Best Scrubs for Plus Size: Top Picks

Working in a busy healthcare environment, it’s essential you find clothing that’s comfortable, supportive, functional, and stylish. These are certainly the areas our customers tell us they prioritize – but when looking for the best scrubs for plus-size individuals, finding the right fit isn’t always simple.

This might be surprising – especially considering research shows the average Australian woman, for example, is plus-sized! But, don’t worry – we’re here to help.

Sourcing a good plus-size fit will ensure you’re comfy, protected, and ready to face long shifts and all kinds of challenges. In this guide, we’ll take a look at what you need to know about plus-size scrubs and where to find them.

Common Features to Look for in Plus-Size Scrubs

When shopping for plus-size scrubs, you’ll likely find that they share common features with other sizes and styles of healthcare uniforms. However, the most flattering and functional features you should look for in these scrubs include flexibility and movement support, the right neckline, and breathable fabrics.

Comfort and Flexibility

Comfort and flexibility in any healthcare setting is important if you’re on your feet throughout the day. Therefore, it’s worth looking for comfortable fabrics such as cotton, which is amazingly breathable and offers the best natural comfort in scrub fabrics.

The best plus-size scrub tops and scrub pants should always have some ‘give’. For example, try to prioritize pants with elasticated waistbands and tops that are slightly oversized, where possible.

Support and Durability

The durability of plus-size scrubs typically depends on the fabric from which they are made. For example, polyester is one of the hardest-wearing fabrics commonly found in scrubs ranges for medical professionals. Durability means that, even shift after shift, your scrubs will still be enduring wear after wear.

For extra support, consider plus-size scrubs in spandex, which is famously stretchy to allow for an extended range of movement. Ultimately, you need scrubs that will support you in fast-paced environments where you need to bend and squat in various directions!

Ease of Cleaning

One of the most important features our customers say they look for is ease of cleaning. Some scrub tops and pants are easier to clean than others, while others may require special attention if, for example, you accidentally stain them on the job. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to check labels before you wash and dry – and, for the best results, check out what experts have to say:

“Cotton fabrics should be washed in warm or cool water. This way you will prevent shrinkage or ruining the fabric. Use a toxin-free detergent and be sure to treat any spots or stains as soon as you notice them.”

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Functionality and Added Features

Don’t stop shopping based on the fabric – check plus-size scrubs for features such as accessible pockets, which are handy for storing pens or pagers on the go. For convenience, it’s also worth looking for zippers and snap closures for extra security, as well as loops and D-rings that make it easy for you to hold your ID.

How to Find the Right Fit

To find the right fit in plus-size scrubs, you first need to measure your body accurately, and consult the size guides of some of the best-trusted scrubs manufacturers online. You should also consider your body shape, not just size.

Understanding Plus-Size Scrub Sizes

While shopping, remember that ‘plus-size’ is a relative term, and its definition can vary from brand to brand. We arrange our plus-size scrubs from L upwards, easy for you to filter down when browsing our store. The best step to take initially is to measure yourself carefully and to compare your measurements to sizing charts before you buy.

Across genders, that means carefully measuring your waist, inseam, hips, and chest or bust. These measurements are typically listed on plus-size scrubs sizing guides. From pants to nursing scrubs jackets, it’s always a good idea to check the fine print.

Don’t just assume that because you fit a ‘2XL’ with some fashion lines, that you’ll be the same size in scrubs.

Tips for Choosing the Best Fit

Here are some quick tips on how to find the best plus-size scrubs for you:

• Keep your body shape in mind: Don’t just look at sizing labels. If you’re a pear shape, for example, consider looking for flared tops and straight pants to complement your hips. If you’re an apple shape, look for loose fits.

• Trust what others say: Read reviews from customers who have purchased plus-size scrubs for an honest lowdown on how supportive and comfortable scrubs can be. Don’t just take the word of marketing!

• Consider sizing up – or sizing down: As mentioned, size guides will vary from brand to brand. Make sure you measure accurately, and for more flexibility and breathability, look for larger sizes. However, there’s no harm in sizing down for a fitted look – just be aware it might come at the expense of movement.

