Best Women’s Scrubs – 2022 Review Guide

If you are looking to buy some women’s scrubs, you will probably agree with this statement:

Best Women's Scrubs Woman

With all the new types of scrubs for women out there, it can be super difficult to figure out which are the best women’s scrubs to help you look and feel your best while getting a great value for your money.

As I started my clinical training, I felt overwhelmed with all of the women’s scrubs options out there. After all, I did want to look good while at work without blowing my entire budget on women’s scrubs that would not make me feel good or last a long time. After spending lots of time trying out various brands and fits, I put together this list to give myself and others a place to turn with reviews of the different types of high-quality women’s scrubs out there.

Best Women’s Scrubs – 2022

As you might expect, good women’s scrubs come in a wide range of choices. From polyester scrubs to cotton, from basic to highly flattering female scrubs, there are so many options to choose from. With such a wide range to choose from, I hope that my research on the best brands of scrubs will help you in your decision-making process.

1. Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature – Best Women’s Scrubs

Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs currently top our list as the best women’s scrubs of the year. Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs are made of 71% polyester, 24% rayon and 5% spandex. Rayon and spandex add flexibility and moisture wicking while the polyester makes Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs useful and practical. Hailing from a company with decades of experience making scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs are typically imported from Vietnam.

Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs look highly professional. It is apparent that the company put some effort into designing a stylish, flattering set of scrubs and most would say it is hard not to feel like they look good in them. Surprisingly, given the potential roughness associated with this fabric blend, these women’s scrubs are nice and soft and feel nice against the skin. Additionally, they breathe well which is a plus, particularly for women who work in warmer environments and climates. Side vents on the scrubs enhance their overall breathability. Some might even consider wearing them as pajamas given the way they feel.

Functionally, Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs have a nice, resilient stretch to them helps the scrubs adapt while one is moving around during the day. Additionally, the cut on these women’s scrubs is longer than average which does reduce inadvertent skin exposure while leaning or bending. Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs are made with patch pockets and the openings are angled.

Despite their soft feel and lightweight materials, Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs are also fairly durable. You can wash them in a standard machine and they machine wash well. Out of the package, the colors are vibrant and, after several washings, the scrubs remained vibrant and did not fade. Also, it is not necessary to iron the scrubs after washing as they were largely wrinkle-free. In fact, ironing the scrubs on high heat will likely cause problems with the polyester in the fabric and it is preferable to hang them and let them dry.

Some might find Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs to be a tight fit. Also, the cut is on the longer side.

The downside of form-fitting scrubs like Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs is they they are cut for slimmer women. That’s not to say that larger women won’t feel great in them once they get the sizing right but it might be an issue for women who don’t do well with tightly fitting scrubs. In particular, the tops can feel a bit tight in the back and women with broader shoulders and bigger back muscles might find them a shade snug.

In addition, because Grey’s Anatomy women’s scrubs are cut on the longer side, some women might them to be too long. Given the tradeoffs, we do think that they are a reasonable length.

All in all, Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs are a great choice for anyone who wants soft, functional scrubs that looks great.

Summary Points
Soft and durable, Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a stylish, soft scrub.
Pros
  • Highly professional look.
  • Machine wash well.
Cons
  • The fit is tight, especially in the back.
  • Some might find the pants excessively long.

2. Smitten Women’s Scrubs Rock Goddess – Best Nursing Scrubs

Smitten is a relatively new brand to our list and one which has impressed on early review as a high-quality option that can meet the demands of the nursing profession. A popular style, the Smitten Women’s Rock Goddess Scrub, is likely going to be around for some time given its combination of sleek fashion with performance. Made from 87% polyester and 13% spandex, Smitten Women’s Rock Goddess Scrubs come in a variety of different colors.

The top features two front patch pockets and side vents which provide great breathability and help with twisting and bending. Given that they are made with polyester and spandex, they stretch nicely and are super comfortable. Machine washable, Smitten Women’s Rock Goddess Scrubs dry quickly. Fortunately, the fabric looks great without ironing and will retain a professional look even after a long shift. The colors also stay vibrant even after multiple washings.

Smitten Women’s Rock Goddess Scrubs are on the higher end of pricing and sizing may pose an issue when first trying them out.

Smitten Women’s Rock Goddess Scrubs can pose sizing issues for some women. In some instances, one will need a different size top and pants as the cuts are different. The pockets felt a little flimsy at times, even without heavy use. Smitten Women’s Rock Goddess Scrubs are not cheap but you get what you pay for with these comfortable and durable women’s scrubs.

