Medical scrubs are traditionally worn by physicians, nurses, and medical examiners during the course of their work. They must be extremely comfy and constructed of softer fabric for the wearers’ convenience.
The proper fabrics have an important role in the performance, durability, and long-term quality of uniform scrubs.
Fabrics used to make medical scrubs include polyester, cotton, spandex, rayon, and a combination of fabrics. The blended fabric seeks to combine all of the benefits of various textiles in order to provide the finest scrubs possible.
As a mixed fabric, they are most likely more durable. We will be discussing all these scrub fabrics and see which is more suitable for you.
The best fabric for scrub depends on the person’s choice and the environment of their workplace. The material should be lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking in order for the wearer to stay comfortable.
Let us first understand the benefits of a good scrub fabric.
1.) They help healthcare workers to be easily identified
Scrubs, like any other workplace uniform, make it easier to identify the professionals at a given site which makes the functioning of a hospital smooth.
2.) They defend against body fluids adequately
High quality medical scrubs are constructed of fabric that is thick enough to keep bodily fluids from coming into direct contact with the wearer’s skin.
3.) They offer the user with comfort and smooth mobility
It’s no secret that healthcare workers have some of the most physically demanding jobs out there. Aside from being exposed to hazardous germs on a daily basis, they are also asked to stand on their feet for long hours, lift patients, or travel around the clinic for hours on end. They require uniforms that are both comfortable and functional in order to do their work effectively.
4.) They help prevent cross contamination.
Cross contamination is not only a problem within a facility, but it is also a public health issue. Medical scrubs that are treated in a specialist facility help to keep potentially infectious diseases and viruses at bay.
Scrubs must be washed with the same care and attention to detail as any other medical care linen.
5.) They are cost-effective
Scrubs are made to be as functional and cost-effective as possible. They are composed of high-quality fabric that is both affordable and durable enough to endure even the most rigorous washing process. This means they can withstand years of washing and wear and are simple to replace.
See also: What Does the Color of Scrubs Mean?
So, what are the different types of scrub fabric?
The different type of scrub fabrics are:
1.) Cotton- Cotton has been a popular fabric throughout history because of its lightweight and breathable feature. While this natural fibre isn’t normally wrinkle-resistant, it can be treated to be so. One disadvantage is that 100% cotton clothes are prone to shrinkage.
Although it is possible to reduce this by ‘pre-shrinking’ the garment, this does not guarantee that there will be no shrinkage later. Even when washed at high temperatures, 100% cotton scrubs may shrink.
2.) Rayon- Rayon is a soft, lightweight, and absorbent fabric made from wood pulp. It is similar to cotton in many ways. It’s well-known as a cooling fabric because of its thin fibres, which allow for high ventilation. Its quick drying properties make it a popular option in hot, dry areas.
However, it does not perform as well in humid situations since it does not drain moisture as efficiently as other natural materials such as bamboo.
Rayon is wrinkle-resistant and feels silky to the touch. But rayon, just like cotton, is prone to shrinking.
3.) Spandex- Spandex is a synthetic fibre that is commonly used to provide elasticity to clothing. It is robust, lightweight, and can be stretched to its maximum length without losing form. It is not wrinkle-resistant on its own, but it may be used with other fabrics to get the effect.
A small amount of spandex goes a long way. Look for scrubs with 3-4 percent spandex or elastane content if you want a four-way stretch. This improves the overall flexibility and comfort of the scrub suit.
However, be aware that spandex heavy materials are not very breathable, making them unsuitable for hot weather.
4.) Polyester- Polyester is a synthetic material that is long-lasting, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and simple to maintain. Polyester, unlike cotton, is neither absorbent or prone to shrinking.
Because the material is a form of plastic, it is stain resistant and dries rapidly. Unfortunately, polyester tends to absorb odors, and its breathability is dependent on yarn size and weave type.
The following chart will help you understand the pros and cons of each fabric:
Cotton
Pros
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- Year-round comfort
- The texture is soft.
- Drapes well for a good fit.
- Durable
- It does not generate static electricity.
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Cons
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- The colour fades with frequent washing
- The looser the weave, the greater the chance of shrinkage.
