What to Wear Under Scrubs? A Medical Uniform Guide for Summer and Winter.
The clothing to be worn under scrubs can vary depending on the temperature of the work environment, the fabric of the uniform, the collar and sleeve structure, personal comfort, and the institution's dress code. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions, from short and long-sleeved underlayers to summer and winter use, and from light-colored uniforms to apron combinations.
What to wear under scrubs?
Short answer: A thin t-shirt, undershirt, or long-sleeved top (if appropriate for the work environment) can be worn under scrubs. However, the right choice should depend on the season, the scrub fabric, the collar and sleeve style, and the dress code or infection control guidelines of the healthcare facility.
There's no single answer to the question "What to wear under scrubs?" for everyone. This is because the layering needs of a healthcare professional working in a hot clinic in the summer may not be the same as those of someone working in a cooler environment in the winter.
Since scrubs are already designed as the basic work attire for healthcare professionals, adding excessive and thick layers underneath can negatively impact freedom of movement or thermal comfort. Conversely, some users may require a thinner inner layer due to neckline size, ambient temperature, or personal clothing preference.
To explore the concept of scrubs and its various uses in more detail, you can read our guide , "What are Scrubs? Who Wears Scrubs in a Uniform?" .
Can you wear a T-shirt under scrubs?
Yes, a thin t-shirt can be worn under scrubs if the work environment and company rules allow it. The important thing here is that the inner layer doesn't create unnecessary bulk under the jersey and doesn't restrict movement.
Thin Short-Sleeved T-shirt
This could be considered by users who want to minimize direct contact of the jersey fabric with their skin or who prefer an additional thin layer.
Thin Athlete
This is a more minimalist option, particularly suitable for users who want as few layers as possible under their upper body.
Long-Sleeved Underwear
It may be considered in cold working environments; however, company regulations regarding the arm area must be strictly observed.
Unlayered Use
Depending on the fabric, size, and ambient temperature, some users may prefer to use the scrubs top directly as their primary workout uniform.
Can I wear a long-sleeved t-shirt under scrubs?
Short answer: Long sleeves are acceptable in some work environments; however, the institution decides on the use of long sleeves, especially in areas where clinical procedures, hygiene, or personal protective equipment regulations exist. Therefore, a long-sleeved undershirt should not be automatically preferred simply because the weather is cold.
While a long-sleeved undershirt peeking out from under the sleeve may be acceptable in some institutions, it may not be considered appropriate in others. Since healthcare organizations may have different practices depending on the role and unit, the institution's current dress code should be followed.
Users who prefer long-sleeved jerseys can also check out our Long-Sleeved Scrubs guide.
What to wear under scrubs in summer?
In hot weather and hot working environments, the goal is to provide comfortable use without increasing the number of unnecessary layers. If the jersey already provides sufficient coverage and user comfort, additional layers may not be necessary.
When choosing scrubs during hot weather, not only the inner layer but also the fabric and fit of the scrubs are important. Therefore, we recommend you consider this along with our guide , "What Should Summer Scrubs Be Like?" .
What to wear under scrubs in winter?
In winter, the indoor temperature of a hospital or clinic is more important than the outside air temperature. If the indoor space is warm enough, a thick inner layer can cause unnecessary heat buildup during a seizure.
In cooler work environments, a thin long-sleeved top or a light base layer may be considered, provided it complies with company regulations.
| Working Conditions | Approaches to Consider | Point to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warm indoor environment | Avoid using additional layers or use thin layers. | Avoid overheating. |
| Cool clinic | Thin, long-sleeved base layer | The institution's branch policy |
| Working outside the patient area | Additional layer suitable for the task | Company dress code |
| Areas where aprons are needed | Scrubs + suitable apron | Job and organizational requirements |
What to wear under white scrubs?
In light-colored scrubs, an inner layer that is dark or high-contrast can be more noticeable from the outside. Therefore, if the user wants to reduce visibility, they can opt for an inner layer that is closer to their skin tone or creates less contrast under the scrubs.
The main goal here is to consider the actual thickness of the scrub fabric and the specific characteristics of the product itself. Whether a uniform is see-through or not should not be generalized solely based on its color.
What can be worn under V-neck scrubs?
V-neck scrubs are one of the most common top designs in medical wear. How the neckline fits the wearer varies depending on size, cut, and product design.
Users who want a more covered look can opt for a thinner inner top or consider scrub models with a different neckline style.
To compare collar styles, you can check out our guide: V-Neck Scrubs vs. Mandarin Collar Scrubs?
What fabric should the underlayer for scrubs be made of?