Summary Points
Smitten Women’s Rock Goddess Scrubs are new to our list but, so far, are high-quality scrubs at a reasonable price for the quality you get.
Pros
  • Comfortable, stretchy material
  • Machine washable and dry quickly
Cons
  • Higher price may not appeal to value shoppers.
  • Sizing can pose some challenges when first trying them out.

3. Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs – Best Value

Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs are stylish scrubs made from 77% polyester and 23% rayon. Feminine and stylish, these scrubs combine function and fashion with a good purchase price for women in need of a good quality set of scrubs. The scrubs have two front pockets with a mock wrap appearance.

Some likened them to the scrubs on Grey’s Anatomy and that they received frequent compliments on them. The material feels thick but is also soft. In fact, some people also use Ultra Soft Brand women’s scrubs as pajamas. The fabric blend used in Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs allows them to breathe well and they are good scrubs for women who sweat or work in warmer environments. An added bonus is that Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs do not collect much lint which gives these scrubs a harder to find combination given the softness.

Ultra Soft Brand Scrub pants sit low on the waist. The pants are a boot leg cut with a drawstring waist and back elastic that will help keep your pants on if you have to bend and twist a lot during your day. The pant legs are cut longer than other scrubs and the legs are wider at the bottom. The pants have four pockets and have elastic on the front and back (with buttons) but, as a whole, the scrubs do not stretch much.

Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs are also a great value for people looking to save money on their scrubs. An entire set of Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs is often the same price as just a top or a bottom of one of the other fashionable brands. Additionally, the company has historically offered a 30-day money back guarantee in case you find that the scrubs just don’t feel right for you.

Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs are a better fit for slimmer women and will likely not fit well for others.

Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs are made to fit slimmer women. As a result, the size charts run too small so get a bigger size than you would normally get. The tighter tops created difficulty for some women with larger chest sizes to put on. The pants could use additional pant pockets and some might feel that the boot cut on the Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs flares out excessively.

Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs are strong enough to stand up to multiple washes but, at times, the scrubs shrink after washing. Given that Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs do not have much stretch given the fabric used to make the scrubs, any shrinking might create a problem for women who found the scrubs to be a tight fit from the beginning. Also, they just miss the mark in achieving the overall softness found in Grey’s Anatomy Women’s Signature scrubs.

Summary Points
Ultra Soft Brand Scrubs are the best value and are usually only available online. Order a larger size than you think you will need of these soft scrubs.
Pros
  • Great value.
  • Breathable material blend.
Cons
  • Pants need more pockets.
  • May shrink with machine washing.

4. FIGS Casma Scrubs – Rising Star

Sometimes, a company comes along with the intention of reinventing a class of clothing and, from the vantage point of women’s scrubs, FIGS just might be that company. In the stodgy world of medical women’s scrubs, FIGS is a newer brand but one that has taken a sophisticated approach to women’s scrub design through a focus on integrating good design with an innovative approach to fabric technology.

The FIGS Casma women’s scrubs are made from approximately polyester, rayon and spandex (roughly 72%, 21% and 7% respectively). FIGS Casma women’s scrubs feature a tailored design to provide an elegant fit while utilizing reinforced stitching to improve durability.

The FIGS Casma scrubs are highly functional as well, featuring deep yet streamlined pockets and a hidden interior pocket for sensitive materials. The simple, modern-looking top features a v-neck and also has side slits to enable unusual movements. FIGS pants typically come with a flexible waistband that provides a yoga pant feel.

FIGS has constructed the Casma scrubs with engineering principles in mind. The FIGS Casma scrubs are made with a proprietary fabric technology that wicks moisture away from the body and repels unwanted liquids that land on the scrubs. The fabric blend also incorporates some spandex which enables it to stretch well, allowing a wider range of motion than one might expect from form fitting scrubs.

For what it’s worth, FIGS also states that their fabric has antimicrobial properties because it incorporates silver ions into the fabric’s polymer structure. While silver has been reported to have some antimicrobial effects, it is not exactly clear how much real antimicrobial protection these ions provide through these FIGS scrubs. The bottom line is that the fabric and design used in the FIGS Casma women’s scrubs that are wrinkle-free, soft and lightweight. Some people might find that the fabric feels thick at times.

After a busy shift, the FIGS Casma women’s scrubs can be thrown in with the regular wash although they should be washed cold and inside-out with a tumble dry finish on a low temperature. With this care, they should stay bright and durable for a period of time.

FIGS Casma women’s scrubs are not for people with a tight budget.

All the goodies offered by the FIGS Casma women’s scrubs do come at a price – they are on the higher end of cost when measured against the range of women’s scrubs on the market. And, while they do require an investment, most regular scrub wearers will find that they are well worth the price. Also, FIGS has historically donated a pair of scrubs to healthcare workers in impoverished countries with each pair sold which makes the higher price point more palatable.

