Scrub Picks
There are a lot of different types of scrubs—and that’s a good thing. No two bodies are the same, no two roles look alike and no two shifts feel exactly the same either.
The scrubs you wear can make your day feel easier or harder. The right scrub top and scrub pant style should move when you move, stay comfortable when things get busy and never distract you from the work you’re there to do. Whether you’re constantly on your feet, running warm, carrying half your shift in your pockets or just trying to make it through a long day feeling okay, fit and style matter more than most people realize.
This guide walks through the most common scrub tops, pants and fits, breaking down how they actually feel once you’re wearing them. Not what looks good on a hanger—what works in real life.
What “Different Types of Scrubs” Really Means
When people talk about “different types of scrubs,” they’re usually not talking about just one thing. It can mean the cut of a top, the shape of a pant, the way a piece fits through the body or the details that make a difference once you’re a few hours into your shift.
Most scrubs fall into a few main categories:
- Scrub top styles like V-necks, mock wraps or zip-front tops
- Scrub pant styles like straight leg, joggers, flares or cargo
- Scrub fits like relaxed, classic or slim
- Features like pockets, stretch, badge loops, layering options or fabric
Even if you always buy the same size, changing just one of these can completely change how your scrubs feel. A different neckline can affect breathability. A new pant cut can change how easily you move. Extra pockets can mean less juggling throughout the day.
The right scrubs can help with:
- Moving comfortably through your shift—lifting, squatting, reaching and turning
- Staying comfortable during long days and busy weeks
- Handling temperature changes between warm units and freezing hallways
- Feeling confident and professional at work
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t finding “perfect” scrubs. It’s finding scrubs that support your body and stay out of your way while you do your job.
Types of Scrub Tops
Scrub tops can look similar on a hanger, but once you’re moving, reaching and bending all shift, small details start to matter. Necklines affect breathability. Seams affect how a top lays on your body. Pocket placement can make grabbing what you need easier—or more annoying.
The best scrub top is the one you don’t have to think about once your shift gets going.
V-Neck Scrub Tops: The Standard Style
A classic for a reason. V-neck scrub tops are simple, comfortable and easy to wear across a wide range of roles and body types. They’re also very easy to put on and off.
Why people love them:
- They feel breathable and not restrictive
- They’re easy to layer without feeling bulky
- They look clean and professional without trying too hard
If you want a dependable, no-fuss option that works with almost any scrub pant, V-necks are hard to beat.
Read more about the practical, functional and aesthetic reasons why V-necks are a go-to style.
Round Neck Scrub Tops: Clean and Covered
If you like a higher neckline, round neck scrub tops feel smooth and secure without feeling stiff or restrictive. They sit comfortably at the collarbone and stay more contained up top, which can be reassuring when you’re bending, reaching or moving fast through a busy shift.
Why people reach for them:
- They feel comfortable and secure around the neckline
- They offer a clean, uniform look without feeling stiff
- They’re easy to move in for active roles
Round neck tops are a solid choice if you want coverage without bulk and a look that stays polished all day.
Mock Wrap Scrub Tops: Shaped but Easy
Mock wrap scrub tops are a go-to if you want a little more style and shape without giving up comfort. They create natural lines through the torso while still feeling practical and easy to wear on the job.
Why people like them:
- They add structure without clinging or feeling tight
- They can feel more flattering through the waist and hips
- They look polished while still working for everyday shifts
Mock wrap tops are a good option if you want something that feels slightly more styled but still comfortable enough for long, active days.
Chest Pocket or No Chest Pocket
A chest pocket can be one of those small details that makes a big difference once your shift gets busy. If you like having a pen, badge clip or small essentials right where you can grab them, a chest pocket can save you time and extra reaching.
That said, they’re not for everyone. Some people prefer scrub tops without a chest pocket because the front feels smoother, looks cleaner and doesn’t get weighed down when you lean forward or move quickly.
