We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Our top picks cater to functionality, comfort, durability, and style. workwear twill fabric
Regardless of your department, most healthcare facilities require medical professionals to wear scrubs. Long hours on your feet demand comfortable and durable uniforms. Still, it's vital to find scrubs that fit well and look professional—with all the features that keep you organized and sane during hectic shifts.
The best scrubs are designed with the demands of the job in mind. From deep pockets to flexible fabrics and water resistance, you want your scrubs to work as hard as you do. We spoke with several healthcare workers to learn about the most important workwear features and scoured the most popular options on the market to find the best scrubs, paying close attention to fit, functionality, durability, and more.
Slim fit is not for everyone
Material: 72% polyester, 21% rayon, 7% spandex | Sizes: XXS–6XL | Fit: Slim | Pockets: 6
The Set by Figs comes backed by stellar ratings across healthcare workers, and we're not surprised. They're made with a durable and stretchy polyester, rayon, and spandex blend that withstand multiple washes, crouching, and bending. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but their functionality and durability mean they'll last for years.
The fit is slim, though not too tight, and the fabric is lightweight and breathable. Plus, with six pockets to store all your essentials, there's a place for all the necessities—your pen, alcohol prep pads, light, notebook, and anything else you may need during your shift.
The material is incredibly soft and pliable and remains wrinkle-free throughout the day, says Lauren Thayer, a registered nurse and writer for Health Canal. The moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties prevent bacteria and other harmful substances from building up on the fabric over time. Figs offers a range of colors and sizes from XXS to 6XL.
This set is a little pricey, but its quality and comfort make it worth the investment. They have a slim-jogger fit, so the pants may be a little too snug for some body types.
Side vents for ease of movement
Material: 91% polyester, 9% spandex | Sizes: XXS–5X | Fit: Modern | Pockets: 4
The Melanie Top by Moxie Scrubs is not only affordable, but its quick-drying technology keeps moisture at bay—think sweat, spills, and frequent hand washing. The polyester-spandex blend and flexible side vents are exceptionally stretchy for unrestricted motion (also great during pregnancy).
The top has four pockets, including two large front pockets, a front zipper pocket, and a hidden interior pocket for your phone. The fabric is soft and lightweight and won't fade or shrink after washing. Paired with the Moxie Catherine or Justine pants, this is a great workwear option with inclusive sizing up to 5XL.
Some wearers report slight wrinkling when not removed from the dryer promptly. The fabric is only available in solid colors, so you may want to look elsewhere if you prefer more variety in patterns and prints.
Need to size up for looser fit
Material: 87% nylon, 13% spandex | Sizes: XXS–3XL | Fit: Slim jogger | Pockets: 8
Having too many pockets is nearly impossible when you're lugging around your IDs, stethoscope, pens, medical supplies, and personal items. The Scope Thea 9-Pockets Jogger has eight roomy pockets, including deep side pockets, back pockets, and cargo pockets for easy access to your essentials.
The pockets are designed for ultimate functionality to keep your items secure while bending and reaching. The fabric is buttery soft and breathable, and the waistband is stretchy and adjustable via the drawstring for a more tailored fit.
Wash inside out for best results, but the fabric will hold up to frequent washing (even with hot water) and drying. These joggers are practical and stylish, with a tapered leg and slim fit that flatters most. Petite and tall sizes are available.
The return window is shorter than other companies at 14 days, so try them on and return or exchange them immediately if they're not a good fit. Joggers may fit too slim for some wearers, so consider sizing up if you prefer a looser fit.
Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex | Sizes: XXS–3XL | Fit: Straight | Pockets: 11
The Estelle Pant by Lunna has superior comfort features, including a high-rise waistband that sits above the navel without restriction. You can easily bend over without worrying about your pants slipping down or showing too much skin. The drawstring allows for a snugger or looser fit, depending on your preference.
Made with a blend of recycled polyester and spandex, these pants are durable and offer a cooling effect for those who tend to run on the warm side. The fabric repels lint and fur, a bonus for pet owners and those who prefer low-maintenance clothing.
The 11 pockets allow plenty of storage options for work supplies. We also love that Lunna offers inclusive sizing options in XXS to 3XL and multiple lengths, including petite and tall.
The limited color options may be a downside for some. The company has a 30-day exchange and 14-day return policies with exclusions for some sale items. Be sure to review the policy before purchasing.
