Best Scrubs for Nurses 2025
Your scrubs are put to the test every second of every shift. Between bathing patients, hanging IV bags, and trips to the med room, you need a work uniform that keeps up with you. So which scrubs are the best scrubs?
For reliable, real-world insights, we turned to our network of 30,000+ working nurses and nursing assistants (IntelyPros) to find out which scrub brands make their shifts better, and which ones aren’t worth your time. These survey respondents ranked scrubs based on comfort, fit, quality/durability, stain resistance/wear, and stylishness so you can make an informed decision when adding your next scrub set to your cart. For a closer look at how our nursing professionals judged the best brands of scrubs, be sure to read our methodology at the end of this article.
Nurses and nursing assistants work hard for every cent in their paycheck, and nothing stings quite like wasting money on a flimsy uniform. If you’ve had to pull your pants up while running for a code or felt a draft on your backside while bending to empty a Foley bag, you know why great scrubs are worth the investment. Researching the best scrubs for nurses can help you shop smarter and save money in the long term by buying brands that last.
Last year’s poll included 26 different scrub brands. Using the scores of that poll, we culled the list of brands down to the 10 most popular choices in order to bring you results that are highly discerning. Here are the best scrub brands for nurses, ranked by working nursing professionals:
Best Nursing Scrubs Overall: Grey’s Anatomy
“I like Grey’s Anatomy because they are very professional and never too tight-fitting.” — Nurse respondent
Beginning as an offshoot of the popular medical TV show, the Grey’s Anatomy brand has been around since 2007. Our nursing professionals ranked their scrubs highest in overall fit and comfort, and many noted that they felt great in their scrubs.
What makes Grey’s Anatomy’s uniforms some of the best scrubs for nurses? They have five different lines, so you have options when it comes to fabric, cut, and style. For example, their Knit Stretch collection has a higher percentage of nylon, making it smoother than their Classic collection, which is higher in polyester. And while they don’t have as many colorways as some brands, they cover the bases with navy, black, teal, and other classic colors.
Grey’s Anatomy is owned by Barco, whose collection also includes Barco One, Barco Unify, and Skechers. The brand has been making clothing for healthcare workers and other professionals for over 90 years, and Barco’s Nightingales Foundation contributes to clean water and food efforts, surgical care, and childhood sponsorships.
Ready to purchase? Check out this classic scrub top. And don’t forget to use the Grey’s Anatomy Fit Guide to know your size before you order.
| Grey’s Anatomy Pros | Grey’s Anatomy Cons |
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Nurses on Grey’s Anatomy
Check out what some of our survey respondents had to say:
- “Timeless, classic scrubs that never go out of style.”
- “I absolutely love Grey’s Anatomy. They’re overall a really good brand.”
Best Scrubs Runner-Up: Figs
“Figs are my favorite scrubs. Wrinkle free, nice fit, nice all around.” — Nurse respondent
Nursing professionals also loved Figs scrubs, and while they came in second overall, they ranked highest in quality and durability, stain resistance and wear, and stylishness. Figs prides itself on its fabric technology, with Silvadur antimicrobials woven into the scrubs to prevent odor. Let’s peek under the hood of Figs’ two scrub lines:
- FIONx medium-impact scrubs: High in polyester, this line features four-way stretch and moisture wicking. These scrubs are a little bit lighter than their other line and less stretchy.
- FORMx low-impact scrubs: Higher in nylon, this line is anti-static, stretchier, and moisture-wicking. They’re also a little more durable and breathable than FIONx.
Figs is known as a style-forward scrub company focused on innovation, and they offer discounts for students and military service members. And for those days when you need extra layers at work, they also have underscrubs and an outerwear line that prioritizes lightweight warmth.
If you’re ready to wear some Figs, this scrub top is available in 27 colors. And don’t forget to check out the matching jogger pants.
| Figs Pros | Figs Cons |
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Nurses on Figs
Check out what our survey respondents think of Figs:
- “Figs colors and fit are perfect.”
- “I love Figs scrubs. They’re very comfortable, classic, and very good quality.”
Best Scrubs for Nurses: The Specifics
Comfort
Nursing shifts are long — you can spend 12 or more hours on your feet, moving from task to task. Low-quality scrubs can chafe, pinch, or restrict your movement. A good pair is one that you can forget about. Look for breathable fabrics that wick away sweat, have a little stretch, and feel soft enough that you’re not counting down the minutes until you can change. Bonus points if they feel like pajamas.
Top 5 Most Comfortable Scrub Brands:
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Figs
- Healing Hands
- Skechers
- Cherokee
Fit
Scrubs that don’t fit right are a constant annoyance — too tight and they restrict your movement, too loose and you’ll be tugging at them all shift. Scrubs should allow for a full range of motion without sagging, bunching, or hugging in places you don’t want to be hugged. Great-fitting scrubs let you focus on patient care instead of pulling up your waistband for the hundredth time.
Top 5 Best-Fitting Scrub Brands:
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Figs
- Healing Hands
- Skechers
- Cherokee
Quality/Durability
Nursing professionals are resilient, and your scrubs need to be too. For constant bending, lifting, and assisting with patient transfers, flimsy fabric just won’t cut it. The best scrubs hold their shape, resist pilling, and survive countless wash cycles without fading or fraying. Investing in durable scrubs means fewer replacements and more reliability. The last thing you need is a seam ripping open while you’re lifting a patient.
Top 5 Most Durable and High-Quality Scrub Brands:
- Figs
- Grey’s Anatomy and Healing Hands (tie)
- Carhartt
- Skechers
- Cherokee
Stain Resistance
Whether it’s an unexpected spill or the unfortunate reality of bodily fluids, your scrubs need to be able to take a hit. Even at the nursing station, there’s the occasional coffee mishap or ink smudge to worry about. Scrubs with built-in stain resistance are a game-changer, helping repel liquids and making stains easier to wash out. Investing in stain-resistant fabrics means fewer replacements and a more professional, polished look.