Summary Points
The FIGS Casma women’s scrubs are a rising star in this industry with a compelling blend of artful design and innovative technology.
Pros
  • Superior fabric technology is soft, stretchy and protective.
  • Good durability and flattering look.
Cons
  • Higher price point may turn value-conscious buyers away.

5. WonderWink Origins – Best Pockets

WonderWink Origins scrubs are 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Both the tops and the bottoms are cut for people who are on the slimmer side.

WonderWink Origins scrub tops are short sleeve. The scrub top comes in solid colors and features 5 pockets. The V-neck is higher than some other scrubs which may be considered less fashionable but has the added advantage of not exposing too much cleavage when bending over to help a patient. The scrub top is slightly narrow and, depending on your arms, the sleeves may feel tight to some people.

The WonderWink Origins scrub pants have 6 pockets, including hand pockets on both sides (double cargo on one side). and hand pockets and an elastic waist with a drawstring. Unfortunately, the drawstring seems a little dysfunctional and does not do a whole lot as far as actually holding the pants up. Additionally, some people found the pants to be longer than expected. The flared legs add a nice touch.

Eleven pockets make WonderWink Origins scrubs nice.

The pants may be on the longer side and the actual sizing may be different from their recommendations.

The fabric on WonderWink Origins scrubs is quite durable. Unfortunately, the material can feel stiff and uncomfortable at times. The stiffness generally resolved after several rounds in the washing machine although some people reported that their scrubs shrank and faded a bit after being dried. In most cases, however, the color will hold up pretty well through that.

Most people report that the scrubs fit pretty well although they generally fit people who are bit slimmer a little better. Some people struggle with getting sized correctly the first time.

Summary Points
WonderWink Origins scrubs lean more functional than fashionable but are great for people who like to carry things around in their pockets.
Pros
  • Large number of pockets.
  • Reasonable value.
Cons
  • Tight fit around the arms.
  • Fabric and construction can feel stiff.

6. Barco One Women’s 5105 – Best Wrinkle-Free Scrubs

Barco One Women’s 5105 line of performance women’s scrubs are relatively new to our reviewers but, so far, have exceeded expectations. Made by Barco, an LA-based company that has been in the uniform and scrubs market for over eighty years, Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs are an option to consider for anyone who wants a good-looking pair of scrubs with technology built into the fabric.

The centerpiece of Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs is the fabric. These women’s scrubs are made using a proprietary fabric technology known as Advanced Research Clothing, or ARC, technology. Requiring less maintenance than other scrubs, Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs are designed to be lightweight, stretchable and wrinkle-free. This fabric technology is supposedly easy on the environment as well, making it a good choice for anyone who wants an eco-conscious scrub brand. Most will find that Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs breathe well throughout the day, wicking moisture away if you have a tendency to sweat.

Mostly made from polyester (including some recycled polyester) with a small helping (7%) of Spandex mixed in, Barco One Women’s 5105 feature a contemporary, fashionable look. The scrubs tops are V-neck with rounded seams down the front (princess seams to be exact) to create a shapely look. Each Barco One Women’s 5105 top has four pockets – two, double-patched ones on either side of the front of the top.

Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs are very soft and comfortable. On top of that, one nice aspect of Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs is the wide range of colors available. Covering the spectrum with many shades built in, Barco One Women’s 5105 will have a color that appeals to almost everyone looking to mix up their colors while on the job.

If wrinkles in your scrubs bother you, these women’s scrubs are definitely for you. Thrown them in the wash after work and watch them iron themselves. If only you could teach them to iron the rest of your clothes…

Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs are tight around the chest and may not be suited for busty women.

Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs are made to be fit and women with larger chests will need to look at other types of scrubs. The fabric can also appear to be shiny in certain types of lighting which could be annoying. Also, if you work in the freezing cold, these scrubs will almost definitely need additional layers to protect you given how lightweight they are. These are small nits on what, overall, appears to be a great line of women’s scrubs that blend fashion and thoughtfully designed fabric technology.

Summary Points
Barco One Women’s 5105 scrubs feature a technologically-advanced fabric and combines nice features with good design.
Pros
  • Features proprietary wrinkle-free, eco-friendly fabric.
  • Lightweight scrubs that stretch and breathe well.
Cons
  • Tight fit not well-suited for busty women.
  • Lightweight design may be troublesome in cold weather.

