Uncomfortable waistline

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In my nursing program we are limited to wearing Cherokee workwear brand scrubs. I have a little bit extra fluff around my middle both from having kids and some that is just fat for which I have nobody to blame but myself. Anyway, the scrub pants have drawstrings but I find they always want to slide down to below my bulgy belly, and when they do so does the crotch and I really don't want to have to worry about the sensation of losing my pants the whole time, or the crappy way it looks. I have tried to tie them tighter, but that is uncomfortable too. Does anyone have any tips? I can't change sizes because the size I have is the perfect length when they stay where they are supposed to. Thanks in advance!!

If they do scrub checks...you have to have that brand. Take the pants to the dry cleaner/tailor and have them sew some elastic in to it...going to be much more comfortable for you through the clinicals.

Ooh that is a good idea!! Thanks!!!!

Can you wear a tight fitting cami under your shirt to help keep your pants in place? That's what I do ;)

Can you wear a tight fitting cami under your shirt to help keep your pants in place? That's what I do ;)

Yeah that is one of my things to consider, not solely for the purpose of not loosing my pants, but also because the material of the scrubs is a tad "scratchy." I may go with tighter t-shirts in lieu of a cami though. Adds a little more coverage for a little extra warmth since I get chilled easily. Thanks for the suggestion!!

Wish I saw this thread when I was in nursing school! I hated my Cherokee scrub bottoms. They'd either hang too low or I'd have to tie them high and tight and that would make me feel sick. I remember a few times having to excuse myself to the bathroom to just untie my scrubs. Fail.

So I had the same problem with all scrubs when I was pregnant. I used a belly band (target sells it as a b band). It really worked well when my pants wouldn't stay up! Similar to the cami idea, but not a whole shirt.

Specializes in Oncology.

Why would they care about the brand? They getting sponsored by them or something? I personally love cherokee brand pants. I cannot stand any elastic in the waist band of pants and would much rather have a drawstring. elastic pinches and slides up and down and just is yuck. I have to a;ways get XS because of the length even though in the waist I'd be more comfortable in the small (No, I will not hem scrubs, and the small is not too tight just not as loose as I'd like haha.) I can see how the drawstrings would slide down on people who have extra weight or different shaped hips or something though. I'd just tell your instructor you were more worried about keeping your pants UP than the brand. Carry the ones you hate with you so if she/he gets upset you can just change.

Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

Same trouble with the drawstring here. That's why I opt for elastic waists.

If you can do simple sewing you could turn the top of the waistband under, make a casing, and insert some elastic.

We have to wear Cherokee brand as well. In a lime green color only Cherokee makes. Not sure what color you have to wear, but Cherokee makes elastic waist pants as well in most the colors. Google or eBay. Another possibility is to safety pin the pants on the sides. Sounds tacky, but I've done that to help with them sliding down.

Why would they care about the brand? They getting sponsored by them or something? I personally love cherokee brand pants. I cannot stand any elastic in the waist band of pants and would much rather have a drawstring. elastic pinches and slides up and down and just is yuck. I have to a;ways get XS because of the length even though in the waist I'd be more comfortable in the small (No, I will not hem scrubs, and the small is not too tight just not as loose as I'd like haha.) I can see how the drawstrings would slide down on people who have extra weight or different shaped hips or something though. I'd just tell your instructor you were more worried about keeping your pants UP than the brand. Carry the ones you hate with you so if she/he gets upset you can just change.

I doubt they are sponsored by the brand, however it's probably more a case that they want to keep everyone looking "uniform." Also, if everyone has the same brand there is nobody who can gloat about being fancier than someone else etc. I know that's immature in a sense, but I do believe that when you have a bunch of women ( in general, women are in majority in nursing schools- no offense guys ) there will be a little "high school" mentality.

Everyone wears their clothing differently. I am not a very confrontational person and I play by the rules, so I highly doubt that I will buy another pair of pants. I will just make do with what I have now. Thanks for the input though!!

Since there is already a casing for the drawstring, just run the elastic thru that. But, it sounds like the style/cut, just isn't working for her body type. Think the suspender idea is the way to go.

Same trouble with the drawstring here. That's why I opt for elastic waists.

If you can do simple sewing you could turn the top of the waistband under, make a casing, and insert some elastic.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

duck tape? :)

Specializes in Mental Health, Hospice Care.

well I am a big guy....not enormous, but lets just say I have enjoyed a few beers over my adult life lol....I actually buy Cherokee and Dickies brands.....my Dickies are my favorites though, roomy....I purchase a size larger than I need most of time, with Dickies though a XL is a perfect fit.....the cargo pants with the pant pockets and zipper are a great fit....had to have the length hemmed however....i am built like a bulldog lol....short legs!

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