When it comes to scrubs, nurses and other professionals who wear them want comfort, durability and easy care. But it might come as a surprise that athleisure style has permeated even this corner of the apparel market, as joggers have become a must-have scrub style.
It’s not purely for the look, though. Turns out those fitted cuffs can come in handy for nurses and other pros who never quite know what the job will demand on any given day.
“We initially saw joggers as a trend that would fade quickly, but it seems to be here to stay,” says Michele Johnson, marketing coordinator for Houston-based supplier Spectrum Uniforms (PPAI 232515, Standard-Base). “For some wearers they are modern and fashionable, but I’ve learned from those who work day in and day out in the trenches, they serve a practical purpose.
“For example, an ER nurse told me that several times a day she has to hose down the emergency room floor and was always struggling to roll her pants leg up and hope they didn’t fall down,” Johnson adds. “With joggers, she can easily push them up, and they stay up while ankle-deep in water. Funny how one person’s fashion is another person’s functionality. It’s nice when they can coexist.”
Pockets are also a must, and you can never have too many, she says. Other sought-after details include loops to hold badges or pens and hidden zippers.
“Scrubs have come a long way with features and designs,” says Mychell Molnar, inside sales manager for Colorado-based supplier Scrub Authority (PPAI 387935, Silver). “Now more items are fashion-friendly, giving nurses and doctors the choice to have a scrub top with a hidden zipper or pocket and fit a little more snug instead of fitting like a burlap sack.”
Hospitals often use different scrub colors for different departments to help staff and patients easily distinguish among a variety of roles.
“Various shades of blue will always be most requested, as blue has long been associated with calmness, trust and caring,” says Johnson, “but we have seen colors such as dark gray and black become more sought after, especially in smaller clinic environments. We also see a demand for scrubs that align with a school’s colors for healthcare programs, both on the collegiate level and secondary.”
But think beyond hospitals, advises Molnar, because scrubs can make great uniforms for a variety of businesses, from dental and eye-care offices to spas, dispensaries, daycares and more.
Scrubs that provide more flexibility and comfort are what wearers want, says Johnson, and today you’ll find more options that offer both. During the darkest days of COVID, she adds, fabrics with an antimicrobial feature became popular. “The benefit touted is that it created an added layer of protection,” she says, “but more matter-of-fact is that it helps to extend the life of the fabric.”
Bottom line: Scrubs are far more comfortable and customizable today than they were even a decade ago, making them a great uniform option for more environments.
“Fabrics have come so far from the old school cotton/poly and 100% cotton scrubs you used to see,” says Molnar. “Now they have polyester, cotton, rayon, spandex, Lycra, bamboo, CiCLO, etc. There are recycled fabrics, fluid-resistant, antimicrobial for dental and hospital and fabrics that shed hair – think spas and vets.”
Here are a few options for scrubs that are both functional and fashionable.
These UltraStretch Jogger Scrub Pants offer ease of movement with four-way stretch and roomy legs, as well as two front waist pockets, a back patch pocket and a right cargo leg pocket. Available in 10 colors and women’s sizes XXS-5X and men’s XS-5X.
Spectrum Uniforms / PPAI 232515, Standard-Base
These on-trend Evolve Women’s Six-Pocket Terra Jogger Scrub Pants, made with recycled polyester and sustainable CiCLO, are soft, stretchy and breathable for all-day comfort. Available in nine colors and sizes XXS-5X (and petite XS-2X).
Scrub Authority / PPAI 387935, Silver
WYND Scrubs combine the feel of workout gear with an antimicrobial finish and wrinkle resistance. All garments feature multiple pockets, and the line includes tuckable scrub tops that can be worn loose or tucked. Available in six colors, women’s XXS-4X and men’s XXS-4X (some styles to XL only).
Spectrum Uniforms / PPAI 232515, Standard-Base
Spas can add a touch of contemporary street style with this Healing Hands x Dr. Kwane Women’s Vienna Quarter-Zip Scrub Top. It features a stand-up collar, quarter-zip opening, short dolman sleeves and a high-low hem with side vents, plus three pockets. Six colors; sizes XS-2X.
Scrub Authority / PPAI 387935, Silver
Add warmth with a Women’s Long Sleeve Layer Tee, cut in a trim fit to easily layer under scrub tops without extra bulk. Available in four colors and sizes XXS-3X.
SanMar / PPAI 110788, Platinum
Perfect for spas and salons, this tailored Ladies’ Sorrento Power Stretch Mock Wrap Tunic includes a Scotchgard finish that protects the fabric and adds soil release properties, and the stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric keeps the wearer dry. Available in black or gray and sizes XXS-4X.
Edwards Garment / PPAI 198530, Platinum
Hospitals and medical offices can be chilly. Keep staff cozy with a Women’s Premiere Flex Full-Zip Scrub Jacket, made with spandex for stretch. Available in eight colors and sizes XXS-5X.
SanMar / PPAI 110788, Platinum
