What Color Scrubs Are Appropriate?

Updated:   Published

color-nursing-scrubs.jpg.4a1d79613027ad69fde6ceb49bc73fba.jpg

I'm a new grad and I'm due to start my first position at a clinic next week. I asked the hiring manager about uniforms and she told me that because it's clinic, they don't have any uniform requirements. Many of their nurses work there and also at hospitals so she told me they prefer that we don't wear anything with another company name on it. She also said that they would prefer "conservative scrubs". What does that mean? I'm thinking I can't go wrong with a nice navy blue, but I also love bright colors. Could I get away with a purple or pink? I'm not into prints either. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

They're probably talking about the super tight scrubs with the low-cut v-neck type. 

I would think any scrubs that fit well and allow you to move freely would be fine. 

I personally have a thing about patterns and I rarely wear them, except a couple of tops I have with multi-colored geometric patterns that I pair with various bottoms.  I don't feel professional with hearts and butterflies on my clothes.... as silly as that may sound.  I typically choose solids. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

The dark blue scrubs seem to be becoming THE color of choice for many nurses regardless of their work setting.

Wear a colored scrub jacket for contrast or you can purchase a few diff color tops. Maybe something seasonal (all pts seem to like those).

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

After I got my fill of print tops and trying to have a color pant to match anything, I decided to make it easy for me.  I now buy black, gray, or pewter scrub bottoms and an assortment of solid color tops.  Enough variety for my stodgy geezer sensibilities while not being too limiting.  Now I just look at the prints and the different styles.  And I am amused by the higher prices.  Ha, ha.  You won't find me paying $36 for a top and $38 for a matching bottom. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

My personal preference is to buy a couple of pants/tops for the first few days, then wait to buy a full set until after I see what the 'norm' is within the job. Even if there's no official dress code, you may find that the staff sticks to certain trends (I.e. everybody wearing matching solids, nobody wearing patterned tops, everybody wearing patterned tops, wearing certain types of scrub jackets, etc). However, I like to blend in with the rest of the unit, which may not matter to you--in that case, do whatever you please!

FYI, some places actually have a preference not to have matching solid tops and bottoms since it looks so 'hospital-like' (this is mostly an issue if you interface with kids at all).

I personally like to pair a solid neutral top (gray, navy, etc) with a colored solid bottom (blue, green, pink, whatever else).

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.
19 hours ago, caliotter3 said:

After I got my fill of print tops and trying to have a color pant to match anything, I decided to make it easy for me.  I now buy black, gray, or pewter scrub bottoms and an assortment of solid color tops.  Enough variety for my stodgy geezer sensibilities while not being too limiting.  Now I just look at the prints and the different styles.  And I am amused by the higher prices.  Ha, ha.  You won't find me paying $36 for a top and $38 for a matching bottom. 

I'm a BIG girl, and scrubs never fit me well - I would have to do major alterations to get a good fit. So from the Lane Bryant specialty catalogue, I just bought 5 pairs knit slacks, usually navy, and 5 simple white dress Tees. Nothing special. Certainly inexpensive!

No brainer when picking out a set to wear each day, and it made laundry easy peasy. My employers never complained.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

In a pinch I have worn a navy knit pair of slacks, but they turned out to be very hot to work in. I couldn't do that all the time.  Many years ago, JC Penney used to have a store brand white slack that I wore to work as a CNA.  I was very upset when they discontinued the item.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I have a few print tops, but the last few years or so I’ve favored solid colors. I’d go with a solid navy blue or red or gray if I were you.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 4/1/2021 at 10:36 PM, spikedorchid said:

She also said that they would prefer "conservative scrubs". What does that mean?

I could refer to any or all of: color, patterns, fit.

It wouldn't be wrong to ask for further clarification before spending a bunch of money.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion