A Style Guide to How Scrubs Are Supposed to Fit
You’ve been wearing scrubs every day to work — and dealing with the baggy, saggy ill-fitting look.
You’re tired of your scrub top getting in the way of you getting your work done.
You need to find scrubs that actually fit you. But with so many scrub styles on the market, you have no idea how scrubs are supposed to fit or what to look for.
Let your worries go. We’ve got you covered — literally, we make medical scrubs.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about:
How scrubs are supposed to fit
The various styles of scrubs
How to find the right scrubs for you
Keep reading to learn more.
How Are Scrubs Supposed to Fit?
Have you ever been employed somewhere that they give you a few sets of scrubs? Did you love the way they fit?
Most likely, they were less than desirable.
Many people who are required to wear scrubs, especially those just starting in their field, have no idea how scrubs are supposed to fit.
Those free scrubs sound great — until you wear them regularly.
You quickly realize that unfitted, poorly made scrubs aren’t ideal for actually working in.
But then you’re left wondering, “How are scrubs supposed to fit?”
For the most part, fit is based on personal preference, but there are a few guidelines that we go by at Silver Lining Scrubs.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
Comfort
You’ve heard from all your friends how nice it must be to wear pajamas to work.
If only that were the truth.
Finding the perfect fit scrubs gets frustrating, but one part of the search is easy — knowing that comfort is key.
You don’t want them too loose that they get in the way of you doing your job, but you don’t want them so tight that they prevent you from doing your job either.
So wait, are scrubs supposed to be tight? Or are they supposed to be loose?
The best advice for good fitting scrubs? Learn your measurements, research different fabric types, and find scrubs that you can comfortably move around in.
Room for Layers
In an ideal world, you want to find a pair of scrubs that have room for layers.
Why? Because most healthcare settings are always cold.
But finding a pair of scrubs that allow you to be comfortable, get your job done efficiently, and leave room for layers is harder than it looks. At Silver Lining Scrubs, we have created comfortable, quality scrubs that will keep you warm without the need for layers.
Silver Lining Scrubs offers high-quality scrubs that are tailored to your body type.
They’ll keep you comfortable, and warm, for the entirety of your workday— even those dreaded 18-hour shifts.
Are Scrubs Supposed to be Tight?
No one wants to wear a pair of scrubs they can’t easily move around in.
Whether you’re bending frequently to help your patients or your running from one end of the facility to the next — tight scrubs are a no go.
Who likes the feeling of a scrub top that’s too tight around the underarm or bottoms that reveal your underwear lines? No one.
Fitted scrubs are going to be your best friend — not too tight that you have to worry about them ripping if you bend over — but not so baggy that they become a safety hazard.
The Benefits of Fitted vs Bulky Scrubs
Scrubs tend to get a bad rap for being bulky, baggy, and uncomfortable — especially for women.
But bulky scrubs are becoming a thing of the past — and thank goodness for that.
There are several benefits that come with wearing fitted scrubs. They:
Allow you to get your work done comfortably
Are form-flattering — confidence goes a long way, even in the workplace
Don’t negatively impact your productivity
How Should Scrub Tops Fit?
Remember, you’re likely working with patients all day — or moving around regularly.
You don’t want your top so tight that you’re uncomfortable, but not too loose that it’s easy to see your undergarments or your tummy when you reach up to help someone, either.
So, how should scrub tops fit?
Move around in your scrubs after the first wash.
Ask yourself some questions like:
Does your scrub top stay in place when you reach above your head? To keep things professional, you want to avoid showing midriff.
Is there enough breathing space between your underarm and your scrub top?
If you answered both of these questions with confidence, it’s likely a good fit.
How Are Scrub Pants Supposed to Fit?
Do the pants fall off of your waist when you have to bend down?
Or do you have to roll the waistband just to keep them where they belong?
Do they drag on the ground when you walk?
If so, you might want to reconsider that pair of scrub pants.
