Essential Guide to Men’s Scrubs

"Often overlooked but highly valued, let us just take a moment to give kudos to the male nurses out there. Sometimes called “murses,” man nurses are our irreplaceable partners in the trenches. You know who you are! Nursing is not a profession defined by gender norms anymore! Today, 12% of registered nurses are men, which is climbing! We welcome you!"

Top Five Scrub Factors to Consider:

Fabric choice:

• Cotton: It is lightweight, soft, flattering, durable, and does not build up static. It is thin and drapes and flatters. It is a good choice during the summer months. Dyes do fade with washing. They may also shrink if washed or dried improperly. Cotton wrinkles easily. It is easy to clean and doesn’t require any special care. It is most often blended with other fibers.
• Polyester: Synthetic fabric.  Wrinkle-resistant, easy to care for, durable, and dries quickly.  Resists shrinking.  Moisture resistant, not absorbent, so it tends to trap sweat and heat.  The rougher against the skin builds up static if fabric softener is not used. 
• Spandex (Lycra, elastane): Yes, the same fabric that leotards are made of.  It is used as a blend to add stretchiness to fabric, usually in quantities of less than 10%.  It returns to its original shape quickly and is resistant to perspiration and pilling. 
• Rayon: Semi-synthetic fabric.  Comes in many different weights and qualities.  It drapes well and looks silky but not very durable.  It wrinkles easily and may stretch or shrink when wet. 

Did you notice that none of these fabrics is “perfect”?  That is why most scrubs blend two or more of the fabrics above.  The two most common blends are:

• Polyester/Cotton:  Polyester helps scrub fabric retain shape and resist stains and wrinkles. Cotton makes the scrubs absorbent and comfortable.
• Polyester/Spandex:  Polyester provides durability and helps the scrubs maintain their shape, while spandex adds some stretch and movement – without sagging!

The Length and Taper:

• Too short, and you look as though prepared to wade through high water. Lots of socks are just not flattering. Order big and tall(T) sizes to find the right fit. Use your jeans' inseam size as a reference point.
• Too long, your scrubs will either be bunched up unattractively at the ankles or dragging on the floor under your shoes. Do you know what is on that floor? If you can’t find the right length, you can hem those right up quickly, or a tailor can do it for minimal cost.
• Taper refers to the leg width and hang of the scrub pants.  They typically come in a straight-leg or tapered fit.  Tapered pants will fit closer to the ankle and look more tailored. 
• One other taper option is elastic pant cuffs or joggers.  If you are in and out of protective gear all day or just like their feel and look, joggers may be for you. 

The Cut:

• Fitted cuts are now available, and they have several advantages.  Like a fitted shirt, a fitted scrub is designed to enhance a slim figure and usually pulls the fabric at the midsection. 
• Look for scrubs with straight lines and accentuated shoulders. A slightly shorter sleeve is also flattering—you must show off those biceps!
• Let’s talk man-cleavage. If the V-neck goes below your armpits, don’t do it. Consider wearing a crew-neck T-shirt under your scrubs to look your best.
• Waistbands—Pick the type of closure—drawstring, elastic, button-front, or combo. The important thing is that it moves with you, doesn’t fall, and you like how it looks. 

Pockets:

• Do you load up those pockets with scissors, pens, notepads, and supplies? 
• Do you carry your stethoscope around your neck or in a pocket? 
• Do you carry your wallet or keys with you for your shift? 

Color Choice: