How to Choose the Perfect Scrubs for Your Shift

Healthcare professionals spend long hours on their feet, attending to patients, performing procedures, and often working in fast-paced, high-stress environments. Scrubs are an essential part of the job, providing comfort, flexibility, and functionality. Choosing the perfect scrubs for your shift can make a significant difference in your work experience—whether it’s maintaining hygiene, comfort, or sustainability.

This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right scrubs for your shift, focusing on two popular options: woven scrubs and cotton knitted scrubs, both offered by Mikal, a brand that prioritizes comfort, style, and fair trade practices.

1. Importance of Choosing the Right Scrubs

Scrubs are more than just a uniform—they play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare workers can perform their duties efficiently and comfortably. Choosing the wrong scrubs can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, or even skin irritation during long shifts. Scrubs should support your physical demands, maintain hygiene standards, and match the climate of your work environment.

2. Key Features to Look for in Scrubs

When selecting scrubs, there are several important features to consider, including:

• Comfort: You need scrubs that allow you to move freely and feel good for long shifts.
• Durability: Scrubs should withstand frequent washing and wear, without losing their shape or comfort.
• Hygiene: The antimicrobial finish on both scrub types helps maintain hygiene, a crucial factor in any healthcare environment. Instead of Hygiene right Protection.
• Fit: A well-fitted pair of scrubs can improve your appearance and comfort.
• Sustainability: With growing awareness of environmental impact, many healthcare workers seek eco-friendly options.
• Breathability: Good airflow is essential to prevent overheating, especially in high-stress situations.

Mikal offers two types of scrubs, woven and cotton knitted, each with specific features that cater to these requirements.

3. Woven Scrubs: Benefits and Best Uses

Woven scrubs are a versatile and practical choice for many healthcare professionals. They are made from tightly woven fibers that create a strong, durable fabric designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use. Here are the standout features of Mikal’s woven scrubs:

• Four-Way Stretch: The fabric stretches in all directions, providing maximum flexibility and allowing you to move freely during intense activities.
• Anti-Wrinkle: Woven scrubs maintain a crisp, professional appearance without requiring frequent ironing. This is ideal for healthcare workers who need to look neat even after hours of work.
• Antimicrobial Finish: Woven scrubs feature a special antimicrobial treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, which helps maintain hygiene throughout your shift.
• Fair Trade Practices: Mikal ensures that its woven scrubs are produced under fair trade conditions, supporting workers and communities involved in the manufacturing process.

Best Uses for Woven Scrubs:

• Busy Work Environments: With their four-way stretch and durable fabric, woven scrubs are perfect for fast-paced environments like emergency rooms or surgical settings.
• Long Shifts: The anti-wrinkle and antimicrobial finish ensures that you can stay looking sharp and hygienic, even during extended shifts.
• Hands-on Tasks: If you need to bend, stretch, or lift frequently during your shift, the flexibility of woven scrubs will provide the comfort you need.

4. Cotton Knitted Scrubs: Benefits and Best Uses

Mikal’s cotton knitted scrubs are designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. These scrubs provide a softer, more breathable option for healthcare workers who prioritize comfort and eco-friendly materials. Key features include:

• Super Soft & Very Comfortable: Cotton knitted scrubs are known for their incredible softness, making them perfect for long shifts where comfort is key.
• Stretchable: The natural stretch of cotton fibers allows for easy movement without compromising on fit or shape.
• Non-Toxic Colors: The colors used in Mikal’s cotton knitted scrubs are non-toxic, ensuring safety for you and the environment.
• Eco-Friendly: These scrubs are made from biodegradable cotton and use no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious healthcare workers.
• Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Cotton knitted scrubs are ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies, offering a soft, non-irritating fabric.
• Antimicrobial Finish: Like woven scrubs, these are also treated with an antimicrobial finish to help maintain hygiene.

