How to Wear Scrubs?

As someone who’s worked closely with healthcare professionals for years and spent plenty of time understanding what makes the perfect uniform, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for humble scrubs. They’re breathable, functional, and when you choose the right set, it can actually make those long, demanding shifts feel just a little more manageable.

Here’s how I approach wearing scrubs – from choosing the right ones to styling them for comfort and professionalism.

How to Choose the Right Scrubs

When choosing the right scrubs, you should always think about what your profession demands, how you need them to fit, and what your employer expects. Here’s what we recommend to our customers.

Consider Your Profession’s Requirements

If you’re working in a busy hospital you’re going to need scrubs made from a comfortable, breathable material that won’t get you too hot and sweaty when you’re on the move.

Comfort is key in busy environments. Nurses wear scrubs because of their long shifts! What’s more, in healthcare settings, you’ll need scrubs that protect you from bodily fluids and that are easy to clean and dry.

Consider your employer’s needs

There are lots of nursing scrubs and general uniforms that come in a range of colours, styles, and sizes. However, do always refer to the guidelines set by your employer before you buy a new set.

Features to Look for in Scrubs

Again, consider your role and what you’ll need from day to day at work. Look for scrubs that offer the following features:

• Ventilation mesh (to help your skin breathe)

• Crease resistance (to keep you comfortable)

• Sweat wicking (to support you on hot days)

• Pockets and loops (to help you store items and keep them easy to reach)

• Drawstrings (to help you adjust your outfit if necessary)

Getting the Right Fit and Size

Provided you know what to measure and what to look for in sizing charts, most leading scrub brands make shopping for the right fit easier than you might think. In fact, our customers frequently say the brands we retail make it simple to find the right sizes.

Sizing Tips and Measurements

Try to record accurate measurements for your waist, your chest or bust, your inseam, your hips, and your height.

With these figures, you’ll be able to narrow down scrubs choices across some of the most popular designers and manufacturers. Just keep in mind that sizing charts may vary from brand to brand.

It’s wise to choose scrubs that don’t hug your figure tightly, but give a little room. Therefore, we suggest perhaps sizing up a little.

Customising Fit for Comfort

You can customise the best scrubs to better fit your body over time. For example, you may wish to hem up pant legs in case measurements don’t work as you expect. You might also want to pinch the waistband of your pants slightly with some simple sewing.

Footwear to Pair with Scrubs

Shoes to pair with scrubs should be comfortable, supportive, durable, easy to clean, breathable, and resistant to slipping and skidding.

Footwear Options for Comfort and Support

Some of the most comfortable and supportive footwear options to wear with scrubs include sneakers, clogs, slip-ons, and running shoes. However, some people prefer to wear boots (particularly working in laboratories) for a professional look.

Matching Footwear with Scrubs

Always think carefully about colours. We recommend neutral black and white shoes, for example. If you’re choosing relaxed footwear such as sneakers or clogs, look for tailored, fitted scrubs to wear alongside.

Footwear for Different Environments

As mentioned, boots are likely best suited for some professional environments, such as labs. However, if you are working outside or in a fast-paced environment, you might want to consider running shoes or sneakers for the most support.

How to Layer with Scrubs

Layering scrubs usually means adding underclothes to add extra depth. There are a few ways you can add warmth to your outfit or create entirely new looks without sacrificing comfort or professionalism.

Popular Layering Options

Many people choose soft fabrics for their underlayers, such as cottons and jersey tops – so that they don’t get too warm or bunched up while moving around. For that reason, opting for stretchy fabrics like spandex, too, is a plus.

Lots of professionals choose undershirts, thermal tops, t-shirts, and tank tops to wear underneath scrubs.

Maintaining Professionalism with Layers

Opting for neutral colours and shades is a great way to keep your look professional and stylish.

A great way to do this might be to complement a lighter shade of scrub top with a darker undershirt, and vice versa.

Materials and Care for Scrubs

When looking for the best fabric for scrubs, it’s worth prioritising cotton, spandex, polyester, rayon, and blends.

Cotton, in fact, remains one of the most popular for a variety of reasons. For example, it’s considered one of the safest fabrics we retail:

“The hypoallergenic nature of cotton makes it a safe choice for people with allergies or skin sensitivities. Unlike some synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and cause skin reactions, cotton reduces the risk of rashes and irritations.”

Locofast

Types of Material Used for Scrubs

Here’s a quick rundown of the typical materials used for scrubs and why you might consider them:

• Cotton (super breathable and easy to clean)

• Polyester (very durable and dries quickly)

• Spandex and elastane (highly flexible and comfortable for long periods)

• Rayon (very light and easy to move around in)

• Blends (bring together the best of various materials)

Caring Tips

Here are some quick care tips to keep in mind regardless of the material you choose:

• Try to avoid bleaches and tough detergents

• Avoid overheating fabrics – this can shrink them

• Rinse in cold water as soon as they’re stained, then wash in hot

• Wash after every shift and have multiple options

Personalizing Your Scrubs

There are certainly ways you can style and personalize your scrubs, provided your employer’s dress code allows for it!

Adding Embroidery and Patches

You might want to add patches that show off your interests or affiliations, or embroider gentle colours and patterns to add more personality. Again, always make sure that your employer allows this before you reach for the needle kit.

Accessorising Your Scrubs

Beyond patches, you can also accessorise your scrubs with pins, charms, or even pens and notepads that you carry around. You might also want to use a custom badge holder for your ID, or to wear headbands or caps that match your scrubs.

How to Style Scrubs Fashionably 

Right now, the most fashionable way to wear scrubs is to walk the fine line between hugging fits and flowing garments. Where possible, you might want to have your scrubs tailored – a snug pant fit and a larger top that you can layer, for example, will always look good.

You should also look at some of the latest colours and patterns available in Medshop’s catalogue for inspiration!

Wearing Scrubs Outside the Workplace

Generally, it’s not wise to wear scrubs outside of work for hygiene reasons. We recommend choosing leisure and work scrubs – say, a different colour for each – if you enjoy the comfort and feel.

If you do wish to try a non-work set, opt for scrubs that are flowing and non-restrictive, and that feel comfortable in all weathers.

Conclusion

Over the years, I’ve come to see scrubs not just as a uniform, but as a tool for confidence, comfort, and care. There’s a perfect set out there for everyone – it just takes a bit of know-how to find your match.

Measure well, stay open to customisation, and don’t forget to express yourself where you can. And if you’re ever stuck, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to help fellow healthcare workers find their perfect fit.

Sources

Cumper, C. (2025a). What to Wear Underneath Your Scrubs - A Guide. In Medshop Australia. Medshop. https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/what-to-wear-underneath-your-scrubs

Cumper, C. (2025b). Discover The Best Fabric for Scrubs. In Medshop Australia. Medshop. https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/best-fabrics-for-scrubs

Locofast. (2023). What makes cotton so popular? https://locofast.com/blog/?p=856

Nursing Scrubs Australia - Professional Scrubs. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved May 19, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/nursing-scrubs-uniforms

Why do Nurses Wear Scrubs? (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved May 19, 2025, from https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/why-do-nurses-wear-scrubs