If you’ve worked in a hospital or clinic lately, you know how many different types of medical scrubs are out there. What originally started as simple protective gear for operating rooms has now become an everyday essential across the entire hospital.
In old photos, you’ll see medical staff used to be dressed head-to-toe in white. But surgeons realized that the all-white was tough on the eyes under bright surgical lights. So softer greens and blues were introduced to ease the strain, and this style stuck.
Today, scrubs come in all kinds of colors, patterns, and styles. Brands like FIGs scrubs have even blended style with functionality, making it easier for healthcare professionals to feel comfortable and confident on the job.
We’re going to dive into the history of nursing scrubs, why they’re still essential today, and the different types you’ll find on the market.
History of Nursing Scrubs
Back in the early days, nurses wore long white dresses, capes, and hats. The hat style indiciated which nursing school you came from, and the capes helped keep nurses warm while working on the battlefield.
Eventually, the long dresses were shortened to make it easier to move quickly and care for patients in tough conditions. That’s also when white stockings became part of the look, helping maintain a professional, uniform appearance.
By the 1980s, nursing attire shifted again and it was all about practicality. Since most nurses were now working in hospitals and clinics rather than battlefields, the classic dress-and-cape look transitioned to the modern medical scrubs we know today.
Scrubs quickly became the new standard, and for good reason. They’re not just easy to clean and comfortable for long shifts, they also protect healthcare workers from exposure to bodily fluids and other hazards. Plus, let’s be honest: nothing beats all that cargo space (hello, pockets!).
Why Do Nurses Wear Scrubs?
As mentioned, at first, scrubs were only worn by surgeons and other medical staff who were in the operating room to help keep a sterile field. Before scrubs, surgeons would wear a favorite jacket or other non-hospital attire and wipe the instruments between surgeries to “clean” them, leading to patient infections.
Eventually, it was discovered that rubber gloves decreased infection rates among patients. This evolved into scrub gowns and caps, which became the accepted attire in the operating room to reduce infections because the clothing was clean and easy to wash.
Modern advancements have also led to the development of antimicrobial scrubs, which help reduce the risk of infections.
However, we still have the question: why do nurses wear scrubs?
Patients Pay Attention to Appearances
Nurses are not the only ones who pay attention to the dress code. Several studies indicate that patients pay attention to their nurse’s appearance, which impacts their overall impression of the nurse. According to the Journal of Nursing Administration, a nurse must be clean, well-groomed, and modestly dressed.
Fashionable scrubs offer style and functionality, ensuring that nurses look professional while feeling comfortable.
Standardized uniforms increase professional appearance/perception among patients, instilling confidence and alleviating fears that the patient may be experiencing. This study also indicated that nursing uniforms help reassure patients that they have chosen a suitable medical facility.
Solid scrub tops are a popular and essential part of a nurse’s work wardrobe. They come in a range of styles and colors that combine style and functionality.
Plus, scrubs make it easier to identify which individuals are working in a busy healthcare facility. However, this does not mean that every facility nurse must wear the same thing. There are plenty of options for cute nursing scrubs on the market, including pediatric nurse scrubs, nurse scrub caps, and so many more!
Scrubs Create Professional Identity
One article in Nursing Times revealed that students believe personal identity is essential and modernizing the historical dress code for nurses is very important.
Scrubs do more than just meet dress codes, they bring nurses together as a profession and help you look and feel the part while caring for patients. Over time, scrubs have even become part of a nurse’s identity — almost like a superhero costume (minus the cape, of course). These days, a lot of nurses choose custom scrubs that show off their style while still keeping a sharp, professional appearance.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of scrubs available today and how to find the best fit for you.
Types of Nurse Scrubs Explained
It is mind-blowing that we can explore various types and styles of nursing scrubs. As mentioned, scrubs weren’t popularized and worn by many healthcare professionals, including nurses, until the 1970s and ’80s.
By the 1990s, it was common to see nurses wearing scrubs. After all, they’re simple, easy to clean/disinfect, sturdy/comfortable, and give a professional appearance.
Today’s nurses and travel nurses not only get to wear scrubs instead of the boring uniform, but there are also lots of cute nursing scrubs options on the market. You can even find nurse skirt scrubs if you’d rather dress up a bit from time to time.
There are various styles of scrub pants available, including drawstring flare and yoga scrub pants, which emphasize both functionality and fashion for healthcare professionals. Petite scrubs offer a better fit and enhanced comfort for nurses with smaller frames.
Styles of Solid Scrub Tops
Most of the scrub tops on the market are variations of the one-piece short-sleeve tunic with small variations. The cut is typically what sets them apart. In addition to solid colors, printed scrubs are also popular, offering a range of patterns and designs.
Classic Cut
This style of scrub top is the traditional one. It is a bit looser, with longer short sleeves, and falls just a few inches below your waist.
Classic cut tops are also available in plus-size scrubs, ensuring a comfortable fit for all body types.
Modern Cut
Most of the scrub brands today are more focused on the modern cut. This cut offers a more “fitted” look, as it’s snug from the underarm to the waist. Typically, they are a little shorter than the classic length and have shorter sleeves.
This cut works great for those who are smaller or thinner. However, some may find this cut to be tight/restrictive. Many brands offer designer scrubs in modern cuts, combining fashion with functionality.