Given that the inner layer will be in direct contact with the skin throughout the day, fabric choice is important for personal comfort. However, instead of defining a single “best” fabric for everyone, factors such as working temperature, individual sweating tendencies, and the scrub fabric used should be considered together.
- Layers that are too thick and restrict movement can be avoided.
- Products that don't create unnecessary bulk under the jersey can be preferred.
- The number of layers can be kept to a minimum during the summer months.
- The inner layer to be used in winter can be selected according to the actual temperature of the working environment.
- The elasticity and thickness of the scrub fabric itself must be taken into account.
For information on the properties of medical uniform fabrics, you can refer to the "Terrycotton, Alpaca, and Lycra Medical Fabric Selection Guide" .
What to wear over scrubs?
The layer worn over scrubs, as well as underneath, can vary depending on the work environment. Some doctors and laboratory workers may wear a doctor's coat or lab coat over their scrubs, depending on their job or institutional practice.
Important: Doctor's gowns and scrubs are not the same product. While scrubs can be a basic work uniform, a gown is a separate layer worn over them, depending on the task or work environment.
We compare this difference in detail in our guide: Doctor's Coats vs. Scrubs?
Specific usage scenarios for laboratory personnel are discussed in the section titled " What Should a Laboratory Uniform Be Like?" .
What shoes should be worn with scrubs?
In searches for "what to wear under scrubs?", some users also wonder which shoes to wear with the uniform. When choosing shoes, the rules of the work environment, the risk of slipping, the duration of standing, and the user's comfort needs should be considered before appearance.
You can explore the options preferred in medical work environments through the Sabo clog models .
For a detailed guide on the subject, you can read our article "What are Clogs?" .
Common Mistakes When Choosing Clothes to Wear Under Scrubs
- Wearing too many layers of clothing without considering the temperature of the working environment.
- Not checking the institution's long sleeve or dress code.
- Trying to solve the problem of wrong-size scrubs by adding extra layers
- Buying an inner layer without checking the actual fit of the V-neck jersey.
- Using a very high-contrast product under a light-colored jersey.
- Not taking into account the thickness and elasticity of the scrub fabric.
- Treating the dress code for patient care settings and office environments as the same.
If you experience comfort issues with your scrubs, instead of just changing the underwear you're wearing underneath, you should also check if the scrubs are the correct size and fit.
The Scrubs Size Selection Guide can help with this.
What to Wear in Which Situation?
| Situation | Practical Approach |
|---|---|
| Hot summer day | Reduce unnecessary layers and appreciate the comfort of the jersey's own fabric. |
| Cool working environment. | A thin foundation layer can be considered if the institution allows it. |
| The V-neck is too revealing. | A thin undershirt or a different collar style could be considered. |
| Long sleeves are preferred. | A direct alternative to an inner layer is long-sleeved scrubs. |
| Aprons are mandatory. | You may wear the apron specified by the institution over your scrubs. |
| Light-colored scrubs | A lower-contrast inner layer that is less visible from the outside can be considered. |
Find the Scrubs model that suits your working style.
By comparing collar, sleeve, fabric, trouser, and fit options, you can choose a medical uniform that suits your work environment and usage habits.
Women's Scrubs Men's Scrubs V-Neck ScrubsWhat to Wear Under Scrubs? Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear a t-shirt under scrubs?
Yes. If the work environment and company rules allow, a thin t-shirt can be worn under scrubs. It's important that the layer doesn't restrict movement and is suitable for the ambient temperature.
Can you wear long sleeves under scrubs?
Long sleeves and clothing may be acceptable in some work settings, but healthcare facilities may have different policies. The institution's current procedure should be checked.
What to wear under scrubs in summer?
In hot working environments, it is preferable to use as few and light layers as possible. If the uniform alone provides sufficient comfort, additional layers may not be necessary.
What do you wear under scrubs in winter?
In cool working environments, a thin, long-sleeved base layer may be considered if permitted by the organization. The thickness should be determined according to the working environment temperature, not the outside air temperature.
What do you wear under V-neck scrubs?
Users who want to minimize the neckline can opt for a thinner inner top or consider scrub models with a more closed neckline.
What color should be worn under white scrubs?
If you want the inner layer to be less visible from the outside, you can opt for subdued tones that don't create a high contrast with the jersey. The result also depends on the actual thickness of the fabric.
Can you wear a doctor's coat over scrubs?
Doctor's or lab coats may be worn over scrubs if required by the institution or the job.
What shoes should be worn with scrubs?
When choosing footwear, considerations should include the rules of the work area, the floor type, the duration of standing, and the user's comfort needs.