The Best Scrubs for Summer

Summer can be a difficult time to work on hospital wards and in medical clinics. Even if air conditioning is installed, soaring outside temperatures combined with hard physical work can make summer a challenging season for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. One way to combat the seasonal heat is to invest in lightweight summer scrubs. Wearing breathable, light summer scrubs should help you to stay comfortable even when the mercury is rising outside.

If temperatures in your workplace are starting to climb, take a look at our pick of the best scrubs for summer. Invest in some comfortable, seasonal workwear now and get through the coming heatwave unscathed.

 

What Are the Coolest Scrubs for Summer?

Selecting the right scrubs for summer is essential for maintaining comfort and focus during long shifts. When choosing summer scrubs, prioritize fabrics like cotton or blends with moisture-wicking properties to help manage sweat and humidity. Consider investing in scrub tops and scrub bottoms sets with mesh panels or ventilation features strategically placed to enhance breathability.

Additionally, pay attention to the fit of your scrubs. Opt for styles that allow for ease of movement and airflow, avoiding overly tight or restrictive designs. Loose-fitting scrubs not only promote better air circulation but also reduce the risk of chafing and discomfort, particularly in hot weather.

Accessorizing your summer scrubs can also contribute to staying cool. Invest in lightweight, breathable undershirts or moisture-wicking undergarments to further enhance comfort. And don't forget about footwear—choose breathable, supportive shoes designed for all-day wear to prevent overheating and fatigue.

Combining these insights with your personal preferences, you can create a summer scrub wardrobe that keeps you feeling cool, confident, and ready to tackle whatever the day brings. We would recommend the Cherokee Workwear WW530C Scrubs Set or the Cherokee Revolution WW615 Scrubs Khaki as a perfect option for a cool scrub.

 

What’s the Best Material for Lightweight Summer Scrubs?

There are a couple of things you need to consider when looking for lightweight scrubs for summer. Two of the most important are moisture wicking and breathability.

Our experience shows that synthetic textiles generally outperform natural fabrics in moisture-wicking properties. These fabrics draw sweat away from the body quickly and efficiently, keeping you dry even in very hot conditions and preventing odors and discomfort. For instance, polyester is one of the best moisture-wicking materials available, while nylon and polypropylene also perform exceptionally well in hot conditions. Based on this expertise, we recommend looking for summer scrubs that contain these textiles for optimal performance.

Cherokee Workwear Revolution WW610 scrub tops and Cherokee Workwear Revolution WW620 scrub tops both contain 78% polyester as well as 20% rayon and 2% spandex. This means they should be good at wicking moisture away from the body and keeping you dry during the summer months.

Another good way to stay cool in hot weather is to buy a set of breathable scrubs for summer. Cotton is one of the most lightweight, breathable fabrics there is, so selecting scrubs with a high cotton content should help to keep you comfortable in hot weather. Cherokee Workwear WW645, 4700 and WW650 scrubs all contain 35% cotton and 65% polyester. Some styles also have built-in side vents, making it even easier to keep cool in hot weather.

 

What’s the Best Colour for Summer Scrubs Tops?

Choosing bright, light scrubs for summer will help to keep you comfortable when temperatures start to rise. Dark colours tend to absorb heat while light colours reflect it, so try to avoid shades like navy and black when it’s hot outside. Instead, opt for lighter colours like white, light blue or pink scrubs for your summer wardrobe.

Another good reason to choose a light, bright scrub top is that it will look more cheerful and more summery. However, if your hospital has a colour code for its wards or roles, you may be limited as to the colours you can choose. If this is the case in your workplace, make sure you talk to your manager before you start shopping for your summer scrubs wardrobe.  

 

What to Wear Under Scrubs in Summer?

Most doctors and nurses choose to wear clothes under their scrubs when they’re at work. As layering up garments can trap warm air close to the body and make you feel even hotter, it’s important to think carefully about what you wear under your scrubs this summer.

When choosing undergarments, try to select pieces made from moisture wicking fabrics like polyester. Avoid tops made from cotton as it will trap sweat and make you feel damp and uncomfortable in hot conditions.

Choosing a tight-fitting top to wear under your loose scrub top can also help to keep your temperature down. Tank tops and t-shirts that fit tightly against the skin won’t trap as much air and so will allow heat to escape from your body more easily. Pairing a tight tank top with a loose-fitting scrub top should be the most cooling combination of summer scrubs for nurses.

Another option is to look for activewear that’s specifically designed to help wick moisture away from the body and keep the wearer cool. Wearing clothes that are made for runners and people in the gym could be a great way to beat the heat and stay cool, even when you’re hard at work.

Alternatively, forgo your underlayer altogether and stick to simple scrubs instead. In fact, there are some areas of a hospital where underlayers are specifically not allowed for hygiene reasons. These include operating theatres and areas where immunocompromised people are being cared for.

Treating yourself to bright, lightweight, moisture-wicking scrubs this summer will help you to carry out your duties and care for your patients in comfort. To find out more about our pick of the best summer scrubs, or to start shopping and take advantage of our current sales, take a look around our collection today.

 

Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.