7. koi Women’s Erica Multi Pocket – Most Figure Flattering

Some might argue that koi Women’s Erica Multi Pocket scrubs are not scrubs at all but rather figure-flattering tops sold as scrubs. Regardless, koi Women’s Erica Multi Pocket are a good option for women who want a super soft scrub for light use. koi Women’s Erica Multi Pocket are 55% cotton and 45% polyester and the cotton-polyester blend comes through as a soft twill. The scrub material is very soft and, unfortunately, it often has the bad habit of attracting lint at times because of this.

koi Women’s Erica Multi Pocket tops have an unusual, stylish Y-shaped neckline that is very unique. This neckline makes the koi Women’s Erica Multi Pocket much more flattering than traditional scrubs and very feminine. Fortunately, the lovely style does come with some function. The top features a front right pocket with smaller compartments and elastic which make it useful for organizing small items such as pens. The sleeves have loops and tabs which are helpful for looping in items that you need quick access to.

Because of the emphasis on a figure-flattering fit, the koi scrubs might be too short and tight for some.

The tops are cut slim and can feel snug, especially for people with wider shoulders. Additionally the top is a bit shorter in length which can lead to inadvertent exposure when conducting work activities. Some people found the fit comfortable but a bit baggy and not form fitting.

The scrubs wash well. The colors stay bright for the most part. A major complaint of the scrubs was the pockets. While they are nicely layered patch pockets, there just aren’t enough of them.

Summary Points
koi Women’s Erica Multi Pocket features the most stylish top.
Pros
  • Figure-flattering look.
  • Very soft material.
Cons
  • The top is revealing and tight.
  • Needs more pockets.

8. Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme – Best Fitting Scrubs

Dickies is an iconic brand in the world of women’s scrubs and many people will find the Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme to be a quality option. Historically made from a blend of polyester, rayon and spandex (75% / 21% / 4%), Dickies Women’s Xtreme come in a wide range of colors and fits.

We found Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme to be fashionable and fit well (once you figure out the best size for you). These scrubs feel light when worn and wick away moisture well. The fabric in these scrubs stretches nicely which enables relaxed movement during the work day, particularly if you have to bend and twist as part of your job. With a professional look, Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme are made to fit most body types (including short and wide ones).

The material itself is very soft and comfortable and, at the same time, Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme do a good job of repelling environmental things like lint and pet hair. Feminine and flattering, the top has two pockets with a v-neck design around the neck.

You might need to try on some different sizes of Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme to get your personal sizing right. Also, the scrub colors may fade after a number of washes.

The sizing of Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme seemed a little unusual and many people will need to cycle through a few sizes before finding the ultimate fit. The pockets on these Dickies scrubs are on the smaller size which might be an issue if you like carrying a lot of things in your pockets. Also, we found that the color faded occasionally after a number of washes on the ones we cannot say for sure whether that is consistent across all pairs of Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme scrubs. They can be machine washed and do not need to be ironed which is nice assuming that the colors hold up. At cooler temperatures, Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme scrubs performed well but the fabric and texture makes us wonder if these scrubs will cause you to break a sweat if you work in a warmer climate.

Summary Points
Dickies Scrubs Women’s Xtreme are soft, attractive and fashionable. These scrubs are a good choice for women who are looking for soft, stretch scrubs that won’t break the bank.
Pros
  • Good value from an established brand.
  • Stretchable fabric good for active work.
Cons
  • Tricky to get sizing right.
  • Colors fade after repeated washing.

9. Just Love Women’s Scrubs

Just Love Women’s Scrubs are a value-oriented women’s scrubs brand. Just Love Women’s Scrubs are 55% cotton and 45% polyester. Designed using thick and opaque (not see through) material, Just Love Women’s Scrubs have a soft feel right out of the package.

Just Love Women’s Scrubs are notable for the number of pockets they have. The tops have 3 pockets (1 at the top and 2 and the bottom). The pants have a drawstring and elastic band. They have 2 side pockets and an additional one down below. With all the pockets, Just Love Women’s Scrubs are quite functional as far as carrying around needed accessories. The scrub pants utilize an elastic band around the waist to fit both narrow and wide hips.

Just Love Women’s Scrubs are fairly breathable due to the ventilation slits on both the top and in the pants. Most people find the fabric comfortable, even after wearing these scrubs for a full day. These scrubs can be washed in the washing machine.

Just Love Women’s Scrubs are not the most durable.

One complaint about the scrubs is that they are cut smaller than expected so consider ordering a larger size that you would normally get. While the numerous pockets are nice, some people said that they felt thin at the bottom and would likely wear out easily.

These scrubs are inexpensive and you get what you pay for. The scrubs are quite soft out of the package which makes them wearable immediately. However, after a few washes, it is very likely that the fabric will start balling up or fraying and may even need to be replaced. At the price point, it might be worth buying multiple sets given the durability concerns.