Top Brands for Plus Size Scrubs 

We’re pleased to offer a range of top plus-size scrubs brands here at Medshop, with the two most popular lines belonging to Cherokee and Dickies. Both manufacturers are famous for offering the best scrubs for healthcare professionals across the board.

herokee

Cherokee is the leading choice in exceptional scrubwear quality in Australia right now. Their lines are carefully tailored to offer maximum comfort and flexibility, and have one of the biggest colour and style ranges in our catalogue. As you’ll see, they also support scrubs in a range of plus sizes. The Cherokee Workwear 4700 Scrubs Top, for example, sizes up to 5XL.

Dickies

Dickies scrubs are dynamic, stylish, and always worth relying on – and while its range of plus-size scrubs may be smaller than Cherokee’s in our online store, there’s still an impressive range of flexibility and comfort in store. For example, we offer a wide variety of women’s V-neck scrub tops, which size up to 3XL in Australia.

Stylish and Trendy Options

You don’t have to settle for baggy scrubs and unflattering fits – there are plenty of scrub tops and pants lines that are flattering and functional, from varied colour palettes to modern fits and designs.

Modern Fits and Designs

We almost exclusively retail in modern, stylish scrub options – from v-necks and short-sleeved options to layered pieces that work great in colder environments. Look for plus-size scrubs that accentuate your features while giving you confidence and flexibility to move around during busy shifts.

Color and Pattern Choices

Unless your workplace dictates it, you don’t have to stick to one particular colour in scrubs! For example, we retail scrubs in colours as broad and eye-catching as teal, red, pink, purple, and even rarer shades such as aloe and sage. Don’t be afraid to opt for patterns, either – there’s more flexibility in medical dress codes than you might think.

Seasonal Trends in Scrubs

As seasons change, so will your scrub needs. Therefore, in colder weather, consider layered scrubs, perhaps with vests or overshirts. Seasonal trends in scrubs don’t always follow fashion, rather, they follow comfort – but that doesn’t mean they look unflattering!

For warmer months, look for tops with venting and pants that offer breathable fabric and adjustable waistbands.

Where to Purchase Plus-Size Scrubs?

Medshop Australia’s ever-growing collection of scrub tops and pants always considers realistic body types, and therefore, we make sure to stock clothing lines that accommodate all sizes – from XXS to 6XL and more. 

We’ve also made it really simple to filter plus-size scrubs and brands in our online store – and you can toggle colours and embroidery options, too. 

Final Thoughts

Finding the right plus-size scrubs that offer the best balance of comfort, functionality, and style isn’t always easy. However, here at Medshop, we’ve brought together the best-quality and most popular lines in plus-size clothing for all healthcare professionals. Be sure to measure yourself carefully and to browse our full catalogue for inspiration!

Sources

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. (2023). Medical professionals. In www.accc.gov.au. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.accc.gov.au/business/competition-and-exemptions/associations-and-professional-services/medical-professionals

Cherokee Workwear 4700 Scrubs Top Womens V-Neck Navy. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/products/cherokee-scrubs-workwear-4700-ww-top-traditional-classic-navy

Cumper, C. (2023). Best Nursing Scrubs for Healthcare Professionals. In Medshop Australia. Medshop. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/top-nursing-scrubs-for-all-healthcare-professionals

Dickies Dynamix DK730 Scrubs Top Women White. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/products/dickies-dynamix-dk730-scrubs-top-women-white

How to wash different types of fabrics. (n.d.). In OrangeBag. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.orangebag.co/blog/how-to-wash-different-types-of-fabrics

Nursing Scrub Jackets - Warmth and Comfort. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/nursing-scrubs-jackets

Plus Size Scrubs: Comfortable Fit for All Sizes. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/plus-size-scrubs

Richards, H. (n.d.). We’ve Been Lied To — The Average Australian Woman Is Actually Plus-Sized. In www.refinery29.com. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/average-australian-woman-plus-sized