What size scrubs? 4 Tips for Perfect Fit

Why the Right Scrub Size is Non-Negotiable

What size scrubs? The answer depends on four key factors: your accurate body measurements, the scrub’s fit style, fabric composition, and the specific brand’s sizing chart. Here’s a quick guide (and if you’d like a broader primer on medical uniforms in general, this Wikipedia overview on scrubs (clothing) is a helpful external resource):

Key Body Measurements Needed:

• Bust/Chest: Around fullest part, under arms
• Waist: At natural waistline
• Hips: Around fullest part with feet together
• Inseam: Crotch to desired pant length

General Sizing Rules:

• Order your street size for a roomy fit
• Size down one for a more fitted look
• Choose petite if you’re under 5’4″
• Choose tall if you’re over 5’7″
• Always check the brand’s specific size chart

The right scrub size is about more than comfort—it’s about your professional image and workplace safety. Scrubs that are too loose look unprofessional and can be hazardous, while those that are too tight restrict movement and cause discomfort during long shifts.

Think about it: “Lifting your arm to scan a patient’s temperature and having your stomach peek out” or “bending down and having your top ride up while your pants slip down.” These awkward moments happen when scrubs don’t fit properly.

The consequences go beyond embarrassment. Ill-fitting scrubs can impact performance, cause skin irritation, and even pose tripping hazards. Healthcare professionals need scrubs that allow for ease of movement while maintaining a polished appearance.

I’m Mark Harrell, owner of Scrubs of Evans, and I’ve spent over 15 years helping healthcare professionals in the CSRA region find the perfect scrubs. Through countless fittings and customer feedback, I’ve learned that understanding what size scrubs work best requires more than just knowing your clothing size.

Step 1: Mastering Your Measurements for a Perfect Fit

The first and most crucial step to finding your perfect scrub size is taking accurate body measurements. Incorrect measurements are the leading cause of improperly fitting scrubs and unnecessary returns.

Essential Tools and Best Practices

To start, you’ll need a quality cloth measuring tape. Avoid using a metal construction tape measure, as they aren’t flexible enough for body measurements.

Here are our top tips for accuracy:

• Measure over undergarments: Take measurements while wearing the undergarments you’d typically wear with scrubs for a realistic fit.
• Relaxed posture: Stand naturally without sucking in your stomach or tensing up, which can skew measurements.
• Don’t pull the tape tight: The tape should be snug but not so tight that it compresses your body. Keep it straight and untwisted.
• Morning measurements: For the most accurate waist sizing, measure in the morning to avoid potential bloating.
• Get help: Having a friend assist can improve accuracy, especially for the chest and inseam.

How to Measure Your Body for Scrubs

Here’s how to measure for your new scrubs:

• Bust/Chest: For women, measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. For men, measure under your arms and across your shoulder blades, holding the tape firm and level. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up for tops to ensure ease of movement.

• Waist: Find your natural waistline—usually the narrowest part of your torso. Measure around this area, keeping the tape comfortably loose.

• Hips: Stand with your feet slightly apart and measure around the fullest part of your hips and glutes, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

• Inseam: This is critical for scrub pants. You have two options:

  1. Measure existing pants: Lay a pair of well-fitting pants flat and measure the inseam from the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem.
  2. Measure your body: Have someone measure from your crotch to your desired pant length. Wear the shoes you’ll use with your scrubs for the most accurate result.

The Importance of Inseam for Scrub Pants

The inseam length is crucial for your professional appearance and safety. Pants that are too short look unprofessional, while pants that are too long pose a serious tripping hazard.

Most scrub pants come in three standard inseam lengths:

• Regular inseam: Typically around 31 inches for average-height individuals.
• Petite inseam: Around 28-29 inches, designed for individuals under 5’4″. Ordering petite scrubs is the best choice to ensure a proper fit that complements your stature. You can find More info about women’s petite length pants on our site.
• Tall inseam: Around 33-34 inches, recommended for individuals over 5’7″. These are designed to accommodate taller frames. For men, we offer More info about men’s tall length pants.

There’s typically a two-inch difference between regular, petite, and tall inseams, so choosing the right one makes a noticeable difference.

