What would you change about your scrubs?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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Hey all~

I am doing research for a line of scrubs and would like to find out what nurses like/ dislike about their uniforms.

I am a fashion design student that recently spent some time in the hospital for cancer treatment this summer. I was so inspired by the compassion and care shown by the nurses and would like to thank you guys by providing uniform options that are comfy, stylish and help the wearer feel more 'individualized'.

What elements (pockets, elastic waistbands, tagless uniforms, etc) do you look for in a pair of scrubs?

What would you change about scrubs if you had the chance? (here's your chance)

What are the most popular colors worn by nurses? What colors/ prints do you dislike?

What instruments/ items do you carry on your person when you work? (pen, paper, hidden snack wink.gif )

What are the dress code restrictions at your place of work?

Thank you for any input. More importantly, thank you for always giving to those around you- giving your time, comforting words, upbeat vibes and patience. It means more than you know.

1) flare/ bootcut pants

2) soft/ non - pilling material - i HATE pilling

3) soft pastel colours - light yellow, baby blue, soft pink

4) draw string pants

5) tops that don't overwhelm a small torso

6) looser fit pants

I usually buy Urbane scrub pants (these seem to be the most flattering on my frame)

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The trouble with scrubs is they are designed to look like a square. They are patterned to require minimum sewing complexity(no darts, zippers, or shaping) so they can be quickly and cheaply made to clothe the multitude. Add drawstring or elastic waists and limited availability of inseam lengths. The sizing is crude too, it is easier to simply give 4 or 5 sizes (XM to XL) rather than have to have sizes 2-28 in stock.

That said, I carry a calculator, 3 pens, a couple of alcohol swabs, a tubex, and my folded up report sheet in my pocket.

I prefer blue scrubs with petite pants, a snap front top with large pockets. I do own a couple of mock wrap front tops with a contrast color piping that look sharp.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

Roomier sleeves...even the XL has smallish diameter sleeves.

More cargo pockets with room...not some tiny things that you can barely slip your hand into.

Speaking of sleeves...how about some 3/4 length sleeves? There HAS to be something between a short-sleeved scrub and wearing a long-sleeved jacket. Some of us hot-natured gals would love a little variety without adding layers.

Fabrics with some GIVE to them. We do a lot of squatting, pulling, lifting, etc and something that squats, pulls, and lifts with us would be great!!

Ya'll carry much more in your pockets than I do....I only carry a 4-color pen and my pager. My "brain" stays on the foyer fold-down along with a clear bag that stores alcohol wipes, dry erase markers, scissors, flushes, IV caps, etc. Its always just a step away so I have no need to carry everything on my person.

Personally, I love those mock wrap tops. They're a little shorter which fits me well, plus the V neck never gaps like some of my other tops. Also they're not cluttered with that useless breast pocket which only accentuates us busty ones.

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a gusset in the inner thigh area, would help deal with the wear thru issue...the fabric runs with the grain horizontal instead of vertical, so the rub of walking is with the grain not against....BUT this is not an easy sewing skill. would add to the cost..

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Fabrics? How about something TASTEFUL for a change? I don't wear cartoon characters. I'm not a seven year old; I don't like the latest tv show on my top. I don't like gigantic patterns that no one would EVER wear on clothing outside of nursing. Ever. I'd like to find patterns that I'd be inclined to wear in the REAL world! People will know I'm their nurse because of my huge ID tag, the fact that I've introduced myself and have a scope slung around my neck. Why do I have to dress like bad artwork?

Thanks for asking!

AMEN!

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i'm so glad someone is asking this question!

why are all scrubs v-necked?? those of us who have an above average chest size are flashing the patient. a rounded neckline would be great!

tagless would be a bonus!

i'm glad you're doing well.

mumma :)

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I'm a student and have to wear white pants. I would like for them to NOT be see-through.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

The thing that irks me the most about scrubs is how un-identifiable we are when we wear them.

So I would like (in addition to lots of pockets) a solid color scrub top that has RN in REALLY BIG letters across the back with a nursing symbol like the nurse's lamp or a cap or a caduceus.

