Can scrubs be in separate sizes for top and bottom? How do I choose the right size for a scrub set?
When choosing a scrubs set, the top and bottom don't necessarily have to be the same size. Chest and shoulder measurements might correspond to one size, while waist and hip measurements might correspond to another. The right choice depends less on the size and more on how the set fits the upper and lower body separately during workout movements.
Can the top and bottom of scrubs be separate sizes?
Short answer: Yes. Scrubs don't have to be the same size top and bottom. If your bust and shoulder measurements fit one size, but your waist and hip measurements fit another, choosing different sizes for the top and pants can provide a more accurate fit and a more comfortable workout experience.
Just because a scrubs set is called a "set," it doesn't mean the top and pants have to be the same size for every user. Body proportions vary from person to person. Some users may have wider upper torsos than lower torsos, while others may have more prominent hips and thighs relative to their upper torso.
At Owlet Medical, in addition to scrub sets, the top and bottom pieces are also offered as separate products, allowing you to choose different sizes to suit your needs. You can view all set options in the Scrub Sets category.
Why might your upper and lower body scrubs look different?
Although clothing sizes may appear to define the entire body with a single measurement, actual body proportions are not so standardized. Two people of the same height and weight may have different measurements for chest, waist, hips, and legs.
Upper Body Measurements
Shoulder width, chest circumference, arm range of motion, and torso length are more important factors in choosing a scrub top.
Lower Body Measurements
When choosing scrub pants, waist, hips, thighs, and leg length become more important factors.
Therefore, simply saying "I wear size 40" might not be enough information when choosing a scrubs set. Evaluating the top and bottom separately, especially if the measurements in those two areas correspond to different sizes, will lead to a more informed choice.
To see in more detail how body proportions affect the shape of your body, you can check out our guide, How to Choose Scrubs According to Body Type and Height?
How to Choose the Top Size for Scrubs?
When choosing a scrub top, consider how the garment behaves on the shoulders, chest, and torso, rather than just your everyday t-shirt size. Healthcare workers may need to extend their arms forward, raise them, and move them in different directions throughout the day.
To compare top options outside of your team's lineup, you can check out the Scrubs Jersey Tops category.
How to Choose Your Scrubs Pants Size?
One common mistake when choosing scrub pants is to only consider waist size. Even if the waistband fits properly, excessive tightness in the hip or thigh area can restrict workout movements.
Practical rule: When choosing trousers, consider your waist, hip, and thigh measurements together. If the fabric stretches excessively while sitting or squatting, pulls down the waist, or the trousers constantly need adjusting, try a different size or style.
You can compare different sub-models in the Scrubs Pants category.
In what situations is it sensible to choose separate sizes for top and bottom?
| Situation | Top | Lower | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulders are wider, waist is narrower. | It may be larger. | It could be smaller. | Measure the two pieces separately. |
| Bust size is noticeable. | It should be chosen according to bust size. | It should be chosen according to waist and hip size. | Same size is not required. |
| Hip measurement is wider than upper body measurement. | It could be smaller. | It may be larger. | Choose trousers based on your hip size. |
| The waist is thinner, the thighs are wider. | According to its upper dimensions | According to thigh and hip size | Don't just look at the waist. |
| Long torso, standard legs | Upper height is important. | Substandard may be suitable. | Separate the body and leg ratio. |
| Upper and lower measurements are within the same range. | Same size | Same size | The suit size is available. |
What measurements should be taken for upper and lower scrubs?
Before choosing a scrub set, taking a few basic measurements individually will make sizing easier. When taking measurements, the measuring tape should not constrict the body, and the results should be compared to the size information of the relevant product.
Chest Circumference
It is used to assess whether the upper body of the jersey will stretch in the chest and back areas during movement.
Shoulder Width
It is particularly helpful in evaluating how the upper body fits during arm movements.
Waist Circumference
The waistband of the trousers is checked to determine the basic fit.
Hip circumference
This is an important measurement to ensure the trousers don't stretch excessively at their widest point.
Thigh Comfort
This shows whether the pants restrict movement during sitting, squatting, and brisk walking.
Leg Length
It is important to assess whether the trouser leg is bunching up too much or too short over the shoe.
How to take the Scrubs Team Size Test?
Judging your body's behavior isn't simply a matter of standing in front of a mirror. Several simple movement tests can be done to understand how Scrubs will behave throughout the workday.
These tests can also show that even if the top and bottom are the same size, you actually need different fits.
Is it more comfortable to buy scrubs one size larger?
Short answer: Not always. Just because scrubs are comfortable doesn't automatically mean you should choose a larger size. Oversized tops can slip down; oversized pants can cause discomfort at the waist, ankles, and when using pockets.
