Your first nursing shift is a big deal. A waistband that digs in when you sit or a top that pulls when you reach shouldn't be part of it.
Before buying scrubs, new nurses should prioritize a fit that allows bending and reaching, fabric suited to an active shift and pockets that hold their essentials. Confirm your workplace's dress code before choosing a color or silhouette, then plan your first rotation around your schedule and laundry routine.
You don't need to know your favorite scrub style yet. You need a comfortable place to start and a few checks that make the first purchase easier.
What to Look for When Buying Nursing Scrubs
Fit, fabric, function and dress-code compliance are the four things to check before buying nursing scrubs. Each answers a different question: can you move, does the material suit your shift, can you carry what you need and can you wear the outfit at work?
Check the Dress Code Before Choosing Your Set
Get the uniform requirements from your employer or nursing program before ordering. Confirm the exact color, whether tops and bottoms must match and whether there are restrictions on joggers, jumpsuits or layers. If you're assigned to different clinical sites, check whether the same outfit works at each one.
A color that looks close on your screen may not meet a named uniform requirement. Ask for the approved shade or purchasing guidance when the policy is specific. Also check whether your workplace supplies scrubs or requires its own laundering process before building a personal rotation.
This is the easiest place to avoid a purchase you can't use. Save the requirements somewhere you can check while shopping, especially if you're choosing between similar blues or greens.
Try the Movements, Not Just the Mirror
Scrubs should leave enough room for you to sit, bend and reach without pulling across your shoulders or hips. A close fit can work, but fabric shouldn't need to stay stretched just for you to stand comfortably.
During a try-on, reach forward with both arms. Sit down and lean slightly forward. Raise your arms, then check whether your top settles back into place. Try the waistband with your top tucked or untucked, depending on how you'll wear it.
Pay attention to what you have to adjust. Repeatedly pulling down a hem or loosening a drawcord is useful information about the fit. Try another size or silhouette before buying several of the same piece.
Choose Features You Can Put to Work
Stretch matters when you reach across a bed or crouch to a lower shelf. Breathability matters when you're moving between tasks. Neither feature fixes a restrictive cut, so judge the fabric and fit together.
For pockets, start with what your role requires you to carry. Pens and a phone need different spaces. A badge attachment can free up a pocket, while a closure can help contain small personal items. Follow your unit's guidance on what belongs in your pockets and how equipment should be carried.
Then test the placement. A pocket that feels convenient while standing may press into your leg when you sit. Useful storage stays accessible without pulling the garment out of shape.
Three Scrub Picks for Your First Rotation
Start with the choice that solves your biggest need. Our top-and-jogger pairing is a straightforward first set, Evolve offers a relaxed fit with three pockets and PonteFlex Empower gives you a one-piece alternative. Add a layer if your workplace calls for one.
Best for 12-Hour Shifts: High-Rise Wide Leg Scrub Pant + Method 2-Pocket Scrub Top
Our High-Rise Wide Leg Scrub Pant and Method 2-Pocket Scrub Top pair breathable MotionTech™ fabric with 4-way stretch for an active shift. The combination gives you room to move, an adjustable waist and storage across both pieces.
The pant has a relaxed wide-leg cut, eight pockets and a reversible drawcord. The Method has two bottom patch pockets and a semi-slim shape. Together, they make a practical starting point when you want separate pieces you can size independently.
- Why It Works: The wide-leg pant offers cargo storage, while the top adds accessible front pockets.
- Best For: A first everyday set when your dress code permits a wide-leg silhouette.
The Method 2-Pocket Scrub Top has a 4.5-star average from more than 6,000 customer reviews across the colors shown on our site.
A matching set can simplify color selection, but you don't have to wear the same size on top and bottom. Choose each piece for your measurements. Try the full outfit together before committing to duplicates.
Best for a Relaxed Fit: Evolve Oversized Scrub Top
Our Evolve Oversized Scrub Top gives you a roomier silhouette with three pockets for your essentials. Choose it when you prefer an intentionally oversized top to a closer fit.
MotionTech™ fabric adds breathable, 4-way stretch, while the relaxed cut gives this top its distinct feel. The three-pocket design gives you space to separate the essentials you reach for most.
- Why It Works: An oversized cut combines room to move with three practical pockets.
- Best For: A nurse who prefers a relaxed top and wants useful storage within reach.
The Evolve Oversized Scrub Top has a 4.6-star average from over 4,000 customer reviews across the colors shown on our site. Our customer-review summary highlights its roomy feel, soft fabric and useful pockets.
