6 of the Most Comfortable Clothing Materials

Comfortability is always a top priority when selecting work clothing. But it’s especially important if you wear scrubs for women on the job. Luckily, there are a lot of different materials to choose from, including stretchable fabric that has excellent breathability and is fluid-resistant. Scrubs with stretchable fabric will give you a greater range of motion and are more comfortable than non-stretchable scrubs. Fluid resistance is crucial because it will help shield you from germs, bacteria, and liquids when you’re caring for others. And lastly, excellent breathability is a must because you’ll be sweating a lot at work. You don’t want to worry about being wet and uncomfortable all day.

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Benefits of Comfortable Scrubs for Nurses

Because nurses usually work long shifts, comfortable scrubs are essential. You don’t want to be distracted by constantly adjusting your scrubs to fit better. As a nurse, you certainly don’t want to have anything get in your way of helping patients. Being comfortable may also boost your confidence. Scrubs should be comfortable and lightweight so you can move around freely. Uncomfortable scrubs will be inconvenient and slow down because you won’t want to move around much. And when scrubs are constrictive, you’ll have a harder time completing tasks at work. When that happens, stress levels rise and productivity decreases.

1. Cotton

Cotton is perhaps the most comfortable material for scrubs because it breathes well and is soft. It’s also long-lasting. However, cotton scrubs tend to shrink when put in the dryer. They are also not great at wicking moisture; for this reason, it is often blended with polyester to give them better qualities. Since cotton scrubs are made of natural fibers and wear well, they’re hypoallergenic. They resist static electricity as well, so you won’t have to worry about static build-up on your clothes. And the cotton fiber is strong and resilient, making it a great choice for scrubs.

2. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber made of compounds such as petroleum. Not only can it help wick away moisture, but it’s also resistant to bacteria and fluids. While polyester is not naturally very breathable, manufacturers have developed some types of weave that do offer excellent breathability. Polyester is not absorbent or prone to shrinking. It’s a type of plastic and thus is good at resisting stains and drying quickly. However, polyester tends to retain odors. Polyester scrub tops come in various patterns, prints, and colors.

3. Rayon

Rayon is a natural fiber made from regenerated cellulose, a polysaccharide that forms a polymer chain. The main benefit of rayon scrubs is their elasticity and breathability due to rayon’s thin fibers. Rayon is soft, lightweight, and absorbent. It’s quick to dry, making it a popular choice in dry heat climates.

Rayon is smooth to the touch and wrinkle-resistant. It’s also durable and resistant to bacteria and germs. However, rayon scrubs tend to shrink and don’t wick moisture like other natural fibers. Nevertheless, scrub bottoms made with rayon are excellent for all-day wear or a long shift at the hospital, and they can be worn with various tops.

4. Spandex

Spandex is a material made from synthetic fibers bonded together to allow stretch. It’s used for shirts and even underwear. Spandex alone is usually extremely form-fitting, so nursing scrubs are often made of a spandex blend. Spandex scrubs are incredibly comfortable and fit well since they give when you put them on and move around. And they’re also fluid-resistant, allowing you to work without getting too dirty when dealing with fluids. The drawback is that spandex is not very breathable.

5. Polyester Blend

Polyester blends are combinations of polyester and one or more other fibers, such as cotton or rayon, that make them more durable than each component alone. Polyester blends are resistant to bacteria and odors, so it has the best of each material. These scrubs are easier to care for because they’re less likely to shrink and absorb or retain odors or stains than other fabrics. The polyester blend is wrinkle-resistant and comfortable. And it’s also good at wicking moisture, allowing nurses to be more comfortable when caring for patients.

6. Microfiber

Microfiber is made of polyester, nylon, or polypropylene fibers bonded together. Since it’s woven from many thin fibers, this fabric is soft and lightweight. The main benefit is its strength, which makes it highly durable. Microfiber is anti-static, making it less likely to cling to your body and other clothes. It’s also resistant to bacteria, germs, and fluids, making it a great scrubs material. Microfiber is also less prone to shrinking and wrinkling.

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It’s Our Choices That Matter in the End

When selecting suitable fabric for scrubs, don’t forget about other needs. You should ensure your scrubs fit you properly and are in a good, acceptable color or pattern, especially if your workplace has a dress code. The size of your scrubs matters since you want them to fit you properly. Also, look for scrubs with enough pockets to suit your needs, and make sure they are easy to access. The decision you’ll make about what scrubs to wear for work will ultimately depend on your personal preference. When choosing your scrub uniforms, there are many things that you must take into consideration. However, comfort should always be a top priority when selecting scrubs because it will benefit your performance. With this information, you should be able to choose scrubs that will help you get through even the longest shifts.