Scrubs are synonymous with the medical profession. In fact, they’re probably one of the very first things that spring to mind when you think of doctors, nurses and the healthcare industry. Over the past few years, the quality and quantity of medical scrubs on the market has exploded. If you’re struggling to choose between a stylish v-neck look and a high tech, antimicrobial design, we’re here to help. Take a look at our guide to these iconic medical uniforms to find out more.
What Are Medical Scrubs?
The scrubs worn by medical professionals are generally made up of a loose-fitting top and comfortable drawstring or elasticated scrub pants. Some healthcare professionals opt to wear lab coats on top of their scrubs, while nursing uniforms often have tunics in place of scrub tops. Scrubs are designed to be very comfortable and easy to clean. This makes them ideal for use by medical professionals who are often required to work long, hard shifts and carry out physically demanding tasks.
What Is the Purpose of Wearing Scrubs?
Scrubs have a number of important purposes, chief among which is hygiene and infection control by being easily washable and resistant to pathogens, helping to prevent the spread of infections. Additionally, scrubs are designed for comfort and functionality, allowing for ease of movement during demanding shifts and providing convenient storage with pockets for essential tools and equipment.
In fact, medical and surgical scrubs can trace their roots back to early 20th century efforts to make hospitals and operating theatres more hygienic. Many medical professionals began wearing scrub-like clothes during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 to help prevent the spread of germs.
Prior to this period, even surgeons in the operating room wouldn’t necessarily have worn protective clothing. In fact, many actually saw it as a badge of honour to have bodily fluids sprayed all over their clothes following an operation. As the spread of viruses and pathogens became better understood, and medical staff strove to make healthcare facilities cleaner and more hygienic, an increasing number chose to wear masks, aprons and other forms of what we now call PPE.
Initially, surgeons opted for bright white scrub suits. However, these tended to dazzle them, cause eye strain and make it difficult to see the detail of their patients’ bodies. Surgeons then began to wear scrubs in darker colours like green, making it a lot easier for them to operate.
As the benefits of scrubs became clear, more and more healthcare workers started to wear them, eventually turning scrubs into the ubiquitous medical workwear we know today.
As well as being hygienic, scrubs are also very easy to care for. Their durable material means that they can be washed over and over again without losing their looks. Many are also wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about ironing your scrubs before heading to work.
Last but definitely not least, a major reason for wearing doctor and nursing scrubs is that they allow for the easy identification of medical professionals. Thanks to the importance of medical uniforms, scrubs have become truly iconic and patients everywhere instantly know that the wearer will be able to offer them help and support.
How to Choose the Best Medical Scrubs?
There are a few key things you need to consider when buying medical scrubs. Get these right, and you’re sure to get a set that will suit your needs perfectly. These are:
- Quality
- Comfort
- Style
- Affordability
- Colour
- Features
Quality
Buying a durable, high-quality set of scrubs will help you get good value for money. The best way to ensure your men’s, women’s or unisex scrubs stand the test of time is to buy from a trusted brand. There’s a great choice of medical uniform manufacturers out there, each with a number of collections, so finding the scrubs that suit you perfectly should be easy.
Comfort
This is arguably the most important consideration for the hardworking staff of the healthcare industry. After all, if you’re running around caring for patients all day long, the last thing you’ll want is for your clothes to pinch, rub or irritate your skin. Scrubs made from flexible, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and spandex are great as they’re stretchy and help to keep you dry and cool throughout the day. Try to avoid buying scrubs that are too big or too small. Getting the sizing spot on will help to ensure your scrubs are as comfortable as possible.
Style
Everyone wants to look good and feel confident when they’re at work. You’ll find a great selection of contemporary designer scrubs available online. These scrubs generally have more flattering fits and more stylish cuts than standard sets, making them perfect for professionals who want to stand out from the crowd.
Affordability
As medical professionals have to wear scrubs more or less every day they’re at work, affordable prices are very important. If you’re working to a budget, keep your eyes peeled for special offers. You may also find it’s cheaper to buy scrubs in bulk, so why not talk to colleagues about putting in a group order?
Colour
If your hospital has colour-coded uniforms, you may need to buy scrubs in a specific shade. Talk to your manager to find out what the requirements are.
Features
Extra features like wrinkle-resistant fabric, mesh inserts for ventilation and strategically placed pockets can make scrubs more usable and more practical. You can also find scrubs with built-in antimicrobial properties. If you do want scrubs that are antimicrobial recent developments have made these textiles even more effective, making them a great choice for medical professionals.
What's the Difference Between Scrubs and Regular Clothes?
The main differences between scrubs and regular clothes are:
- Manoeuvrability
- Durability
- Moisture wicking abilities
- Style
- Comfort
Scrubs are designed to be easy to move around in, long lasting and comfortable. Many men’s and women’s scrub sets are made from breathable, moisture wicking fabrics. This helps to remove sweat from the skin quickly and efficiently and keeps the wearer cool and dry while they care for their patients.
Jobs that Require Scrubs
Thanks to their practicality and versatility, scrubs are used by professionals working in a variety of roles. Jobs that require scrubs include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Radiologists
- Dentists
- Dental assistants
- Physical therapists
- Surgical technicians
- Vets
Does the Colour of Scrubs Mean Anything?
A lot of hospitals and clinics assign different colour scrubs to different areas of patient care. For example, green scrubs might be worn by the surgical team, pink or red by the maternity department and blue by those working on medical wards. This colour coding can make it easier for patients and healthcare staff in a medical facility to identify their colleagues and carers.
If you’re currently searching for new scrub tops, scrub hats, lab coats or jogger pants, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our collection. Checkout our specially selected brands or get in touch with a member of our team.