Step 2: Decoding Scrub Fits, Fabrics, and Brands

With your measurements ready, it’s time to consider fit, fabric, and brand. These factors determine how scrubs will actually feel and look on you. Understanding the differences in style, material, and brand sizing is key to finding the right fit.

Classic vs. Modern vs. Unisex: Understanding Scrub Fit Types

Scrub styles are cut differently, and knowing the distinctions can help you choose the right one for your body type and preference.

• Classic fit: This is the traditional, relaxed option with plenty of room through the chest, waist, and hips for maximum freedom of movement.

• Modern fit: Also called contemporary fit, these scrubs follow the body’s curves for a more polished, professional silhouette. They often have shorter sleeves, a lower rise, and a slimmer cut, incorporating stretch fabrics for a fitted look without restricting movement. Maevn’s Momentum line is a great example of this style.

• Unisex fit: Designed for both men and women, these are cut straight and loose. Women often find they run large and may need to size down, while men typically find them true to size.

• Men’s fit: These are designed for the male body with wider shoulders, longer sleeves, and a straight cut through the waist.

The more fitted the style, the more precise your sizing needs to be.

How Fabric Composition Affects Your Scrub Size Choice

The fabric of your scrubs can significantly change how they fit.

• Stretch fabrics: Materials with spandex or performance blends move with you, allowing you to bend and stretch without restriction. The added flexibility means you might be able to size down for a more fitted look.

• 100% cotton: These scrubs are breathable but will shrink in hot water. To avoid this, wash in cold water and dry on low heat or hang dry. If you’re between sizes, consider sizing up to account for potential shrinkage.

• Polyester and cotton blends: This common blend offers a middle ground, providing durability and comfort with minimal shrinkage.

Understanding the fabric is crucial. Materials with no give require precise sizing, while stretchy fabrics offer more flexibility.

Why You Must Check Every Brand’s Sizing Chart

Sizing varies dramatically between brands. A medium in one brand might fit like a small or large in another because they use different fit models.

Always check the brand’s specific size chart every time you shop, especially online. Don’t just order your “usual” size.

For example, look at the difference for the same letter size:

This is why you must compare your body measurements to each brand’s chart. Whether you’re shopping for IRG, Maevn, Healing Hands, or Cherokee brand scrubs, start with their sizing guide. Taking a moment to check the chart can save you the hassle of returns and ensure you get scrubs that fit properly.

What Size Scrubs Should I Get? Tailoring Your Choice

Now that we’ve covered the technical aspects of measurements, fits, and fabrics, let’s talk about how to synthesize all this information to answer the ultimate question: what size scrubs should you get? This is where your personal preferences, unique body type, and the demands of your job come into play.

What size scrubs? Sizing for Your Unique Body Type

Many brands offer specialized options beyond standard sizing to ensure a comfortable and professional fit for every body type.

• Petite sizing: For those under 5’4″, petite scrubs have shorter inseams and adjusted torso lengths to prevent overwhelming a smaller frame.
• Tall sizing: For individuals over 5’7″, tall scrubs feature longer inseams and torso lengths to prevent them from looking too short.
• Plus-size: For those who wear a size 18 or larger, plus-size scrubs are cut more generously in key areas for a comfortable, flattering fit. Brands like WonderWink often offer extensive plus-size ranges.
• Big & Tall scrubs: For those who wear a 2XL or larger, these scrubs provide extra room in the chest, waist, and hips, with appropriate inseam and sleeve lengths.

At Scrubs of Evans, we offer a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 5XL and beyond, including Petite, Regular, and Tall options. We ensure healthcare professionals in Evans, Augusta, and the CSRA can find their ideal fit. Explore our collections of More info about women’s scrubs and More info about men’s scrubs.

What size scrubs? Factoring in Personal Preference and Job Demands

Your personal preference and job demands are just as important as your measurements.

• Roomy vs. fitted: Decide if you prefer a looser, relaxed fit or a sleek, modern fit. For generously cut brands like S.C.R.U.B.S., order your street size for a roomy fit or size down for a more precise one. If you’re between sizes and prefer a fitted look, we suggest sizing down.
• Layering: If you wear underscrubs, you might want to size up your top to accommodate the extra layer. We also offer More info about women’s scrub jackets for layering.
• Range of motion: Your job requires constant movement, so choose a size that allows you to bend, stretch, and lift without restriction.
• Design details: Look for features that improve fit, like adjustable drawstring waists or side vents on tops for greater mobility.

