The demand for more practical nursing uniforms has increased over the past three decades. As a result, medical scrubs have become standard attire for medical professionals worldwide. Scrubs either come in the form of a suit or set.
But with so many scrub designs, brands and custom options, it often gets hard to make the right choice. The following section has consolidated all the information about scrubs so you make a smart decision and get the value for your money.
1. Comfort and mobility
The first thing you should look for in a medical scrub is the right fit, so they don’t restrict your movement. Often, a medical professional needs to wear a scrub for an entire shift. Hence, for your mobility and all-day comfort, get soft scrubs that fit well and offer a good amount of stretch.
Your scrubs should be loose enough to help you move comfortably. It includes squatting, stretching upwards and bending down without you getting exposed. If you want to tuck in your top, it should be long enough, while your pants should sit on the ankle.
2. Functionality
Your scrubs should allow you to keep things that are handy throughout your shift. So, you can look for scrubs with zippers, collars and pockets.
The number of pockets and their placement will help you carry your medical tools, writing materials and everything you want within your reach. It is best to look for scrubs with three pocket designs-one chest pocket and two lower torso front pockets. Specialty features like zippered and side seam pockets also come in handy but may affect mobility when you bend down.
If you need to carry many items as you work, some additional features in your scrub can be useful. For example, look for zipped compartments in your scrub to keep your scissors, pen and IDs.
In terms of collars, the safest option is to go with interlocked V-shaped collars. These are great at retaining shape and providing adequate protection if you don’t wear any inner layers.
3. Material
The material of medical scrubs affects their durability, comfort and maintenance. Most scrubs are poly-viscose, poly-spandex, poly-rayon and poly-cotton. While you can opt for natural fabrics like cotton, which is comfortable and soft, synthetic fibres are wrinkle-resistant, last long and are easier to maintain.
When looking at the fabric, you should consider its breathability too. You can go with fabrics with 3-4 per cent spandex or elastane. A bit of stretch can add to the overall comfort and flexibility of movement.
If you want something to keep you cool and dry, you should look for lightweight fabrics like polyester cotton or polyester rayon. For better protection against spills and more durability, look for weighted fabrics comprising 35-45 per cent cotton.
You can also look for fabrics with other properties like wrinkle-resistant, anti-microbial and stain-resistant.
4. Price
The amount you pay for your scrubs should depend on your job role, working conditions and their expected lifespan.
Your scrub will be more susceptible to damage if you work in a high spillage or contamination environment. If you need frequent replacement of your scrubs, you should consider a cheaper option. But it is worth your investment if you need quality scrubs for standard use.
The perfect scrubs should be readily available and easy to customise. Furthermore, they should add to the convenience of your work. If you don’t have stringent restrictions in your workplace regarding the choice of your scrubs, you can even experiment with different prints, colours and styles that can reflect your personality.