Start with the style's size guide rather than automatically ordering a larger size. Evolve is already designed to fit oversized. Try it with your work essentials in the pockets, then sit and reach to check that the fabric stays comfortable without getting in your way.
Evolve Oversized Scrub Top
Feeling fashionable? Designed with a relaxed, oversized fit, this top blends elevated style with three must-have pockets for a seamless shift.
Best for One-Piece Coverage: PonteFlex Empower Scrub Jumpsuit
Our PonteFlex Empower Scrub Jumpsuit joins the top and bottom in one garment, so there's no separate top to come untucked. Its breathable PonteFlex fabric offers 4-way stretch, with an adjustable drawcord to fine-tune the fit at your waist.
Nine pockets keep essentials within reach. Choose this one-piece option when you prefer continuous waist coverage and your workplace allows jumpsuits.
- Why It Works: The connected design combines stretch, an adjustable waist and storage in one garment.
- Best For: Someone who prefers a one-piece uniform and is comfortable with the change in bathroom-break routine.
Check the style's size guide, then sit, bend and lift your arms to assess torso length. A jumpsuit can fit at the waist and still feel short through the body. Separate pieces offer more flexibility if you need different top and bottom sizes. Bathroom breaks also require more undressing, so consider that before making a jumpsuit your everyday uniform.
PonteFlex Empower Scrub Jumpsuit
The jumpsuit you know and love, now featuring revolutionary PonteFlex fabric, making it a high-performing, one-stop wonder. With functionality in mind, 9 pockets keep your essentials within reach. An adjustable drawcord adds a flattering finish.
Layers for Cooler Shifts
You can build a useful first rotation without buying every extra at once. Add a layer when you know you need extra coverage, and check that your workplace permits the style you choose.
Best for Lightweight Layering: Core Long-Sleeve Underscrub
Our Core Long-Sleeve Underscrub uses Dry-Flex fabric with moisture-wicking properties, 4-way stretch and a lightweight feel. Its semi-slim shape makes it a useful starting point for a layer beneath your scrub top.
- Why It Works: The lightweight fabric adds coverage without requiring a second outer garment.
- Best For: A cooler workplace that permits long sleeves under scrubs.
Try it under the top you'll actually wear. Check that both layers allow you to reach without bunching at the underarms. If your unit feels warm once you're moving, you may prefer a removable outer layer instead.
Check this specific style's size guide before ordering. Don't assume your usual Fabletics size automatically carries over, and don't size down simply because the piece will sit underneath another garment. You still need comfortable shoulder and sleeve room.
Browse underscrub layering tees once you've confirmed your workplace's sleeve requirements.
Core Long-Sleeve Underscrub
The ultimate performance underscrub. Engineered with our famous Dry-Flex fabric that keeps you warm, but never makes you feel hot.
Best for a Removable Layer: Daily Scrub Jacket
Our Daily Scrub Jacket adds a zip-front layer over your scrub set. MotionTech™ fabric, 4-way stretch and chest and side pockets make it an option when you want extra coverage you can take off.
- Why It Works: The front opening lets you adjust your layering without changing the top underneath.
- Best For: A cool commute or a workplace that permits scrub jackets.
Try the jacket over your intended outfit and zip it before checking the fit. Reach forward and bend your elbows. If the shoulders restrict you, reassess the size rather than relying on the fabric to stretch around the layers.
A jacket doesn't have to be part of your first order if you don't yet know the environment. Ask about the unit temperature and outerwear policy, then compare scrub jackets with that answer in mind.
Daily Scrub Jacket
Add an extra layer with this contemporary scrub jacket that prioritizes both comfort and style, without compromising on storage.
Fabletics Scrub Fabric and Construction, Explained
Our Method and Evolve tops, Wide Leg Scrub Pant and Daily Scrub Jacket use MotionTech™, a blend of 75% polyester, 19% viscose and 6% spandex. The PonteFlex Empower Scrub Jumpsuit uses a different blend: 67% rayon, 28% nylon and 5% spandex. Both fabrics offer breathable, 4-way stretch, while each garment's cut, waistband and pockets shape how it works for you.
Think about stretch and fit as separate checks. Stretch lets fabric move with you. The garment still needs enough room through the shoulders, seat and thighs. Choosing a smaller size to get a closer look can leave you using that stretch before you've even started moving.
