Scrubs, the quintessential attire of healthcare professionals, are much more than just a work uniform. Quality scrubs are a blend of functionality and comfort, designed to withstand the demanding rigors of the medical environment while ensuring comfort for those wearing them.
While the design of a pair of scrubs plays a big role in how well they function, the choice of fabric is equally important. But what are scrubs made of, exactly, and when you’re buying your next pair, what’s the best fabric for scrubs?
We’ll discuss different scrubs fabrics and give you an idea of the pros and cons of each. We’ll help you figure out what to look for in comfortable, well-made, quality scrubs that won’t let you down on the job.
At Poppy Scrubs, we have the most comfortable scrubs you’ll find anywhere. Designed by a nurse (and subjected to over 10,000 hours of wear testing), our scrubs are designed for function and comfort, using high-tech scrubs materials to keep you looking and feeling your best all shift.
The Role of Scrubs Material in Comfort, Performance, Cost, and Longevity
Scrubs serve as the second skin for healthcare professionals, and can truly make or break your day at work. Different scrubs fabrics can significantly impact your comfort and performance, as well as the cost of scrubs, and the overall lifespan of these essential garments.
Let’s take a look at why the materials for scrubs are so important when it comes to choosing quality, comfortable scrubs that will last you for years to come.
Comfort and the User Experience
Comfort is paramount in healthcare, where long, demanding shifts tend to come with the job description. The right fabric can make all the difference, providing breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and a soft texture against the skin.
Fabrics like performance polyester, cotton blends, and bamboo are favored for their ability to offer comfort throughout long shifts reducing irritation and allowing you to move without restrictions.
Performance Under Pressure
Scrubs endure rigorous demands in medical environments, and need to be up for the challenge. The scrubs material's ability to withstand frequent washing, resist stains, and maintain its shape and color after multiple cycles is critical.
Look for high-performance fabrics with moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties, as these tend to be the most durable. Choosing quality colors and dyes is also important - your scrubs need to withstand frequent wash cycles without fading.
Cost-Effectiveness and Quality
Some scrubs fabrics are cheaper than others, but this isn’t an indication of cost-effectiveness. In general, the cheaper the fabric for scrubs is, the shorter it lasts. You’ll need to replace your scrubs more often, increasing the overall cost.
On the other hand, spending a bit more for quality scrubs is an investment that usually pays off. Scrubs made from quality materials will withstand the rigors of daily wear, maintain their function, and save you significant money in the long run.
Sustainability and Fabric Choices
Increasingly, the focus is on sustainable and eco-friendly materials in many industries, including healthcare. Soft scrubs made from organic materials are gaining popularity due to their reduced environmental impact, helping you reduce your footprint with each shift.
So, What are Scrubs Made Of?
So, what are scrubs made of, and what’s the best material for scrubs? Let’s take a look at some of the most common scrubs fabrics and the advantages and disadvantages that come with each one.
Cotton and Cotton Blends
Cotton, with its breathability and soft texture, has long been a staple in the world of scrubs. Cotton blends, often incorporating polyester or spandex, offer a mix of comfort, durability, and ease of care.
The natural absorbency of cotton makes it an excellent choice for those long shifts, wicking away moisture and keeping you comfortable. One disadvantage of cotton scrubs is that the colors tend to fade quickly - your fun purple scrubs might not be vibrant for too long.
Polyester and Its Advantages
What are scrubs made of if not cotton? Polyester, a synthetic fiber, has become very popular in scrubs due to its durability and resistance to wrinkles and stains. Polyester blends also have better color retention, keeping your favorite burgundy scrubs looking bright even after hundreds of washes.
Polyester blends are also very stretchy, leading to comfortable, stretchy scrubsthat don’t restrict your movements. If you’re wearing scrubs in public after work, polyester scrubs look great without sacrificing your comfort levels.
Rayon
Rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber, combines the softness of natural fibers with the durability of synthetic materials. Its breathability and moisture-wicking properties also provide extra comfort, especially if you’re moving around a lot of have a longer shift.
Depending on the rayon content, some scrubs with rayon may have specific care and cleaning instructions. Make sure you understand the different materials used in your scrubs and follow the care instructions on the tag.
Spandex and Elasticity
For scrubs that demand flexibility and stretch, spandex is often incorporated. The addition of spandex provides elasticity, making it easy to move around during your shift.
