Working in healthcare is tough. You spend many hours on your feet, moving around, bending, and reaching. Because of this, what you wear matters a lot! Your work clothes, your scrubs; need to be comfortable, look good, and last a long time. They are more than just a uniform; they are your work armor.
But how do you find the perfect pair? It all comes down to the best fitting scrubs. This guide will help you understand why fit is so important and how to choose the best scrubs for you.
Why Fit Matters: The Importance of Well-Fitting Scrubs
Imagine running a marathon in shoes that are too tight. Ouch! It’s the same with scrubs. A good fit changes everything.
1. Ultimate Comfort for Long Shifts
Scrubs that are too tight will pull and pinch, and scrubs that are too baggy can get in your way. A well-fitting scrub set lets you move freely. It won't restrict you when you quickly need to move or reach over a patient. Comfort is key when you're working 8, 10, or even 12-hour shifts.
2. Looking Professional and Polished
Scrubs that fit well just look better. They give you a neat, professional, and put-together appearance. This can boost your confidence and make you look more capable and trustworthy to your patients and coworkers. You feel good, you look good, you do good!
3. Durability and Longer Life
Surprisingly, a good fit helps your scrubs last longer. When scrubs are too tight, the fabric is constantly stretched too much, which can make the threads break faster. If they are too big, they can drag or catch on things, leading to tears. The correct fit reduces this stress, so your scrubs stay strong through many washes and long days.
How to Choose the Right Fit: Considerations for Different Body Types
Finding the best fitting scrubs means understanding your own body. Scrubs come in many different shapes and sizes, and one size does not fit all.
1. Know Your Measurements
The first step is to know your size. Use a tape measure to find the measurements for your chest/bust, waist, and hips. Don’t just guess or rely on your street clothes size, as scrub sizing can be different.
2. Look for Body-Specific Styles:
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For Pear Shapes (Hips wider than shoulders): Look for V-neck tops, which draw attention up to your face and chest. Pair them with straight-leg or bootcut pants. This helps to balance your shape.
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For Apple Shapes (Wider in the middle): Try tops with a more relaxed fit around the stomach, like an A-line shape, and drawstring pants for comfort. Jogger-style pants can also be a good choice for movement.
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For Hourglass Shapes (Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist): You can choose more fitted styles that show off your natural waist. Stretchy, tapered pants work well.
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For Petite or Tall Frames: Always look for brands that offer "Petite" or "Tall" sizes. Petite scrubs have shorter pants and tops, and Tall scrubs have longer pants and tops, so everything hits your body in the right place, avoiding tripping or awkward hemlines.
3. Check the Fabric
The material matters a lot. Look for blends of cotton, polyester, and spandex. The spandex gives the fabric a nice stretch, which is perfect for movement. Cotton makes them soft and breathable, and polyester helps them last longer and resist wrinkles.
Different Scrub Fits: Finding Your Style
The world of scrubs has moved far beyond the shapeless, basic uniform. Today, you have a few main fits to choose from, all falling under the umbrella of best fitting scrubs:
1. Tailored Scrubs: A Sleek, Professional Look
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What they are: These scrubs are cut closer to the body but are not too tight. They often have special seams (like darts or princess seams) that shape the fabric.
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Best for: People who want to look very neat, polished, and professional. They offer a modern upgrade to the classic scrub.
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Look for: "Modern Fit" or "Tailored Fit" labels.
2. Relaxed Fit Scrubs: Comfort Without Compromising Style
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What they are: These are the most comfortable and roomy. They give you extra space in the chest, waist, and legs. They are the closest to the "Classic Fit."
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Best for: Anyone who values maximum comfort and freedom of movement above all else. They are a great choice if you have to bend, lift, and move a lot.
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Look for: "Classic Fit" or "Relaxed Fit" labels. If you choose this fit, make sure they are not too big, or they will look sloppy.
3. Slim Fit Scrubs: A Modern, Streamlined Option
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What they are: This is the most body-hugging style. The pants are usually tapered or jogger style, meaning they get narrower near the ankle. The tops are fitted through the chest and waist.
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Best for: People who want a trendy, athletic, and streamlined look. They look great but make sure the fabric has enough stretch!
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Look for: "Slim Fit" or "Athletic Fit" labels, and make sure the fabric includes spandex.
4. Stretch Scrubs: Flexibility for Long Shifts
This is less about the cut and more about the fabric. Stretch scrubs are often made with a special four-way stretch material. This means the fabric moves with you in every direction. They are the key to comfortable scrubs that still look sleek.
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Best for: Everyone! This fabric is a game-changer for long, busy shifts that involve a lot of movement. They feel like athletic wear but look professional.
Brands Known for the Best Fitting Scrubs
When you're shopping for premium medical uniforms, some brands are known for getting the fit just right. Look for these names:
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FIGS: Very popular for their modern, slim fit, great style, and super-soft, comfortable fabrics. They are often seen as a top choice for a stylish look.
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Cherokee: A very well-known brand that offers a wide range of fits, including great options for classic and plus-size scrubs. They are known for being durable and having many colors.
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Grey's Anatomy by Barco: These scrubs are known for being incredibly soft, with a great fit that feels both professional and comfortable, often with good stretch.
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Jaanuu: Focuses on modern style and uses high-tech, flexible, and often antimicrobial fabrics for a great fit and function.
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Dickies: A reliable brand known for its durability and tough, comfortable materials that can handle the hardest work shifts and constant washing.
These brands often offer a great scrub fit guide on their websites to help you find the perfect size.
How to Care for Scrubs to Maintain Their Fit
Even the best fitting scrubs can lose their shape and color if you don't take care of them. A little bit of care will keep your scrubs looking new and professional for much longer.
1. Wash in Cold Water: Cold water is better for the fabric and helps keep the color bright. Hot water can make cotton shrink and make colors fade faster.
2. Use a Gentle Cycle: A delicate or gentle wash cycle is less harsh on the fabric, which helps maintain the scrub's original fit and reduces wear and tear.
3. Avoid High Heat in the Dryer: High heat is the main reason why scrubs shrink. If you can, air dry your scrubs or use the lowest heat setting on your dryer. Take them out while they are still a little bit damp and hang them up to finish drying. This prevents shrinkage and wrinkles.
4. Skip the Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners can leave a film on the material. Over time, this can actually block the special moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties of your stretch scrubs.
Conclusion
Finding the best fitting scrubs is one of the easiest ways to improve your long work shifts. It’s a simple decision with huge rewards. When your scrubs fit well, you feel more comfortable, you move with less effort, and you look more professional and ready for anything.
Don't settle for the old, boxy styles of the past. Use this guide to measure yourself, explore the modern fit options like slim or tailored, and choose a brand known for quality and great fit. Invest in a few pairs of quality, comfortable scrubs today. Your body, your confidence, and your patients will thank you for it! You deserve to be comfortable and look good while you are doing important work.