- Stains easily
- Easily wrinkles
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Rayon
Pros
-
-
- Durable
- Absorbent to the maximum
- It is available in a range of qualities and sizes.
- Drapes well
- Smooth and silky appearance.
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Cons
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- Easily wrinkles
- The material may stretch when in contact with water.
- The item may shrink if washed.
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Spandex
Pros
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- Lightweight
- Durable
- Resistant to stretch and shrink
- Prevents bagging and sagging and is sweat-resistant.
- Resistance to abrasion
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Cons
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- Texture is rough
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
- May cause irritation.
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Polyester
Pros
-
-
- Simple to maintain
- Durable
- Resistant to stretch and shrink
- Fast drying
- Wrinkle resistant.
- Resistance to abrasion
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Cons
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- Retains body odor
- The texture is rough.
- Static electricity is generated.
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Now, since we have discussed in detail about the different scrub fabric types, let us also talk about the fabric blends and how they work.
The most common blend is between cotton-polyester and polyester-rayon (also known as viscose).
Poly Cotton
Polyester aids in shape retention and is stain and wrinkle free. Whereas cotton makes the fabric absorbent.
These fabrics when blended together take in all the good qualities of both fabrics thereby minimizing the drawbacks of each, creating a fabric which is breathable like cotton and durable like polyester.
Cotton Spandex
Spandex is well-known for its ability to stretch infinitely. When woven with cotton, it produces a fabric that is both soft and breathable, as well as slightly stretchy.
Most medical scrubs created from this fabric combination have only a little quantity of spandex, so it preserves most of the desirable properties of cotton while also adding wrinkle resistance and durability.
Poly Viscose
Polyester is a durable material whereas rayon adds a nice texture and is absorbent.
This blended scrub fabric is affordable and provides people with improved quality assurance. Poly viscose is a durable fabric that may be worn on a regular basis.
Poly Spandex
Many health workers use this synthetic fabric combination to produce their medical scrubs. One of the distinguishing characteristics of polyester fabric is its toughness. The spandex that is woven with polyester increases the absorbency and elasticity of the latter.
When compared to other blends, polyester-spandex blends are also wrinkle-resistant and have a silkier feel.
See also: Should Scrubs Be Baggy? (Find the Right Fit)
What do we recommend?
Well, as mentioned before, the kind of scrub fabric for you is totally your choice. Also, it depends on your working environment. Medical scrubs are made from a variety of materials, each of which is intended for a specific function.
One scrub suit made of a polyester-cotton combination is ideal for hot, humid environments whereas other scrubs may be made of a polyester-spandex hybrid to provide the wearer with greater flexibility and range of motion.
Therefore, deciding on that we have the following information for you:
1.) For humid climates: Polyester-cotton mixes are the best scrub fabric for humid climates. This fabric provides the optimum blend of breathability and moisture wicking. For the maximum comfort and ease of movement, use lightweight materials with a little spandex.
2.) For freezing temperatures: A heavy weight cotton-based fabric with a low polyester component. This will keep you warm and cozy.
3.) For hot temperatures: Polyester-rayon, polyester-viscose, or polyester-cotton blends are the best scrub fabrics for hot, dry weather.
These provide a high level of breathability and moisture wicking. Choose a lightweight, flowing fabric with a little of spandex for added flexibility and elasticity.
4.) Ideal surgical scrub: Consider disposable surgical scrubs as the best scrub fabric for surgeries. Surgical scrubs are often constructed of a significantly lighter weight cotton-polyester combination designed for single use.
5.) Best Scrub Fabric for Fluid/Chemical Protection: For improved protection and stain resistance, use a heavyweight fabric with a high polyester percentage that will not let stains or any toxic fluids damage your scrub.
Conclusion
If you are a healthcare worker, you would want your scrub to be as comfortable and resilient because of the long hours of work.
There is a lot of chance of contamination in a hospital environment and in order to keep yourself safe from that, you need a proper uniform to protect you.
In this article, we have included all the necessary information there is for you to select a proper scrub fabric for yourself based on detailed reading and knowledge. Hope this helps!
