What Are the Best Scrubs for Petite Sizes?

Finding your ideal size in scrubs can be tricky – especially if you are of a petite build and are looking for outfits that are comfortable without swamping your body!

Many of our customers look for petite-specific options that give them freedom of movement and complement their personal styles. However, lots of people struggle to find tops and pants for smaller frames and with shorter rises – especially in the world of medical scrubs!

Thankfully, there are several leading brands of scrub designers that understand the needs of workers with petite builds! In this guide, we’ll take you through what to look for in scrubs for petite sizes, the features you should prioritise, and the brands that offer the best looks here at Medshop.

Practical Features to Look for in Petite Size Scrubs

Petite scrubs don’t have to start and end at just being smaller than most fits. In a busy environment, you have every right to demand comfort, flexibility, and ease of adjustability.

Here are just a few of the top practical features our customers say they look for when shopping for petite size scrubs.

Stretchy Materials for Flexibility and Movement

Healthcare workers are on their feet for long shifts – and petite workers are often going to find themselves getting snagged or slowed down by large clothing that barely fits them.

So, it’s always a good idea to look for polyester, spandex, and woven cotton options – these materials tend to support you best when you need to move around a lot.

Functional Pockets and Storage Solutions

Form and function are crucial when it comes to shopping for nursing scrub pants and tops in petite sizes. You never know when you might need to access your pager, for example, when moving from one area of your hospital to the next.

Always look for scrub tops and pants with accessible, functional pockets and storage solutions – don’t compromise fashion for function!

Adjustable Waistbands and Fits

Many people prefer to have the option to adjust their waistbands or to have the flexibility of elastic in their scrub pants. It’s a wise option for the most comfort when working in busy clinics, and it’s naturally a top choice if you’re working in healthcare while pregnant.

Ultimately, don’t choose a specific size outright unless there’s some flexibility – if you’re really unsure of how your scrubs might fit you.

Durability and Easy Care

Your scrubs are going to need to endure shift after shift, and if there’s one thing our customers prioritise, it’s fabric and manufacture that’s easy to clean and that dries fast.

You need a hygienic, easy-clean option that you can simply pop in the washer at the end of your shift, ready to dry and iron.

How to Find the Right Fit

The concept of ‘petite’ isn’t an exact one, however, we feel Macy’s advice on what constitutes ‘petite size’ is worth following:

“Petite clothing is specifically designed for women whose frames are 5 '4” and under, and the clothing has been cut proportionally to fit and flatter the petite women’s frame.”

Macy’s

Of course, you know your body and your wardrobe better than anyone, so always take this advice with a pinch of salt. And, ‘petite’ can apply to more than women, too! 

Let’s quickly look over some key points to consider.

Key Measurements to Focus On

Ideally, you should focus on your inseam, chest, bust, waist, and hip measurements when looking for petite scrubs. Many nurses we speak to, in fact, advise sizing up ‘one more’ than usual, prioritising flexibility in waistbands, etc., if needed.

Your height isn’t a major factor when choosing scrubs, however, consider your posture – measure yourself tense, with your shoulders back.

Understanding Scrub Sizing and Proportions

There are no reasons why a unisex or ‘classic’ scrub sizing or type won’t work for petite bodies. However, it’s usually worth looking for those that are specifically designed for people who are under 5’4 in height.

In many of the lines we sell, you’ll usually find that sizes XXS to S are most appropriate for petite people. Brands such as Prestige – who we will come to shortly – give you clear breakdowns of measurements for chest, waist, and hips before you buy.

Tips for Choosing the Right Scrub Size

As mentioned above, it’s often worthwhile considering ‘sizing up’ if you’re unsure of the perfect fit. However, always make sure that you measure your chest/bust, waist, and inseam at the least – with hip measurements also coming important for petite fits.

Petite people should also consider the length of their pants, too – too long, and you may need to hem them up! In which case, take care to look into the pant length before you buy.

Some scrub wearers also suggest that carefully measuring waist is crucial:

“For the tops, the most important measurement is waist, since the tops cinch in at least a couple inches.”

