Fabric & Care
When your shift runs from early rounds to late-night charting, your scrubs need to keep up. The fabric you wear can affect everything—how hot you feel, how easily you move, and how comfortable you are by hour twelve. For healthcare professionals, choosing the right material isn’t just about comfort. It’s a key part of performing at your best. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best scrub materials for long shifts, so you can find the perfect balance of durability, breathability and stretch.
Understanding Common Scrub Fabrics
Polyester Blends
Polyester is a top pick for durability. It resists wrinkles, dries fast and holds its color wash after wash. When blended with rayon or spandex, it creates a fabric that feels good and lasts, giving you structure, stretch and comfort that stands up to long days.
Rayon
Rayon is all about softness and breathability. It’s lightweight with a nice drape, which makes it a great option for warmer environments or all-day wear. Because it’s not quite as durable on its own, it’s often blended with other fabrics to improve strength and longevity.
Spandex / Elastane
This is where stretchy scrubs enter the picture. Even a small amount—just 3 to 8%—can make a huge difference in how your scrubs move with you. You’ll really notice it when you’re bending, lifting, reaching or crouching throughout your shift.
Cotton (Used Sparingly)
Cotton adds a soft, breathable feel to scrubs—but on its own, it tends to wrinkle and shrink. That’s why modern scrubs use cotton in small amounts, blending it with other materials to keep the comfort without the high maintenance.
What Is the Best Material for Stretch and Movement?
360 Collection Scrubs: Stretch That Supports Long Days
If flexibility is your top priority, the Healing Hands 360 Collection is made for you. Designed for healthcare pros who are constantly on the move, this collection features:
- 55% recycled polyester / 37% polyester / 8% spandex
- True 4-way stretch woven fabric
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant performance
With breathable stretch and a smooth, soft feel, these scrubs offer the flexibility and comfort you need, especially in fast-paced clinical environments where you can’t afford to feel restricted.
Quest: Elevated Stretch with a Refined Look
If you're looking for scrubs that feel elevated but still move with you, the Quest Collection delivers. Designed with an athletic fit and sleek silhouette, it offers:
- 4-way stretch for all-day comfort and ease
- Breathable, durable fabric that holds up under pressure
- Strategic seam placement for movement and structure
Quest is a favorite among nurse leaders, educators and professionals who want performance-driven scrubs that also look polished and put-together.
Purple Label: Yoga-Inspired Comfort
Want scrubs that feel more like activewear? Purple Label is known for its ultra-soft fabrics, modern look and body-conscious fits that offer serious stretch without compromising style.
- Super-soft fabric with flexible stretch
- Flattering, feminine silhouettes
- Yoga-style waistbands and shaped seams that support, not restrict
Purple Label is especially loved in movement-heavy roles like pediatrics, ER, or bedside care. For those long shifts where comfort really counts, these scrubs for women offer a feel-good fit and a confident look.
Design Details That Complement Great Fabric
Even the best fabric needs smart design to really perform. These thoughtful features help scrubs do more—so you can, too:
Knit Panels
Often added at the sides or back, knit panels offer stretch where you need it most—without losing structure in the places that matter.
Stretch Waistbands
Whether it’s a yoga-style or wide elastic band, stretch waistbands stay in place, reduce pressure on your lower back and keep you comfortable on the move. (Explore more in our guide to the best stretchy scrubs.)
Breathable Insets
Look for mesh or vented panels in heat-prone zones like underarms or behind the knees. They help air circulate and reduce overheating during active shifts.
Functional Pockets
Reinforced and thoughtfully placed, these pockets are deep enough to hold your shift essentials without dragging or changing the fit of your scrubs.
The Right Fabric for the Work You Do
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to scrubs. Some shifts call for lightweight stretch, others demand wrinkle resistance or durability. Whether you're assisting in surgery, running between patient rooms, or charting into the evening, your uniform should support your work, not get in the way.
Collections like Healing Hands 360, Quest and Purple Label are designed with real professionals in mind, blending smart materials with movement-friendly details that keep up with real shift demands. Because when your scrubs work as hard as you do, every shift feels a little bit smoother.