The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Comfortable Scrubs

Pleasant wear for care

Scrubs do more than identify medical personnel. They’re also a barrier against dirt, germs, scrapes and other potential biohazards. If your business requires scrubs of any kind, they need to be durable, affordable, easy to clean and easy to wear. Here’s what you need to know to choose the most comfortable scrubs for nurses, doctors, animal care workers and everyone else whose job requires them to get a little dirty.

What are the most comfortable scrubs?

Finding scrubs that check all your boxes isn’t just about choosing one brand over another. A little research will go a long way in helping you pick your organization’s perfect scrubs. Here are some points to consider as you shop:

What’s the job?

Doctors who conduct surgeries in sterile environments wear scrubs, but so do people who work with animals and children. Consider the context of your business and shop accordingly.

Remember to prioritize safety, as some medical fields require personnel to wear specific scrubs. Consult the CDC’s Considerations for Selecting Protective Clothing before making a choice.

Which material should you choose?

Scrubs are made of all sorts of fabric, each with strengths, weaknesses and different levels of comfort. 

• Cotton: Cotton is a popular material for scrubs. It’s soft, versatile and breathes well, which is a welcome feature in warmer climates and clinics. But it’s important to choose cotton scrubs that can stand up to repeated washings. 
  

• Rayon: Rayon is a lightweight synthetic fiber that's made from cellulose. It’s affordable while also being breathable and absorbent. It’s also hypoallergenic, which makes it a good option in delicate medical situations. 
  

• Polyester: Polyester is durable, wrinkle-resistant and hydrophobic, which means it’s less prone to soaking up liquids and harder to stain. Scrubs made from polyester also dry very quickly compared to other fabrics. The main trade-off is that polyester is less breathable than cotton, which can make polyester scrubs less comfortable to wear in hot climates. 
  

• Spandex: Spandex is stretchable, flexible and lightweight. It’s a great option for scrubs material when wearers need to run, bend and reach without worrying about splitting seams. However, spandex scrubs can wear out quicker than scrubs made of other materials.
  

• Mixed materials: It’s common for scrubs manufacturers to mix materials for easy cleaning, better durability or a better fit. The most comfortable scrubs often contain a blend of polyester, rayon, cotton and spandex. This mix ensures the scrubs are breathable and easy to clean without sacrificing flexibility or durability.
  

How to find the most comfortable scrubs for nurses & others

Buy according to your needs 

Most scrubs sold at retail are appropriate for a wide range of jobs and activities, but they might have additional features that cost extra. These features might not be useful to you, so consider whether you need to pay for them.

For instance, a doctor or nurse will benefit from scrubs with antimicrobial features that help prevent germs from growing on the surface of the uniform. It can also be a good option for people who work with young children. Outside of environments where germs are a particular concern, basic scrubs might be all you need.   

Don’t forget pockets

Pockets are important to think about when you’re out shopping for the most comfortable scrubs. Caregivers have a lot to tote around at work, including pens, cell phones, pagers, medications, instruments and tools. Don’t be afraid to go all-out on pockets while shopping for scrubs. Chances are good that your workers will find a use for all of them.

Consider licensed prints

It’s common for scrubs to offer different colors and patterns, including prints of licensed characters from popular cartoons. Prints featuring familiar characters from favorite TV shows and movies can help young patients feel more comfortable with medical staff, and you can encourage staff to get festive with seasonal scrubs for Halloween and the holidays. The downside is that these scrubs can cost more than those without licensed prints. 

Check out eco-friendly options

Scrubs made from ethically-sourced, earth-friendly fabrics are also increasingly common. “Ethically-sourced” scrubs mean the manufacturer ensures its employees receive fair wages and good working conditions. You can also find scrubs made from organic cotton or hemp, as well as recycled polyester made from old water bottles. 

Safety, durability, comfort & affordability

Caregivers may be on their feet for twelve hours or more at a time. For them, picking out the most comfortable scrubs may not be as simple as finding a one-size-fits-all solution. Caregivers and animal workers deserve to go through the day feeling cool, dry and comfortable while also remaining safe from pathogens. With a little clever shopping, you can get everything you need for your business’s scrubs without breaking the budget.

One great way to get more for less? Sign up for Walmart Business to get free shipping on orders over $35.¹ Already have an account? Upgrade to Walmart Business+, and your organization could save over $500/year while enjoying even more exclusive rewards.²

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).