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.
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!
Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.
I die inside a little every time i pay $50 for a pair.
THIS made me laugh out loud. (Does this sound morbid, you know what I mean.) I lucked out on cherokee scrubs I just bought. They were $35 a set (with tax). I only picked up two sets so far, But I am very tempted to get some more. The sale ends at the end of the month (20% off all cherokee.) The store is smartscrubs. They have a website. I have a store in my area in California (Store is in Ontario). One trick I learned with them, if you order through the store (by phone or in person), they will ship for free. So while I was still in the dressing room and realized I liked the cut, I looked on their website to see what other colors were available and I had them order for me.
I am just a CNA and am going to be starting my first job this weekend, yay. The facility provides us with black scrubs that are a polyester blend. I hope it breaths well and doesn't wrinkle much since I dry my laundry on a clothes line.
SlaveHeart, what do you mean you are "just a CNA"? I love CNAs, while in nursing school you were awesome to me :bowingpur
I am round - in the wrong places, I used to love wearing NU DIMENSION Stretch and I can no longer find this brand, so I bought whatever Uniform City had on sale, Dickies or Cherokees, but nothing compared to these. I would love to find a pair of pants that can hold thick legs like the ones I have....and that it stretches, these were awesome and they last a long time. I too cannot see myself paying for Greys Anatomy; but then again even if I wanted to they are made for thin people - I tried a pair. I also love lots of pockets.
If you're looking to purchase printed scrubs, polyester is definitely a way to go since it retains the vibrancy of the print and the colors no matter how many wash cycles you put it through.
Hello my name is Joshua I have been a CNA for 2 years and make scrub tops at home. I have made a scrub top for a coworker last year and one for me. When we tried them out at work after a week I went back to her and she loved it and so did I but I am trying to find a good fabric where I can find prints that would appeal to both the male and female population in the nursing field. Personally I am looking for fabric that won't sacrifice a durability for flexibility that is sturdy holds it shape over years of use and can be worn year round.
nursefrances, BSN, RN
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