Wear & Care
Long hours, high pressure and nonstop movement—sweating on the job isn’t just common, it’s expected. Whether you’re racing between patient rooms or handling back-to-back tasks, staying cool and dry helps you stay focused, look professional and feel your best.
That’s why wearing the right scrubs matters. Breathable, sweat-resistant scrubs with moisture-wicking properties can help regulate your body temperature, reduce odors and keep you feeling confident—even when your shift turns up the heat. If you’ve ever wondered, “What are the best scrubs for sweating?” this guide has you covered.
Key Features of Sweat-Resistant Scrubs
Breathable Fabrics
Breathable scrubs are all about airflow. These fabrics allow heat to escape and help you stay cool—especially in high-movement, high-pressure environments. Look for women’s scrubs or men’s scrubs crafted with stretch blends or mesh panels in heat-prone areas to help prevent that heavy, sticky feeling.
Moisture-Wicking Technology
Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from your skin so it can evaporate quickly—keeping you dry, comfortable and confident throughout your shift. Cherokee’s Achieve Collection stands out here, with its ultra-soft, double-brushed stretch that’s designed to handle heat and movement without missing a beat.
Shop Moisture-Wicking Scrubs
Lightweight Fabric
The lighter the fabric, the less heat it holds. Scrubs made with lightweight blends offer better breathability and flexibility, so you won’t feel weighed down during a 12-hour shift. They also tend to dry faster, which helps prevent that damp, chilly feeling as your body cools down post-sweat. Cherokee’s FORM Collection features soft stretch knit fabric, moisture-wicking tech and power-mesh details—all designed to keep you cool and comfortable under pressure.
Shop FORM scrubs
Odor-Resistant Features
Sweat happens. But lingering odor doesn’t have to. Scrubs with odor-fighting technology help manage smells by keeping musky buildup in check and reducing what sticks to the fabric.
Cherokee’s Atmos Collection is engineered with odor control tech that helps your scrubs stay fresher, longer. It's especially helpful during long shifts, back-to-back days or in high-intensity environments where odor can sneak up on you. With odor-resistant scrubs, you can focus on your shift—not worry about what your scrubs smell like.
Cooling Properties
Advanced scrubs sometimes incorporate cooling technologies to help regulate body temperature during long, high-pressure shifts. These features go beyond basic moisture-wicking by actively promoting airflow, speeding up evaporation and keeping you cooler from the inside out.
Cherokee’s Atmos Collection is a prime example, featuring COOLMAX® Technology—an innovative fabric feature that not only pulls moisture away but also delivers a continuous cooling effect. Built to help regulate your body temperature all shift long, Atmos scrubs are made for high-intensity environments where staying cool matters most.
Top Fabric Choices for Sweat-Resistant Scrubs
Polyester Blends
Naturally moisture-wicking, polyester is often blended with spandex or rayon for added comfort. It dries quickly, resists moisture buildup and holds up well to long, sweaty shifts—making it a go-to for sweat-resistant scrubs.
Spandex-Enhanced Fabrics
Spandex brings the stretch. When blended into scrubs, it allows for more flexibility and airflow, so you can move freely without feeling overheated. Most sweat-managing scrubs combine spandex with polyester to deliver comfort and performance in one.
Cotton-Poly Mixes
Cotton on its own can hold onto moisture. But when blended with polyester, it gets a breathability boost. You get the softness of cotton with better airflow and a quicker drying time—minus the clinginess of 100% cotton.
High-Tech Poplin
Poplin blends, like those in Achieve, take breathability to the next level. With advanced moisture control, a polished look and super soft feel, this fabric keeps you cooler under pressure—and looking sharp all day.
Tips for Staying Cool and Dry
Proper Layering
Start with a lightweight, moisture-wicking underscrub or tank that pulls sweat away from your body. Avoid heavy layers that trap heat and slow you down.
Regular Breaks
Take short breaks when you can to rest, rehydrate and reset. Even a few minutes off the floor can help lower your body temp and prevent sweat from building up.
Personal Hygiene
Staying fresh starts with the basics: daily showers, antiperspirants and clean scrubs. Keep deodorant or body wipes in your locker or bag for quick mid-shift refreshes on hectic days.
Caring for Sweat-Resistant Scrubs
Washing and Drying
Always follow the care label. Use cold water and a gentle cycle to protect performance fabrics. Skip fabric softeners—they can coat the fabric and block moisture-wicking features. Need a refresher on best care practices? Check out our guide on how to wash scrubs.
Stain and Odor Management
Tackle stains early with a baking soda paste or vinegar soak. To fight odor, add white vinegar to your wash or use a detergent made for tough smells. Got deodorant buildup? Don’t worry— we’ve got a full guide on how to get deodorant out of scrubs.
Find the Best Sweat-Resistant Scrubs with Cherokee
Cherokee scrubs are designed to support you in every shift. Whether it’s Achieve, Atmos or FORM, our moisture-wicking scrubs help you go from code blues to coffee runs without breaking a sweat.
Shop Cherokee women, men and unisex scrubs to find your perfect fit—and stay comfortable when the pressure’s on.