The modern medical workforce demands on-the-job comfort in every garment, but there are certain fabric blends that are more conducive to your specific role. There are advantages and disadvantages to every material used to produce clothing, but medical scrubs require nothing but the finest fabrics and attention to detail. Doctors, nurses, and medical professionals depend upon their uniforms to work safely and efficiently without compromising on comfort. If you want to learn more about scrub materials, we can help. Labwear.com has been the exclusive source for high-quality scrubs since 1980, and we know a thing or two about the materials it takes for you to perform to the best of your abilities.
In this guide, we take a closer look at the science behind scrubs, so you can shop for functional yet fashionable attire for you or your entire team. Most scrub tops, bottoms, and sets are made from a blend of two or more fibers, but each fabric blend is unique in terms of care, comfort, upkeep, and other factors.
Cotton: Cotton scrubs are comfortable to wear all year long, and they are soft to the touch yet durable enough to last through the rigorous demands of a healthcare environment. Cotton also drapes well, so it’s no surprise that many top brands use cotton to make scrubs that flatter the feminine shape. Medical professionals like that cotton is also easy to clean and can be laid out to dry to prevent shrinking. However, cotton can fade or shrink with regular washing. Looser weaves are more susceptible to shrinking, and fibers soil easily. Some cotton scrubs are created with formaldehyde to make care even easier. If you are at all concerned with wrinkling, look for cotton blends with other fibers instead.
Polyester: Unlike cotton, polyester doesn’t require added ingredients for ease of care. Healthcare professionals love polyester because it is resistant to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkling. Polyester also dries quickly, but this synthetic material can only be ironed on low heat, because high heat can scorch or melt. Polyester is also prone to building up static electricity, but you can reduce the risk by washing your polyester garments in warm water with fabric softener.
Rayon: Rayon scrubs are made from cellulose and can be made to resemble many natural fabrics. This renewable material is durable and extremely absorbent, but it can shrink or stretch when wet. When dry, rayon looks silky and soft. Rayon is beloved among the modern medical workforce, because it is breathable and comfortable to wear.
Spandex: Like polyester, spandex has a slightly rough texture, but it is also resistant to stretching and shrinking. What sets spandex apart as a popular fabric is that it doesn’t bag or sag with regular wear. Medical work requires a variety of physical demands, but spandex is treated to resist perspiration. Spandex is often combined with cotton or other scrub materials to make more durable garments for demanding industries.
All scrub materials are available in a variety of fabric weaves, which include poplin, dobby, twill, and brushed cotton.
We know that you have a wide variety of suppliers to choose from, but few suppliers can offer small company service with large company pricing and product selection like we do. We offer a wide selection of scrubs for men and women, with a variety of fabrics, fabric blends, and weaves to choose from. If you have any questions about this guide or are looking for a specific product, please contact us today for additional information.