Top Mistakes When Buying Scrubs Online (and How to Avoid Them)

Some of the biggest challenges of buying medical scrubs online include being able to judge fit and comfort properly, choosing between so many lines, styles, and specialities, and risking poor quality without seeing the uniforms up-close. However, with careful research and shopping around, and by measuring yourself accurately, it’s easy to avoid these headaches.

When I first started in healthcare, finding the right fitting scrubs that were comfortable and professional honestly wasn’t easy. After all, for long shifts, we all need uniforms that are well-made, durable, and flexible while looking great. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to buy the right scrubs online (when you know what to look for).

In this guide, we’ll take a look at why buying online scrubs can be tricky, some common mistakes everyone makes shopping around, and some tried-and-tested ways to narrow down the most comfortable, flexible, and best-looking fits for your basket.

Why Buying Scrubs Online Can Be Tricky 

When shopping for nursing scrubs online, you don’t get to see the uniforms in person, which can make it hard to judge fit, comfort, and size variations. There’s also an increasing variety in choice when it comes to styles, colours, and specialities, and if you’re shopping with a new brand or store, you’re risking trust in quality and customer care.

If you’re new to online uniform shopping, the following concerns likely sound familiar:

• It’s not easy to judge scrubs on fit and comfort. Buying online means you risk seeing the true quality of scrubs after you pay. You can’t try uniforms on before you buy, and if they don’t fit or otherwise disappoint you, you have the hassle of asking for a refund.

• Scrubs brands size uniforms differently. For example, take two of our main scrubs manufacturing partners, Cherokee and Dickies. The sizing on Cherokee scrubs tops differs from how Dickies sizes up, and there may even be differences between specific lines. Which brand do you trust to get your fit right?

• There’s tons of choice. The sheer variety of scrubs available to buy online is a good thing on the surface, but it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by so many different colours, styles, fits, and speciality options (such as moisture-wicking, anti-wrinkle technology, and extra pockets).

• There are always risks with new stores. Unless you know a brand or store well, your first purchase from an online scrubs merchant is always a risky one. How can you be sure you’re guaranteed a great-quality uniform? What about customer care standards? Rightfully, you’re going to be careful with your money.

By taking a blind leap of faith when choosing a brand to buy from, you’re going against the grain:

“Twilio’s 2024 Consumer Preferences Report reveals a significant trust issue among Australian consumers, with 68% stating they would not purchase from a brand they do not trust. The report, based on a global survey of 3,900 consumers, including 300 Australians, highlights the importance of trust in brand-consumer relationships.”

Australian Marketing Institute

Rest assured, one of the main reasons we set up Medshop is to help make shopping for genuinely high-quality scrubs online easier for healthcare professionals - we’ve all been in your shoes. However, it’s still perfectly understandable to have reservations about challenges like those above.

Common Mistakes When Buying Scrubs Online

It’s easy to make online shopping mistakes like ignoring brand profile and quality assurance, overlooking customer care and fit guidance, and simply purchasing the first scrubs that fit your budget. Many people also disregard profession-specific scrubs styles and charge into deals without thinking about value.

On the flip side to my points above, rushing into buying the first scrubs you see online without thinking about value and risk is easily done. Let’s explore some common traps you don’t have to fall into.

Ignoring Brand Reputation and Quality Assurance

Grabbing cheap scrubs for the sake of it (or the first set you find online) is never likely to produce great results. If you don’t research the brand’s buyer reviews and online reputation before you buy, you could end up with a cheaply-made uniform that’s poorly-fitting or shrinks and wrinkles up even with care.

Overlooking Customer Experience and Support

Shopping online at a store without customer support channels (such as live chat or email) is never wise. Without that accountability, you could be stuck with poor-quality scrubs and no way to get refunded.

