Scrubs for Medical Students: What to Look For
Whether you're a medical, nursing, dentistry, or pharmacy student, you will need to wear scrubs and a scrub cap at some point in your educational journey. Some programs require them from day one, while others wait until third-year clinical rotations begin.
Either way, you should know what to look for when buying your first medical student scrubs. Our handy guide unpacks everything you need to factor in, from comfort and fit to extended value, so let's get right into it.
1. Check Your School and Hospital Dress Code
Before rushing out to buy scrubs, check your medical school and hospital's dress code. Many programs and healthcare facilities have requirements regarding:
Scrub color: Some hospitals assign specific colors by department, and schools may restrict students to certain shades, like light/dark gray or blue. Patterned or bright prints are usually a strict no-no.
Style: Some programs stipulate traditional or mainstream styles without bold tailoring or fashionable designs. For example, trendy yoga and athleisure styles might not be permitted.
Embroidery: You may need to embroider your name and school logo or “Medical Student” on the uniform.
Tip: To ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary costs and embarrassment, double-check all relevant dress-code policies. If something is unclear, speak to med and nursing students in the year ahead of you for advice regarding the rules and regs.
2. Comfort and Performance Matter More Than You Think
Any experienced healthcare professional will tell you how important comfort is when you spend long hours in scrubs and caps.
Look for these features to ensure good scrub comfort and mobility:
Stretch: High-quality scrubs typically offer 4-way stretch (left/right and up/down). This is great, but a decent 2-way stretch (left/right) usually provides enough mobility to perform all your assignments.
Moisture-wicking fabric: This keeps you dry when the pressure is on, like during intense clinical rotations.
Breathability: Lightweight, soft fabrics keep you cool and comfy.
Antimicrobial finishes (optional): Some brands include antimicrobial technology to reduce odor buildup and maintain freshness between washes.
Tip: Don't underestimate the break-in period. Some scrubs feel stiff when they're brand new but soften up significantly after a few washes. On the flip side, if scrubs feel perfect in the store but are made of lower-quality fabric, they might lose that great feel after repeated washing. Read reviews about how scrubs hold up over time to avoid this disappointment.
3. Perfect Your Fit
You've probably seen a med student with a ridiculously tight scrub top or straight-leg pants pooling on the floor. Besides a fashion misstep, a poorly fitted uniform makes it harder to do your job.
For the right fit, pay attention to the following:
Test mobility: When trying on scrubs, test your range of motion. Can you bend, reach, sit, and stretch without restriction or strain on the seams? If the top rides up when you raise your hands above your head, size up or choose something longer.
Smartly tailored but not too tight: A tight fit limits your movement, while loose fabric gets in the way.
Correct pants length: Pants should skim your shoes without dragging.
Room for layering: If your healthcare environment is cold, you want enough space to accommodate underscrubs or long-sleeve tops.
Waistband comfort: Elastic or drawstring waistbands should fasten your pants (with full pockets) securely without digging in.
Proper V-neck: A V-neck scrub is comfy, but make sure it's not cut so low that it becomes impractical or distracting.
Tip: There are sizing inconsistencies across brands, and your scrubs size might differ from your regular clothes size.
Ideally, you want to fit the garments in-store. If you're buying online, read what reviewers say about size/fit. Always check the return policy to ensure you can exchange or refund an order that isn't right for you.
4. Choose Durable Scrubs For Lasting Value
By your final years of training, you'll be wearing scrubs multiple days a week and washing them constantly. If they can't withstand frequent washing and long wear, you'll need a new set every few months.
Quality brands hold their shape much longer than cheaper attire that often fades, pills, and loses its stretch quickly. Durability is key, and paying a bit more upfront for proven products will save you money throughout your medical education.
To make smart investments, choose and wear scrubs that are:
Stain-resistant: Helps keep your scrubs cleaner on long shifts.
Fade-resistant: Keeps colors fresh over time.
Reinforced seams: Adds sturdiness.
Pilling-resistant: Prevents fabric balling and keeps scrubs smooth after washing.
Anti-wrinkle: Maintains a crisp, professional appearance.
Hot water washing and quick-drying: For more convenience.
5. Consider the Pocket Layout and Storage
Firstly, when you're in the lab or on rotation, you shouldn't have more than the bare essentials on you. That said, you'll need to carry several items: a notebook and pen, gloves, scissors, a penlight, a medical watch, small tools, and your phone.
Consider how many pockets and what storage space you need for your essentials. Pocket options that medical students like are:
Deep hip pockets
Chest pockets (useful for pens and notes)
Zipper or secure pockets for valuables
Tech pockets sized for tablets or phones
Pick a layout that matches what you actually carry every day, and you will be glad you did.
Why Should Medical Students Own Multiple Sets of Scrubs?
Many med students own three or more sets of scrubs, and this makes great sense for several reasons.
Having backups prevents laundry emergencies, extends the life of each individual set, and gives you options for different situations. That's why we recommend investing in a set of "smart" scrubs plus a set of "beater" gear.
The cheaper "beaters" are well-suited to settings like:
Anatomy lab lessons
Cadaver work
Emergency medicine
Procedures where fluids or staining are likely
These scrubs handle the heavy, messy lifting, saving your smart apparel for situations that demand a more polished professionalism:
Ward rounds
Internal medicine
Pediatrics
Evaluation days
FAQs
Do medical students need to wear scrubs in the preclinical years?
Most preclinical students wear regular clothes for lectures. However, scrubs or white coats are often required for anatomy labs, simulation sessions, clinical skills workshops, or standardized patient encounters. You won’t need them daily until your clinical rotations begin.
What scrubs brands do medical students commonly use?
Medical students usually opt for brands like:
Dr Woof Apparel
Jaanuu
Grey’s Anatomy and Skechers (by Barco)
FIGS
Medelita
More basic and budget-friendly options popular with students include:
Cherokee
Dickies
Carhartt
What do the colors of medical scrubs mean?
Many hospitals use color-coded scrubs to differentiate departments or roles.
Typical examples are:
Green and teal for surgeons and their teams.
Navy or royal blue for general nurses.
Light blue for nursing students.
Pinks and patterned colors for pediatrics and women's health units.
Grays and blacks for admin or security.
In Summary
Choosing the right scrubs as a medical student is about balancing comfort, professionalism, and practicality. Look for comfy performance fabrics that make you feel smart and able to handle anything the day throws at you! But before you start shopping, make certain you understand which colors and styles your school and training hospitals allow.
Besides Dr Woof's wide selection of women's scrubs, men's wear, and Operation Woof caps, we also offer scrubs designed with medical students in mind. Explore our trusted range and keep an eye out for student discounts, which can save you up to 50% off the regular price.