Breathability and moisture-wicking also describe different things. Breathability relates to air and moisture vapor passing through fabric; moisture-wicking describes moving liquid moisture through the material. A fabric blend alone doesn't establish either feature, so look for the specific product description. Our Dry-Flex Core Underscrub is a moisture-wicking layering option.
The practical decision is whether you prefer a closer set, a relaxed top or a one-piece outfit. You don't need a different fabric for every task. Often, changing the pocket layout or silhouette addresses the problem more directly.
Fabric Compositions
MotionTech™ in the Method and Evolve tops, Wide Leg Scrub Pant and Daily Scrub Jacket: 75% polyester, 19% viscose and 6% spandex. PonteFlex in the Empower Scrub Jumpsuit: 67% rayon, 28% nylon and 5% spandex. Dry-Flex in the Core Long-Sleeve Underscrub: 45% recycled polyester, 45% polyester and 10% spandex. Follow each garment's own care label.
How Many Scrubs to Buy and Budgeting for Your First Rotation
For a new nurse working 3 shifts between laundry loads, 4 complete scrub sets are a practical starting point: one for each shift and one spare. Adjust that number to your actual schedule rather than buying a fixed quantity because you're new.
Count Shifts Between Laundry Loads
Look at the longest stretch between realistic wash days. If you work 2 shifts before washing, 3 sets may be enough with a spare included. If you work 5 shifts before your next laundry day, plan for 6. These are planning examples, not a universal nursing requirement.
Include drying time. Starting a wash after your last shift doesn't guarantee the outfit will be ready when you need it again. A spare is useful when laundry takes longer than expected or your schedule changes.
Count complete wearable outfits, too. Four tops and two bottoms don't make four clean sets. If your workplace requires particular color pairings, check that your pieces combine into the number of outfits you actually need.
Confirm One Fit Before Buying Duplicates
If you have time before your start date, order a first set early enough to assess the fit before expanding. Try it with the shoes and layers you'll wear. Compare the top and bottom independently, then check how they feel together.
Once you know the cut works, building the rest of the rotation becomes easier. You may prefer repeating the same outfit, or adding a different top for more storage. Either approach can work without buying every silhouette at once.
Use the Intro Offer for Your First Set
New VIP members can get their first eligible scrub set for just $15. Start with a qualifying top-and-bottom combination in your required color, then add what your schedule needs.
Questions on the membership? Review how Fabletics VIP membership works.
Sizing and Fit Tips for First-Time Scrub Buyers
Scrub sizing can differ from standard clothing sizes, so first-time buyers should check the specific style's size guide before ordering. Use measurements for each piece rather than assuming your usual Fabletics size applies across every scrub style.
Measure Before You Choose a Size
Take your chest, waist and hip measurements using the measuring instructions in the product's guide. Keep the tape level and avoid pulling it tight. For pants, compare the inseam with a pair whose length already works for you, allowing for differences between cuffed joggers and straight hems.
If your measurements fall across sizes, look at where you need the room. A top that fits your waist but pulls across your chest isn't the right fit. Likewise, a loose waistband doesn't compensate for pants that restrict your hips. Consider another cut if changing sizes solves one problem and creates another.
When comparing performance scrub tops and stretch scrub pants, choose each size separately. The letters on the labels don't need to match.
Check Length Separately From Width
For our High-Rise Wide Leg Scrub Pant, compare your measurements with the current inseam options on the product page. Check where the hem falls with your work shoes, then confirm availability in your required size and color.
Try pants with your work shoes. Sit down to see how far the cuff or hem rises, then stand and check for excess fabric. Increasing your size solely to get more length can leave the waist and hips too roomy.
With a jumpsuit, also check torso length. Reach overhead and sit fully back in a chair. If the garment pulls between the shoulders and crotch, changing the leg length alone won't address it.
Finish With a Full-Outfit Check
Use the same layers you'll wear to work and check front, side and back coverage. Repeat the movement checks with your usual pocket contents. The goal is to find the fit that stays comfortable once the outfit is doing its job.
Use the Fabletics scrub size guide available through “Size Guide” on the specific product page. Pay particular attention to the Core Long-Sleeve Underscrub and any product carrying a notice that its sizing differs from standard Fabletics sizing.
Mary Collineau
Caring for Your Scrubs: Washing and Durability Tips
Start with your workplace's laundering requirements and the care label on each garment. A scrub top, a jacket and an underscrub don't automatically share one wash routine just because you wear them together.