Men’s/Unisex Cut
Scrub tops for men typically have more room across the chest/back, and they generally are a bit longer and have longer sleeves and larger armholes. The fit is straight instead of tapered like the modern cut.
Some nurses prefer to wear men’s scrub tops because they have more room. For taller individuals, tall scrubs provide the extra length needed for a comfortable fit.
Mock Wrap
A mock wrap gives you the look of a wrap but the functionality of a top. Some of these scrub tops may just be cut like a mock wrap, while others have a tie at the waist. In most cases, this cut is used for maternity scrubs, and they typically can let out some space around your belly for a better fit.
V-Neck/Round Neck
Almost all scrubs have a V-neck or some variation. However, some nurses prefer a round neck because it provides more coverage and less exposure.
Some nurses prefer embroidered scrubs, which can feature personalized designs or logos.
Pockets
While it’s true that not all scrubs will have pockets, most of them do. Many of them have up to 3 pockets, plus pen pockets and equipment loops. Utility scrubs with multiple pockets are ideal for nurses who need to carry various tools and equipment.
Snap/Button Closures
Some scrub tops feature snap/button closures. This design is excellent for wearing clothing underneath. Convertible scrubs with snap/button closures offer versatility and ease of wear.
There are only three different cuts when it comes to scrub tops- the other stuff is just extra details. However, when you start looking at scrub pants, that’s when the significant differences come out.
Styles of Scrub Pants
The real options for scrubs come when you start looking at scrub pants. You can choose cargo pants with extra pockets, a comfortable yoga style, and others. Jogger scrub pants are also popular, emphasizing style and functionality. You can even choose nurse skirt scrubs if you wish. Petite scrub pants offer a better fit and enhanced comfort for nurses with smaller frames.
To refine your search results for specific styles, colors, and brands of scrub pants, you can use a search filter.
Classic Cut
The classic cut scrub pants typically have an elastic band or drawstring closure. They sit at your natural waistline and have a relaxed fit in the hips, thighs, and seat, and hang straight over your knees. They fit a lot like PJ bottoms and are just as comfy. Classic cut pants are also available in plus-size scrub pants, ensuring a comfortable fit for all body types.
Modern Cut
The modern cut scrub pants have a slimmer fit in the hip/seat area and have a tapered, fitted look over the thighs. They sit a bit below the waistline and will either have a tapered leg or even a slight flare.
Many brands offer designer scrub pants in modern cuts, combining fashion with functionality.
Yoga Style
The world of athleisure wear has finally met the world of nurse scrubs. Now, you can find scrub pants with the feel of yoga pants: the wide elastic waistband and drawstring tie, as well as the stretchy fit. These are commonly boot cut and ideal for comfort and nurses who need flexibility, and they work quite well for pediatric nurse scrubs. Yoga-style scrub pants are often made from stretch scrubs material, providing maximum flexibility and comfort.
Cargo Style
If you’re a nurse who has an obsession with pockets, perhaps the cargo-style nurse scrubs are best for you. These scrubs have lots of pockets- some have up to 5 extra pockets and include equipment loops. Another feature of the cargo-style scrub pants is that they look/feel like regular pants- but are still comfy and stretchy. Utility scrub pants with multiple pockets are ideal for nurses who need to carry various tools and equipment.
Jogger Scrub Pant Style
The jogger nursing scrubs will allow you to go from work to the gym without changing clothes. This style also came from the world of athleisure wear. Typically, the jogger-style scrubs have a wide elastic waistband and may include a drawstring. The cut is usually tapered on the legs, has a snug fit, and may even have an elastic band on the ankles.
Jogger scrub pants are a popular choice for those who prefer athletic scrubs, combining style and functionality.
Where to Find Nursing Scrubs?
There are many places where you can find nurse scrubs, both in stores and online. You can shop at Walmart for nursing scrubs, Amazon, and even specialty stores. Many online scrub stores offer a wide variety of options, making it easy to find the perfect scrubs from the comfort of your home.
Using search refinement matches can help you filter search results and enhance product discoverability.
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FAQs
Why do nurses need to wear scrubs?
Nurses wear scrubs to stay clean, reduce infection risk and look professional. Scrubs are comfy, durable, easy to sanitize and often have multiple pockets for carrying medical gear. They also help patients identify medical staff so they feel more confident and trustful.
How to choose the best scrubs for nurses?
When choosing scrubs for nurses consider comfort, functionality and style. Look for breathable, stretchy fabrics like yoga style scrubs or jogger scrub pants. Check for practical features like multiple pockets and antimicrobial properties. Also check if the scrubs comply with your facility’s color and style guidelines.
What are the different styles of nurse scrubs available today?
Nurse scrubs come in various styles, including classic, modern, cargo, yoga, and jogger pants. Tops feature cuts like classic, modern fitted, mock wrap, and unisex. You can also find petite scrubs, plus-size scrubs, printed scrubs, and designer scrubs that blend style with professional functionality.
How should nurse scrubs fit for maximum comfort and professionalism?
Nurse scrubs should provide ample room for movement without being overly loose or restrictive. Classic-cut scrubs offer a relaxed, comfortable fit, while modern-cut scrubs provide a more tailored appearance. Consider petite or tall scrub options for specialized fits that enhance comfort throughout long shifts.