Summary Points
Just Love Women’s Scrubs are very cheap but you may only get a few uses out of them. Good if you want a bunch of colors for a decent price.
Pros
  • Low price makes buying numerous pairs easier.
  • Soft material out of the box.
Cons
  • Fabric breaks down after several washes.
  • Cut is tighter than expected.

10. MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs – Best Variety

MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs are a cheaper alternative that trades off variety for durability. MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs are 55% cotton and 45% polyester. Made in China, these scrubs feature wrap tops with front pockets. The pants have front pockets and a back pocket. The pockets are quite roomy which makes storing additional belongings during your day easier.

MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs are notable for the variety of fun prints that they offer. Ranging from your basic floral to cartoons and animals, these scrubs are a good choice if you are looking for a cheaper option that allows you to express different sides of yourself on a daily basis. And, because they are cheaper, you can buy more sets of scrubs that you could with a nicer brand which, externally, will make you look as if you have a large wardrobe.

Despite their variety, MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs are not very stylish and will often break down with heavy use.

While MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs come in a wide range of unusual prints, MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs are not very fashionable or stylish. Additionally, they break down with easy use and seem to have a tendency to split easily along the seams. Although they are theoretically designed from durable materials but, unfortunately, do not stand up to heavy wear. Fortunately, MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs do not shrink excessively when washed and, because of their lower price point, provide benefit to people who want a variety of low-cost scrub options.

Summary Points
MedPro Women’s Medical Scrubs are a value scrub with interesting prints that, unfortunately, will usually break down with heavy use.
Pros
  • Wide range of prints.
  • Roomy pockets.
Cons
  • Break down somewhat easily.
  • Unsexy design.

11. Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 – Most Functional Scrubs

Cherokee brings an interesting line to market with the Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 scrubs. Made from a material comprised of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 scrubs are an option for women looking for scrubs that place an emphasis on functionality with a little bit of flare.

Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 scrubs feature scrub tops with short domlan sleeves, two patch pockets and a cell phone pocket. Side vents provide some breathability and allow for some stretching and twisting. The scrub pants have a fairly standard drawstring around the waist as well as three pockets. Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 scrubs are not all function as they do include fashionable features such as a V-neck top and flared legs in the pants.

Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 scrubs are more functional than fashionable. They are not really form fitting and will be a bit baggy on some people. Some might even feel they are more unisex as they can be big. They are rugged and durable and, although the material is stiff, they feel like they are made of quality, sturdy material. Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 scrubs can be machine washed and, in many cases, these women’s scrubs will soften up after a few washes.

Fairly priced, Cherokee Workwear scrubs are quite large and baggy.

While the Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 scrubs are functional and did add a few features to make them more fashionable, they still lack real elegance. For most women, these scrubs will fit in a baggy, unisex sort of way, making them uncomfortable for anyone trying to look their best. For women trying to enjoy the functionality of these scrubs and still look good, consider getting these women’s scrubs hemmed to make them fit your body.

Summary Points
Cherokee Workwear Women’s 4700 are functional, fairly-priced scrubs that need some improvements to become form-fitting.
Pros
  • Reasonably priced and highly functional.
  • Quality material that will hold up to many uses.
Cons
  • Unisex design is not fashionable.
  • Rugged material is stiff out of the package.

Women’s Scrubs – To Wear Or Not To Wear?

Let’s face it. At the end of the day, as much work is put into making women’s scrubs look good, they are, after all, still scrubs. Is it worth investing in women’s scrubs at all? Why not just wear regular women’s clothing at work instead of investing in fashionable women’s scrubs to look good?

Good questions. The answer really depends on what duties your job involves and, in particular, what types of exposures your clothing or scrubs may experience while on the job. Most women will agree that looking your best while you are working is a good idea, but some might be concerned that the cost of a few pairs of quality women’s scrubs might be overwhelming, especially considering the necessity to outfit oneself with a good stethoscope and other medical equipment. To help you find answers around these topics, let’s go through some of the functions of a pair of women’s scrubs.

Women’s scrubs – and scrubs in general – play a few important functional roles:

Repel unwanted fluids
In many work environments, there is a constant risk of being exposed to fluids. Blood, spit, and other even worse fluids can get on our clothing in the midst of doing a task. While nicer women’s clothes may make one feel more professional, just one exposure to a fluid or stain that does not come out can change the desire to wear one’s clothes very quickly.

Hold up to frequent washings
Well made women’s scrubs hold up to frequent washings. The underlying historical premise of scrubs is that they are going to get dirty and abused in a workplace and they can be washed repeatedly without getting ruined.

