Wear & Care
When the temperature spikes—or your shift intensifies—heavy, clingy scrubs can make long hours feel ever longer. Whether you’re working in a warm climate, a non-climate-controlled facility or sprinting between patient rooms on a busy med-surg unit, sweat and friction can take a toll fast.
The good news? The right scrubs can help you stay cooler, drier and more focused through it all. From moisture-wicking fabrics to breathable designs, here’s what to look for in scrubs built to beat the heat—plus our favorite style picks to keep things breezy this summer.
Features to Look for in Scrubs for Hot Weather
1. Lightweight Fabrics
The lighter the fabric, the better you’ll feel—especially when you’re on the move. Polyester blends and rayon-based fabrics tend to be cooler and less clingy than heavy cotton or thick twill, giving you more airflow and easier movement when things heat up.
Why it matters: Less heat retention and more breathability equal better comfort in warm-weather environments and high-mobility roles.
2. Moisture-Wicking Properties
Sweating comes with the job—but feeling sweaty shouldn’t. That’s where moisture-wicking fabric comes in. It’s designed to pull sweat away from your skin so it can evaporate faster, keeping you dry, comfortable and confident.
Cherokee’s ATMOS Collection leads the way, thanks to COOLMAX® Technology that adapts to your body temperature and delivers a cooling effect as you move. The quick-dry performance is ideal for high-sweat roles and intense days.
Prefer a knit feel? The Achieve Collection blends softness with performance, using moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics that keep you feeling fresh—even during back-to-back shifts.
Need more options? Check out our guide to the best scrubs for sweating for more expert picks.
Shop Moisture-Wicking Scrubs
3. Breathability Enhancements
It’s not just what your scrubs are made of—it's how they’re made. Design details can make a major difference in how well air moves through your uniform. When you’re in and out of patient rooms or on your feet all shift long, built-in breathability matters.
Here's what to look for:
- Mesh panels
- Vented side seams
- Back yokes or shoulder vents
These additions prevent heat from building up in sweat-prone spots like your back, underarms and behind the knees, so you feel cooler, even during high-stress moments.
Why it matters: Thoughtful airflow keeps your body temperature in check and helps minimize that sticky, overheated feeling mid-shift.
4. Stretch and Comfort
Let’s face it. Stiff scrubs and hot weather are a recipe for frustration. When the weather’s spicy, flexibility isn’t a bonus, it’s a must. Scrubs with built-in stretch, like spandex or elastane blends, move with you and help reduce chafing when you’re in constant motion.
Cherokee’s Achieve and FORM collections offer 360° stretch for better mobility without sacrificing shape. That means fewer restrictions, less rubbing and a smoother fit that works with every body type.
Shop Cherokee Scrub Picks
Tips for Staying Cool While Wearing Scrubs
Layer Strategically
Less is more when it comes to layers in the heat. If you need an underscrub, choose something lightweight and moisture-wicking to reduce heat retention and help sweat dry faster.
Choose Light Colors
Darker scrub shades absorb more heat, especially under strong lights or in warm environments. Opt for lighter colors like white scrubs, ceil blue scrubs or soft neutrals to help reflect heat and keep you cooler.
Stay Hydrated
No matter how breathable your scrubs are, hydration is everything. Drinking water throughout your shift helps regulate body temperature and keep you feeling more alert—especially when your day doesn’t slow down.
Rotate Scrubs Frequently
Wearing the same set day after day can lead to trapped sweat and lingering discomfort. Having a few lightweight scrubs in your rotation gives each pair time to dry completely between wears—helping you stay cooler and fresher all week long.
Invest in Cool, Comfortable Scrubs
Hot weather and high activity don’t have to mean all-day discomfort. Choosing scrubs made with lightweight, moisture-wicking and breathable materials gives you a head start on staying cool and focused—no matter how intense the shift gets.
Cherokee Uniforms builds scrubs that work with your body, not against it. Whether you’re drawn to the cooling power of ATMOS, the soft stretch of Achieve or the modern performance of FORM, there’s a lightweight option ready to support your every move.
Explore Cherokee’s warm-weather scrubs for women and men—and show up feeling cool and confident, no matter what the day brings.