When it comes to buying medical scrubs, there are a number of important factors to consider. From material and fit to durability and style, there are many things to take into account in order to ensure you get the best scrubs for your needs. In this article, we will be discussing 10 key things to consider when buying medical scrubs, to help you make an informed and confident purchase. Whether you are a medical professional, a student, or simply in need of a new set of scrubs, this guide will provide you with valuable information to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Consideration 1: Fit
Fit is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right size of scrubs. Scrubs should fit comfortably and not be too tight or too loose. This is especially important for healthcare workers who are on their feet for long periods of time and need to move around frequently. Clothing that is too tight or restrictive can cause discomfort, chaffing, and even injury. On the other hand, clothing that is too loose may inhibit movement and create a tripping hazard.
We are fully aware that fit is completely preference based, so make sure your next medical scrubs fit you according to what you and your body prefers.
When trying on scrubs, make sure to move around in them to ensure that they allow for a full range of motion. Make sure that the scrubs are not too tight across the chest, shoulders, or waist, as these areas may restrict movement and cause discomfort. Also, pay attention to the length of the arms and legs, as these areas should not be too long or too short.
It’s also important to consider the fabric and construction of the scrubs when assessing the fit. Look for scrubs made from breathable, lightweight materials that will keep you cool and dry throughout the day. Avoid fabrics that are too thick or heavy, as these can cause discomfort in warm environments. Additionally, choose scrubs with a good amount of stretch to allow for a greater range of motion and flexibility.
It’s also important to consider the style of the scrubs. Some styles are designed to be more form-fitting, while others are meant to be looser and more relaxed. Be sure to choose a style that fits your body type and personal preferences. If you’re in between sizes or have trouble finding the right fit, adjustable scrubs may be a good option.
It’s important to try on scrubs before purchasing them to ensure the right fit. If you’re unable to try them on, be sure to check the return policy before making a purchase in case they don’t fit properly. It’s also a good idea to wash and dry the scrubs before wearing them, as this can cause shrinkage or stretching.
Consideration 2: Size Charts
Size charts are a helpful tool for choosing the right size of scrubs. Many scrub manufacturers provide size charts on their websites to help customers choose the right size. It’s important to measure yourself and compare your measurements to the size chart to ensure a proper fit.
When measuring yourself, it’s important to use a tape measure and to measure the areas that are most important for the fit of the scrubs. For example, you’ll want to measure your chest, waist, hips, inseam, and arm length. These measurements will help you to determine your size based on the manufacturer’s size chart. It’s also important to measure yourself while wearing the undergarments you’ll be wearing under the scrubs, as this can affect the fit.
It’s also important to note that different manufacturers may have slightly different sizing, so it’s a good idea to check the size chart for each brand you’re considering. Additionally, different styles of scrubs may have different sizing considerations, so be sure to check the size chart for the specific style you’re interested in. Scrubd uses industry-researched based Size Charts – meaning we have tried and tested the sizes based on many medical professionals and formulate a selection of sizes that cater to the broadest possible medical community. Check out our sizes here
It’s also important to keep in mind that the size chart is just a guide and may not be entirely accurate for everyone. It’s a good idea to try on the scrubs before purchasing them to ensure a proper fit, especially if you’re in between sizes or have trouble finding the right fit.
In some cases, you may not be able to try on the scrubs before purchasing them, such as when buying medical scrubs online. In these cases, it’s important to check the return policy before making a purchase in case the scrubs don’t fit properly. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews to see if other people have had trouble with the fit of a particular brand or style.
Overall, size charts can be a helpful tool for choosing the right size of scrubs, but it’s important to measure yourself, compare your measurements to the size chart, and try on the scrubs before purchasing them to ensure a proper fit.
Consideration 3: Comfort
Comfort is an important consideration when choosing the right medical scrubs, especially in warm environments like in South Africa. Scrubs made from breathable, lightweight materials such as cotton scrubs are a popular choice among healthcare workers in South Africa as they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. These materials can help to keep the wearer cool and dry throughout the day, which can be especially important in warm environments. Avoid fabrics that are too thick or heavy, as these can cause discomfort in warm environments.
Another way to ensure comfort is to choose scrubs with a good amount of stretch. This can allow for a greater range of motion and flexibility. Additionally, choose scrubs that have a good fit, not too tight or too loose, to avoid discomfort and restriction of movement.
It’s also important to consider the style of the scrubs when assessing comfort. Some styles are designed to be more form-fitting, while others are meant to be looser and more relaxed. Be sure to choose a style that fits your body type and personal preferences. If you’re in between sizes or have trouble finding the right fit, adjustable scrubs may be a good option. Consider this when buying medical scrubs on line or even in traditional stores.
Overall, comfort is an important consideration when choosing the right size of medical scrubs in South Africa. Look for cotton scrubs or scrubs made from breathable, lightweight materials and choose scrubs with a good amount of stretch and a proper fit. Additionally, consider the style of the scrubs and choose a style that fits your body type and personal preferences.
