7 Properties To Look For In Women’s Scrub Tops

Florence Nightingale is not only responsible for the medical reforms that have made nursing what it is today. It’s why nurses wear lab coats instead of lab coats because she suggested Nurses should have a different uniform than doctorsso that they can be easily identified. Today, exfoliators add an air of credibility and authority to the wearer, but there is more choice than ever when it comes to peelings for women. Here’s what to look for on your next scrub tops shopping trip.

7 Properties To Look For In Women’s Scrub Tops

1. Quality

While it may seem tempting to buy cheaper scrub tops so that you have more variety and don’t have to do as much laundry, especially if you’re starting your first nursing job, this is not the best choice. Exfoliators are an investment and you need them to withstand repeated washes with strong detergents. Buying exfoliators is not the right time to save money. Spend a little more on quality scrub tops and add to your collection over time. You will spend less money in the long run because you are not replacing them as often. Look for double seams at stress points such as pockets and the neckline. Reinforced inserts on the elbows and pockets are also a quality feature.

2. Comfort and functionality

You live in your scrubs, so they should be comfortable and functional. Cotton fabrics are comfortable, but they’re not always the most practical option for nurses. Cotton is very absorbent and stores moisture more than other fabrics. If it gets wet during the day or if you sweat in a high-stress environment, your scrubs can encourage bacterial growth and irritate your skin.

Polyester is a popular choice among nurses because of its durability and wrinkle resistance. While its moisture-resistant properties benefit staff in a medical facility, especially patient care, the material is hydrophobic, which can trap heat and make you sweat more. The best choice is usually a blend of fabrics, such as a polyester and spandex or viscose top.

While a top made of 95% polyester will keep its shape and last for years, a 5% blend of elastane or viscose ensures a nice texture and makes the fabric more absorbent, so you feel comfortable at work. Highly elastic poly-cotton-microfiber blends are ideal. They’re breathable to release sweat and heat, while also offering abrasion resistance to reduce wear and tear.

3. silhouette

In the past, scrubs were mostly unisex, often leaving women with ill-fitting, fluffy tops that were a risk of snagging at work. Now, scrub designers are making scrub tops specifically for the shape of a woman’s torso so nurses can enjoy a secure, professional-looking fit. Women should look for scrub tops with princess seams and darts tailored to their shape to avoid the oversized t-shirt look that can compromise mobility.

4. Cutouts

Depending on the style, there are several types of cutouts to choose from, including:

• zipper
• Henley
• Snap in front
• Rounded
• Notch neck
• V-neck

Choose a neckline that is comfortable for you. It shouldn’t be limiting you by being too tight, it also needs to be professional. If you work in a hospital department where all employees are required to wear the same peel color, a unique neckline is a way to express your personal style. Work a few layers in a new neckline before settling on an entire wardrobe of the same design to keep you comfortable.

Source: Dusan Petkovik / Shutterstock.com

5. Pockets

While all nurses need bags to have spare gloves, alcohol swabs, a cell phone, and a pen handy, the location and number of bags needed are hotly debated and only a matter of preference. Scrub tops often come with standard size chest pockets that are great for holding small items. Patch pockets are also popular; These are deeper to hold larger items like a cell phone. The weight of the items in the bag pulls the neckline down and puts strain on the neck and shoulders over a long shift. In this case, it is best to look for cargo pants scrubs to keep your items going all day. Once you decide which pocket scrub tops are best for you, test them by placing items in them and then bending over. You don’t want things to fall out of your pocket onto a patient or an unsanitary surface.

6. Colors

Scrub tops come in a rainbow of colors and patterns so you can express your personality through your wardrobe. For example, fun scrub tops can make a child smile during the exam by offering them something intriguing, and a brightly colored scrub top can make you stand out in a crowded emergency room so a patient can more easily remember you. Darker tops also hide stains better. Before you buy scrub tops, check the dress code for your workplace. Many hospitals require nurses to wear certain colors based on their specialization, and some offices require everyone to wear the same uniform.

7. Sizing

Your scrubs should be tight enough so that loose material isn’t in the way, but loose enough that you can move around. If you get cold frequently, consider purchasing a short-sleeved scrub top that is one size larger so you can comfortably wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath.

Consider a custom size if you are taller or shorter than the average woman. If you are taller than 5’9 ″, purchasing high scrub tops may provide a better fit. These will be a little longer than traditional scrubs, but the rest of the fit is the same, so you won’t expose your waist when you stretch your arms. If you’re shorter than 5’4 “, buying dainty scrub tops might be more flattering. These are the same as traditional large peels, but a little shorter in the trunk.

Source: Rocketclips Inc./Shutterstock.com

When in doubt, opt for comfort

The most important factor in an exfoliating top is comfort. It can have lots of pockets and fancy patterns, but not worth it if you are uncomfortable during a 12 hour shift. Only when you have found the comfort and functionality you need in a quality product should you start exploring aspects such as color and pattern.