Top 5 Most Stain Resistant Scrub Brands:
- Figs
- Dickies
- Healing Hands
- Carhartt
- Grey’s Anatomy
Stylishness
This factor isn’t important to everyone, but if you want an extra boost of confidence during your shift, there are more stylish scrub options than ever. Modern scrubs come in flattering fits, bold colors, and stylish details that let you express yourself while staying professional. A tailored jogger set, sleek V-neck top, or pop of color could make you look and feel your best.
Top 5 Most Stylish Scrub Brands:
- Figs
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Healing Hands
- Jaanuu
- Koi
Best Scrubs 2025 Honorable Mentions
A few brands weren’t on our original list, but our nursing professionals loved them so much that they wrote them in. Here are a few of the most frequently mentioned brands:
Mandala
Many of our respondents noted that Mandala scrubs are excellent. One IntelyPro said that their scrubs are made of “comfortable, water-resistant, stylish, and stretchable material.” Another nurse said that scrubs from Mandala “fit nicely, and the colors are beautiful.”
Fabletics
Fabletics scrubs were another write-in favorite. One nursing professional loved how their scrubs are “extra long for tall people, comfortable, stylish, and reasonably priced.” And another nurse said their scrubs “fit great and are water resistant.”
ScrubStar
Another popular brand is ScrubStar. One of our survey respondents said these scrubs are “cheap, comfortable, stain resistant, and perfect for the busy healthcare worker.” You can find a set of ScrubStar scrubs at Walmart.
5 Tips on Choosing the Best Scrubs
1. Find the Best Fit for Your Body Type
The best scrubs for another nurse might not be the best for you. For example, consider your body type when picking out scrubs. Here are some comments we received:
“Believe me — when they say one size fits all, it doesn’t. I need uniform pants with plenty of pockets, and the inner thighs need to last. As a big girl, my thighs rubbing together has almost caused a fire! Just kidding, but when the inner thighs wear out, the pants are useless.”
“It’s extremely difficult to buy scrubs when you’re a plus-sized woman. Many brands say they are size-inclusive, but they are not. Their scrubs either fit weird or you have to go up a size and risk looking unprofessional.”
Height can also be a factor when you’re choosing cut and style. For example, one IntelyPro recommended choosing a specific cut for height — “I’m shorter, so I need joggers instead of other pant cuts.”
Before making a purchase, it can be helpful to check a brand’s size guide and read customer reviews to see if a particular design runs small or large.
2. Consider Secondhand
Not ready to splurge on workwear? If you’re willing to do a little digging, scrubs are often easy to find in your local secondhand shop. One survey respondent said, “All the brands are too expensive. I buy all my scrubs at thrift stores.”
3. Think About Your Specialty
Consider your specific needs during your shift, and how your scrubs can make it just a tad easier to do your job. For example, the best scrubs for ER nurses might be ones with enough pockets to store 10 saline flushes, while a circulating nurse might prefer a sleeker pair to avoid compromising the sterile field.
4. Decide Between Men’s, Women’s, and Unisex Styles
Fit, comfort, and function matter for everyone, but there are key differences in design that can make a big difference in how your scrubs perform throughout your shift. The best nursing scrubs for men are typically designed with a more relaxed fit, but they shouldn’t be overly baggy. Look for scrubs with reinforced seams and durable fabrics that can withstand frequent washing and high activity levels.
The best scrubs for women tend to offer more tailored fits, with options like tapered joggers, higher waistlines, and stretchy fabrics that provide a flattering but functional silhouette. It might be worth trying on different styles in a store to see which cuts work for you. Look for scrubs with some stretch, and don’t forget about pockets.
If you prefer a gender-neutral fit, unisex scrubs are a solid option. These scrubs typically offer a relaxed, straight-cut design that works for a variety of body types. However, some unisex styles can feel boxy or oversized, so it’s important to check sizing charts and reviews to ensure the best fit.
5. Prepare for Your Work Tools
Do you tend to need multiple pens during your shift? An upper breast pocket might be helpful. And if you prefer to clip your badge reel to your hip rather than your collar, find scrub pants with a built-in loop. If you don’t want your compression socks to show, choose wider-leg pants rather than joggers. These details sound minor, but think about how many hours you’ll likely wear your scrubs — just a year of working 36 hours a week comes to more than 1,800 hours. Those details add up.
Fresh Opportunities to Go With Your Fresh Scrubs
Even the best scrubs can’t fix being in the wrong job. If you’re in the market for a new role, IntelyCare is here to help. We help match nursing professionals like you with jobs that suit their needs. Learn more with personalized job notifications that alert you when roles open up in your area.
Our Methodology
Nurses rely on their scrubs during every shift — they know which scrub brands make their shifts better and which ones don’t. That’s why we went straight to the source. We polled our IntelyCare community of 30,000+ active nurses and nursing assistants from January 21, 2025, through January 31, 2025. We presented them with 10 brands of scrubs and asked them to rate the brands that they wear or have worn in the past. The categories were comfort, fit, quality/durability, stain resistance/wear, and stylishness.
Respondents could award a brand a rating of Poor (1 point), Fair (2 points), Good (3 points), Great (4 points), or Excellent (5 points) in each category. If a respondent was unfamiliar with a brand, they could choose to skip over that particular brand without rating it. The results were analyzed to determine how each brand performed in each category. Respondents were also given the opportunity to submit write-in votes for brands that weren’t included in our list, as well as comment on their most preferred brands. Some quotes were edited for space and clarity.
