Nursing scrubs and other types of uniforms designed for healthcare workers are made using different materials. The intended purpose of this article is to discuss how the different types of fabrics make a difference depending on the needs and desires of the wearer.
NursesUniform/GearArticle
The vast majority of nursing scrubs are made using blends of polyester and cotton, although some uniforms are 100 percent cotton and others are constructed with 100 percent polyester material. A small number of scrubs are made using blends of other synthetic fabrics such as rayon and spandex.
Depending on the specific needs and desires of the person who wears the scrubs, the material used to construct them most certainly makes a difference. Above all else, it is important that all nursing scrubs are made to be sturdy enough to endure many wearings, resist different bodily fluids, and stand up to multiple washings.
Most scrubs sold in stores and online are made with fabric that consists of a polyester and cotton mixture. Uniforms that are made of polyester and cotton are beneficial because they tend to be affordable, dry very quickly in clothes dryers, resist wrinkling, and offer hassle-free care. However, nurses who choose to iron scrubs comprised of this blend of fabrics are strongly advised to use low to moderate heat because high heat might lead to scorching and possible melting as a result of the synthetic polyester components. Popular mixtures include 55 percent polyester blended with 45 percent cotton, and 65 percent polyester blended with 35 percent cotton.
Many scrubs are constructed with 100 percent cotton fabric. All-cotton uniforms offer benefits that include unsurpassed softness, durability, and virtually no chance of 'seeing through' the clothing articles to reveal embarrassing underwear lines. Keep in mind that 100 percent cotton scrubs may take a little longer to dry, are more prone to wrinkle, and generally cost more than polyester blends.
Some scrubs are made using 100 percent polyester material. Polyester work clothes are desirable due to their low cost, ability to stretch, resistance to wrinkles after laundering, tendency to rapidly dry, and overall low maintenance. Nurses who prefer to iron polyester scrubs must use low heat at all times because moderate to high heat settings can scorch and melt this synthetic material.
A handful of newer medical uniforms have incorporated synthetic blends that include spandex and rayon. Cotton/spandex blends are excellent for the wearer who needs some stretch, whereas polyester/rayon mixtures are ideal for strength and cost effectiveness.
The nurse or other type of healthcare worker who wants to purchase medical scrubs has multiple choices in fabric blends, colors, designs, and cuts. The material used to construct the uniform should be carefully considered prior to making any purchases. Happy shopping!
