Scrubs are used as a uniform by many professionals, many of which are related to healthcare. Hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other care centers typically require all of their employees to arrive at work wearing scrubs, regardless of their role in the company.
The widespread use and popularity of scrubs is not without reason, however. Scrubs serve a practical purpose, being that they are hygienic, easy to move in, and made from durable fabrics. They’re also a bit “fun”! Compared to the strict dress codes of an office environment or the safety and yellows and oranges found on construction sites, scrubs are easy to add a personal flair to.
What are the Benefits to Wearing Scrubs as a Uniform?
Scrubs are designed to be easy to clean and limit the risk of cross-contamination via an employee’s clothing.
The relaxed fit but modest designs are perfect for the long shifts that employees who usually wear scrubs often work. This design is comfortable, easy to launder, and durable to boot. Very little stress is placed on the fabric or seams, which reduces the risk of tearing or holes appearing.
Truly medical-grade scrubs are constructed from durable cotton or cotton and polyester blends with a tight weave. Cotton and cotton blends are breathable and soft, and the tight weave exists to further boost durability and prevent as much viral/bacterial contamination as possible
Despite their understandable focus on function over fashion, scrubs don’t have to be drab.
How to Showcase Your Personality While Wearing Scrubs
The easiest way to showcase your personality while wearing scrubs is through color and fun patterns printed directly onto the fabric. Many professionals who wear scrubs to work choose prints related to holidays, cartoon characters, or similar motifs to add a bit of fun and uniqueness to their uniforms.
Another example would be to purchase luxury, or tailor-fit, scrubs. Although it’s true that all scrubs follow the same general design, you can order slight variations – such as an athletic, petit, or plus size fit – to better fit your body type.
One more example of adding personality to a pair of uniform scrubs would be pocket placement. This may not seem like a very personal fashion statement at first, but the placement of pockets in certain locations can be flattering when done correctly. Pockets are convenient for both work and carrying personal items – and that does showcase personality at work!
Some work environments may even allow employees to add custom embroidery, iron-on fabric patches, or other design elements to further showcase your unique personality at work. Workers may also be able to “customize” their uniforms with jewelry, hair accessories, or colorful shoes.
The Importance of Comfort and Ease of Wear During Long Shifts
Ergonomic and comfortable clothes have a very real impact on workplace productivity. Loose-fitting clothes, including scrubs, help employees feel at ease, and limit distractions caused by tight, itchy garments or pinchy shoes. They don’t limit mobility, which is important for long shifts, and being able to move comfortably at work is even great for posture and musculoskeletal health!
Scrubs in particular also take some of the stress off one’s appearance in the workplace, as anyone who wears scrubs as part of their uniform likely works in an environment where all other employers do so as well.