Neglecting Sizing and Fit Guidance

It’s easy to assume that an ‘S’ or an ‘L’ on a scrubs sizing chart is exactly the same as the ‘S’ or ‘L’ you buy in tops or shirts for everyday wear. Every scrub manufacturer sizes up differently, and if you don’t measure yourself adequately before buying, you risk uncomfortable, unsuitable, and tight or baggy uniforms.

Not Considering Style, Colour, and Design Options

For the most part, you don’t have to choose the same old colours and styles in scrubs unless your employer mandates it. If there are no set rules, you might be restricting yourself on colour, fit style, and specific design choices if you stick to generic looks. 

Missing Specialty and Profession-Specific Scrubs

There’s a world of specialised scrubs out there for different roles, such as vet scrubs that are tear and scratch-resistant, paediatrician scrubs with bright colours and memorable styles, and surgical uniforms manufactured from sterile materials. If you stick to generic looks and styles, you might miss out on options that make work easier for you.

Overlooking Shopping Tips and Discounts

It’s always good to shop around, but many people still end up paying full price on quality-label scrubs when they don’t have to. They avoid sales pages and marketing emails, for example, and neglect to compare shipping rates and RRPs at different retailers.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes When Buying Scrubs Online

To avoid making mistakes when buying scrubs online, always research the brands you buy from, measure yourself accurately, check size charts with care, and be sure to compare styles, colours, and fabrics.

Here’s some more detail:

• Know your brands. Take time to research scrub manufacturers - what do other buyers say about them? Are they well-regarded in the industry? Do they have a legitimate online presence?

• Know your measurements. Carefully measure your chest/bust, waist, hips, leg inseam, and where possible, shoulder width and arm length. With accurate data, you’ll find it easier to choose well-fitting scrubs without seeing them in person, and regardless of the brand.

• Check size charts carefully. Don’t rely on ‘S’, ‘M’, ‘L’, and other letter codes. Look at the different measurements covered by each size, and compare charts with different brands. It might even be worth buying two different sizes initially if you’re unsure, or fall between sizes.

• Look for quality fabrics. Cotton is comfortable, but polyester is durable. Check out blends of either material and prioritise hard-wearing flexibility and easy-care options. Remember, the true value of high-quality scrubs isn’t in the initial price tag, but in how well they serve you in the months ahead.

• Try different styles and colours. Again, unless your employer dictates it, you don’t have to stick to one colour and a generic style. Show off some personality with bright or deep colours, choose tailored fits for more flattering looks, or opt for scrubs you can customise and embroider yourself.

• Prioritise functionality. Look for scrub pants with elasticated waists for extra comfort, tops with slits for extra mobility, and, of course, some of the best scrubs for doctors have pockets for storing pagers and notes.

• Look at care policies. Always be sure to check out customer care standards at online stores you buy from, and carefully read returns and refunds policies. Legitimate retailers will always protect your rights.

Final Thoughts

Buying scrubs online is convenient and easy, but you’re shopping in the dark unless you know your brand, your measurements, and what to look for. Always take time to research scrubs retailers and read what other shoppers have to say.

And, always take advantage of sales and deals available at retailers before paying full price for tops and pants. For example, Medshop has a permanent ‘scrubs on sale’ page for you to browse for ongoing offers on the best-quality scrubs on the market.

 

Sources

Trust crisis: 68% of Aussies won’t buy from brands they don’t trust, according to Twilio 2024 consumer study. (2024). AMI. https://ami.org.au/knowledge-hub/trust-crisis-68-of-aussies-wont-buy-from-brands-they-dont-trust-according-to-twilio-2024-consumer-study

Best Scrubs for Doctors. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.medshop.com.au/blogs/news/best-scrubs-for-doctors

Cherokee Scrubs and Uniforms. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/cherokee-scrubs

Nursing Scrubs Australia - Professional Scrubs. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/nursing-scrubs-uniforms

Scrub Sale Australia. (n.d.). In Medshop Australia. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.medshop.com.au/collections/scrubs-sale