Wear & Care
It’s a question every healthcare pro has asked after pulling a pair of scrubs from the dryer: Did these get smaller?
The answer? Sometimes, depending on the fabric and how they’re cared for.
Just like any garment, scrubs can shrink—especially if they’re made from cotton-heavy blends or exposed to high heat. But here’s the good news: most modern scrubs are made with performance fabrics that resist shrinkage, even after repeated washing.
In this guide, we break down what causes scrubs to shrink, how to prevent it and what to look for in styles that hold their shape and fit, wash after wash.
What Causes Scrubs to Shrink?
Laundering Methods
How you wash your scrubs and dry them properly makes a big difference. Harsh wash cycles, high dryer temps or overloading the washer can stress the fabric—and that stress leads to shrinkage over time, especially in cotton blends.
Plenty of healthcare pros often share frustrations of scrubs shrinking after just one hot wash or an aggressive dry cycle. The key takeaway? Treat your scrubs the same way you treat your performance wear—with care and attention to the fabric label.
Temperature Settings
Heat is one of the biggest shrink culprits. High water or dryer temperatures can cause natural fibers to contract, especially in cotton-heavy blends. Even synthetic fabrics like rayon can lose shape when exposed to too much heat.
That’s why Cherokee scrubs are designed to be washed in cold water only. Cold cycles protect the fabric’s structure and help maintain fit, shape and color over time.
5 Tips to Prevent Shrinkage
Pre-Wash New Scrubs
If your scrubs have ever felt tighter after that first wash, you’re not imagining it. Pre-washing new scrubs in cold water and letting them air dry helps eliminate any residual shrinkage before the first wear.
Use Cold Water Every Time
Cold water is your best friend—especially with our performance fabrics. It helps preserve the material’s integrity, reduces fading and keeps the fit consistent over time.
Wash on Gentle, Dry on Low Heat
Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle to minimize friction and fiber stress. When drying, choose low heat or a moisture-sensor setting to protect elasticity and structure—especially in joggers or stretch styles.
Air Dry When You Can
Want to play it extra safe? Air drying is the way to go. Hang or lay your scrubs flat to dry and avoid heat altogether. This method helps preserve fit, especially in styles with stretch or spandex.
Always Read the Care Label
Each Cherokee scrub style comes with its own care instructions based on the fabric blend. Following those details helps you get the longest life—and best fit—out of every piece.
What to Do If Your Scrubs Shrink
Try Stretching Techniques
If your scrubs shrink slightly, you might be able to stretch them back into shape. While damp, lay them flat and gently stretch the fabric by hand—especially around the waistband, inseam or sleeves. Let them air dry in that position.
Consider Simple Alterations
For more significant shrinkage, basic tailoring can help. Letting out hems or adjusting the waistband can restore comfort—especially if the rest of the fit still works.
Buying Scrubs That Won’t Shrink: What to Know About Fabric
Not all fabrics hold up the same. Cotton- and rayon-heavy scrubs are more prone to shrinking, especially when exposed to heat or frequent washing.
For shrink-resistance, look for polyester, spandex or other performance blends. These materials are engineered to hold their shape, resist shrinkage and stand up to the demands of daily wear and washing.
Here's the short list:
- Avoid scrubs with high percentages of cotton or rayon
- Choose polyester-based blends or performance knits for shape retention
- Look for added spandex or stretch knit for stretch recovery
Our top shrink-resistant picks? The Achieve Collection. Made from a premium 80% polyester / 20% spandex blend with Comfort Pro™ knit, these scrubs are breathable, soft and built to last—without shrinking out of shape.
Shop the Achieve Collection
Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Scrubs
Fit plays a major role in how your scrubs look, feel and perform—especially when laundry shrinkage is in the mix. Whether you're between sizes or prefer a more relaxed or tailored silhouette, we offer a wide range of styles built to move with you and hold their shape.
Not sure which style is right for you? Explore the different types of scrubs to find the function, fit and fabric that work best for your role.
From jogger scrubs to classic straight-leg pants, knit-panel tops to zip-front scrub jackets, there’s a fit for every body and every shift. And with shrink-resistant performance fabrics built into our styles, you’ve got one less thing to worry about on laundry day.
So—do scrubs shrink in the laundry? Yes, they can. But with the right care routine (think cold water, low heat) and smart fabric choices—like those in the Achieve Collection—you can count on scrubs that stay true to size, wear after wear.
Ready to upgrade your uniform game? Explore Cherokee women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs, designed to hold their fit, shape and look all shift long.