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Hospitals run cold. Patient rooms run warm. And nurses are constantly moving. When temperatures shift throughout your day, layering becomes less about style and more about practicality.
Scrub vests offer warmth without the bulk, giving you a simple way to stay comfortable as you move between units, tasks and temperatures. This guide breaks down the basics of scrub vests, how they compare to jackets and which details actually matter during a long shift.
Why Layering Matters on Shift
Temperature changes are part of everyday hospital life. From early starts to late handoffs, comfort can play a real role in how focused and energized you feel. Having a reliable layer makes it easier to adapt when stepping away or changing isn’t an option.
Managing All the Temperature Swings
Every unit has its own feel. Workstations can be cold, patient areas warm, hallways drafty and shared spaces crowded. Add constant movement and it’s easy to swing from chilly to overheated in a short span of time.
A scrub vest or lightweight jacket provides just enough warmth without feeling heavy. It keeps your core comfortable while still allowing heat to escape naturally when your pace picks up.
Movement Without the Bulk
Your outer layer should support your work, not slow you down. Both scrub vests and scrub jackets are designed to move with you, using stretch and lighter materials to stay flexible during hands-on tasks.
That means lifting, reaching, charting and moving quickly without stiff sleeves or bulky fabric getting in the way. The difference often comes down to preference. Some nurses like the freedom of a vest, while others prefer the added coverage of a jacket that still feels light and easy to wear.
Scrub Jackets vs. Vests: Which Layer Works for You?
Choosing between a scrub jacket and a vest often comes down to how and where you work. Factors like your unit, your schedule and how your body handles temperature changes all play a role in what feels most comfortable throughout a shift.
Jackets: Full Coverage for Colder Environments
Scrub jackets tend to work well for nurses who spend most of their shift in consistently cool spaces. They’re especially helpful if you:
- Tend to feel cold most of the time
- Work nights or in cooler departments
- Spend longer periods charting or seated
- Move between buildings or colder hallways
Long sleeves provide steady warmth when temperatures stay low from start to finish.
Vests: Core Warmth Plus Full Mobility
For nurses who stay on the move, scrub vests can be a more flexible option. They’re often preferred by those who:
- Are frequently walking or lifting
- Want warmth without restricting arm movement
- Prefer layers that don’t feel stuffy
- Dislike sleeves bunching under PPE
High-activity units like ER, step-down and med-surg often lean toward vests because they keep the core warm while allowing full freedom of movement.
What to Look for in a Scrub Jacket or Vest
A good outer layer should feel like an extension of your uniform. It needs to be comfortable, functional and easy to wear through a full shift. When you’re comparing options, a few details tend to matter most in day-to-day use.
1. Fabric & Fit
Fabric choice plays a big role in comfort. A scrub jacket or vest should move easily with your body and feel breathable when your pace picks up. Stretch helps with bending and lifting, while lightweight construction keeps the layer from feeling stiff or restrictive.
Fit matters just as much. Your jacket or vest should zip comfortably over your scrub top without pulling at the shoulders or hips. Armholes should sit smoothly, offering coverage without feeling tight or leaving gaps.
2. Pockets & Practicality
Extra storage can be a major benefit of layering. A well-designed vest or jacket adds space for items you don’t want weighing down your scrub pockets.
Useful features to look for include secure zip pockets for personal items, deep exterior pockets for tools like tape or a penlight and interior pockets in some designs for badges or small essentials. Many nurses use vest pockets for personal items while keeping scrub pockets reserved for clinical tools.
3. Easy Care
Your outer layer should be just as low-maintenance as your scrubs. Machine-washable fabrics and simple care instructions make a big difference when you’re rotating through multiple shifts each week.
Look for materials that hold their color, keep their shape and maintain stretch even after frequent washing. Layers that perform well over time tend to become everyday staples.
4. Size Inclusivity
Comfort improves when you can find a size that truly fits your body. Having access to a wide size range makes it easier to layer without feeling restricted or oversized.
Cherokee offers jackets in sizes from XXS to 5XL, along with petite and tall options, so it’s easier to find a fit that works comfortably over scrubs.
Why Nurses Are Choosing to Layer
Temperature changes are a constant part of hospital work. Even with underscrubs or compression tops, many nurses still feel chilled during slower moments like charting or downtime.
Layering adds flexibility without forcing a full outfit change. A vest or lightweight jacket provides just enough insulation to stay comfortable while remaining easy to wear throughout the shift.
Scrub vests are especially popular because they offer:
- Light warmth focused at the core
- No extra sleeve fabric under PPE
- A layer that can stay on all day without feeling bulky
For nurses whose body temperature fluctuates with activity level, layering becomes a practical solution rather than an extra step.
How to Style a Scrub Jacket or Vest
Scrub jackets and vests are primarily about function, but the right layer can also help your uniform feel more polished. Small styling choices can make it easier to pull a look together without adding effort.
Color Coordination
If your workplace allows some flexibility, neutral shades are an easy place to start. Colors like black, navy and pewter pair well with most scrub sets and simplify mixing and matching.
Tonal combinations can also look clean and intentional, such as ceil with navy or deeper teals. In more structured environments, sticking to approved colors or matching your vest to your scrub set helps keep everything cohesive.
Work-to-Weekend Wearability
Many scrub vests are designed with a streamlined look that works beyond the hospital. They layer easily with joggers and a tee, a long-sleeve top and casual pants or relaxed athleisure on days off.
That versatility comes in handy if you’re running errands before or after a shift and want a layer that doesn’t feel overly clinical.
Common Questions About Scrub Jackets
Are scrub vests allowed in every department?
Policies vary by facility. Some hospitals limit outer layers or require specific colors, so checking your unit’s dress code is always a good idea if you’re unsure.
Can you wear a vest or a jacket under PPE?
In many cases, yes. Vests and lightweight jackets tend to work well under gowns since they don’t add sleeve bulk. Always follow your facility’s safety and uniform guidelines.
Are scrub jackets warm enough on their own?
In many units, they are. In colder environments, some nurses layer with a light underscrub, a scrub top and a vest, keeping a jacket nearby if extra warmth is needed. Comfort often depends on your unit and your personal temperature preference.
Should I size up for a scrub vest?
Sizing depends on how you layer. If you wear underscrubs or prefer extra room, going up a size may feel more comfortable. Comparing the size chart to your usual scrub size can help you decide.
Finding Layers That Work for You
Choosing the right scrub vest or jacket comes down to a few personal factors. Your unit’s temperature, your facility’s dress code and how you like to layer all play a role in what feels best.
Ask yourself:
- Do I usually feel warm or cold on shift?
- Does my unit have frequent temperature changes?
- Do I need more mobility or more coverage?
- How much pocket space do I actually use?
- Are there color or style requirements I need to follow?
Thinking through these questions can help you choose a layer that stays comfortable and fits easily into your routine.