Women’s Scrub Tops: Stay Clean and Feel Comfortable on the Job

Being a healthcare professional means working long shifts in all kinds of circumstances. Dealing with loads of patients and emergency situations can be extremely stressful and if you are stuck in uncomfortable scrubs it makes it even worse. So wearing comfortable and functional attire can make a big difference.

Scrubs are more than just a uniform, they show you care for yourself and others. When chosen right, they can be super practical, flattering-looking and even look cool. They often feel comfier than regular clothes and with a few tricks, they can look both fashionable and professional.

Although there are unisex models that can look decent on women as well as on men, today you can find a range of womens scrub tops tailored to meet their needs. Cut to fit a woman’s body for a flattering fit, but at the same time, loose enough to move freely.

Choice of Fabrics

The first role of the scrub top is to protect the person wearing it, and that’s the reason most of them are made from antimicrobial blends of polyester, rayon, cotton and spandex. The combination of these fabrics creates a product with qualities that won’t be possible with only one of them. They each have features that give the garment durability, comfort, wick moisture and allow the skin to breathe.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most popular fabric choices because it is breathable, durable and doesn’t build up static electricity. It is less likely to cause irritation and is perfect for those who don’t like synthetic fibres. High-end uniforms have higher cotton content and that makes them easy to wash and iron, ideal for sanitizing the apparel.

The downside of cotton is that it lacks stretch and is prone to shrinkage, so it is often blended with spandex to allow a full range of motion.

Polyester

Polyester is highly durable and moisture-wicking. It is very easy to care for it as it washes well and it’s wrinkle-resistant. It also resists stretching and shrinking. However, since it is not as breathable and lightweight as cotton, it is better to choose a blend of them.

Rayon

Rayon is considered a semi-synthetic fabric because it’s processed with chemicals. It is soft, lightweight, breathable and absorbent, which makes it a good choice for scrubs. It is also best combined with cotton or polyester to make it more comfortable.

Spandex

Spandex is well-known for its stretchy feature, preventing bagging and sagging. It also has qualities like antiperspirant and stain resistance, making it a good choice for this type of garment. It works best when there is less than 10% spandex blend with the other materials.

Fit and Styles

Ladies’ scrub tops, designed to fit their bodies are available in several styles and colours so you have plenty of options. What is important is that they fit you just right. When getting your top, consider a few things.

Get the Right Size

Scrubs should be loose enough to allow for easy movement, but tight enough to be professionally appropriate. Knowing your measurements will make it easier to find the right fit, especially if you are ordering online. A good tell is if you can raise your arms up comfortably without the top lifting too much. Wearing the right size is key for both feeling and looking good.

Pick a Flattering Cut

Most women’s scrub tops are variations of the one-piece short-sleeved tunic. What sets them apart is the different cut.

• Classic Cut –traditional, looser, with longer short sleeves;
• Modern Cut – snug from the underarm to the waist for a more fitted look, shorter sleeves;
• V-Neck or Round Neck;
• Mock Wrap – with the look of a wrap and functionality of a top, usually used for maternity scrubs;
• Snap/ Button Closures.

What to Wear with Scrubs?

Provided you are not in an operating room and you are allowed to wear additional layers under your scrubs, you can match it with a simple t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt depending on the season. These uniform pieces can be thin and you might feel cold throughout your shift, so layers or a lab coat can be excellent options.

Keep in mind, things can get messy. Any other piece of clothing might be ruined forever. That is one of the basic purposes of scrubs, to keep things clean.

To Tuck or Not to Tuck?

Well, this might seem trivial to some, but if scrubs are your everyday outfit you might consider it. If you walk around a hospital, you will notice that doctors usually wear them untucked for practical reasons, while a lot of the medical personnel in ORs have them tucked in to keep everything as sterile as possible. Nurses often wear female scrub top models with several pockets to store things in, making tucking in not a practical option. In the end, it comes down to personal preferences and how comfortable you feel.

Feel Free to Broaden the Colour Palette

Blue has long been the dominant colour, but with new hues like navy, aubergine, burgundy or lilac, you can pick ones that complement your hair, skin or eyes. The range of colours available makes this garment more interesting nowadays. You can also find interesting patterns that swerve away from the classic look but look equally professional.

The Takeaway

Scrubs might have started as attire worn only by surgeons in the operating room, but have evolved to become the accepted dress code across the whole medical field. Nurses, physicians, surgeons, dentists, vet technicians, and other medical workers are proud to be wearing ones.

They are pieces of uniform, and uniforms mean authority, professionalism and confidence. They make identifying the medical staff easier and help reassure the patients. Scrubs are part of the healthcare workers’ identity, like a superhero costume – for real-life superheroes that they are.

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