Beyond the Basic Scrub: Making Medical Wear More Fashionable
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
When you think of medical wear, you probably picture the same thing: a pair of blue scrubs, a basic V-neck top, and maybe a pair of sneakers. For years, scrubs have been designed almost entirely around their practicality. And while comfort and functionality will always be important for healthcare workers in a long shift, medical professionals no longer have to sacrifice style when getting ready for their shift.
Medical wear is becoming more creative, colorful, and fashion-forward, giving healthcare workers a way to express their personalities while still being comfortable and professional.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Who says that scrubs have to be boring? Brands are now starting to treat medical wear more like everyday fashion, introducing fun prints, unique designs, and fun undershirts. Even collaborations with some of our favorite pop-culture brands have been more prominent. For healthcare workers who spend 8-12 hours in their scrubs, having something fun to wear can make getting ready for work seem a little less repetitive.
A perfect example of this is FIGS’ collaboration with Marvel’s Spider-Man. This collection brings a recognizable character into the medical world through playful designs and details. It is a small reminder that work clothes don't have to erase your interests and personality.
Image Courtesy: FIGS
The days of only having a few standardized scrub colors are slowly disappearing. While having a classic navy, black, and white will always have a place in healthcare, there are now plenty of options for someone who wants a little more color. Lavender, pink, burgundy, sage green, bright blue, and even seasonal shades for fall. A colorful scrub set is an easy way to show some personality in your outfits.
Maybe the biggest change in medical fashion is the variety of silhouettes available. Scrubs used to have a reputation for being oversized and shapeless, pretty much looking identical from one person to the next. Now, there are options for almost every style preference.
You can find joggers, straight-leg pants, cargo pants, high- or low-waisted styles, along with fitted, oversized, cropped, and classic scrub tops. Now, brands like FIGS and Mandala Scrubs are offering zip-up jackets and underscrub tops that add layering to complete the look. Variety like this matters because not everyone wants the same fit or look in their work clothes. Some people prefer a structured fit, while others prefer something more relaxed. Having options in this field allows healthcare workers to choose pieces that are comfortable for them and reflect their personal style.
If you’re looking to upgrade your scrub wardrobe, there are plenty of brands worth checking out. FIGS is a go-to for modern styles, minimalist designs, and a wide range of colors. Mandala is a great option for someone looking for stylish scrubs at a more financially accessible price point. Fabletics offers year-round sales that make comfortable and minimalist scrubs accessible for all healthcare workers. Cherokee offers classic medical wear while also providing modernized options.
The best part is that you don’t need to stick with one brand. Mixing and matching different brands, silhouettes, and colors can make it feel even more fun. Of course, medical wear is not all about looking good. Healthcare workers need pockets, stretch, breathability, and durability, all of which are just as important as color and cut. The perfect pair of scrubs should be able to look good while still doing its job. Fashionable does not have to mean impractical. In fact, the best medical wear should combine both.
The modern scrub is more than just a uniform. With new colors, silhouettes, collaborations, and brands entering the field, it can be another way to show personality, even on a busy shift.
Strike Out,
Writer: Alison LaTorre
Editor: Abby Marshall
Graphic Designer: Kelly Henderson
Tallahassee