Like this (click on the back view of the T-shirt):

http://www.zazzle.com/rn_pride_shirt-235840273437641323

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Thank you for asking for our imput.

As a taller gal with not much butt, I find most scrub pants to be far too baggy in the bottom. I buy my pants from S.C.R.U.B.S because they offer (in my opinion) the best constructed pants with features I want such as:

Hemmed inseams to 34".

Waistband with elastic and a drawsting, with belt loops to hook keys onto.

Deep sideseam inset pockets, back patch pocket.

Variety of leg openings and rise options.

Deep muted colors.

High quality fabric that does not loose its shape and withstands years of washings and use.

Please note that tall does not equate to wide. Offer pants in a lean and tall fit.

Please design a scrub top with a v-neck that does not expose cleavage each time one bends over. I wear a tank top undershirt daily so that the patients don't get a peep show.

Add slits to the side seams to facilitate movement and ease any bunching around the hips and don't make them so boxy. Add some darts or shaping to the tops. We're not all cube-shaped. Two large patch pockets so that we could stash flushes, tape, forceps, sharpies, etc.

Make the tops longer. The cropped look is cute, but any nurse who works 12 hours reaching, bending and moving patients knows that cropped mini tops aren't practical.

In my pants pockets I carry a palm pilot, scissors, alcohol swabs, pens, cell phone and lip balm.

Good luck with your project.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Oh, one more thing-- I like the pants that have an elastic waist but also have a string tie so they'll stay up better when the pockets are stuffed. :)

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Specializes in home health.

Wide elastic waistband (I HATE drawstrings!!)

Side pockets: don't have much use for cargo pockets; always feel like my pants are being pulled downwards.

Length? I'm right at 5"4"- too tall for petit size and "regular" is too long.

More rounded necklines- I agree with the gaping bodice!

More feminine styling: Princess seams or darts. I'm not built like a man

key and scissor resistant pockets..I get holes poked through every pocket

OH! and for larger sizes, please keep in mind that a heavier woman DOES NOT necessarily have longer arms or legs

Most likely you will find each of us has our own preferences :) and you will unable to please everyone

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Specializes in Tele Step Down, Oncology, ICU, Med/Surg.

I'm a nursing student and former cancer patient who spent 13 years working for a major apparel manufacturer so feel I have a lot to say on the subject.....and my number one suggestion would be adding 5% Lycra for stretch.

I would Improve the quality of the fabric to a wrinkle free brushed cotton with a decent weight so it's not see thru.

A wide band knit "boxer" style waist band that went all around, or a half elastic half zipper pant style with belt loops for those that like to hang things off belt loops. At the very least a half elastic model is a must as staying comfortable and going to the bathroom fast are priorities over pant like fit.

LOTS of usable pockets--like a pen light pocket on the sleeve.

Little pockets (for alchohol) on top of pockets at the sides of a smock like top would be high on my list. Might be nice to have one pocket have a zipper closure for things that tend to slip out. Extra lining on the pocket meant for pens. A hidden/inner pocket for personal items might be nice. Cargo pockets are a must on pants. An inner pocket along a square neckline might be nice for those that need reading glasses...or it could be an extra place to put a pen. I would definitely go for more creative/novelty pocket design if I were designing scrubs.

Long sleeves would have knit banded cuffs so that you can pull them up to your elbows and the sleeves would stay there for hand washing.

Colors should be Greyish Blues and Greens slightly richer than a pastel hue (light but not so light that stains show). Would be nice to do a bi-tonal top with the pants being the darker tone. For short sleeve styles, have a matching knit long sleeve to wear underneath in the lighter tone which would allow for coordinated layering options.

Darting or back ties for female forms. Not such a deep V neck for males--my favorite nurse was a short but wide male who also happened to be very hairy....his shirts hung down so low--probably to accomodate his wide frame--and I really didn't like seeing all that hair and tummy while he was bent down trying to access my port.

Something with a simple RN caducus logo would be cute--sort of like the "Baby Phat" logo but the staff/snakes instead.

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