Spandex is also a great addition to give your scrubs a flattering fit. If you’re wondering how to look good in scrubs or looking for the best fitting scrubs for petites, find a brand that incorporates spandex for a better, more comfortable fit.
So, What is the Best Material for Scrubs?
So, now that we’ve looked at the most common scrubs fabrics, what’s the best material for scrubs? While it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and specific workplace requirements, we feel that polyester blends are overall the best choice.
Compared to cotton, polyester is lower maintenance, more comfortable, more durable, and a better option for keeping different color scrubs bright. Polyester blends with rayon for comfort and spandex for extra stretch gives you the most comfortable, durable scrubs out there.
How Scrubs Are Made: Bringing These Scrubs Fabric Choices to Life
As well as understanding the different materials for scrubs, it’s also important to understand how scrubs are made.
From the initial design to the cutting, sewing, and finishing stages, manufacturers carefully choose the right combination of materials for scrubs to ensure the final product meets the stringent demands of healthcare workers.
Finding a manufacturer that carefully constructs their scrubs from well-thought-out materials helps you choose scrubs that will keep you as comfortable as possible, in scrubs you look great in, for years to come.
More Factors Beyond the Fabric for Scrubs
While the choice of scrubs material plays a significant role in the quality of your scrubs, other crucial factors contribute to their functionality, aesthetics, and overall suitability for the medical environment. Let's explore these additional considerations that go beyond the fabric itself.
Fit and Design Elements
The fit of scrubs is so important, impacting your comfort and ease of movement throughout your shift. Properly tailored scrubs ensure freedom of movement without being too loose or restrictive. The best women's scrubs should come in many different fits and styles to suit different preferences.
Design elements such as strategically placed pockets, adjustable waistbands, and ergonomic stitching all contribute to a better fit and functionality, allowing you to carry everything you need throughout your shift.
Functional Features
Scrubs are more than just clothes; they are functional tools for healthcare professionals. Features like reinforced seams, antimicrobial finishes, and specialized pockets for carrying pens and medical instruments significantly enhance their usefulness.
Also, features that aid in infection control, such as fluid-repellent or antimicrobial fabrics, or easy-to-clean materials, are crucial in maintaining a hygienic environment both in the workplace and at home.
Style Considerations
While functionality should always come first, finding cute scrubs or fashionable scrubs that you feel confident in is a huge bonus. Different healthcare settings might also have specific dress codes or color preferences, affecting the style of scrubs you can choose from.
The availability of various colors, from common colors like navy blue scrubs to more unique colors like eggplant scrubs, patterns, and designs allows you to express your individuality without breaking any workplace regulations.
Discover the Most Comfortable, Luxurious Scrubs Material at Poppy Scrubs!
At Poppy Scrubs, our core scrubs are made from the softest, most comfortable material imaginable. The best part? Our scrubs aren’t only comfortable, they’re also designed with functionality in mind, and subjected to 10,000+ hours of wear testing.
Why do nurses wear scrubs from Poppy? They appreciate the purpose-driven pockets, reinforced seams, 4-way stretchy fabric, accurate scrubs sizing, and mid-rise, no-slip yoga waistband that never needs adjusting.
Poppy Scrubs come in a range of different styles to suit different needs. Whether you’re looking for flattering fitted scrubs or comfortable jogger scrubs you won’t want to take off, we have you covered. We also have 8 vibrant fade-proof colors, including elegant charcoal grey scrubs.
What are scrubs made of at Poppy? Our scrub pants for women and scrub tops for women is a high-performance blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex. This anti-wrinkle, soft, stretchy fabric results in low maintenance, luxury scrubs that will keep you more comfortable than you could ever imagine!
Wrapping Up Our Scrubs Fabric Guide
So, what are scrubs made of? As you can see, there are a number of different fabrics involved in creating the perfect pair of scrubs. At Poppy Scrubs, we use a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex to bring you the most comfortable, stretchy scrubs you’ve ever worn.
Our premium materials bring you durable, waterproof scrubs that won’t fade and are truly designed to stand the tests of time. So, if you’re looking for flattering, comfortable scrubs that do their job as well as you do, you’re in the right place. Find your new favorite scrubs - shop Poppy today!