I want no scrubs. A scrub is a guy who can’t get any love from me. No, I don’t mean a useless guy like the famous group TLC speaks of. I mean uniforms, work scrubs that itch, don’t fit, and you constantly have to tug. We feel the same, I don’t want no scrubs.
However, when it comes to working in the medical field, that is the uniform. We spend most of our life at work, meaning it’s a big chunk of our time uncomfortable. How can you make the ideal work uniform with comfort and style? Let’s see what to look for when buying scrubs.
Scrub Trousers
Whether you are new to a job or have been there for 20 years, at some point, you will need new scrub trousers.
Men’s and ladies scrub trousers come in a variety of colours and shapes. For women, many times it’s hard to find pants that will fit around the thigh and buttocks area with comfort for bending. That’s where the poly/spandex jogger pant is a good idea. This style is more flexible as it’s with spandex, and has 5 pockets to hold all the things your hands can’t contain on a 12 hours shift. As a bonus, this jogger-style ladies scrub trouser has a tapered ankle that is secure to the leg. This great design eliminates the issue of floating hems my tall people struggle with.
Another style of trousers for scrubs is the cargo one. This is a traditional fit pant made from cotton and polyester combined. Men and women can benefit from this style depending on their body type and style preference. It’s a truly universal and unisex scrub trouser. Second to shoes, pants are the most important piece in your uniform. In one shift you have to bend, squat and twist. Try on your pants and move in them. See how comfortable you are. Always opt for a softer-feeling scrub as this will feel much better on your skin in the long run.
How Do You Want Your Pants to Fit?
You want your scrub trousers to be fitted around the thigh area. But not too tight, no one wants to rip their pants. You don’t want to have loose baggy scrub pants so they should be fitted around the buttocks and hip area. You want your pants to sit around your waistline, not too high or too low.
Scrub Top
This piece is something you can get a bit more creative with, depending on the office you work at. Most dental offices allow for colourful tops while hospitals prefer one colour. Even within those limits, your style can shine through. Women’s scrub tops have the most options. A traditional smock scrub is ideal for your job where they require you to keep your uniform more well, uniform to the office.
Next, we have a mock wrap scrub top. This ever-so-slight detail gives a feminine look to something we may think can’t have it. With two wrap-around back ties, your feminine figure doesn’t drown in fabric.
Men aren’t completely left out of the loop with style options as they too have a variety of colours and a contrast trim to choose from. These scrubs come in comfortable, breathable easy-to-dry fabrics such as a cotton and polyester blend.
How Should Your Scrub Top Fit?
This is down to personal preference but remember baggy is something you want to avoid. Your ideal fit is semi-fitted and long enough to come down to the top of your tailbone.
Shoes
I am sure you get your 10,000 steps in on an 8-12 hour shift. That is why your feet are the most sacred, important and undervalued part of your body. How do you pick the right shoes for a medical job?
Falling at work is something we try to avoid at all costs. Be smart and buy slip-resistant and water-resistant shoes for the added protection you need to save yourself. Your work shoes should be cushioned and breathable so you won’t need to feel like your feet are in a hot box.
Many people opt for running shoes because they are comfortable with added cushion. However, they do not protect against sharp objects such as needles and knives. Keep this in mind depending on what your job and duties are.
How Should Your Shoes Fit?
Since we are on our feet all day, this is normal for the foot to swell a bit. That is why shoes with some toe room are best. If you aren’t sure which shoe size to pick, always go up a size and never down.
How Many Sets of Scrubs Should I Have?
You can’t have too many scrubs. Whether you are the charge nurse, or a dentist extracting a wisdom tooth, you need to have clean and suitable scrubs for each day. Having enough scrubs to last you the week plus 1, is a forward-thinking idea. This eliminates the stress of not having a clean pair when needed.
When to Replace Your Uniform?
Are you starting to patch holes and cut away peels? It’s time to replace your scrub set. There is no need to keep an old uniform. Especially in the medical profession, the dignity you have in your grooming will give your patient confidence in your work. Buying higher-quality scrubs will last you for many years. Thus this is an investment in yourself.
How Do You Measure Yourself for Scrubs?
First measure your waist and your natural waistline. Next, measure the fullest part of the hips, standing with feet together. Then, you have to measure the inside of the leg starting at the groin area. Finally, you need to measure your leg to see how long you want your scrub pants to be. These measurements will make scrub shopping all the easier.