Form-fitting scrub fabrics
Generally speaking, wearing form-fitting scrubs is a no-brainer as far as how a woman should dress in general. Some people even choose scrubs with the intention of wearing them out of the medical setting. However, it is only recently that women have had the benefit of so many different choices of fashionable and good scrubs for women as most women’s scrubs in the past were simply designed for unisex wear. And, even with advancements in the number of designer women’s scrub companies offering fashionable options, one must remember that the practical reason to wear scrubs in the first place is for mobility and protection.

From a mobility standpoint, quality women’s scrubs have to perform with the twisting, bending and leaning requirements of most of the environments that require scrubs. In these environments, even the best scrubs will get pulled and snagged, potentially leading to inadvertent skin exposure if not fixed. As such, serious consideration should be given to how tightly one wants their scrubs to fit in the context of their particular workplace.

Women’s Scrubs – Fabric Overview

There are a handful of fabrics typically used to make scrubs. Women’s scrub manufacturers will blend these fabrics together in different ratios to achieve specific functional objectives while keeping the scrubs at a particular cost / price point.

For decades, even the best women’s scrubs were simply made of cotton or cotton / polyester blends. Women’s scrubs made of these fabrics were relatively inexpensive and machine washable. They also did not require excessive care to dry them and did not wrinkle easily (or could be ironed easily).

As fashion became more important in the styling of women’s scrubs, one started to see fabrics such as rayon and spandex come on the scene. More expensive than cotton and fabric, these new synthetic materials added components like stretch and moisture wicking to women’s scrubs and enhanced their overall appearance.

Cotton
Cotton is a staple fabric in most clothing, including women’s scrubs. Cotton is a relatively durable component of women’s scrubs and 100% cotton scrubs typically hold up well and can be quite. Additionally, cotton generally fits well and can be printed on easily, making it useful for scrubs that display logos and designs.

Cotton scrubs do require more maintenance, however. Even though they hold up to multiple washings, cotton scrubs can shrink if washed in hot water or dried in high heat. Additionally, cotton scrubs wrinkle more easily and can take longer to air dry if not ironed. Cotton has become more affordable over time but, in the past, it was more expensive.

Polyester
Polyester is an inexpensive material that has some great benefits in the context of women’s scrubs. Scrubs that contain polyester stretch well and dry rapidly. Polyester is durable and does not get damaged easily which enables it to be washed repeatedly. Out of the wash, polyester scrubs generally look wrinkle-free which is a highly desirable feature.

Unfortunately, polyester can feel rough to the skin when they are a dominant fabric in a woman’s scrub set. Additionally, polyester should not be ironed because the use of even moderate heat during iron can melt polyester. Fortunately, the wrinkle-free nature of polyester makes it less necessary to iron a set of women’s scrubs that contain this fabric.

Spandex
Spandex is a synthetic fiber that forms a lightweight material the fits well and is generally comfortable. Resistant to stretching, spandex has great elasticity and durability. Spandex was invented in the 1950s and is made through one of several processes (primarily dry spinning). Because of its elasticity, spandex returns to its original shape well after being stretched and dries quickly.

Spandex can feel uncomfortable on the skin to some people. Because of that, spandex is often found mixed with other fabrics to make clothes with blended materials.

Rayon
Rayon is a synthetic fiber made from cellulose (a component of wood). Rayon feels comfortable and is often compared to silk and cotton in its feel. Rayon generally stays cool and dry which makes them useful in hot environments. Rayon is durable and absorbs moisture well.

Rayon has low elasticity and shrinks and stretches easily. Typically, certain types of rayon fabrics and rayon blends must be dry-cleaned to stay good.

Women’s Scrubs – Functional Requirements

In all of the discussion of women’s scrubs fashion and materials, it is important to think about what aspects of women’s scrubs are actually needed so that one can do one’s job effectively. There are some major functional features that are definitely helpful when thinking about which women’s scrubs are right for you:

Scrub Top Pockets
Scrub top pockets are frequently used for carrying small or personal items. Like many shirt pockets, the upper women’s scrub top pocket might be where you carry pens, notecards, a pocket book or even you phone. Some scrub top pockets have distinct compartments or elastic to help hold items in the pocket. This feature is particularly helpful when choosing the best women’s scrubs for you if you have a job that requires you to bend or lean over frequently and you carry these sorts of small items with you during your day.

Scrub Pant Pockets
Women’s scrub pant pockets are usually used for carrying larger items. In a medical setting, scrub pants might hold trauma shears, larger books, or a small wallet. Sometimes, women use their scrub pant pockets for their phone as well.

