How to Choose Plus Size Scrubs? Size, Fit, and Fabric Guide
Choosing plus-size scrubs correctly isn't just about selecting a larger size; it's about separately measuring your upper and lower body, finding the right fit, and checking how the fabric behaves during movement.
How to Choose Plus Size Scrubs?
Short answer: When choosing plus-size scrubs, check your chest, shoulder, waist, hip, and thigh measurements before checking the size number. Keep in mind that the top and bottom don't need to be the same size, fabric stretch can alter the fit, and the scrub should stay comfortable while sitting, bending, lying down, and walking.
The most common mistake when choosing plus-size scrubs is buying one or two sizes larger with the thought that "it will be more comfortable." Scrubs that are too loose can slip down from the shoulders, the position of the pockets can change, and you may constantly need to adjust the waistband of your pants.
Similarly, choosing a size that is too small in an attempt to look fitter can cause unnecessary strain on the chest, shoulders, hips, and thighs.
The correct approach is based more on the actual size of the garment and how your body moves inside the jersey, rather than the size number on the label.
You can also find general sizing principles in our Scrubs Sizing Guide .
What measurements should be taken for plus-size scrubs?
When buying plus-size scrubs, taking basic body measurements individually is a more reliable starting point than relying solely on height and weight information.
This helps to assess whether the jersey top will sit comfortably at its widest point. Pass the measuring tape across the widest part of your chest without compressing it.
It is especially important to understand whether the top of the jersey will pull on the back and shoulder area when the arms are extended forward or raised.
The waistband of the trousers should be checked to ensure it is not excessively tight or constantly riding down.
One of the key measurements is to ensure that trousers and longer jersey tops do not create horizontal tension in the hip area.
It is particularly helpful in assessing whether the pants restrict movement in the upper thigh, especially during sitting, squatting, and brisk walking.
To ensure trousers are neither too long nor too short, you should consider not only the sizing but also the actual leg length.
If you'd like to delve deeper into how body proportions affect the scrub mold, you can check out our guide , How to Choose Scrubs According to Body Type and Height .
Do plus-size scrubs have to be the same size top and bottom?
No. In plus-size scrub sets, the top and bottom don't necessarily have to be the same size. If your bust and shoulder measurements correspond to one size, but your waist and hip measurements correspond to a different size, it might be more accurate to consider the pieces separately.
Body proportions are not standard. One healthcare professional may have a wider upper body, while another may have larger hip or thigh measurements.
Therefore, when choosing plus-size scrubs, check the measurements of the top and pants separately instead of sticking to a single size chart for the whole set.
We explain this in detail in our guide , "Can Scrubs Top and Bottom Be Separate Sizes?" .
Should plus-size scrubs be tight or loose?
Plus-size scrubs should be neither so tight as to constrict the body nor so loose as to require constant adjustment during movement.
| Symptom | Possible Problem | Area to be checked |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal stretch in the chest | The top might be tight. | Chest and shoulder |
| The shoulder seam is falling down. | The top might be too big. | Shoulder width |
| The fabric is stretching at the hip. | The pants might be tight. | Hips and thighs |
| My pants keep slipping down. | The waist or fit may be large. | Waist structure |
| The trouser leg gathers over the shoe. | The pants may be long. | Inside leg length |
| The jersey gets too high when you bend over. | The top size may not be suitable. | Body length |
Lycra or Terrycotton for Plus Size Scrubs?
When choosing plus-size scrubs, fabric is an important factor; however, there's no single rule that "plus-size wearers must wear lycra fabric."
Stretchy fabrics can more easily accommodate body movements during exercise. With firmer, less stretchy fabrics, the fit and freedom of movement of the product are more important factors.
To compare lycra, terry cotton, and alpaca fabrics, please refer to our Guide to Fabric Selection in Medical Apparel .
Which neckline is most suitable for plus-size scrubs?
Choosing between V-neck, mandarin collar, or polo collar styles based solely on size isn't the right approach. When selecting plus-size scrubs, factors like shoulder fit, chest width, zipper style, and ease of putting on and taking off the top should also be considered.
V-Neck Scrubs
With its classic, open collar design, it offers a simple look. However, true comfort depends more on how well the collar fits the shoulder and chest measurements of the top than on its name.
Judge Collar Scrubs
It can offer a more closed and structured look. For zippered models, it's important that the collar and chest area are the correct size for the garment.
To compare the two models, you can check out our guide: V-Neck Scrubs vs. Mandarin Collar Scrubs?
How to Choose Plus Size Scrub Pants?
When choosing plus-size scrub pants, it's not enough to only look at waist circumference. Hips, thighs, pant rise, leg style, and leg length should all be considered together.
