Wear & Care
Scrubs should feel easy to wear, not something you have to think about all day. But when the fit isn’t right, it’s hard to ignore—waistbands that press when you sit, tops that pull when you reach and styles that feel different by hour six than they did at clock-in.
If you shop plus size scrubs, those details matter even more. This guide focuses on the features that make a real difference during long shifts—stretch, flexible waistbands and silhouettes that move with you instead of against you. Using Cherokee styles as a reference, we’ll break down what to look for so finding scrubs that feel comfortable from start to finish feels a little more straightforward.
What Matters Most When Choosing Plus Size Scrubs
If you find yourself adjusting your scrubs throughout the day, it’s usually not about the size on the tag—it’s about how the cut works once you start moving. Long shifts mean sitting, standing, bending, reaching and walking nonstop, and scrubs need to feel comfortable through all of it.
The most reliable styles tend to share a few things in common: styles with stretch fabrics, waistbands that don’t dig in and silhouettes that stay consistent from start to finish. Looking for men’s or women’s scrub pants that feel comfortable whether you’re on your feet or charting, and tops that don’t pull when you reach or lift, can make a noticeable difference in how your scrubs feel by the end of the day.
Instead of second-guessing fit mid-shift, focusing on these details upfront can help you find styles that work with you—not ones you have to work around. And because no two bodies are the same, trying a few silhouettes is often the easiest way to figure out what feels right for you.
Comfort-Focused Features to Look For in Plus Size Scrubs
Comfort comes down to more than just choosing the right size. The fabrics, waistbands and silhouettes you wear all affect how scrubs feel once you’re a few hours into a shift. Paying attention to these features can help narrow down styles that stay comfortable instead of becoming a distraction.
Scrubs With Stretch
Stretch is one of the biggest factors in all-day comfort, especially during long or active shifts. Scrubs with stretch move more easily when you’re bending, lifting or walking between patients, which can make a noticeable difference by the end of the day. Cherokee offers stretch across several collections, helping reduce that restricted feeling through the chest, hips and thighs.
Scrubs With Elastic or Flexible Waistbands
Waistbands are often the first thing people notice when scrubs don’t feel right. Flexible or elastic waistbands tend to feel more comfortable when sitting, bending or moving from task to task. Many Cherokee pant styles use elastic or hybrid waistbands designed to feel more supportive and less rigid throughout a full shift.
Jogger Scrubs for a More Fitted Feel
Jogger scrubs offer a more modern, streamlined fit while still prioritizing comfort. The cuffed hem helps keep pants in place, which can be especially helpful on busy days. Cherokee jogger styles are often chosen by people who want structure and shape without feeling tight or restrictive.
iflex by Cherokee
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Scrubs With Relaxed Fits
Relaxed silhouettes are a reliable option if you prefer more room to move. These styles tend to feel less clingy and more forgiving through long shifts. Cherokee’s Workwear Revolution collection is often associated with a straightforward, relaxed fit that focuses on comfort and ease of movement.
Scrub Tops With More Room Through the Chest and Shoulders
Tops that pull, ride up or feel tight through the shoulders can quickly become frustrating. Choosing scrub tops with more room through the chest and shoulders—especially when paired with stretch fabrics—can make a big difference in comfort. Cherokee offers multiple top silhouettes designed to feel easier to move in throughout the day.
Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra
$19.97
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Common Questions About Plus Size Scrubs
Do All Cherokee Scrub Styles Come in Plus Sizes?
Size availability can vary by style and collection, but many Cherokee scrubs are offered in extended sizes, including up to 5XL. Checking size ranges on individual product pages can help narrow down options more quickly and save time when you’re shopping.
How Can I Tell If Scrubs Will Be Comfortable for a Full Shift?
Comfort usually shows up after a few hours, not just at first try-on. Looking at fabric descriptions, waistband types and overall silhouette can offer helpful clues. Styles with stretch and flexible waistbands tend to feel more consistent as the day goes on.
Should I Size Up for Comfort?
Sizing up doesn’t always solve comfort issues. In many cases, choosing a style with stretch or a more relaxed cut makes a bigger difference than going up a size. Focusing on how a style is designed to fit can be more helpful than relying on size alone.
Do Certain Styles Feel Better for Sitting or Bending?
Yes. Scrubs with flexible waistbands, stretch fabrics and thoughtfully designed rises often feel more comfortable when you’re sitting, bending or moving frequently throughout a shift.
Why Do Some Scrubs Feel Tight in One Area but Loose in Another?
This usually comes down to cut and proportions. Different styles are designed with different silhouettes in mind, which is why one style may feel perfect while another doesn’t—even in the same size.
Comfortable plus size scrubs aren’t about chasing a perfect size—they’re about finding the right combination of features. Stretch, flexible waistbands, silhouette and overall feel all play a role in how scrubs wear throughout the day.
By focusing on how Cherokee scrubs are designed to move, feel and support real workdays, it becomes easier to find styles that feel comfortable from the start of a shift to the end. Because when your scrubs work with you, you can spend less time thinking about fit and more time focused on the work that matters.