Missfrizzle101, Reddit

Finally, compare different brands and lines – some will have different looks and fits compared to others (e.g., some will be looser and more relaxed). And, read reviews from genuine buyers!

Top Brands for Petite Size Scrubs

Let’s quickly break down some of the top petite scrub brands available to buy here at Medshop.

Cherokee

Cherokee is one of the world’s most-trusted scrubs manufacturers, offering tops and pants that scale all the way down to XXS for men and women. 

Cherokee scrubs are some of the most feature-rich, too, with a broad colour palette and comfortable, flexible material options to keep you supported and free to move around.

Infinity

Infinity scrubs are a great choice for petite healthcare workers looking for the most durable and professional fits on the market.

Top features praised by our buyers include the brand’s commitment to wrinkle resistance, stretch, and moisture control. Most importantly, even the brand’s underscrubs size all the way down to XS.

Prestige Medical

Prestige Medical is a trusted brand for all manner of medical tools and accessories, but it’s also a great choice in smaller unisex scrubs, too.

Alteration and Customization of Scrubs

Of course, you don’t have to wear your petite scrubs as-is when you purchase them! Here’s some alteration advice.

Why Alterations Matter for Petite Scrubs

People who buy petite scrubs may find that pants, in particular, can be difficult to get right. In some cases, you may need to alter the length of your pant legs to prevent trip hazards. 

This tends to be one of the most common alterations, though people looking for petite clothing may also need to alter the neckline or taper the sides of their tops so that they fit more snugly.

DIY Alterations: Simple Fixes for Petite Scrubs

It’s entirely possible to hem up and alter pant seams either by hand or with a machine. This is especially recommended if, for example, you struggle to find a set of scrubs in a petite enough length.

Alternatively, if you need your scrubs pants to be a little more flexible or to offer more give, it may be worthwhile to take out any current drawstrings and sew in a new elastic waistband.

When to Seek Professional Tailoring for Scrubs

Professional tailoring for scrubs can be costly, however, it is sometimes recommended depending on how extensive your additions or alterations are.

We’d also recommend seeking professional tailoring if your weight or build changes significantly, or if you’re concerned about damaging your scrubs irreversibly.

How to style petite scrubs with comfort

Let’s close with some quick advice on how to style your petite scrubs while still prioritising comfort and flexibility.

Choosing the Right Fit for a Flattering Look

Don’t choose a size too big just because you can’t find the exact measurements! Compare different ranges and brands, and choose a fit that suits your body and flatters you. Choosing a flattering outfit – from the best scrubs for doctors, for example – is also great for boosting your confidence.

Opting for Stretchy Fabrics for All-Day Comfort

No matter what you do in a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare setting, you’re likely to be on your feet for much of the day – which means you need comfy, stretchy fabric that won’t rub or pinch. Prioritise looking for petite scrubs in cotton or polyester, as mentioned, for the most give and support.

Layering for Style and Function

Finally, layering is a great idea if you get cold easily or if your scrub top is a little too large for your build. Underscrubs can give your outfit a little extra depth, and are easy to adjust to your tastes and style.

Conclusion

Petite scrubs can be difficult to buy for, but remember, alterations and customisation are also possible if you’re struggling to shop for the right fit. That said, here at Medshop, we bring together some of the best brands in scrubs from XXS upwards – take a look through our catalogue and see if you can find a look that suits you!

 

Sources

Macy’s. (n.d.). Petite fashion guide. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.macys.com/p/being-petite/petite-size-advice

SedgeGrass. (2023). Help with scrubs sizing? Reddit. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.reddit.com/r/PharmacyTechnician/comments/15pgmtf/help_with_scrubs_sizing

Medshop. (n.d.). Nursing scrub pants. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/nursing-scrub-pants

Medshop. (n.d.). Best scrubs for doctors. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/best-scrubs-for-doctors

Medshop. (n.d.). Cherokee scrubs. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/cherokee-scrubs