You can browse different styles in the Scrubs Pants category.
Are jogger pants suitable for plus-size scrubs?
Jogger scrubs aren't just pants for a specific size group. Their tapered or elasticated ankle design can be preferred by different users.
When choosing joggers for plus-size scrubs, the most important thing isn't the look of the leg opening, but whether the waist, hips, and thighs fit the wearer properly.
You can compare the differences between jogger pants and classic pants in our guide , "What are Jogger Scrubs? Differences and Advantages from Classic Pants" .
How to take a test of plus-size scrubs?
When buying plus-size scrubs, don't just evaluate the uniform by standing in front of a mirror. Trying on the movements healthcare professionals perform during their work will help you understand the pattern more accurately.
Raise your arms forward and upward. Avoid excessive strain on your shoulders and back.
The waistband of the trousers should not be pulled down, and the hip and thigh area should not be restricted.
The top of the jersey should not ride up excessively high and should not require constant adjustments.
Trousers should not restrict leg movement; nor should excess fabric cause discomfort while walking.
What to Consider When Choosing Plus Size Scrubs for Women and Men?
When choosing a product in either the women's or men's category, don't rely solely on the category name; check the actual fit, size range, and measurements. The same size may not fit the same way in different cuts.
You can compare the current options at Owlet Medical from the Women's Scrubs and Men's Scrubs collections.
What to Consider When Choosing Plus Size Scrub Tops?
When choosing a plus-size scrub top, pay particular attention to the shoulder, chest, and top length measurements. Pockets that are positioned too high or too low, shoulder seams that deviate from the natural shoulder line, or the top that rises excessively when the arm is raised can be signs of a mismatched fit.
If you're looking for a single top instead of a team top, you can check out the Scrubs Jersey Tops category.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Plus Size Scrubs
- Using body size as the sole criterion
- I automatically order one size larger for better comfort.
- Thinking that the top and bottom should be the same size
- Checking only the waist measurement on trousers.
- Ignoring hip and thigh measurements
- Putting fabric elasticity in place of the body
- Even if the bust fits, don't check the shoulder pattern.
- Ignoring trouser leg opening and leg length
- Not testing the jersey with sitting, bending, and walking movements.
- Assuming that the same size number will remain the same across different products.
Quick Selection Chart for Plus Size Scrubs
| The problem that occurred | Measurement to be checked | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| It feels tight on the upper chest. | Chest + shoulder | Re-evaluate the upper body or fit. |
| The top is fine, the pants are tight. | Hips + thighs | Choose the lower body separately. |
| The waistband of the trousers is too loose. | Waist | Try a more suitable size or fit. |
| The trouser legs are too long. | Inner thigh | Change the length or cut of the pants. |
| It falls from the shoulder. | Shoulder width | Choose a more suitable upper mold. |
| It stretches during movement. | Body + fabric | Consider both the pattern and the fabric. |
Check your measurements before your size.
When choosing plus-size scrubs, the right product is not just about the number on the label, but about the fit that suits your shoulders, chest, waist, hips, and range of motion. You can create the perfect combination by comparing different fits, tops, and pants options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plus Size Scrubs
How to choose plus-size scrubs?
When choosing plus-size scrubs, chest, shoulder, waist, hip, and thigh measurements should be compared to the product's size information. The scrub should not be too tight or too loose during movement.
Should plus-size scrubs be ordered one size larger?
No. It's not accurate to automatically choose one size larger for plus-size scrubs. The actual size, fabric, and fit of the product should be checked.
Is lycra fabric better for plus-size scrubs?
Stretchy fabric can provide an advantage during movement, but it doesn't guarantee the right size on its own. The fit and product measurements should still be checked.
Can plus-size scrubs have different sizes for the top and bottom?
Yes. If your bust and shoulder measurements correspond to your waist and hip measurements, you can choose different sizes for the top and pants.
Should plus-size scrubs be snug or loose?
It should not be so tight as to restrict movement or so loose as to require constant adjustment. The fit should be checked with sitting, bending, and walking tests.
Are jogger pants suitable for plus-size users?
It might be suitable. The main criterion isn't that it's a jogger, but that the waist, hips, thighs, and pant length are appropriate for the wearer.
Which collar should be chosen for plus-size scrubs?
The choice between a V-neck or a mandarin collar shouldn't be based solely on body size. Shoulder and chest cuts, ease of putting it on and taking it off, and personal preference should all be considered together.
What should you look for when buying plus-size scrubs online?
Check the actual size options, measurements, fabric type, and whether the top and bottom pieces can be purchased separately on the product page. Don't decide based solely on your usual clothing size.