A simple way to decide:
- Choose a chest pocket if you like quick access to small items
- Skip it if you prefer a more streamlined fit up top
Scrub Tops with Princess Seams
Princess seams are the vertical seam lines that run down the front, and sometimes the back, of a scrub top. They’re designed to help the top follow the shape of your body more naturally, without needing the fabric to feel tight.
Why people like them:
- They help the top lay flatter and feel less boxy
- They create a more intentional, polished look
- They offer shape without sacrificing comfort
If you’ve ever felt like a scrub top looks fine standing still but awkward once you start moving, princess seams can make a noticeable difference.
Types of Scrub Pants
Scrub pants do a lot of heavy lifting during a shift. They need to move with you, stay comfortable for hours and hold everything you’re carrying without slipping, bunching or getting in the way.
The cut of a pant matters more than most people expect. Some styles feel balanced and easy. Others are better if you move fast, carry a lot or prefer more room through the leg. Below are the most common scrub pant styles and how they tend to feel once you’re actually wearing them.
Straight Leg Scrub Pants: The Go-To
Straight leg scrub pants are a classic because they’re balanced. They don’t cling, but they don’t feel baggy either, which makes them easy to wear across different roles and body types.
Why people like them:
- They work well on most body shapes
- They pair easily with any scrub top style
- They feel comfortable without feeling sloppy
If you want a reliable, everyday option that just works, straight leg pants are hard to beat.
Jogger Scrub Pants: Modern and Out of the Way
Jogger scrubs are popular for one simple reason—they stay put. The tapered leg and ankle cuff keep fabric out of your way, which can make a big difference when you’re moving fast or covering a lot of ground.
Why people like them:
- No stepping on hems or dragging fabric
- They feel secure during quick movement
- They offer a modern look that still feels work-appropriate
Joggers are especially popular with petite nurses or anyone who’s tired of hemming pants. They’re also a good option if you like a tapered ankle without feeling tight through the thighs.
Flare Scrub Pants: Roomy and Stylish
Flare scrub pants offer more room through the leg while still feeling styled and intentional. They tend to feel airy and comfortable, especially during long shifts where you’re on your feet most of the day.
Why people like them:
- They feel breathable and less restrictive
- They help balance proportions, especially with fitted tops
- They stay comfortable from start to finish
Flare pants are a great choice if you prefer a relaxed leg opening and don’t love the feel of tapered styles.
Cherokee WW Core Stretch
$55.00
8 Colors
Cherokee WW Revolution
$55.00
19 Colors
Cargo Scrub Pants: Built to Carry More
Cargo scrub pants are all about function. If your shift involves carrying pens, tape, scissors, wipes, a phone or paperwork, extra pockets can make a real difference.
Why people like them:
- More storage without overstuffing pockets or waistbands
- Helpful for hands-on, task-heavy roles
- Practical for long, busy shifts
Cargo pants are popular with nurses, techs, CNAs and anyone who prefers a more utility-driven feel. If you like having what you need within reach, this style earns its place fast.
Scrub Fits Explained: Relaxed vs. Classic vs. Slim
Two pairs of scrubs can be the same size on the tag and feel completely different once you put them on. Fit plays a huge role in whether scrubs feel easy and comfortable all day—or distracting and uncomfortable by hour three.
That’s why it helps to understand fit, not just size. Cherokee scrubs generally fall into three fit categories: Classic, Relaxed and Slim. You’ll find the fit listed in each product description so you know what to expect before you order.
Classic Fit
Classic Fit is the most balanced option. It sits comfortably against the body without feeling tight, offering a clean, everyday look that still gives you room to move.
If you want scrubs that feel easy to wear but look a little more polished and put together, Classic Fit is often the safest starting point.
Relaxed Fit
Relaxed Fit scrubs offer more room through the chest, waist, hips and legs. They’re designed to feel loose and comfortable, with extra space that makes long shifts feel less restrictive.
