What characteristics should good surgical scrubs have?

Article published at: Mar 9, 2026 Article author: Equipo Jelrisofit Article tag: Estilo Tendencias
¿Qué características debe tener un buen uniforme quirúrgico?
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To choose a good surgical uniform, first check what your area requires, what task you will perform, and what garment corresponds to that task. Then compare the fit, fabric composition, pockets, care instructions, and permitted color. This order prevents basing the purchase on a single label or a product photo.

In daily work, a scrub top and scrub pants should allow comfortable movement and remain in usable condition according to washing instructions. If the procedure requires a sterile gown or personal protective equipment (PPE), the specifications for that garment and the facility's protocol must be checked separately.

First, confirm what garment your area requires

The term surgical uniform can be used for different garments. Scrubs are usually a two-piece set for work in healthcare areas; a sterile surgical gown and PPE respond to specific requirements for a procedure or anticipated exposure. The World Health Organization describes scrubs as usual, non-sterile workwear and distinguishes them from PPE. World Health Organization

Garment What to check What not to assume
Scrubs or surgical pajamas Size, mobility, composition, pockets, washing, and rules of the area where it will be used. That it is sterile or that it replaces a barrier garment required for a procedure.
Sterile surgical gown Intended use, packaging, manufacturer's instructions, and requirements defined by the procedure. That any fabric gown or two-piece uniform serves the same purpose.
PPE The anticipated risk, the indicated garment, its specifications, and the donning and doffing method specified by the facility. That a fabric described as comfortable, water-repellent, or "anti-fluid" inherently has a protective classification.

Check the fit during real movements

The size should allow you to raise your arms, bend over, sit down, and walk without the scrub top pulling at the shoulders or back, or the pants falling down or dragging. Try on the set over the clothes you normally wear underneath and check the model's size guide; two garments marked with the same size can have different cuts.

It's also worth looking at where the waistband sits, how the crotch drops, and if the pant length works with the footwear you wear at the facility. A looser cut doesn't always provide better mobility: if there's excess fabric at the cuffs, legs, or waist, it can be uncomfortable for your routine or contradict internal rules.

Read the fabric label before evaluating "anti-fluid"

The composition, fabric type, and care instructions help you understand how a garment will perform in daily use. Check the model's specifications instead of assuming that all polyester, cotton, or elastane blends offer the same feel, elasticity, or durability.

A commercial description like anti-fluid or water-repellent is also not enough to attribute specific protection against blood, fluids, or other risks. The CDC warns that claims of fluid resistance require reviewing the product, applicable tests, and intended use; even a surgical gown can have different performance zones. CDC: Protective Clothing Standards

When an activity requires a specific barrier or PPE, consult the institution's protocol and the labeling of the indicated garment. To better understand where each set fits, it may help to review the function of the surgical uniform.

Choose pockets and finishes according to your routine

Pockets are useful when they match what you actually need to carry during your shift. Before choosing them, write down what authorized items you carry, when you use them, and if your area limits pockets, zippers, accessories, or garments with hanging elements. For some routines, a single top pocket is sufficient; for others, pants with side pockets may be more practical. The service rule takes precedence over the number of pockets.

Also check seams, elastic or drawstring waist, reinforcements, and the neckline finish. These are simple details, but they determine whether the garment continues to fit well after use and washing. If you are buying several pieces, compare these points on the specific model instead of assuming that all scrubs are made the same way.

Care determines how long the garment retains its shape

The washing routine must follow the manufacturer's label and the facility's rules. Some institutions provide uniforms or send them to laundry; others allow each person to care for their own garment. The Mexico City Ministry of Health, for example, establishes uniform changes when moving between certain areas and limits their use to defined zones in that guideline. Mexico City Ministry of Health

Before buying, confirm if the model allows the washing method you will use, if you need several changes per week, and when it is appropriate to retire a garment due to wear, open seams, or loss of fit. The frequency of washing alone does not define quality: it is important that the actual care matches the product's instructions and your institution's process.

Color: follow your institution's code

Blue and green are common colors in surgical areas, but the choice may depend on the position, unit, or internal policy. Color does not indicate sterility or protection level. If you want to know the visual reason why these tones are used in many environments, see why surgical clothing is often blue or green.

Do this check before buying

  1. Ask what type of garment, color, and features your institution or school requires.
  2. Confirm if the task requires a work scrub, a sterile surgical gown, or PPE with a specific specification.
  3. Compare the size guide with your measurements and practice the movements you make during a shift.
  4. Read the composition, washing instructions, and details of the pockets or adjustments of the chosen model.

Compare the model's specifications with your work routine

The decision becomes clearer when you have three pieces of information in view: your area's rule, the task you will perform, and the uniform's specifications. With these, you can rule out models that do not correspond to the intended use and focus on size, comfort, washing, and finishes that do fit your workday.

Sources consulted

  • World Health Organization — https://iris.who.int/bitstream/10665/137410/1/WHO_EVD_Guidance_PPE_14.1_eng.pdf
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/protective-clothing/standards.html
  • Secretaría de Salud de la Ciudad de México — https://data.salud.cdmx.gob.mx/ssdf/portalut/archivo/Articulos/Art121F_I/Normatividad/lineamientos/Tecnicas-de-Enfermeria-en-la-Central-de-Equipos-y-Esterilizacion.pdf
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