Why Wear Printed Scrubs?
A bright print won't change the workload, but it can change the feel of a shift. Printed scrubs give patients something friendly to look at, give your team something to laugh about, and give you a bit of personality in a uniform you live in five days a week.
In short: printed scrubs (often called fun scrubs) are clinical scrub tops with animal, floral, seasonal or novelty prints instead of a solid colour. People wear them because they make clinical spaces feel less intimidating for patients, start easy conversations, build team spirit, and let you show a bit of who you are, while still being proper workwear that handles long shifts and hot washes.
What a fun print actually does at work
Healthcare is serious work. That's exactly why a little lightness goes such a long way.
It softens the room for patients
A cartoon crocodile or a bunch of daisies reads as warm and approachable. For anxious kids, nervous dental patients and residents in aged care, a friendly print can make the person in front of them feel less clinical and easier to talk to.
It's an instant icebreaker
"Are those alpacas?" is a much nicer opener than small talk about the weather. Prints give patients, families and colleagues an easy way into a conversation, which helps when you need someone to relax.
It brings the team together
Matching themes, a seasonal print week, or everyone turning up in something ridiculous on a Friday. Shared fun builds camaraderie and gives a busy team a reason to smile at each other between jobs.
It's a bit of you on a long shift
You spend more waking hours in scrubs than almost anything else you own. Choosing a print you love, whether that's paw prints, florals or something gloriously silly, makes the uniform feel like yours.
It's still proper workwear
The prints we stock come from established scrub brands like Cherokee, Dickies, Wink and Zoe + Chloe, so you get real pockets, stretch and fabric built for repeated washing. Fun on the outside, practical where it counts.
Not sure where to start?
Pick one top in a print you love and pair it with solid pants you already own. Easy.
See all printed scrubsPrints people are wearing
NNT
CATL1K NNT Native Xmas Women's Scrub Top
$34.95
Cherokee
CK856 Cherokee Grateful For Dog Print Scrub Top
$49.99
Cherokee
CK857 Cherokee Flamazing Skaters Print Scrub Top
$49.99
Cherokee
CK856 Cherokee Hippo Water Mus Print Scrub Top
$49.99
Cherokee
CK856 Cherokee Untamed Care Print Scrub Top
$49.99
Cherokee
CK856 Cherokee Game Night Print Scrub Top
$44.99
NNT
CATRJC NNT Native Xmas Unisex Scrub Top
$34.95
Cherokee
CK856 Cherokee Feliz Naughty Dogs Print Scrub Top
$49.99
Settings where printed scrubs shine
Every workplace has its own uniform policy, but these are the places where colour and character tend to be welcomed, and often encouraged.
Paediatrics & children's health
Bright animals and playful patterns give kids something to point at and chat about, which can take the edge off a scary appointment.
Aged care
Florals and seasonal prints help a facility feel more like home and give residents an easy conversation starter. See our aged care uniforms.
Vet clinics
Paw prints and animal motifs are practically the unofficial vet nurse uniform. Browse vet scrubs.
Dental & GP practices
A softer, friendlier look helps nervous patients settle. Subtle florals and geometrics keep it polished. See dental uniforms.
Start a Fun Scrub Friday at your workplace
Plenty of Australian teams have made Friday the day for prints. No sign-ups, no rules, just a reason for everyone to wear something cheerful at the end of the week.
Check it's okay
Have a quick word with your manager or check the uniform policy. Some roles need solid colours for identification, so agree on where and when prints are fine.
Pick a theme (or don't)
Animals one week, florals the next, festive prints in December. Or keep it simple and let everyone wear their favourite.
Kit out the team
Ordering for everyone? Business accounts get volume pricing at 10% off retail with no minimum order, and we can add names or your logo. See team orders.
Share the fun
Snap a team photo and tag @infectiousmedicaluniforms with #FunScrubFriday. We love seeing prints out on shift.
Real teams, real prints
Tips for wearing printed scrubs at work
- Let the top do the talking. Pair a busy print with solid scrub pants in navy, black or a colour pulled from the print.
- Match the print to the room. Big, bold novelty prints suit paediatrics and vet clinics; florals and geometrics read more polished for dental, GP and beauty clinics.
- Keep a solid set handy. If your role or ward needs solid colours some days, a print for Fridays and a solid set for the rest of the week covers you.
- Look after the colour. Wash inside out, avoid bleach and skip high heat in the dryer to keep prints bright for longer. Always follow the care label.
Printed scrubs: your questions answered
Are printed scrubs professional?
Yes, when the print suits the setting. Printed scrubs from established brands are cut and made the same way as solid scrubs, with proper pockets and durable fabric. Many paediatric, aged care, vet, dental and GP teams choose them because a friendly look supports good patient care.
Why do nurses wear fun scrubs?
Mostly because they help. A fun print can put anxious patients at ease, gives people something to chat about, lifts team morale on tough days, and lets nurses bring a bit of personality to a uniform they wear for long shifts.
Can I wear printed scrubs in a hospital?
It depends on your hospital and your role. Some wards use solid colours to identify roles, while others, especially paediatric areas, are happy with prints. Check your uniform policy or ask your manager before you buy.
What is Fun Scrub Friday?
It's an informal tradition where healthcare teams wear printed or colourful scrubs on Fridays to brighten up the end of the week. There's no membership or sign-up; teams simply agree to join in and enjoy it.
Can printed scrubs be embroidered with a name or logo?
Many of our printed tops can be embroidered in-house. Look for the embroidery option on the product page, and allow 5 business days for embroidery. For team orders, call us on 1300 661 475.
Ready to brighten up your shift?
In-stock orders without embroidery ship same day if ordered before 12pm AEST. Questions? Real people answer on 1300 661 475.