Scrub Sizing & Fit Guide 2026
Finding the right scrub fit can completely change how you feel at work. Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, student, allied health professional or aged care worker, your scrubs need to fit comfortably, move with you and stay looking professional across every shift.
At Infectious Clothing Company, we outfit healthcare teams across Australia daily. This guide breaks down how scrubs should fit in 2026 — with tips for women, men, petite, tall, plus-size and maternity fits, along with the best brands for each body type.
Key Takeaways – Scrub Sizing & Fit 2026
- Scrubs should provide freedom of movement across the shoulders, hips and waist.
- Women’s fits provide shaping; men’s fits offer more room through the chest and shoulders.
- Wink, Cherokee and Dickies offer inclusive sizing, stretch fabrics and modern fits.
- Plus-size scrubs should offer stretch, breathable fabrics and longer lengths.
- Petite and tall healthcare professionals should choose brands with extended lengths.
- Explore full options in our Plus-Size, Women’s and Men’s scrub collections.
How Should Scrubs Fit?
1. Shoulders & Chest
The shoulder seam should sit right at the edge of your shoulder. If it’s slipping down your arm, size down; if it’s pulling when you lift your arms, size up.
2. Body & Waist
Scrubs should skim the body without feeling tight. Look for shaping seams if you prefer definition, or classic fits if you prefer more room.
3. Length
Scrub tops should fall just below the hip for coverage. Pants should sit at the ankle (joggers) or fall straight to the shoe (classic cuts).
4. Movement
Healthcare roles involve bending, lifting, stretching and walking. Fabrics with spandex or elastane offer the best mobility.
Women’s Scrub Fits
Women’s scrubs are designed to follow natural curves through the waist, hips and chest. Popular women’s fits include:
- Tailored fit – structured, professional and polished
- Classic fit – slightly relaxed through the waist and hips
- Athletic fit – tapered and modern with stretch
Explore women’s options:
Men’s Scrub Fits
Men’s scrubs are designed with more room across the shoulders and chest, and often feature longer body lengths. Popular men’s styles include:
- Athletic fit – great for movement-heavy roles
- Classic V-neck – a universal clinical favourite
- Utility tops – extra pockets for tools and devices
Explore men’s options:
Plus-Size Scrubs
Plus-size scrubs should provide comfort, breathability and movement without feeling restrictive. Look for:
- 4-way stretch fabrics for mobility
- Longer lengths in tops and pants
- Elastic or knit waistbands for everyday comfort
- Curved side seams for shaping
Explore inclusive sizing in our:
Petite Scrubs
Petite healthcare workers often struggle with scrubs that are too long, too loose or oversized. Look for:
- Shorter pant inseams
- Shorter sleeve lengths
- Reduced torso length
- More tailored shaping
Cherokee and Wink offer excellent petite options with consistent sizing.
Tall Scrubs
Tall healthcare workers (generally 5’9”/175cm and above) benefit from scrub brands that offer longer inseams and extended torso lengths. This prevents:
- Pants sitting too high
- Scrub tops riding up during movement
- Restricted movement through shoulders
Wink and Cherokee both offer reliable tall sizing across multiple ranges.
Maternity Scrubs
Maternity scrubs in 2026 are designed to offer comfort throughout pregnancy with stretch panels, elastic waists and breathable fabrics.
Look for maternity scrubs with:
- Soft stretch side panels
- Flexible waistbands
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Longer lengths for coverage
Explore our maternity range:
Which Scrub Brands Fit Best?
Fit varies slightly between brands. Here’s a quick comparison:
Wink / WonderWink
- Generous stretch
- Modern fits
- Great petite, tall and plus-size options
Cherokee
- Structured, professional fits
- Excellent petite and tall sizing
- Breathable, durable fabrics
Dickies
- Durable workwear-inspired scrubs
- Reliable classic fits
- Popular for men’s sizing and plus-size needs
How to Choose the Perfect Scrub Size
Follow these steps for the best fit:
- Measure your chest, waist and hips with a soft tape measure
- Compare your measurements with the brand’s size chart
- Consider the fit you prefer — tailored, classic or relaxed
- Choose stretch fabrics if you’re unsure between sizes
- Always check petite or tall options if you fall outside standard height ranges
Uniform Programs for Healthcare Teams
Infectious supports uniform programs for clinics, hospitals, dental practices, aged care facilities and multi-site organisations. We can:
- Recommend sizes and fits for your whole team
- Provide sizing kits and sample sets
- Add embroidery and logos
- Organise bulk orders and easy replenishment
- Ship fast Australia-wide
Learn about uniform programs →
If fit is your main problem
FAQs – Scrub Sizing & Fit
How should scrubs fit?
Scrubs should skim the body without being tight and allow full range of movement through the shoulders, hips and waist.
Do scrubs run true to size?
Most modern scrub brands run true to size, but always check the size chart as lengths and fits vary by brand.
Are jogger scrubs flattering?
Yes — joggers are modern, comfortable and often more flattering due to tapered legs and knit cuffs.
Which brands are best for plus-size scrubs?
Wink, Cherokee and Dickies offer reliable plus-size ranges with stretch, durability and modern fits.
Do you have maternity scrubs?
Yes — we stock comfortable maternity options designed for stretch, support and breathability.
