800.866.0407
Everyone has an opinion on the best scrubs for nurses — and we wanted to see which ones you and other nurses love most. Last year, we polled nurses on Instagram to narrow down our picks. This year, we polled nurses again and scoured other reviews by nurses to come up with our list of 2023’s top scrubs for nurses.
You know how much it matters. Good scrubs are critical for your comfort and well-being as a nurse, so how you feel in them matters.
Oh, and where to buy them? In addition to Amazon, Walmart, and in person, many reviewers liked to go right to the clothing site or to sites like AllHeart or Uniform Advantage that offer good sales and deals.
How nurse scrubs stack up, by category
Our top picks are a round-up of the best-rated scrubs based on reviews from nurses. We’ve poured through Instagram feeds, Facebook, Reddit, other common retail sites, and polls of our own.
Here’s a breakdown of which scrubs work best for various types of bodies, feel, function, and more.
- Best for fit and fashion
- Best for patterns
- Best for your budget
- Best for plus sizes
- Best for comfort
- Best for durability
- Best for giving you all the pockets you need
- Best all-around
Best for fashion
Nurses we talked with have their favorites for both fashionable fit and fashionable fun.
Which scrubs ranked first for fashionable fit?
Pros
- Fitted
- Comfortable
- Moisture wicking and breathable
- Many of the various offerings get 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon
Cons
- More expensive at around $35 for a top
What nurses have to say:
“Koi is my favorite!!!”
“Because most of us wear our badges clipped to our collar, it makes it more imperative that they don’t gap or pull down. Koi scrubs are fitted and stylish. They also have bottoms with cargo pockets and drawstrings on the bottom if you need to cinch them up.”
Says one nurse of the KOI Lite 317 Women’s Serenity Scrub Top on Amazon,
“Nurse 30 years, this is the most comfortable top I have ever purchased, it’s the design. I have ordered 3. Would have ordered more but I am hoping I will need a smaller size soon :), then I hope it will still be available in a smaller size.”
Koi scrubs are given 5 stars by 80% of reviewers on Amazon.
A couple of styles to try: Koi’s best-selling Freesia top is available in 10 different colors and includes a bungee loop for an ID badge and three pockets. The popular Lindsey pant features multiple pockets, including one for scissors, a modern bootcut fit, and an adjustable drawstring waist.
Another winner for fit?
Pros
- Stylish
- Great fit
- Repels stains, fluids, soil
- Offers gender-specific styles that flatter the figure
- One-year warranty on all apparel
- At-home try-on through the Medelita website
- Soft and comfortable, almost like yoga pants
- Drawstring closure
- Durable
Cons
- One of the most expensive scrubs on the market with tops running nearly $50
Nurses who want a different look without traditional patch pockets prefer the Calyx scrub top, with its three welt pockets and angular top stitching, which gets 5 stars from TK reviewers on Amazon. The Argon scrub pants are also a popular choice because of their straight-leg cut and athletic design details, including back pockets with zippers.
What nurses have to say:
“The Argon pants are true to size and are cute and comfy. I love the flattering fit and how comfortable the wide waistband is. The drawstring is a perfect pop of color to the outfit,” says reviewer Charlotte E. “Love how many pockets there are and how my phone fits perfectly in them! The material seems super durable and after a few washes, they still look like new.”
“Absolutely love the pants! They are very comfortable and are true to size. I am going to order another pair in blue. Please add more colors.”
Best scrubs for fun patterns
Pros
- Offers numerous options for all types of bodies and fits
- Prides itself on perfect pairing of sets
- 2-way or 4-way stretch
- Moisture wicking
- Knit panels
- Some of the best patterns for tops
- Many of the styles get 4.6 stars on Amazon
- Some collections are available in sizes up to 5XL, and most include sizes up to 3XL
Cons
- Some say these run too big (but the site offers a detailed fitting chart)
- Can be pricey running at around $30 just for a top
Which brings us to our top pick for fun:
Cherokee’s Tooniforms collection. Often these styles are getting 5 stars from 77% of reviewers on Amazon.
Pediatric nurses especially can find lots of kid-friendly prints. Nurses of all types who want to add unexpected details like rose-gold zippers will enjoy browsing the Statement collection.
What nurses have to say:
“High quality, great price. Will order again.”
Best for your budget
Pros
- Affordable — great deal for a set, one of the most comfortable scrubs available averaging around $25 for a set
- Quick drying
- Hot temperature wash
- Effortless care
Cons
- Not as durable as some brands
- Not as stylish as some other brands
A set on Amazon gets 5 stars from 63% of reviewers, not bad for such an affordable set of scrubs.
