How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Scrubs: Your Definitive Guide

When your scrubs fit properly, everything about your workday gets easier. A well-fitting set of scrubs lets you bend, reach, and move freely while maintaining a professional appearance, letting you focus on taking care of your patients.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about finding scrubs that actually fit your body, style, and role.

Understanding Your Scrub Size and Fit Requirements

We're often asked, "How are scrubs supposed to fit?"

As a general rule, scrubs should look neat, feel comfortable, and allow all the movement you need to do your job. Tight-fitting scrubs can restrict your movement, while overly loose uniforms look sloppy and can get in the way.

The key to finding your perfect scrub fit is knowing your body type and the fit(s) that work best for you. Everyone’s body is different, so look for cuts and fits that match and complement your shape and height.

Here's what works well for different body types:

• Tapered silhouettes can be a great choice for a slimmer look.
• For broader shoulders, relaxed-fit tops provide extra room without being boxy.
• If you have longer legs, tall-length scrub pants or jogger styles help avoid that awkward "too-short" hem.
• If you have shorter legs, petite scrubs or cuffed jogger styles achieve a neat look without bunching around the ankles.
• Elastic waistbands provide some stretch for comfort.
• Maternity scrubs come with adjustable drawstring tops and yoga waistband pants for added comfort and flexibility.

How Do You Measure Yourself for Scrubs?

Finding scrubs that sit comfortably involves six key measurements. Ask a friend to help you record these, and wear close-fitting (not bulky) clothing to prevent overstating readings.

Here's your step-by-step measuring guide:

Bust/Chest

• Encircle a flexible measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest.
• Breathe normally and keep the tape level across your back.

Waist

• Find your natural waist (just above your belly button).
• Measure around this point, keeping the tape snug but not tight.

Hips

• Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
• Keep the tape parallel to the floor.

Inseam

• Measure from your crotch down to the bottom of your ankle bone.
• This measurement helps determine if you need petite, regular, or tall scrub pants.

Torso length

• Measure from the top of your shoulder down to your hip bone.
• This helps ensure the right length for your scrub tops.

Arm length

• Measure from the shoulder seam down to your wrist bone.
• This determines sizing for long-sleeve scrub jackets or undershirts.

Remember, measuring isn't a one-and-done exercise. Our bodies change over time. If you find yourself wearing scrubs that feel a little tight (or loose), it may be time to re-measure!

Find Your Right-Size Scrubs from the Manufacturer’s Size Chart

Once you have your accurate measurements, match them against the manufacturer’s size chart.

No two size charts are identical, so here are a few guidelines:

• Scrub sizing varies widely between brands and even different styles from the same brand. A small from one company or style may fit like a medium from another.
• Check the brand-specific size chart, including notes on fit. Descriptions like "runs small," "relaxed fit," or "true to size" indicate if the size tends to be smaller, larger, or consistent with standard measurements.
• Use your largest measurement as your working guide. If you’re between sizes, consider the fabric. For instance, stretch fabrics may allow a snugger fit, while stiffer cotton blends may require the next size up.
• Scrub pants sizing doesn’t always match your jeans size. To choose scrubs pants that fit, use your normal pants size as a starting point, then confirm with the waist and hip measurements on the brand's size chart.

To check if scrubs fit correctly, lift and rotate your arms, squat, and bend. Ensure you have the full range of motion required for your job, without straining the seams.

If you're buying online, read what reviewers say about size/fit. And always check the return policy to make sure you can easily exchange or return items that don't fit properly.

Understanding Modern Scrub Fit Categories

Modern brands feature different fit profiles, allowing you to choose looks that match your style and role.

Fit	Silhouette/Shape	Best For
Classic/Relaxed	The traditional cut. Straight through the torso and legs with ample room for layering.	Healthcare professionals who appreciate traditional comfort or wear layers under their scrubs.
Modern/Tailored	Tapered slightly at the waist, chest, and knee; contoured closer to the body without being tight.	Those who want a polished, professional, and slightly structured look (popular in leadership roles and clinics).
Athletic/Jogger	Slim fit with tapered legs; often featuring knit waistbands and four-way stretch fabrics.	High-mobility roles (ER, ICU) and those who appreciate modern activewear.
Unisex scrubs	Neutral fit for all body types, generally boxier and looser.	Budget-conscious buyers, or if uniforms must be shared.

