or Cherokee. Size up one if you are between sizes or prefer a relaxed fit. The jogger pant also tapers through the calf — size up if your calf measurement is wider than average.

Men's sizing summary

Brand	Size range	Key fit note	Between sizes?
Dickies EDS Signature (men)	XS–5XL	No stretch. Classic straight cut with extended shoulder/torso.	Size up — no stretch to accommodate
Dickies Balance (men)	XS–3XL	4-way stretch. Modern athletic cut — true to size.	Size up for comfort
Cherokee Infinity (men)	XS–5XL	4-way stretch. Generous relaxed cut — can size down one.	Size up for comfort
Wink W123 (men)	XS–3XL	4-way stretch. Fitted modern cut — runs narrow in shoulder.	Size up, especially at shoulder

Fit types: classic, modern, relaxed and jogger

Your size and your fit type are separate decisions. Once you know your size, you still need to choose which cut works for your body shape and role. Here's what each fit type actually means in practical terms — not marketing language.

Fit type	What it means	Best body types	Best roles
Classic	Straight, relaxed through body and leg. No tapering at waist or hem.	All body types. Most forgiving of measurement variance.	Public hospitals, theatre, any strict uniform environment
Modern / contemporary	Slightly tapered at waist and through the leg. Closer fit without being tight. More structured silhouette.	Average-to-slim builds. Less flattering if hip-to-waist ratio is significant without stretch fabric.	GP, dental, private clinic, allied health
Relaxed	Roomier through the body than classic. Extra ease through hip and thigh. Comfortable for larger builds or preference for generous movement room.	Fuller figures. Men's Cherokee Infinity and EDS Signature use a relaxed cut.	Hospital nursing, aged care, community health
Jogger	Tapered from knee to ankle with gathered or ribbed cuff. Wide yoga waistband typically. Fits closer through the calf.	Slim to average calves. Size up if calf is wider. Not ideal for very tall frames — check inseam before ordering.	Vet, dental, physio, GP — non-acute clinical settings

Plus-size scrubs: what to look for

Finding well-fitting scrubs in larger sizes is a real challenge in Australian healthcare — most brands extend their size range without extending their fit thinking, which means plus-size styles are often just scaled-up versions of standard cuts that don't actually fit plus-size bodies well. Here's what to look for in each brand we stock, and what to avoid.

Stretch fabric is essential

Four-way stretch accommodates curves and movement without the rigid sizing constraints of woven non-stretch fabrics. Cherokee Infinity and Wink W123 are the two best plus-size stretch options in the range. Dickies EDS Signature (no stretch) requires precise sizing to the largest measurement — there's no give if you're between sizes.

Longer torso length matters

Larger body sizes need proportionally longer tops to achieve adequate coverage when bending and reaching. Cherokee Infinity's plus-size range (2XL–5XL) includes extended torso lengths. Check the garment length measurement on each style — a top that's adequate in length at a standard size may be too short at 3XL or 4XL.

High-rise or yoga waistband for pants

For plus-size pants, a wide yoga-style waistband (Wink W123 jogger) or a generous drawstring + elastic combination (Cherokee Infinity, Dickies) provide better all-day support than low-rise or slim waistbands. Avoid styles with a narrow elastic-only waistband at plus sizes — they tend to roll down over a shift.

The best plus-size options in the Infectious range by category:

Need	Best option	Sizes available
Best plus-size top overall	Cherokee Infinity women's V-neck — generous cut, extended torso, full colour range	Up to 5XL
Best plus-size pants for stretch	Cherokee Infinity straight-leg pants — generous cut, drawstring + elastic, 4-way stretch	Up to 5XL
Best plus-size for softest fabric	Wink W123 — microfibre feels comfortable against skin at any size, though range stops at 3XL	Up to 3XL
Best plus-size for hospital colour compliance	Dickies EDS Signature — widest colour range, up to 5XL, remember to size up as no stretch	Up to 5XL

For a dedicated guide, see our plus-size scrubs collection and our blog post on finding scrubs that actually fit at every size.

Petite and tall sizing in Australia

Inseam availability is the most under-served sizing problem in Australian scrubs. Most brands stock a single regular inseam (~79–81cm) — which works for people between approximately 163cm and 178cm. Outside that range, the options narrow considerably.

Petite (under 163cm)

Regular inseam scrub pants will pool at the ankles and create a trip hazard. The only brand stocked at Infectious with a genuine petite inseam option (~74cm) is Cherokee Infinity in select pant styles. Confirm petite availability by calling our team — stock varies by colourway and style. Alternatively, hemming regular inseam pants is a practical solution many petite healthcare workers use.

Recommended: Cherokee Infinity petite pant — call 1300 661 475 to check stock

Tall (over 178cm)

Regular inseam pants will finish above the ankle — a clinical compliance issue in some facilities and simply uncomfortable in others. Cherokee Infinity offers a tall inseam (~86cm) in select pant styles. For very tall frames (over 190cm), the tall inseam may still finish slightly short — this is a genuine gap in Australian scrubs availability. Call our team to discuss options before ordering.