Material: 91% polyester, 9% spandex | Sizes: XXS–5XL | Fit: Relaxed | Pockets: 2 top, 5 pant
With sizing up to 5XL, the V-Neck Top & Drawstring Pant Set by Healing Hands offers more than just inclusivity. The soft, stretchy fabric drapes well on all body types without clinging or restricting movement.
With this set, you don't feel like you're wearing a boxy sheet and instead, you feel like you’re wearing actual fitted clothes that flatter, says Christina Handley, RN, BSN, clinical research nurse coordinator at Jefferson Abington Hospital in Pennsylvania. The fabric also resists wrinkles, moisture, and stains.
There are side vents for added flexibility, and the set is available in plenty of fade-resistant solid colors. The top has two front pockets, and the pants have five pockets, including a cargo pocket with an inner media pocket for your phone. You can personalize the top with embroidery or a logo if desired.
The neckline may be too deep for some wearers, so wear a tank top or underscrub if you prefer more coverage. Moreover, princess cut tops tend to run tighter in the chest. Consider sizing up if you have a larger bust.
Elastic waistband with button closure
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex poplin | Sizes: XS–6XL | Fit: Relaxed | Pockets: 6
Dickies are popular among healthcare professionals like Michelle Weihman, RN, BSN, healthcare wellness coach and author of “Dare to Care,” who loves the stain-resistant properties. The EDS Essentials Scrub Pants are a top contender for males thanks to its polyester-spandex blend that flexes with movement while maintaining a professional look.
The waistband features a classic zipper and button closure with an internal drawstring. They're loaded with functional pockets, including two front, two deep-sided cargo, and two back.
Dickies are known for their quality and durability, and these are made to last through washing, drying, and daily wear and tear. We appreciate the 15+ color options, relaxed fit, and additional tall sizes for those with longer legs. Women's EDS styles are also available.
The fabric blend has a lower spandex content (which gives these a more professional look), so they may not be as stretchy as others. Some may find the relaxed fit looser in the legs than desired.
Side vents for ease of movement
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Sizes: XXS–5XL | Fit: Slim | Pockets: 3 top, 5 pant
The modest round neckline, contoured shape, and stretchy fabric don't restrict movement while wearing this Split Round Neck Top & Tapered Jogger Pant by Infinity by Cherokee. These scrubs contain antimicrobial protection against bacteria, fungi, and other harmful organisms that build up in the fabric and cause odors over time.
The jogger-style pants have rib-knit elastic cuffs and an elastic waistband that sits perfectly at the waist. The top has two patch pockets, including one with an inner pocket for additional security, while the bottoms feature five additional pockets. We love the tapered fit and side vents that give these scrubs a modern and stylish look.
Regardless of your body type, age, or profession, these scrubs are made inclusive of body diversity. You can wear them all day without any rubbing or irritation. They also come in petite and tall sizes, with various color options—from neutral blacks and grays to more vibrant colors like pink and teal. Customization with embroidery is also available.
Because of the fitted silhouette, this set may not be ideal for those who prefer looser-fitting clothes. Follow the size chart closely and consider sizing up if you prefer a roomier fit or have a large bust.
Material: 78% polyester, 20% rayon, 2% spandex | Sizes: XXS–3XL | Fit: Relaxed | Pockets: 2
Pregnancy brings about many changes, including changes in the body that make it challenging to find comfortable and fashionable scrubs. The Revolution by Cherokee Women's Maternity Side Zip Solid Scrub Top is specifically designed for expecting mothers, with an extra spacious, relaxed fit and stretchy fabric that accommodates your growing belly.
The zip-up side gussets allow easy access and adjustability—also great for pumping while breastfeeding—and the longer length covers your bump as you grow. The fabric is also wrinkle and fade-resistant, so it's easy to maintain through wash and wear.
Other features we love include the banded mock wrap top for a stylish touch and two roomy front storage pockets. Optional embroidery is available. Plus, it’s an affordable option if you don’t want to sink a bunch of money into a prenatal wardrobe.
While the color options are minimal, the solid colors are versatile and classic. There are only two pockets on this top, but both are relatively deep and can hold multiple essentials.
Shallow pockets compared to others
Material: 74% polyester, 23% rayon, 3% spandex | Sizes: XXS–5XL | Fit: Relaxed | Pockets: 6
While they may be inspired by the long-standing medical drama, these Grey's Anatomy Evolve 6 Pocket Tapered Leg Pants are no fiction. Made with a blend of polyester, spandex, and rayon blend, the fabric is soft and moisture-wicking. They're designed with a tapered leg, elastic waistband, and an internal drawstring to reduce the need for frequent readjustments.