What nurses have to say:
“Get this if you’re on a budget. I usually wear a large but got a medium for reference. I’m 183lbs & 5’4in. The quality is not the best & the stitching is cheap. However, I’m not mad because it’s way less expensive than other scrubs & I’m only going to be using this for clinicals! I’m going to order more colors & just upgrade to something more expensive after graduation.”
Best for comfort
Pros
- Comfortable
- Stretchy
- Modern
- Roomy pockets
- Wicking
- Stylish
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
One of the favorites for many nurses is Grey’s Anatomy, which generally run $30 – $36 for the pants.
Wearing Grey’s Anatomy scrubs doesn’t mean your coworkers will look like Derek Shepherd or Christina Yang, but it does mean you’ll be more comfortable while you’re on your feet for 12 hours.
What nurses have to say:
“Greys are so stretchy and comfortable.”
“Nice fit. Great quality of fabric. Allows easy movement at work.”
If you’re also looking for a more forgiving fit, check out the Grey’s Anatomy Spandex-Stretch line, tailored and made from an antimicrobial fabric that resists soil, odor, and moisture.
For the Mia classic, 73% of Amazon reviewers give these 5 stars.
One reviewer who gave the Mia top five stars for what she calls a “soft and solid fit.”
Another favorite for comfort?
Pros
- Stretchy
- Double-stitched seams
- Side vents for easy movement
- Plenty of pockets across offerings
- Priced about middle of the lineup for a top
- Wrinkle free
- Soft feel
Cons
- Some recommend you size down; others recommend you size up
- Some say difficult to fit to larger-breasted women
High-rated is the Adar Pro Scrubs for Women – Elevated V-Neck Scrub Top running about $26. Nearly 70% of Amazon reviewers give these 5 stars.
What nurses have to say:
“Super comfortable! Bought several because they are just so comfy! Needed an xxs and was happy they offer this size!!! Fits perfectly and is super soft!!”
“My daughter is size 14, chest size, 38HH. Her bust is 44 inch the size chart recommended size XL. However, based on reviews I purchased the Adar 2XL top and XL bottoms, she was happy that they fit well. She said, ‘I don’t know how it can be professional to go to work this comfortable.’”
Best for durability
Pros
- 50 years of experience manufacturing medical uniforms
- Various fabrics, including four-way stretch antimicrobial poplin, classic cotton, and contrast knit
- Cherokee offers sets that work well together
Cons
- Not as durable as some other scrubs
- Not as comfortable as the top-rated, more expensive scrubs
For many of the Tooniforms styles on Amazon, nearly 80% of reviewers give these 5 stars.
What nurses have to say:
“Cherokee workwear are probably the most durable. I have some that I have been wearing for 4 years.”
“I love the different styles and lots of colors.”
“Cute scrubs and inclusive sizes.”
“I bought a pair of Cherokee Infinity a little over a year ago and the Cherokee held up way better and I was able to get blood stains out very easily. (I work as a dialysis technician and meet a lot of blood, bleach, and sometimes other bodily fluids regularly.)”
“Honestly, they’re not as comfy as the expensive scrubs, but they also don’t feel like scratch paper. Plenty of usable pocket space and they’re not crazy expensive.”
Cherokee offers scrubs in the popular mock-wrap top in Cherokee’s Infinity line that also offers a stretch rib knit in the center back panel for comfort and comes in 28 colors.
Though you can’t order scrubs directly from Cherokee’s website, you can use the store locator to find a local medical supply store that carries the brand or place a group order online.
For men, check out the Cherokee Scrubs for Men Workwear Professionals V-Neck Four-Pocket Scrub Top WW695.
“4.0 out of 5 stars Overall a Great Pair!“
“I know how hard it can be for my fellow men to find a decent pair of scrubs (even in stores) in certain colors and styles that won’t break the bank. I’ve tried multiple Amazon scrubs and so far, this is #1 that I can find. I’m 5 foot 11 inches. Weigh about 185lbs. I have shown photos of it tucked in and not tucked in. I have a little bit of a beer belly also. This is all for context.”
Another top-rated for durability?
Pros
- Known for durability
- Numerous fits, styles, and colors
- Comfortable
- Mid-priced
- Wrinkle free
- Fade resistant
- Antimicrobial
- Have plus sizes too
- Can return for a refund within 30 days for any reason
- 5 pockets in the pants
Cons
- Pricey, although less so than FIGS
What nurses have to say:
“They are probably the most Instagrammable scrubs I’ve come across. The scrubs are made to fit very well and have unique designs and cuts that no other scrub brand currently offers. When I put them on, I feel like I could save a life and then go walk down a Fashion Week catwalk.”