Belt Loops
Belt loops have become more popular and more essential over they years. Typically designed as a loop of fabric that extends off of one’s scrubs, the belt loop gives one extra storage for things that can’t fit or you don’t want in your pockets. Most people use the belt loop as a place to hang things off of their scrubs that are relatively resistant to any wear and tear from rubbing or brushing against things while spending your day in scrubs. For example, many people use their belt loops to hang work or trauma shears or to hang their ID. Available for easy access, belt loops on women’s scrubs can provide helpful functionality to enhance your performance during the day.

Pant Strings and Clasps
Most women who have to wear scrubs to work need to twist, bend and move around more than the average desk worker. Given these more unique functional requirements of women’s scrubs, it is important that they fit properly around the waist and can flex and tighten around the hips as demanded by the job duties. As a result, most women’s scrubs have some type of elastic or drawstring to permit these sorts of activities.

The most common form of tightening mechanism is a string that looks around the inside of the scrub material near the waist. On the one hand, this universal tightening device helps fit one size of scrubs to many different waist sizes. Additionally, they loosen easily and can be readjusted quickly throughout the day as needed. The downside of a string tightener is that it causes some bunching right at the top of the pants which does not lead to the most figure flattering scrub look.

Occasionally, we find women’s scrub pants on the market that have a unique clasp or even velcro. The downside of this mechanism is that one needs to be more precise in sizing the pants as there is less of a range of sizes that will fit any particular waist size. The upside of this approach is that the scrub pants generally have a better overall fit and will not bunch at the waist as much.

Like most features of women’s scrubs, it is definitely worth trying out different options to find out which sort of scrub pant closing mechanism is right for you.

Moisture Wicking
For people who sweat a lot and/or work in a warm climate, moisture wicking women’s scrubs are a must. Moisture wicking has been popular in camping gear for many years and has found its way into a variety of clothing including the best women’s scrubs. During a shift, it is easy to start sweating and, in a fabric that contains heat, start to smell a little less than ideal. Moisture wicking scrubs can help reduce this problem and make working in scrubs a better olfactory experience.

Antimicrobial Fabric
Most women who wear scrubs to work typically do so because of the presence of materials and liquids in the work environment that carry infectious agents in them. Unfortunately, exposure to blood, saliva, urine and even worse may be a routine part of one’s work environment. In response to this reality, a number of women’s scrub companies (particularly the newer ones) have come to market with a variety of scrubs that feature antimicrobial fabrics.

The theory behind antimicrobial fabrics in women’s scrubs is that fabrics treated with specific types of compounds will repel any unwanted exposure to microbes. The claim is that antimicrobial fabrics will reduce odors and help the scrubs last longer. The perception that these sorts of fabrics will actually resist microbes from scrubs has taken hold as a differentiating feature, particularly in the higher end women’s scrubs market. From our standpoint, the jury is still out as to whether antimicrobial fabrics in scrubs will actually do what they say they are going to do or extend the overall life of women’s scrubs. Nonetheless, it is certainly an interesting concept and one that we will continue to follow and, as needed, updated our best women’s scrub review.

What Women’s Scrubs Colors Are Acceptable?

There is some debate as to what colors are acceptable as far as women’s scrubs go. On the one hand, colorful women’s scrubs are a chance for one to express a feeling or personality or even a state of mind that one is aspiring towards. On the other, bold or loud scrub women’s colors are frequently frowned upon silently (and sometimes vocally) by colleagues, patients (if in that sort of setting) or administrators. After all, the ultimate purpose of a pair of scrubs is to perform a job and women’s scrubs in colors that are distracting can actually be dangerous, especially for women who work in places like an ICU or Emergency Department where a patient’s life may be at stake. As a result, while we understand that some may desire to make their scrubs the ultimate expression of themselves, we would recommend paying attention to the norms of the place that you are working at and, at most, just stay close to the edge of what is considered acceptable.

Ultimately, you may not have the option to choose your own scrubs colors. Many jobs and institutions require specific colors to provide a consistent customer service experience and, as a result, self-expression through personal scrub colors may not be tolerated. Once again, it is wise to get a sense for what colors of women’s scrubs are accepted in your work environment and go from there.

Taking Care of Women’s Scrubs

After spending your hard-earned money investing in a quality pair of some top women’s scrubs, it is important to take care of them so they last. And, because jobs requiring women to wear scrubs typically come with all kinds of environmental exposures that mandate frequent cleaning, knowing how to handle your scrubs is even more important.

Here are some considerations that will help you with taking care of your scrubs:

Scrubs material type
What fabrics are your scrubs made out of? Women’s scrubs made out of more cotton typically handle more frequent washings better than scrubs made out of materials such as rayon.