Consideration 4: Style
Style is an important consideration when choosing the right scrubs. Scrubs come in a variety of styles, including traditional unisex scrubs, women’s scrubs, men’s scrubs, pattern scrubs, colour scrubs, floral scrubs, and designer scrubs. Each style may have different sizing considerations, so it’s important to be aware of the specific style you’re interested in when choosing the right size.
Unisex scrubs are a popular choice among healthcare workers as they are designed to be worn by both men and women. These scrubs typically have a looser, more relaxed fit and are available in a variety of sizes. They are often made from breathable, lightweight materials and feature multiple pockets for storage.
Women’s scrubs, on the other hand, are designed specifically for women and may have a more fitted cut and a smaller range of sizes. They are often tailored to fit a woman’s body shape, with a more tapered waist and a wider range of sizes than unisex scrubs. They also feature more pockets and storage options than unisex scrubs.
Men’s scrubs are also designed specifically for men and may have a more relaxed fit and a wider range of sizes. They are often tailored to fit a man’s body shape, with a more tapered waist and a wider range of sizes than unisex scrubs. They also feature more pockets and storage options than unisex scrubs.
Pattern scrubs and colour scrubs are also available and can add a pop of personality to your work attire. Floral scrubs and designer scrubs are also available for those who are looking for a more unique and fashionable look.
When choosing the right style of scrubs, it’s important to consider your body type and personal preferences. It’s also important to keep in mind that different styles may have different sizing considerations, so be sure to check the size chart for the specific style you’re interested in. Additionally, it’s a good idea to try on the scrubs before purchasing them to ensure a proper fit.
Overall, style is an important consideration when choosing the right size of scrubs. Be aware of the specific style you’re interested in, consider your body type and personal preferences, and try on the scrubs before purchasing them to ensure a proper fit. You can also choose from a variety of options such as pattern, color, floral or designer scrubs to add a pop of personality to your work attire.
Consideration 5: Adjustability
Adjustability is an important consideration when buying medical scrubs. Some scrubs have adjustable waistbands, which can be helpful for getting the perfect fit. This feature can be particularly beneficial for healthcare workers who are in between sizes or have trouble finding the right fit.
Adjustable waistbands can be found in different styles of scrubs, including unisex, women’s, and men’s scrubs. They typically consist of an elastic band with a drawstring or button closure, which allows the wearer to adjust the fit of the scrubs to their body shape. This can be particularly useful for healthcare workers who may gain or lose weight throughout the year, as the adjustable waistband allows for a customized fit.
Adjustable waistbands can also be beneficial for healthcare workers who are tall or short. For example, some healthcare workers may find that the legs of their scrubs are too long or too short, but with an adjustable waistband, they can adjust the fit to their body shape. This can be particularly useful for healthcare workers who are tall or short, as the adjustable waistband allows for a customized fit.
Adjustable waistbands can also be beneficial for healthcare workers who are pregnant. During pregnancy, the body shape changes and adjustable waistbands can be a good option for accommodating the scrubs properly on the body, providing a comfortable fit.
When choosing scrubs with adjustable waistbands, it’s important to ensure that the waistband is made from a durable, long-lasting material. It’s also important to ensure that the drawstring or button closure is easy to use and adjust, as this can be important when trying to make quick adjustments throughout the day.
Overall, adjustability is an important consideration when choosing the right size of scrubs. Adjustable waistbands can be particularly beneficial for healthcare workers who are in between sizes or have trouble finding the right fit, tall or short, or pregnant. When choosing scrubs with adjustable waistbands, it’s important to ensure that the waistband is made from a durable, long-lasting material and the drawstring or button closure is easy to use and adjust.
Consideration 6: Durability
Durability is an important consideration when choosing your medical scrubs. Healthcare workers often put their scrubs through a lot of wear and tear, and it’s important to choose scrubs that are made from durable materials that can withstand frequent washing and daily use. Durable scrubs can help to ensure that the scrubs last as long as possible and that healthcare workers don’t have to replace them as frequently.
When assessing the durability of scrubs, it’s important to look for scrubs that are made from high-quality materials. Cotton and polyester blends are popular choices for scrubs as they are durable and easy to care for. These materials are known for their strength and durability, and they can withstand frequent washing and daily use. Additionally, they are breathable, lightweight, and easy to care for, making them a great choice for healthcare workers.
Another way to ensure durability is to look for scrubs with reinforced stitching and pockets. Reinforced stitching can help to prevent the scrubs from tearing or fraying, and reinforced pockets can help to prevent the pockets from stretching or tearing. This can help to ensure that the scrubs last as long as possible and that healthcare workers don’t have to replace them as frequently.
It’s also important to consider the care and maintenance of the scrubs when assessing durability. Look for scrubs that are easy to care for, and that can be washed and dried with ease. Avoid fabrics that are prone to shrinking or fading, as this can affect the durability of the scrubs. Additionally, be sure to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the scrubs last as long as possible.