Similarly, choosing a size that is too small in an attempt to look fitter can also restrict movement in the shoulder, chest, hip, and thigh areas.
The correct approach is not so much about whether it's "too loose or too tight," but rather whether the garment remains balanced on the body during working movements.
How to Choose Your Top and Bottom Size in Unisex Scrubs?
The same method applies when choosing a size for unisex scrubs: actual measurements and the product's own sizing information should be used instead of the size number.
If a person's shoulder-to-chest ratio and waist-to-hip ratio differ, having the top and bottom of a unisex set in the same size may not give the best personalized result.
Male users can compare current models in the Men's Scrubs category; female users can compare them in the Women's Scrubs collection.
Is there a different size selection process for jogger pants?
Jogger scrub pants have a tapered design at the ankle, creating a different look than classic straight-leg pants. However, when choosing a size, waist, hips, thighs, and actual pant length should all be considered together.
Elasticated cuffs don't compensate for incorrect size measurements in the upper leg or hips. Trousers should allow for comfortable movement during work.
To compare jogger and classic cuts, you can read our guide , "What are Jogger Scrubs? Differences and Advantages from Classic Jerseys ," and browse products in the Jogger Scrubs category.
Does fabric affect size selection?
The stretch and structure of the fabric can cause two scrubs of the same size to feel different on the body. A stretchy scrub and a more structured product, even if they are the same size, may feel different during movement.
Therefore, instead of automatically transferring the size you use in one product to another fabric or pattern, it is more accurate to check it on a product-by-product basis.
You can compare different fabrics used in medical textiles in our Medical Apparel Fabric Selection Guide .
Common Mistakes When Choosing Scrubs Team Size
- Thinking that the top and bottom pieces must necessarily be the same size.
- Selecting based solely on height and weight.
- Transferring everyday clothing size directly to scrubs.
- Checking only the waist measurement on trousers.
- Choosing a size based on shoulder size even if the bust size isn't suitable.
- Not taking hip and thigh measurements into account.
- Buying an unnecessarily large set thinking it will be more comfortable.
- Choosing a smaller size to look fitter
- Not taking into account the difference in fabric and pattern.
- Not testing the jersey by moving around.
Quick Scrubs Size Chart
| The problem you are experiencing | Check first. | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| It squeezes from the upper shoulder. | Shoulder + chest | Evaluate the upper body separately. |
| The top is fine, the pants are tight around the hips. | Hips + thighs | Try a larger size bottom. |
| The pants are fine, the top is too baggy. | Chest + shoulder | Consider a smaller upper body size. |
| Loose waist, fitted hips. | Trouser pattern | Compare adjustable waistbands or different cuts. |
| The trouser legs are too long. | Leg length | Consider different pant cuts or lengths. |
| The set is the same size, but it doesn't look balanced. | Upper-lower ratio | Choose the pieces in separate sizes. |
Combine the top and bottom pieces to fit you.
By choosing your jersey top and scrub pants separately based on your body proportions, you can create a more suitable combination for your workout movements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrubs for Upper and Lower Body
Can scrubs be sold in separate sizes for top and bottom?
Yes. If your upper and lower body measurements correspond to different sizes, the jersey top and pants can be chosen in different sizes.
Which size should be considered when buying a scrub set?
Instead of relying on a single measurement, chest and shoulder measurements should be evaluated separately for the upper body, and waist, hips, and thighs for the lower body.
My top is size 38, would size 40 for my pants be okay?
Yes. If your measurements and the size chart of the product correspond to these two sizes, it's normal for the top and bottom to be different sizes.
Can the scrubs top be ordered large and the pants be ordered small?
It can be purchased if body proportions allow it. The important thing is that both parts are individually correct in terms of measurements and suitable for the workout movements.
Should scrubs be ordered one size larger?
Generally, automatically choosing a size larger is not the right approach. The product's own measurements should be compared with the user's bust, waist, and hip measurements.
What should be done if scrub pants fit well at the waist but are narrow at the hips?
Waist measurement alone is not sufficient. If there is excessive stretch in the hips or thighs, a more suitable size or a different pant style should be considered.
How do I choose the size of unisex scrubs?
Even for unisex models, the actual size chart should be used; upper and lower body measurements should be evaluated separately if necessary.
Do I need a different size for jogger scrub pants?
Jogger cut alone doesn't mean you need a different size. Waist, hips, thighs, and pant length should be checked to determine the correct size for each product.
How do I know if my Scrubs body is correct?
The uniform should not be excessively stretched during sitting, bending, walking, and arm movements; nor should it be so loose that it slips off the shoulders, bunches up at the waist, or requires constant adjustment.