Do your scrubs need to be wrinkle-free?
As you might expect, women’s scrubs wrinkle after washing and drying just like other fabrics do. While some job environments (e.g. an Emergency Department) do not require a highly pressed look, other jobs (e.g. aesthetics office) require the staff to look their very best. If you need (or want) to look your wrinkle-free, you will most likely need to iron your scrubs to get that finished look.

When thinking about ironing your scrubs, it is important once again to consider the types of fabrics that your scrubs are made out of. Women’s scrubs that are made out of cotton tend to iron fairly easily while polyester can melt under a high heat. As a result, you may want to tailor your scrub choice to meet your professional work environment needs.

To wash or to dry clean?
As is the case with most clothing, dry cleaning women’s scrubs correctly can lead to a great, finished look. However, dry cleaning, particularly with the frequency with which great women’s scrubs will likely need to be washed, is time-consuming and expensive. Conversely, if you are in a shared laundry situation (e.g. apartment building), washing your scrubs can be a hassle when compared to dropping them off somewhere. Fabrics such as rayon almost always need dry cleaning as a tradeoff to their other benefits.

While most scrubs for women can be machine washed, it is important to look at the label to confirm the appropriate form of cleaning. Given that the fabrics used in most of the best women’s scrubs consist of one of the types outlined above, the best way to machine wash quality women’s scrubs is using colder water. Washing women’s scrubs in cold water helps preserve the fabric colors so they don’t fade excessively (all scrubs will fade a little bit) and minimizes the risk that the scrubs will get damaged during washing or will shrink. Unfortunately, hot water is usually a better way to clean women’s scrubs thoroughly but it really is a tradeoff as far as being able to use your scrubs for a longer period of time. Of course, if long-term durability is not a major concern, feel free to try them in hot water to get that extra level of cleanliness.

Which Women’s Scrubs Are Best For Me?

Feeling overwhelmed by all of this information? We understand and will try to summarize which are the best women’s scrubs for you based on what you are trying to accomplish.

Women’s scrubs that won’t shrink
If you are looking to get value out of your scrubs for a period of time, you probably value high-quality women’s scrubs that won’t shrink. After all, what’s the point of spending a lot of time sizing out the right women’s scrubs if they are a smaller size after the first few times washing them? While all scrubs will shrink a bit at one point or another, you will want to consider scrubs made out of synthetic materials like polyester and/or blends. Ultra Soft might be a good choice.

Scrubs with lots of pockets
Do you like to carry all your personal things with you when you are working in scrubs? Or perhaps you don’t have access to a locker or easily accessible storage. Women’s scrubs with pockets can be valuable for streamlining daily work activities. For someone who likes pockets, take a look at WonderWink Origins women’s scrubs.

Scrubs for trauma or dirty workplaces
With all this talk about fashion, sometimes you want a pair of scrubs that you can just beat up in environments such as trauma or the surgical ICU. In these environments, scrubs that are heavy duty and can hold accessories like trauma shears conveniently are a must. Additionally, women’s scrubs made out of fabrics that repel unwanted fluids (as opposed to absorbing them) are important. Consider something like Cherokee for this purpose.

Form-fitting scrubs
Want something that will hug and fit to your body? Having a set of scrubs that are cut right for you can make or break your day at work. If one of highlighted choices is not your cup of tea, check out this Dickies brand.

Most stylish or flattering scrubs
Hoping to look your best during your day and/or trying to meet that special someone? To look your best in flattering scrubs, definitely consider stylish options such as Grey’s Anatomy Signature and koi women’s scrubs. We would also consider looking into the FIGS Casma scrubs based on preliminary feedback.

Wrinkle-free scrubs
Wrinkle-free scrubs are great for people who have busy lives and do not want to be troubled having to iron or press their scrubs after using and washing them. Wrinkle-free scrubs are usually the way they are because their fabric resists wrinkles. For wrinkle-free scrubs, consider Grey’s Anatomy Signature or Ultra Soft brand scrubs – both of which are made without materials that wrinkle easily like cotton.

Cheap or inexpensive scrubs
If you are on a tight budget, there are definitely cheap women’s scrubs options for you. Medpro Women’s Scrubs are designed for this purpose, offering a variety of colors at a low price for anyone who is looking for a low cost women’s scrubs option.

Women’s Scrubs – Final Points

We hope that you found this best women’s scrubs guide helpful. There is a lot to think about when buying women’s scrubs – from features to materials to cost. After all, choosing the right women’s scrubs is not only important for doing your job well, but also essential for looking and feeling your best while working. If you have comments on what women’s scrubs work better for you, feel free to comment below. Good luck with finding the best women’s scrubs for you!

This information is meant for informational purposes and is not intended to be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.