Check the Care Requirements Before Buying
If your workplace requires a particular washing method, check that the garment can accommodate it before you order. Don't assume instructions for leggings apply to scrubs, or that a fabric's stretch percentage tells you which dryer setting to use.
Read the complete label: washing temperature, permitted cleaning products, drying method and ironing restrictions each answer a different question. If a requirement is unclear, resolve it before the first wash rather than experimenting on your whole rotation.
Build a Repeatable Laundry Routine
Before washing, empty every pocket and remove detachable accessories. Check tucked-away compartments as well as the obvious ones. A forgotten pen can create a problem for more than one garment.
Sort pieces according to their labels and wash compatible items together. Measure detergent according to its directions and follow the garment's specified cycle and temperature. Avoid overloading the machine so clothes have room to move.
Use only the drying method the label permits. Don't increase the heat simply because you need a set quickly; plan enough drying time into your rotation instead. Once dry, put complete outfits together so you can see whether you're ready for the next shift.
Inspect Before Returning a Set to Your Rotation
Check seams, pockets, closures and waistband function while putting laundry away. Look for changes in fit or coverage, too. A garment may still look presentable on a hanger but need attention if a pocket is tearing or a closure no longer works.
If something changes after washing, compare the routine with the care label before washing the remaining sets the same way. Consistent care makes it easier to spot a problem and ask a specific question about it.
Compare Fabletics Scrub Styles by Fit and Use
- For a First Everyday Set: Choose the Method 2-Pocket Scrub Top with the High-Rise Wide Leg Scrub Pant for separate sizing, a wide-leg silhouette and cargo storage.
- For a Relaxed Fit: Choose the Evolve Oversized Scrub Top for a roomier silhouette with three pockets.
- For One-Piece Coverage: Choose the PonteFlex Empower Scrub Jumpsuit if the connected design suits your fit, dress code and bathroom-break preference.
- For a Lightweight Base Layer: Choose the Dry-Flex Core Long-Sleeve Underscrub when permitted sleeves and extra coverage suit your workplace.
- For a Removable Layer: Choose the Daily Scrub Jacket when you'd rather add or remove an outer piece.
Start with your required color, choose the fit you can move in and build enough outfits for the shifts ahead. You can refine your preferences as you learn what you reach for most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should a New Nurse Know Before Buying Scrubs?
New nurses should check their dress code, then choose scrubs that allow comfortable bending and reaching, use fabric suited to an active shift and provide practical storage. Plan the number of sets around shifts between laundry loads, and check the size guide for each style before ordering duplicates.
What Fabric Is Best for Nursing Scrubs?
The best nursing scrub fabric depends on your workplace, comfort preferences and care requirements. For an active shift, look for verified stretch and breathability. Our MotionTech™ scrub styles use a polyester-viscose-spandex blend with 4-way stretch. Check the garment's construction and fit as well as its material composition.
How Many Sets of Scrubs Does a New Nurse Actually Need?
A new nurse working 3 shifts between laundry loads can start with 4 complete sets: 3 for work and 1 spare. Use your own schedule to adjust the number. Count drying time and any workplace requirements, and make sure you have enough matching tops and bottoms to create complete outfits.
Are Performance Scrubs Worth Paying More for Than Basic Cotton-Poly Scrubs?
Performance scrubs can be worth choosing when their specific features address your needs, such as 4-way stretch for movement or an adjustable waistband. The label alone doesn't establish value. Compare fit, pockets and care requirements, and avoid paying for features that don't change how the garment works for you.
What Size Should I Order if I've Never Bought Scrubs Before?
Measure your chest, waist and hips, then follow the specific scrub style's size guide. Choose top and bottom sizes independently and check inseam options separately. If you're between sizes, use the guide's advice and assess where you need room rather than automatically sizing up or down across every product.
How Do I Keep Scrubs From Fading, Shrinking or Losing Shape After Repeated Washing?
Follow each scrub garment's care label for washing temperature, cleaning products and drying method. Empty pockets before washing, avoid overloading the machine and inspect the garments as you put them away. Follow your workplace's laundering policy, and don't assume one routine applies to every fabric or garment in your rotation.
Do I Need a Scrub Jacket or an Underscrub for a Cold Unit?
A layer can help if your unit feels cold and your workplace permits it. An underscrub adds coverage beneath your top; a jacket is easier to remove as you warm up. Try either with your full outfit to check movement and sleeve fit. You may only need one of them.