Best Uses for Cotton Knitted Scrubs:

• Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, cotton knitted scrubs provides a gentle, breathable option.
• Sustainability-Minded Workers: For those who care about their environmental impact, the biodegradable, eco-friendly materials are a significant advantage.
• Long-Term Comfort: If you value extreme comfort and softness in your work attire, cotton knitted scrubs are perfect for shifts that require standing or walking for extended periods.

5. Comfort vs. Durability: Finding the Balance

When choosing scrubs, healthcare workers often have to weigh comfort against durability. Some fabrics provide extreme comfort but may not hold up to frequent washing and the demands of a healthcare environment. On the other hand, durable materials can sometimes feel rigid or uncomfortable over long shifts.

Mikal’s scrubs are designed to offer the best of both worlds. Woven scrubs are incredibly durable while still offering four-way stretch for flexibility, making them a great option if your work requires more physical activity. Cotton knitted scrubs, while softer and more breathable; still provide the durability needed to withstand the rigors of frequent washing and daily wear.

Finding the balance between comfort and durability depends on your specific work environment and personal preferences. Mikal offers both types of scrubs so you can choose the right option based on your needs.

6. Understanding the Fit: Finding Your Size

The fit of your scrubs is crucial to your comfort and mobility. Ill-fitting scrubs can restrict movement, cause discomfort, or leave you looking unprofessional. When choosing the right size, consider the following:

• Size Charts: Always refer to the brand’s sizing chart. Mikal offers a detailed size guide to help you find the perfect fit for both woven and cotton knitted scrubs.
• Room for Movement: Healthcare workers need scrubs that allow for easy movement, whether you’re reaching, bending, or kneeling. Opt for scrubs that offer a balance between a fitted look and enough room to move comfortably.
• Stretchability: Mikal’s four-way stretch woven scrubs and naturally stretchable cotton knitted scrubs are great for those who need extra flexibility in their clothing.

7. Practicality and Functionality

Scrubs aren’t just about comfort—they need to be practical, too. Healthcare workers often carry essentials like pens, medical instruments, and notepads during their shifts. Therefore, the number of pockets, their placement, and accessibility are crucial.

Mikal’s scrubs come with strategically placed pockets that allow easy access to tools and personal items. Consider how many pockets you need and where they should be located (chest, side, cargo, etc.) based on the demands of your specific role in healthcare.

8. Caring for Your Scrubs: Maintenance Tips

To extend the life of your scrubs, it’s important to care for them properly. Here are a few tips:

• Washing Instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Mikal’s scrubs are designed to withstand frequent washes, but proper care will help preserve their antimicrobial finish and maintain colour.
• Avoid Bleach: Bleach can weaken the fibers and damage the fabric’s integrity, especially in eco-friendly cotton scrubs.
• Drying: Air drying is often recommended to prolong the fabric’s life, although Mikal’s scrubs are also machine dryer-safe.
• Ironing: While Mikal’s woven scrubs are anti-wrinkle, if ironing is necessary, use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric.

9. Why Choose Mikal Scrubs?

Mikal stands out for several reasons:

• Comfort and Flexibility: With both woven and cotton knitted options, Mikal offers scrubs that cater to a range of preferences—whether you prioritize stretchability, softness, or eco-friendliness.
• Sustainability: Mikal’s commitment to supporting fair trade practices and using biodegradable materials ensures that you can feel good about your environmental impact.
• Hygiene: The antimicrobial finish on both scrub types helps maintain hygiene, a crucial factor in any healthcare environment.
• Style: Mikal’s scrubs are designed with modern healthcare professionals in mind, offering a sleek, stylish appearance without compromising on functionality.

10. Final Thoughts:

Invest in the right scrubs for your needs, and experience the difference that high-quality, fair trade scrubs can make in your day-to-day work life. With Mikal, you’re not just choosing a uniform—you’re choosing comfort, sustainability, and professionalism.

Visit our website at www.wearmikal.com or find us on Amazon.com to browse our full collection of woven and cotton-knitted scrubs!