Medical Scrub Fabrics - Which Should You Choose?

Due to innovations in fabric, today's medical professionals have a wide variety of fabrics to choose from. Never before have there been so many choices. Gone are the days of stiff, bland scrubs. Now, you can buy medical scrubs which are stylish and comfortable, making even the longest day a comfortable one. So, which should you choose? First, let's examine your alternatives.

Cotton

Nothing beats medical scrubs made from cotton for breathability. Cotton fiber absorbs moisture, making the body feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Cotton is a very soft natural fiber, and so it doesn't contain any of the chemicals utilized in making synthetic fibers. Cotton is also hypoallergenic; however it wears out, rips and wrinkles much easier than man-made fibers. Recently, due to floods in certain regions and droughts in others, cotton prices have been very volatile, which has caused the price of medical scrubs to increase.

Polyester

A very durable fabric, polyester is perhaps the most used fiber in medical scrubs. Polyester has largely overcome its negative perception over the last several decades and resists wrinkles, stretching, and shrinkage. Since medical scrubs require frequent laundering and harsh detergents, most contain some portion of polyester, to enhance durability. Additionally, polyester is tear resistant and more elastic than cotton. On the downside, it features lower breathability and less resistance to static. Since polyester does not absorb moisture, it feels warmer in hot, busy environments. Polyester is cheaper than cotton and therefore, is often blended with cotton to produce a garment which is lower cost, but exhibits many of the benefits of polyester.

Spandex

Medical scrubs with spandex stretch and move with the body. Spandex is a man-made fiber that can stretch to many times it's original length without breaking. This fabric is lightweight, smooth and soft, and returns to its original shape time after time. Small quantities of spandex are usually combined with other fibers such as polyester and cotton in order to provide a stretchy feel while retaining the comfort and look of the other fibers. Spandex does not deteriorate in contact with body oils, perspiration or detergents. Generally does not need ironing, but if so, iron quickly on low heat to prevent damage to the fiber. For medical scrubs with spandex, we recommend Grey's Anatomy scrubs or NRG scrubs.

Rayon

Medical scrubs are now beginning to include rayon, due to its absorbency properties. Rayon is a man-made fiber which was originally developed in the 1880's as a cheap alternative to silk. Rayon is a lightweight fiber which retains its shape very well, making it wrinkle resistant. It also absorbs moisture (up to six to eight times its own weight) and is soft to the touch, making it an excellent choice for today's medical scrubs. Rayon's moisture wicking characteristics make it feel cooler to the body. However, rayon takes more care than other fibers, and is often recommended to be hand washed. If not cared for properly, it can shrink, fade or wrinkle.
So, which should you choose? None of the above. Find out why in Medical Scrub Fabric Blends - the Medical Professional's Best Choice.

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