How Many Sets of Scrubs do you Really Need? 4 Tips for New Medical Professionals

how many pairs of scrubs should i own
how many pairs of scrubs should i own

It’s all about fit, function, and fashion

Welcome to the medical profession and bravo for choosing a noble career that affords you the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of others. Now that you’ve settled into your shifts and gotten to know some of your co-workers, it’s likely you have questions. And while many of them will be answered by your head nurse or other managers, the “how many scrubs do I really need” debacle is one we can put to rest right now…maybe. Although, just like choosing the style, color, and fit of your scrubs is up to your personal taste (in most cases), determining just how many sets you’ll need can be figured out by following some industry standards:

1. Think laundry

Nobody likes laundry, so the first thing to consider when deciding how many pairs of scrubs you’ll need is how often you plan on doing laundry. Remember, if you’re working 12-hour shifts and getting home just in time to put your kids to bed (or to get a few ZZs before your next shift), the last thing you’ll want to be doing is starting a load of laundry. So a good rule of thumb is to have enough scrubs to last you for the amount of shifts you’re working in a week, plus 1. So, 5 shifts=6 sets of scrubs. Of course, if you’re really ambitious and have no qualms about laundry, you can skip the plus 1.

2. Be aware of dress codes

Depending on where you’re working, you may have to wear scrubs that are a certain color or style, only tops and bottoms of the same color, and other requirements. If you can mix and match, it’s a good idea to get a variety of tops and bottoms and have an extra top or two in case of spills and stains. Many new nurses buy a few to start so they can make sure they fit well and are comfortable (not all scrubs are created equal!).

3. Consider the weather

If you live in Florida where it’s summer all year long, you’re going to want to wear scrubs that are lightweight. And it’s a good idea to have several sets because busy nurses do a lot of running around and spend many hours on their feet. On the other hand, if you live anywhere that actually experiences a change in seasons, you will need to invest in a few sets of long-sleeved scrub jackets.

4. Remember, quality counts

Although you may be tempted to buy the least expensive scrubs out there, especially if you’re going to need numerous sets to get you through your weekly shifts, it’s important to get the highest quality you can afford. The cheaper they are, the sooner they’re going to wear out, which means you’ll be forced to go out and buy more. Your best bet is to find the brand that feels and looks great on you and get a supply (even if they’re a little pricier, you’ll save in the long run).