Match scrub fit/style to your job role:

• For nurses who do a lot of lifting and moving, joggers or yoga-style pants are ideal.
• Upscale clinical centers typically require tailored, structured uniforms that match the professional setting.
• For technicians needing to carry tools, cargo scrubs provide generous pocket space.
• If your professional environment is cold, your scrubs should allow space for layering with undershirts and underscrubs.
• V-neck tops are attractive and breathable, but make sure the neckline isn't too low for your workplace.
• Some healthcare providers require specific colors or scrub styles, limiting your personal preferences, so always check before purchasing.

How Does Fabric Affect Fit?

The fabric blend affects how the scrub fits and moves with you. Let's briefly look at the two main descriptions of fabric flexibility: two-way and four-way stretch.

• Two-way stretch: This stretches in one direction (usually horizontally). Since it offers limited vertical movement, a slightly more relaxed fit may be best. Two-way is common in basic poly/cotton blends. Just remember that cotton-heavy fabrics may shrink slightly after the first wash.
• Four-way stretch: In modern scrubs with spandex or elastane, the fabric stretches both horizontally and vertically. This allows for a snugger fit, inspiring tailored and athletic styles.

How Do You Fit Scrub Tops?

Your scrub top should allow for easy reaching, bending, and lifting. Here's a quick fit checklist:

• Torso room: Allow about 1–2 inches of ease around the chest and sides. This extra space prevents the top from riding up when you bend or stretch.
• Top length: Your hem should fall just below your hip bone. This lets you tuck it in if you choose and avoids bunching at the waist.
• Arm mobility: When you raise your arms overhead, does the top pull tight across your back and shoulders? If so, you may need a larger size or scrubs with raglan sleeves or stretch panels.
• Side vents: Small slits at the bottom hem improve flexibility, especially when sitting or crouching.

How Do You Fit Scrub Pants?

When fitting your scrub pants, pay close attention to the following:

• Inseam Length: Straight-leg pants should reach the top of your shoe. Joggers should have a cuff at or just above the ankle bone.
• Crotch/Rise: The fit should allow you to bend deeply at the knees and lunge comfortably. Look for pants with a gusset (a diamond of fabric) to strengthen the crotch area.
• Waistband: You don’t want your waistband digging into you when you sit to eat or write reports. The elastic or drawstring should be secure enough to prevent pants with full pockets from slipping down, but comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Wrapping Up

A few sets of perfectly fitted scrubs allow you to step into your work environment with pride, handling demanding shifts comfortably and confidently.

If you're still searching for your dream scrubs, explore our men's scrubs and women's ranges. Dr Woof's scrub collection is a perfect blend of style, functionality, and personality, and we'd love to help you find your ideal size and look.

FAQs

Why is the right scrub fit so important?

Well-fitting scrubs are critical for several reasons:

• Mobility: Scrubs that are too tight restrict movement, while loose-fitting scrubs can be cumbersome and interfere with your work.
• Health and Safety: Long pant legs that drag on the floor are a safety hazard and potential infection risk.
• Professional appearance: Scrubs that fit well create a tidy, smart impression.
• Comfort: Comfortable scrubs let healthcare workers focus completely on patient care instead of being distracted by restrictive or ill-fitting clothing.

Are scrubs supposed to be tight?

No, scrubs shouldn’t be tight; they must support easy comfort and mobility. That said, if the fabric has four-way stretch (popular in high-quality scrubs with spandex or elastane), a slightly tighter fit is possible without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

How can I tell if my scrubs fit well?

You should be able to reach, bend, and sit comfortably without pulling at the seams. The fabric should move with you, and the overall look should be neat and professional.