The Difference between "Scrub" pants and "uniform" pants?

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2007

Uniform pants are usually a heavier material. I've never seen uniform pants w/draw strings. Usually they are elastic waist bands. They tend to look like pants where scrubs have a more relaxed look to them. Before spending any money on "UNIFORM' pants maybe, if possible, you should go to your school and actually see what the other students are wearing.

2bNursewith7kids · Aug 21, 2007

I'm not sure what the difference is either. We were able to choose between cargo-style pants (pull-on) or the drawstring variety. Our college just gave us a piece of paper with all that we needed for our uniforms on the page. We were required to go to a specific uniform supplier because our uniforms have to be embroidered with our school logo on them. So we really didn't have a choice about where to go, but we cannot say we didn't get the correct uniforms because this uniform company knew exactly what the college would allow us to have and in what color. We just had to try them on to see what fit and then they took about a month to actually get them due to the embroidery. I was not told whether my pants were uniform or scrubs...perhaps they are actually the same thing?

xNursePinkx2b · Aug 21, 2007

I'm not sure, I think they're heavier in material. EMTs wear them. My SIL is an EMT, I'll ask her what the difference is and get back to you lol.

DebanamRN, MSN, RN · Aug 21, 2007

I wore uniform pants to lpn school. They were white with an elastic waist and stitched front seams. They were close fitting, not baggy. I am going to use them for rn school.

My scrub pants have drawstring and/or elastic waists, lots of pockets and are baggy so I can move easier. They are also more comfortable. No front stitched seams.

jjjoy, LPN · Aug 21, 2007

Scrubs originated in the OR scrubs. They were created for versatility (fit all shapes and sizes, thus drawstring, boxy and baggy) and ease of laundering (no inside or outside side, no buttons, snaps, etc) and cheapness (thin material).

Since the scrub style is so popular now, there have recently been many permutations on scrubs, thus making the differentiation between 'scrub pants' and 'uniform pants' less clear. Many of the scrub style outfits out there now have a more tailored and stylish look (snugger fit, for example).

In general, though, uniform pants are made of thicker material that wrinkles less and are generally better made than traditional scrub styles. They look less like PJ bottoms.

DesertRain · Aug 22, 2007

Thanks guys! I think I might stick to the Dickie's brand even though they are in the "scrubs" section....they are thicker, boot cut and no drawstrings.

Now, I gotta find some undies that are pleasant to "accidentally" see.

I just found out that I don't have to wear uniform until the third week of school, so I can ask around about it.

jjjoy, LPN · Aug 22, 2007

Now, I gotta find some undies that are pleasant to "accidentally" see.

Do you mean neutral color undies that won't show through white pants? While it's quite trendy these days to have one's undies "peek" out, it would be very unprofessional in health care setting, so make sure your pants and top still cover all skin when you reach up, bend over, etc. You may not have meant that, but it wasn't clear from your post.

Best wishes as you start school! It will be a wild ride! Enjoy!

xNursePinkx2b · Aug 22, 2007

Hey just checkin back in, SIL said that the uniform pants are thicker in material, have either an elastic waistband (for nursing) or zipper (emt) and they usually have lots of pockets but they do make them without the pockets it depends on what your school wants. Good luck with the panties LOL :)

DesertRain · Aug 22, 2007

Do you mean neutral color undies that won't show through white pants? While it's quite trendy these days to have one's undies "peek" out, it would be very unprofessional in health care setting, so make sure your pants and top still cover all skin when you reach up, bend over, etc. You may not have meant that, but it wasn't clear from your post.
Best wishes as you start school! It will be a wild ride! Enjoy!

LMAO....:rotfl: Oh my goodness I just had a wild laugh about imagining myself being one of "those" who let's my undies hang out....

Even if I did, trendy it would not be..."gross" would be more suitable...I'm a far cry from a Kate Moss type figure (lol)

I know how you could have thought that from my post though....

I meant that with my uniform pants being white....no matter what, they will be somewhat see-thru so I need to find ones (and yes, I'm thinking boy shorts style and/or full back briefs in a neutral color) that will least show through the pants! I'm thinking more along the lines of Hanes & Jockey as oppose to Fredericks of Hollywood! LOL

jjjoy, LPN · Aug 22, 2007

Glad you took my unneeded mom-ish advice with good humor! :monkeydance:

May I also suggest neutral pantyhose or leggings under white pants. Leggings aren't as tight as hose and don't cover your feet so are much more comfortable. They provide some support as well an extra layer between you and the world at large (handy for covering undies and smoothing pantylines and extra protection at that time of the month). Even some non-neutral solid color leggings aren't noticeable through white pants if pants are made of a sturdy material. Some might find them too hot, but I found them useful. And the support of either pantyhose or leggings can really help one's legs feel better all day as well.

alkaleidi · Aug 22, 2007

I'm thinking more along the lines of Hanes & Jockey as oppose to Fredericks of Hollywood! LOL

Too bad Fredericks doesn't make a "nursing panty" line. :) LOL.

When I was in school, I went to Walmart and invested in some white Hanes Her Way briefs. Neutral (skin tone) colored underwear work too, but I thought paying about $6-8 for a 6-pack was better than $5+ a pair... and I didn't plan on wearing them after school (though NOW I do pull out a pair now and then to wear under, yep, white pants)!

Good luck!