Recommended: Cherokee Infinity tall pant — call 1300 661 475 to check stock

Petite and tall inseam availability changes with stock runs. Cherokee Infinity petite and tall options are available in select styles and colourways — not across the entire range. Always call our team on 1300 661 475 before ordering to confirm the specific style and colour you need is available in your inseam length.

Troubleshooting common fit problems

These are the fit complaints our team hears most often — and the solutions for each.

Problem	Likely cause	Solution
Top too short — rides up when reaching or bending	Female or unisex cut on a longer torso, or standard length at a larger size	Switch to a men's cut (longer body length) or size up one in women's styles that add torso length at larger sizes
Shoulder seams sitting too far inward	Women's or unisex cut not designed for broader shoulders	Size up one, or switch to a men's cut or unisex style with extended shoulder seam
Pants gaping at the back waist	Sized to hip but waist-to-hip ratio means excess fabric at back waistband	Switch to a style with drawstring + elastic (can cinch the back in). Wink W123 yoga waistband also handles this better than traditional drawstring-only waistbands
Pants too tight through thighs, fine at waist	Sized to waist, not hip/thigh in a non-stretch fabric	For non-stretch (Dickies EDS Signature): size to largest measurement. For stretch fabrics: switch to Cherokee Infinity which has a more generous hip allowance
Pants dragging on the floor	Regular inseam too long for your height (under ~163cm)	Order Cherokee Infinity petite inseam, or have regular inseam pants hemmed to your measured inseam length
Top fits at chest but too baggy through the body	Sized to chest, but style has a relaxed/classic cut adding excess ease through the torso	Switch to a modern or contemporary fit style — Dickies Balance or Cherokee Infinity contemporary women's cut — at the same chest measurement

Frequently asked questions

► Why doesn't my usual clothing size work for scrubs?

Scrubs brands use their own sizing frameworks based on body measurements in centimetres, not AU dress sizes. A size 12 dress and a size 12 scrub top from two different brands can have very different chest and body length measurements. Additionally, scrubs are clinical garments designed for physical work — they have specific ease allowances built in for movement that differ from standard fashion garments.

The only reliable way to find your correct scrub size is to measure yourself and compare against the specific brand's size chart. AU dress sizes, US sizes, and general clothing sizes are all unreliable references for scrubs.

► I'm between sizes — should I size up or down?

For stretch fabrics (Cherokee Infinity, Wink W123, Dickies Balance): size up if between sizes. The stretch will accommodate, and a scrub that's slightly large is more comfortable and more professional-looking than one that's slightly tight — tight scrubs restrict movement and highlight fit problems visually.

For non-stretch fabrics (Dickies EDS Signature): always size up, and always size to your largest measurement. There is no stretch to compensate for being between sizes — if your hip measurement points to L but your waist points to M, order L.

► Do scrubs shrink after washing?

It depends on the fabric. Dickies EDS Signature (55% cotton/45% polyester) can shrink slightly if washed above 60°C or tumble dried on high. Fully synthetic fabrics — Cherokee Infinity (95% polyester/5% spandex) and Wink W123 (100% microfibre polyester) — are dimensionally stable and will not shrink meaningfully at any standard hospital wash temperature.

If you've been sizing scrubs assuming they will shrink a size after washing, stop — you're likely consistently ordering the wrong size. Buy to your measured body dimensions, not to compensate for anticipated shrinkage.

► Can I get help sizing before I order?

Yes — call our team on 1300 661 475 or visit our showroom at 3/15 Page Street, Kunda Park QLD. We measure and advise on sizing for individuals and group orders regularly, and can recommend the right brand and style for your measurements and role. If you're organising a team or clinic order, we can coordinate a sizing consultation to reduce the likelihood of returns across a large group.

► What's the largest size available in Australian scrubs?

Cherokee Infinity and Dickies EDS Signature both extend to 5XL in women's styles at Infectious. Wink W123 goes to 3XL. Men's ranges: Dickies EDS Signature and Cherokee Infinity to 5XL; Dickies Balance, Wink W123 and Cherokee Workwear Professionals to 3XL. If you need a size larger than 3XL, Cherokee Infinity or Dickies EDS Signature are your primary options. Contact our team on 1300 661 475 to confirm specific style and colour availability at larger sizes before ordering.

► Do I need to size differently for tops and pants?

Often yes. Tops are primarily sized to the chest/bust measurement. Pants are primarily sized to the waist and hip. It's common for a healthcare worker to wear different sizes in tops and pants — for example, an M top and an L pant if your hip-to-bust ratio is significant, or an L top and an M pant if you have a broader upper body and slimmer hips.

Scrubs brands sell tops and pants separately for exactly this reason — you don't have to buy a set in matching sizes. Always measure separately for each garment type.

► Are maternity scrubs sized differently?

Yes. Maternity scrubs are cut with additional room through the abdomen and designed to accommodate a growing bump without pulling up at the front. They are sized by pre-pregnancy body measurements — so if you were an M before pregnancy, start with an M in the maternity range. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to size up. See our maternity scrubs collection for full sizing guidance.