“I have never purchased scrubs before, but I must say for a one-piece item it’s expensive. It is nice quality and washes well so I can understand why it can be on the pricier side.”
“This is well made. I needed this for work. I should have ordered a small but because I’m a woman I wasn’t sure what size to order, since this is mens. This top fits me a little snug. It’s comfortable and well made. The pockets are deep and large. I carry pens, a notepad and keys in them and I still have room.”
“This material is fabulous! This scrub top looks a step above your average one. Has a very polished look and feel, in addition to a two-pocket addition, and a badge loop for easy attachment.”
On Amazon, the various styles get 5 stars from 66% to 86% of reviewers.
Best for plus sizes
Pros
- Designed exclusively for women
- Sizes up to 3XL
- Comfortable four-way stretch fabric
- Hidden details like logo elastic on the joggers.
- Bright colors with names like Berry Blast and Glam Fuchsia
- Stretchy
- Soft
- Mid-range in price
Cons
- Wrinkle easily
- Watch for color bleeding
These scrubs are available to buy online or in medical supply stores throughout the U.S.
Heartsoul’s shaped V-neck top features a bungee loop to hold your badge or keys, grommet for headphones, and three pockets, and is available in 21 colors and generally runs $25-$35. Their low-rise tapered leg jogger pant is also a favorite, with five total pockets, rib-knit cuffs, and tonal heart detailing on the back. The former gets 5 stars on Amazon from 79% of reviewers.
What nurses have to say:
“These are the best scrubs I have ever purchased. After buying the first pair and immediately falling in love with them, I proceeded to buy every color. The stretch in these is so comfortable, and the dry-fit material keeps me cool all day. I look forward to them adding more colors so I can add those to my collection.”
“These are the only scrubs I purchase. Great colors, no fading, and lots of styles.”
Best for plenty of pockets
Pros
- One of their favorites has 9 pockets
- Front motion knee darts to allow more freedom of movement
- Gentle material that is lightweight and flexible
- Snug fit instead of baggy
- Affordable
Cons
- Some say they’re not as comfortable as some of the more expensive scrubs
Dickie’s GenFlex Cargo Scrub Pants, which is selling for $24.78 at Medical Scrubs Collection, get 4.7 out of 5 stars average on the site. Ninety-one percent of customers gave it at least a 4 or 5.
What nurses have to say:
“These are my all-time favorite scrub pants. They are so comfortable, and the multiple pockets are incredibly helpful.”
“Excellent scrubs. I always buy Dickies scrubs, they are well made, and priced well. These scrubs are no different. I love the colors and the style. I’m glad I found this website; I’ll be visiting it again.”
“Best scrub pants. I have bought three pairs so far. They fit well and wash up very nicely. They are my favorite scrubs to wear.”
The Dickies 9-Pocket utility scrub pant is too good to be true, with 9 pockets available for storage galore.
Best all-around
Pros
- Quality
- Fit
- Options
- Comfort
- Durability
- Smart storage (pockets)
- Style
Cons
- One of the two most expensive on the market, at $50 for just a top
Founded and based in Santa Monica, California, FIGS tops our list of best scrubs for nurses because of the quality, fit, and variety of options. On Amazon, 78% give it 5-star reviews, despite the price — and most less-than-5-star reviews are because of the cost.
What nurses have to say:
“They are buttery soft, and the different styles are perfect for every body type.”
“Fit great and wash well. They could be five years old and look brand-new.”
“Just buy it, it’s worth the price. You’ll thank me when you’re on the 9th hour of your shift. The fabric is impeccable.”
“I almost feel like I am wearing silk pajamas at work. Love these scrubs.”
“Excellent fit, clean lines, tucked or untucked. Worth it.”
“I have multiple brands of scrubs and FIGS are my new favorite. They fit as expected and move with my body. I live in the desert, and they keep me cool in our hot, dry climate. They wash and dry well and don’t fade. BUY THESE SCRUBS!”
“Every night I wash them and dry by morning the best scrubs I ever had.”
While FIGS offers several types of fabric, including water-repellent and seamless options, their best-selling scrubs are made of its exclusive anti-wrinkle FIONx fabric, which is soft, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial. The Zamora joggers have nearly 20,000 positive reviews from healthcare providers who love the wide adjustable yoga waistband, slim fit, and six pockets.
And there you have it, the top scrubs for 2023. Hopefully, this will help you sort through your options as you prepare for your workdays.
Nobody works harder than nurses! If you’re looking for a new opportunity, you may want to consider travel nursing. Learn more about how travel nursing works or check out our open travel nursing opportunities.
Interested in learning more about travel nursing? Call us for more information at 800.866.0407 or view today’s job openings.