The best size allows you to perform your duties comfortably without constantly adjusting your uniform.

Using Customer Reviews to Make the Final Call

When shopping online, customer reviews are an invaluable resource for real-world feedback, especially for a new brand or style.

Look for comments that mention:

• “Runs large” or “Runs small”: This indicates if a brand’s sizing deviates from the norm. If a style runs small, consider sizing up, and vice versa.
• “True to size”: This suggests the scrub fits as expected based on the size chart.
• Specific fit issues: Reviewers often detail how scrubs fit in specific areas (e.g., “tight in the shoulders”), which helps you understand how a style might fit your body shape.
• Body type mentions: Some reviewers share their height, weight, and chosen size, providing a helpful comparison.

While reviews are useful, they are subjective. Always use them in conjunction with your measurements and the brand’s size chart.

Frequently Asked Questions about Scrub Sizing

After helping thousands of healthcare professionals in Evans, Augusta, and across the CSRA find their perfect fit over the years, I can tell you that the same questions come up again and again. Let me share the answers to the most common what size scrubs questions we hear at our store.

Should I buy my street size in scrubs?

Your street size is a great starting point, but it’s not always the final answer.

• For a comfortable, roomy fit, your regular street size will usually work well.
• For a more fitted, contemporary look, consider sizing down one size. This is especially true for women buying unisex scrubs, as it can eliminate a boxy appearance.

However, brand variations are significant. A medium in Cherokee might fit differently than a medium in Maevn or Healing Hands. Always check each brand’s specific sizing chart.

What do I do if my measurements fall between two sizes?

It’s common to fall between sizes. Our general rule is to size up. It’s easier to have scrubs taken in than to wear something too snug, and a slightly roomier fit is often more comfortable during a long shift.

Before deciding, consider these factors:

• Fit Type: For modern or contemporary fits, sizing up is a good idea since they are already form-fitting.
• Fabric: If the scrubs contain spandex or stretch materials, you might be comfortable in the smaller size. For fabrics with no stretch, definitely choose the larger size.
• Customer Reviews: Check reviews to see what other buyers in a similar situation chose.

How do I find the right inseam for jogger-style scrubs?

Jogger scrubs are popular for their stylish comfort, but the inseam is different from traditional pants.

Jogger scrubs are designed to hit at or just above the ankle. Most have an inseam around 28.5 to 29.5 inches, but this varies by brand. The goal is a perfect ankle-length style where the cuffed hem doesn’t bunch around your shoes or look like capris.

Also, consider your shoe height. With clogs or high-top sneakers, a slightly shorter inseam might be more comfortable.

At Scrubs of Evans, we have an excellent selection of women’s jogger pants and men’s jogger pants to help you find the perfect pair.

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Fit and Feel Your Best

Finding what size scrubs work best for you doesn’t have to be a puzzle. By following a few key steps, you can confidently choose scrubs that make you look professional and feel amazing.

To recap, the path to a perfect fit involves:

• Measuring accurately: Your bust/chest, waist, hips, and inseam are the foundation.
• Understanding fit and fabric: Know the difference between classic and modern fits, and how cotton differs from a spandex blend.
• Checking brand charts: Sizing is not universal. Always check the specific brand’s chart.
• Considering your needs: Factor in your body type (petite, tall), layering preferences, and job demands.
• Using customer reviews: Learn from the experiences of other healthcare professionals.

At Scrubs of Evans, we’ve helped the CSRA community find the perfect fit since 2008. We know that when your scrubs fit properly, you can stop worrying about your uniform and focus on what matters: your patients.

The confidence that comes from wearing well-fitting scrubs from top brands like IRG, Maevn, and Healing Hands is something every healthcare professional deserves. When you look good, you feel good, and you perform at your best.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our extensive collection of men’s and women’s scrubs to find your perfect fit today! Your future self will thank you for taking the time to get it right.