This fit works well if you like a looser feel, want more coverage or prefer scrubs that feel comfortable from hour one through the end of the day.
Slim Fit
Slim Fit scrubs follow the shape of the body more closely, with a narrower cut through the shoulders, chest, waist and hips. The look is more tailored, with less extra fabric overall.
If you prefer a closer-to-body feel and want a sharper, more modern silhouette, Slim Fit can be a great option—especially if you still want your scrubs to feel comfortable while you’re on the move.
How to Choose the Best Type of Scrubs for You
If all the options feel overwhelming, take a breath. You don’t have to get everything “right” at once. Finding scrubs is really about understanding what matters most to you and starting there.
Ask Yourself: What Matters Most?
Think about the one thing you care about most during a shift:
- Comfort
- Ease of movement
- Pockets and storage
- Breathability
- A more polished look
There’s no wrong answer here. Your priority might change depending on your role, your schedule or even the season.
Pick One Top and Pant Combo That Works
Once you know what matters most to you, choosing a top and pant combo gets a lot easier. You’re not trying to find the “perfect” outfit — just a pairing that supports how you move, work and get through your shift.
If you’re not sure where to start, these are simple, well-balanced combos many people reach for:
- V-neck top + straight leg pants
- Round neck top + jogger pants
- Mock wrap top + flare pants
- Zip-front top + cargo pants
Think of these as starting points, not rules. The right combo is the one that feels comfortable on your body and fits the way you work, day after day.
Choose Your Fit
Fit is what makes everything come together. Two scrubs can look similar on the rack and still feel completely different once you’re moving through a full shift.
Fit is about how scrubs sit on your body, how much room you want and how you like your clothes to feel when you bend, reach and stay on your feet for hours. Cherokee scrubs generally fall into three fit categories, so you know what to expect before you order.
- Relaxed fit if you want more room, coverage and an easy, comfortable feel
- Classic fit if you want a balanced look that still feels comfortable all day
- Slim fit if you prefer a closer-to-body, more tailored silhouette
And most importantly: if a scrub style doesn’t feel good on your body, it’s not your fault. It’s just not your best match.
FAQ: Different Types of Scrubs
What type of scrubs are most popular?
V-neck tops and straight leg pants are consistently the most popular styles because they’re easy. They work across a wide range of roles, pair well with almost anything and feel familiar the moment you put them on. For many people, they’re a dependable starting point when building a scrub rotation.
Are jogger scrubs still professional?
Yes. Jogger scrubs are a modern option, but they’re still very much work-appropriate. When paired with a clean, classic scrub top, they look polished and intentional—just with a little less fabric to manage during busy shifts.
What type of scrubs are best for long shifts?
The best scrubs for long shifts are the ones you don’t have to think about. Look for styles that move with you, stay comfortable for hours and offer the pockets and support you need to get through the day.
What scrub styles are best for plus sizes?
Many people prefer Classic or Relaxed fits, along with pant styles that feel comfortable through the hips and thighs, like straight leg, flare or cargo pants. That said, fit can feel different on every body, so trying a few styles is often the best way to find what works for you. Remember—no two bodies are the same, and the right fit is the one that feels good once you’re actually wearing it.
What type of scrubs are best for petite nurses?
Jogger pants are a favorite because ankle cuffs help prevent dragging hems. Cherokee also offers petite sizes in many styles, which can make a big difference in overall fit and comfort—especially if you’re tired of hemming pants or rolling waistbands.
There are a lot of different types of scrubs—and that’s a good thing. Everyone’s body is different, every role is different and every shift asks something a little different of you.
The goal isn’t finding the “right” scrubs on paper. It’s finding the ones that feel comfortable once you’re moving, working and getting through the day. Whether you prefer scrubs that are relaxed and breathable, classic and polished or more tailored and streamlined, the best choice is the one that supports you without getting in your way.
Take your time. Try a few styles. Pay attention to how they feel on your body. When your scrubs work with you, everything else gets just a little easier.