The six pockets include two front pockets, one back pocket, a double right-sided cargo pocket, and a smaller pen pocket. They also come in a range of lengths and sizes, including tall options up to 5XL, regular, petite, and plus.
We recommend this style for taller individuals due to the longer inseam length and overall relaxed fit. The fabric is also breathable and comfortable for physically demanding floor positions that have you running, bending, and lifting for extended periods.
The pockets are a bit shallow compared to others. It’s currently only available in six color options, which may limit your choices depending on your workplace's dress code.
Material: 75% polyester, 19% viscose, 6% spandex | Sizes: XXS–5XL | Fit: Slim | Pockets: 9
If you're looking for a stylish and functional scrub set with a flattering petite fit, you may want to give the Mandala 9 Pocket Joggers a try. While they come in a range of lengths (petite, regular, tall) and sizes up to 5XL, we particularly love the petite option and elastic ankle cuffs that hit just above the ankle.
The stretchy fabric, yoga-style waistband, and adjustable drawstring are just a few of the features that stand out. The fabric is remarkably breathable and moisture-wicking, ensuring you stay comfortable and dry when the days get hectic.
The nine pockets are strategically placed with hidden compartments for smaller items. This style offers over 25 color options, so you can mix and match or opt for a timeless neutral shade. You can toss these into the washer and dryer (low heat) without worrying about shrinking, fading, or wrinkling.
If you're on the shorter end of the petite spectrum, these joggers may still run long and need hemming—the inseam for petite styles ranges from 27 to 28 inches. Tumble drying on low heat is also recommended to maintain the fabric's integrity.
We spoke with healthcare workers and experts to gather insights on what makes scrubs worth the investment. We also researched several reputable brands, read customer reviews, and analyzed the following attributes:
We spoke with various healthcare professionals to gain insight into what they look for when shopping for scrubs. They also provided their favorites, which were all considered when making our recommendations.
It depends on how many shifts you work per week, as well as your ability to launder your scrubs appropriately (and any other factors, like how often your scrubs may become contaminated between patients). “I like to have enough for the work week plus two extra sets,” says Portia Wofford, LPN, Georgia-based health content writer and former nurse manager. “When I worked three shifts per week, that meant five [sets in total]. However, Wofford notes that each nurse has to decide what works best for them and whether they need backup sets of scrubs (and if so, how many).
This can vary widely between individual colleges and hospitals.
“Some programs include scrubs as part of your tuition and fees,” says Wofford. “Others simply require nursing students to wear a specific color and you purchase your scrubs, independently.”
The college that Rebecca Abraham, RN, BSN, CEO of Plesio Health and former critical care nurse, attended didn’t provide scrubs, but her last ICU job at a hospital did; it was a huge convenience, she says, as it improved her work/life balance to be given a pair of clean surgical scrubs at work to change into every shift.
Hospitals that don’t provide scrubs completely free to employees may also make it easier for nurses to purchase them or “earn” free pairs, says Wofford: “You may have to work for 90 days before you get a free set of scrubs, or you get a free set on your work anniversary.”
Some hospitals also sell scrubs in the gift shop, invite scrub companies to come on site to sell their items, and offer to deduct the cost of scrubs from their employees’ paychecks.
Usually, yes, there is some kind of distinction between the scrubs that nurses wear and the ones other healthcare providers wear when you’re on-site at a hospital or larger medical facility.
“This helps the patient identify who is who on their care team,” explains Abraham, “[and] usually nurses are assigned some variation of blue.”
Wofford breaks down the various ways scrub colors can be used to distinguish between healthcare providers:
Nurses may wear different color scrubs than other on-site employees
Scrubs should be washed after each wear because they can easily harbor bacteria and germs from patient interactions. Frequent washing also helps maintain the fabric's overall appearance.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label. Typically, scrubs can be machine washed on a regular cycle with detergent and warm to hot water. It is recommended to avoid bleach and fabric softener as it can affect the fabric's breathability. Most can be tumble-dried on low heat, but it is always best to check the label first.
Lindsay Modglin is a nurse who has purchased countless scrubs over the years. She understands the importance of quality, comfort, and functionality in healthcare attire. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, Insider, Healthline, and Parents, among others. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring readers have access to accurate and actionable information to make the best health decisions.
By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer with 9+ years of clinical healthcare experience.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
ruins camouflage fabric There was an error. Please try again.