Best Scrubs for Nurses: How to Choose Styles That Work for You

Finding the right scrubs isn’t just about how they look—it’s about how they move, how they hold up and how they help you get through long shifts comfortably. Whether you’re searching for flexibility, easy-care fabrics or a clean, professional finish, the right scrubs can make all the difference. Here’s what to look for when choosing scrubs that work as hard as you do.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Nursing Scrubs

From fabric to fit to function, the best scrubs should support your workday—not slow you down. These five factors can help you find the right pair for your shift, your style and your budget.

1. Comfort and Fit

Comfort isn’t optional when you’re on your feet all day. Choose scrubs that strike the right balance—styles that let you move freely without feeling too baggy or too tight. A well-fitting top, for instance, with breathable stretch fabric helps you stay flexible and focused from the first patient to the last.

2. Material and Durability

Your scrubs need to keep up with the demands of your job, so when you’re deciding what works for you, start with the fabric label. Durable materials like polyester blends or spandex resist wrinkles, wick moisture and hold up to frequent washing. Stain-resistant, easy-care fabric features are also a plus—helping you stay polished with minimal effort.

3. Practical Features

Scrubs should make your day easier, not harder. Prioritize designs with multiple, well-placed pockets to keep your essentials organized and within reach. Built-in details like badge loops, utility tabs and hidden compartments help streamline your routine without adding bulk. Waistband styles—whether elastic, drawstring or a combination of both—offer a secure, just-right fit that stays comfortable throughout your shift.

4. Style and Professional Appearance

The best scrubs don’t just perform well—they help you feel like yourself. Personal style matters, especially when it supports your confidence and stays within your dress code. Cherokee offers a wide range of silhouettes and colors—from timeless classics to modern and on-trend—so you can show up looking sharp and feeling like you.

5. Cost and Value

Scrubs are an everyday essential, so they should deliver value that lasts. Consider options that offer long-term durability, smart design and fair pricing. Our trusted Cherokee collections are made to fit every budget, so you can find high-quality women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs that work for you.

Top Scrub Styles for Nurses

Once you’ve narrowed down what matters most—fit, fabric, features, value—it's time to find the styles that match. Whether you’re focused on comfort, durability or functionality, here are some of our favorite styles nurses keep coming back to.

Jogger Scrub Pants

If you’re into comfort with a modern, athletic edge, joggers are a go-to. The tapered leg and elastic cuffs keep your scrubs from dragging on the floor, while an adjustable elastic waistband gives you a flexible, stay-put fit. Perfect for active nurses, joggers for women and men are great for busy shifts when you need a full range of motion and a look that feels current. The Men's Mid Rise Jogger Pant is a great choice—easy to move in and easy to wear all day.

V-Neck Scrub Tops

V-necks are a classic for a reason. They’re simple, breathable and give you just enough room to move without feeling oversized. Many styles also come with multiple pockets, so you’ve got space for everything you need. The Cherokee Women's Curved Hemline V-Neck Top is a favorite—it's clean, flattering and functional without trying too hard.

Mock Wrap Scrub Tops

Mock wrap tops add a little shape and style without giving up comfort. The crossover design flatters without feeling fussy, and some styles include side ties or stretch panels for extra give. The Cherokee Women's Mock Wrap Top hits that sweet spot between style and practicality.

Straight Leg Scrub Pants

If you like a streamlined, no-fuss fit, straight leg pants are a great option. They’re roomy without being baggy and work well across different roles and settings. The Cherokee Women's Mid Rise Pull On Straight Leg Pant is versatile, polished and easy to throw on shift after shift.

Elastic Waist Scrub Pants

Some days call for scrubs that are just easy. Elastic waist pants give you that pull-on-and-go feel without looking too casual. They move with you, stay comfortable and check the box for a professional appearance. Try the Cherokee Women's Mid Rise Tapered Leg Drawstring Pant—comfy, reliable and shift-ready.

Top Cherokee Scrubs Nurses Love

1. Workwear Revolution Collection

Workwear Revolution is made for modern nurses who move fast and need scrubs that keep up. The fabric is silky-soft with just the right amount of stretch, so you’re never restricted—whether you’re sprinting down hallways or lifting on repeat. With practical details like multiple pockets and easy-care materials, this collection makes everyday scrubs feel elevated.

2. FORM Collection

For a sleek, sophisticated look, the FORM Collection offers polished, performance-ready styles with tailored fits. The scrub styles feature smooth, stretchy fabrics that move with you and hold their shape. It’s elevated, fashion-forward and built for nurses who want their scrubs to look as sharp as they feel.

3. Workwear Originals Collection

Tried and trusted for decades, the Workwear Originals Collection is all about getting the job done. These scrubs are known for their durability and no-nonsense design, with roomy pockets, easy fits and fabrics that hold up shift after shift. If you’re looking for value without compromise, Originals has your back.

Insights from Healthcare Professionals

What do nurses really want in their scrubs? We listened. Here’s what healthcare professionals consistently prioritize when choosing the scrubs that get them through the day.

Comfort and Fit Preferences

Comfort always comes first. Nurses prefer soft, flexible fabrics that move with them—not against them. Semi-fitted styles are especially popular, offering a balance between ease and a polished, professional look.

Material and Durability Considerations

When you're washing scrubs on repeat, quality matters. Nurses value fabrics that hold up over time—resisting wrinkles, stains and everyday wear while keeping their shape and color intact.

Functional Features That Matter

Pockets aren’t a nice-to-have detail—they’re a must. Nurses look for scrubs with smart, functional storage that doesn’t get in the way. Adjustable waistbands and breathable fabrics are also high on the list for comfort during long shifts.

Style and Appearance Opinions

Looking professional builds trust—and nurses know it. They gravitate toward scrubs that are stylish but still workplace-ready, with modern fits, clean lines and neutral color options that work across roles and settings.

The best scrubs don’t make you choose between comfort, durability, style or function—they deliver on all of it. At Cherokee, our collections—from modern Workwear Revolution, premium FORM or classic Workwear Originals—are designed to meet the demands of your everyday. No matter your shift, your style or your fit, Cherokee helps you show up comfortable, confident and ready.

Explore Cherokee now and find your new favorite scrubs.