Consideration 7: Colour
Don’t underestimate colour – You have to wear it for most of the day and you want to look and feel good, right?! That being said, many healthcare facilities have specific colour codes for different departments and roles, and it’s important to choose scrubs that meet these colour requirements. Additionally, some healthcare workers may prefer certain colours of scrubs for personal reasons.
It’s important to check with your employer or facility to determine what color scrubs are required or recommended for your role. Some common colors for scrubs include blue, green, and white. Different departments may have different color codes, with blue being used for surgical departments, green for medical and white for laboratory departments. For example, physiotherapists and occupational therapists are often seen wearing blue scrubs, while doctors are seen in white scrubs.
Color can also be a personal preference, some people may prefer to wear a certain color of scrubs because they feel it makes them look professional or it is simply their favorite color.
In addition to color codes and personal preference, it’s also important to consider the visibility of the color. Some colors may be more visible in certain lighting conditions than others, which can be especially important in emergency or low-light situations.
Overall, color is an important consideration when choosing the right size of scrubs. It’s important to check with your employer or facility to determine what color scrubs are required or recommended for your role, and also to consider personal preference and visibility of the color. Also, it’s good to be aware of the standard colors for different roles, such as blue for physiotherapists and occupational therapists and white for doctors.
Consideration 8: Pockets and Storage
Pocket and storage is an underrated consideration when choosing the perfect scrubs. Healthcare workers often need to carry a variety of items with them while on the job, such as medical instruments, phones, and personal items. It’s important to choose scrubs that have enough pockets and storage options in strategic locations to meet the needs of the worker.
One of the best places for pockets on scrubs is on the chest. Chest pockets are easily accessible, and they can be used to store items such as pens, phones, and small medical instruments. These pockets are usually located at the top of the scrub top, and they are often reinforced to ensure that they can withstand the weight of the items that will be stored in them.
Another good place for pockets on scrubs is on the side. Side pockets are also easily accessible, and they can be used to store items such as gloves, keys, and ID badges. These pockets are usually located on the side of the scrub top or pants, and they are often reinforced to ensure that they can withstand the weight of the items that will be stored in them.
Additionally, it’s also good to have a pocket on the leg, which can be used for storing personal items or small tools. This pocket is usually located on the thigh or the calf of the scrub pants, and it allows for easy access while on the go.
Consideration 9: Brand
Brand is an important consideration when choosing the right size of scrubs. Different brands offer different styles, sizes, and quality of scrubs, and it’s important to choose a brand that is known for producing high-quality, durable scrubs.
Popular brands of scrubs in South Africa include Tanc and Figs. These brands are known for producing high-quality scrubs that are made from durable materials and are designed to withstand frequent washing and daily use. They offer a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect scrubs to meet your needs. They are also known for their attention to detail, ensuring that their scrubs are designed with the needs of healthcare professionals in mind.
Another consideration is the reputation of the brand. Both Tanc and Figs have a reputation for being reliable and producing high-quality products. They are known for their modern and stylish designs, good fit and comfortable materials, and for using high-quality materials. They are also well-known for their excellent customer service, and for being responsive to customer needs and feedback.
Additionally, it’s also important to consider the warranty and return policy of the brand. Brands that have good customer service and offer warranties on their products, which can provide added peace of mind and protection for your purchase. Also, it’s important to check the return policy of the brand, to make sure you can return or exchange your purchase if it doesn’t fit or meet your expectations. Many customers in South Africa have recommended these brands for their durability, comfort, and style, making them one of the popular choices in the healthcare industry.
Consideration 10: Fabric
Fabric is an important consideration when choosing the right size of scrubs. Healthcare workers often put their scrubs through a lot of wear and tear, and it’s important to choose scrubs that are made from fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain. This will not only help to ensure that the scrubs last as long as possible, but it will also help to maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the scrubs.
When assessing the fabric of scrubs, it’s important to look for fabrics that are made from easy-care materials such as cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. Many online medical scrubs businesses offer a wide range of fabric options for their scrubs, such as cotton-twill, mini matt, polycotton, and scuba. These fabrics are known for being durable, easy to clean, and resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage. They are also known for being breathable, which can help to keep healthcare workers comfortable while they are working.
It’s also important to choose scrubs that are resistant to stains. This is important because healthcare workers often come into contact with various bodily fluids and other substances that can be difficult to remove from fabric. Look for scrubs that are treated with special coatings or finishes that can help to repel stains and make them easier to clean.
Many online retailers like Scrubd offers a wide range of fabric options like cotton-twill, mini matt, polycotton, and scuba, that can help to ensure that the scrubs last as long as possible, and maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the scrubs. We have a comprehensive description of our fabric available he/fabricre
Summary
This article provides a guide for buying medical scrubs, discussing 10 important factors to consider such as material, fit, durability, and style. It is aimed at medical professionals, students, or anyone in need of new scrubs, and aims to help them make an informed and confident purchase
