How to Choose Scrubs That Fit: A Sizing Guide for Nurses and Nursing Students

Knowing how to choose scrubs that fit saves you money, returns, and a lot of tugging and re-tying during a 12-hour shift. Scrubs that are too tight pull across the back when you reach for a pump; scrubs that are too loose catch on bed rails and drag on the floor. This guide walks through how to measure yourself, how to read a size chart (especially for scrubs that run small), which styles suit which body types and units, and how to build a complete, comfortable uniform from head to toe.

Why Scrub Fit Matters More Than You Think

You'll bend, squat, reach overhead, push beds, and kneel at the bedside dozens of times per shift. Clinical instructors and charge nurses also notice when a uniform looks sloppy or is so long that the hems are soaked. A good fit means:

• Freedom of movement – you can reach, bend, and lift without the top riding up or the seat of the pants pulling.
• A professional look – clean lines and hems that stop at the top of your shoe.
• Fewer distractions – no constant adjusting of drawstrings, sleeves, or waistbands.
• Pockets you can actually use – when pants fit at the waist, a loaded pocket won't drag them down.

Step 1: Take Your Measurements

Grab a soft tape measure and measure over light clothing. Write the numbers down in both inches and centimeters, because many scrub brands (especially imported ones) list sizes in centimeters.

• Chest/bust: around the fullest part of your chest, tape level under the arms.
• Waist: around your natural waist, or where you actually like to wear your pants.
• Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
• Inseam: from the crotch to where you want the hem to land – usually the top of your shoe.
• Height: some size charts recommend sizes by height and weight, so have both handy.

Step 2: Read the Size Chart – Don't Guess by Letter Size

An "M" from one brand can be an "L" in another. Always compare your measurements to the specific product's size chart rather than your usual size.

When scrubs run small

Many stretch and jogger-style scrubs are cut slimmer than traditional US sizing. For example, our Stretch Scrub Set with Short Sleeve Top & Jogger Pants runs 1–2 sizes smaller than typical US sizing, so the product page recommends checking the size chart in the photos and sizing up if you're between sizes. It comes in sizes S through XXL and 10 colors, which makes it easy to match a school or unit color requirement.

Between sizes?

• Choose the size that fits your largest measurement (often hips for pants, chest for tops). A drawstring can take in a waist, but nothing can add room to the seat.
• For tops, check that you can cross your arms in front of you without the back seam pulling tight.
• For unisex scrubs, women often size down one from their usual women's size, while men often take their usual size – but check the chart first.

Step 3: Pick the Right Style for Your Body and Your Unit

Tops

• V-neck tops are the most common and work for most body types.
• Short sleeves are easiest for hand hygiene and "bare below the elbows" policies – check your facility's rules.
• Length: the hem should cover your waistband when you raise your arms overhead.

Pants

• Jogger pants have a cuffed ankle, so length is more forgiving if you're petite and the cuffs won't drag on wet floors.
• Straight-leg pants look more traditional; get the inseam right so the hem just brushes your shoe.
• Waistbands: an elastic waist with a drawstring is the easiest to adjust across a long shift.

Fabric

Stretchy polyester blends move with you and dry quickly – the stretch scrub set mentioned above is polyester fiber, moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Traditional cotton blends feel softer but can wrinkle and shrink, so wash a new pair once before deciding whether to hem it.

Step 4: Try Them On Like You're on Shift

Don't just stand in front of the mirror. Do this quick "shift test" before you cut the tags:

1. Squat as if you're emptying a Foley bag – the pants shouldn't pull down at the back.
2. Reach overhead as if you're hanging an IV bag – your top shouldn't expose your midriff.
3. Lean over a bed or table – the neckline should stay modest.
4. Load the pockets with your phone, pens, and tape and walk around for a few minutes.
5. Check the hem with your work shoes on, not barefoot.

Step 5: Complete the Uniform

Fit isn't only about tops and pants. The pieces you wear with your scrubs affect comfort just as much.

Shoes

Wear (or bring) your work shoes when you check pant length. Our Comfortable Slip-On Nurse Shoes for Women are soft flats with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap and a flat, cushioned sole, in Black, Blue, or White. They come in EU sizes 37–42 (roughly US women's 6.5–10.5) – check the size chart in the photos before ordering, just like with scrubs.

Socks

Knee-high socks keep the gap between your pant cuff and shoe covered, especially with joggers. The Fun Print Knee-High Compression Socks come in unisex S/M and L/XL sizes and 15 playful prints, in a quick-drying, sweat-absorbing nylon fabric. If you're thinking about compression socks for a specific leg concern, ask your healthcare provider which compression level is right for you.

Scrub caps

If your unit or OR rotation requires a cap, an adjustable tie back is the easiest way to get a good fit over any hairstyle. The Black Sparkle Scrub Cap has a built-in sweatband and an adjustable tie back (unisex, one size fits most), and its neutral black matches any scrub color. Want something with more personality? The Leopard Print Scrub Caps 2-Pack gives you two caps for your weekly rotation.

Storage

If your new scrubs have fewer pockets than you're used to, an Oxford Cloth Nurse Organizer Waist Bag keeps pens, scissors, tape, and a penlight on your hip instead of weighing down your pants. It measures approx. 18 × 3 × 25 cm and comes in four colors.

Browse everything in one place in our Nurse Gear collection, or shop the Christmas Gifts for Nurses collection if you're buying for someone else this season.

Quick Care Tips to Keep the Fit

• Follow the care label, and wash new scrubs before hemming in case of shrinkage.
• Wash similar colors together so navy and black stay crisp.
• Hang or remove promptly from the dryer to reduce wrinkles.
• Rotate at least three sets so no single pair wears out too fast.

Shipping

Shipping times vary by item and are listed on each product page: our scrub caps ship from our US warehouse with an estimated delivery of 2–8 business days and our nurse shoes in 3–8 business days, while the stretch scrub set, fun print socks, and organizer waist bag ship from our partner warehouse with an estimated delivery of 7–14 business days. Shipping is free on all of them – order early if you need your uniform for a clinical start date.

New here? Use code NURSE10 for 10% off your first order.

FAQ: Choosing Scrubs That Fit

Should scrubs be tight or loose?

Neither. Scrubs should skim your body with enough room to squat, reach, and bend without pulling, but not so loose that fabric catches on equipment or the hems drag on the floor.

Do scrubs shrink?

Cotton-heavy scrubs can shrink in hot water or a hot dryer. Polyester and stretch blends tend to hold their shape better. Always wash new scrubs once before deciding on alterations.

What if I'm between sizes?

Go by your largest measurement and the product's own size chart. For styles that run small, like our stretch jogger set, the product page recommends sizing up if you're between sizes.

Are jogger scrubs allowed at clinicals?

Many schools and hospitals allow jogger-style scrubs as long as they're in the required color, but policies vary. Check your program's dress code or ask your clinical instructor before you buy.