Scrub pants that drag on the ground are a safety hazard and a sanitation issue.
Look for scrubs that have a waistband that doesn’t dig into your waist, but still has a drawstring to help keep your pants where they belong.
Necklines, Colors, Pockets, and More
Today, scrubs come in so many different varieties — color options are endless, and thankfully, the styles have become more and more versatile.
Today...
Doctors
Nurses
Other healthcare professionals
Anyone who has to wear scrubs for a living
...can be comfortable and look professional.
Ideally, your scrubs will not snag easily — a full range of motion is important no matter what your body type is.
You need room to move.
Durability is also the key to a long-lasting, comfortable pair of scrubs. You’re going to be washing them often, so you want the material to last.
How Should Women’s Scrubs Fit?
Our body types are different, and the way we like our scrubs to fit varies based on each individual’s preferences — but one thing is for sure, we are not all created the same.
Women’s scrubs should complement their body type.
There is no reason that women can’t look professional and have confidence while in their scrubs.
Thankfully, we live in a time where scrubs are no longer “one-size-fits-all.” There are scrubs for every body type, like the ones listed below.
Fitting Plus-Sized Scrubs: Ideally, your scrubs will not snag when you move — a full range of motion is important no matter what your body type is.
You need room to move. Scrub tops with slits in the sides offer a bit more range of motion, while still being comfortable.
Fitting Maternity Scrubs: Life circumstances shouldn’t affect your ability to have professional-looking, comfortable scrubs. Search for scrubs that still make you feel good.
If you like the idea of accentuating your bump — look for scrub tops that have drawstrings in the tops and yoga bands in the waistbands, for extra comfort.
How To Measure Yourself For Well-Fitting Scrubs
We’ve already touched on why your scrubs should fit properly and how they should fit.
But how do you ensure you’re buying scrubs that fit you well, especially when purchasing them online?
The easiest, most accurate way to do this is to take your own measurements.
Grab a measuring tape, and let’s get started.
There are six main places on your body you’ll want to measure:
Height — With lengths ranging from petite, regular, and tall, we want to help you avoid purchasing scrubs that you are drowning in — or aren’t quite long enough.
Kick-off your shoes and let a friend or family member measure how tall you are (if you don’t already know). If you are under 5’4”, you are considered petite. Women who are 5’8” and above should consider purchasing scrubs that have “tall” options. These labels take into consideration the length of the pants, skirts, sleeves, etc.
Chest — To get the correct measurements for your chest, you’re going to measure its circumference. To do this, wrap a tape measure around your shoulder blades, under your armpits, and over the fullest part of your bust.
Waist — Stand with your feet together and loosely place the measuring tape around your natural waistline. This is the area between the bottom of your rib cage and the top of your hip bone.
Hips — Now, stand with your feet a few inches apart and measure the widest part of your hips. Keep your undergarments on for this, you’ll be wearing them under your scrubs for work.
Outside leg — This measurement is based on preference. Place one end of the tape measure at where you’d like your pants to sit, typically your waist, and run it down to the area you want the bottom of your pants to hit, for most people this is their ankle.
Inseam — You’ve measured the outside of your leg, now you need to measure the inside. Start at your crotch area and take your tape measure to the bottom of your ankle.
Men’s and Unisex Scrubs
There once was a time where all scrubs were created equally.
Women were stuck in men or unisex scrubs that looked unprofessional and were terribly uncomfortable.
Gone are the days when women should try to find unisex or men’s scrubs.
Silver Lining Scrubs has tailored scrubs designed specifically for women.
Finding the Right Scrubs For You
Thanks to Silver Lining Scrubs, finding the right scrubs is easy.
Simply take your measurements and head over to our website.
We offer quality scrubs that are comfortable and stain-resistant. Now, you never have to worry about wearing…
Baggy
Saggy; or
Uncomfortable
...scrubs that leave you feeling sloppy and unprofessional.