Unisex Scrubs, Clinician Scrubs, and Nursing Scrubs . . . What’s the Difference?
Clinicians, such as Physicians (MDs), Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), often wear lab coats and/or coordinated garments, known as scrubs. Though nursing related professions also wear scrubs, theirs are distinguishable from clinicians by the overall styling of the garments. Though it may be difficult to believe, the scrubs and lab coats worn by female clinicians are not designed to fit women – they’re designed to fit men! They are “unisex” in their design, a term “invented” by clothing manufacturers to suggest a common shaping that can somehow fit both the male and female body. In reality, unisex scrubs are designed for the male body, a reflection back to when men dominated the role of clinician in all specialties. Unisex scrubs, for example, make no provision for a woman’s bust or hips, or the length between a woman’s waist and the seat of the pants. While the growing number of women required to wear the unisex styles have invented creative ways to attempt a better fit, these garments are intensely disliked by the vast majority of female clinicians. With the growing number of female Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners practicing medicine, a new “type” of scrub set has evolved. clinician Scrubs are designed specifically for those female healthcare professionals who are required to wear unisex scrubs, but are simply looking for a more flattering, appropriate shape and updated styling. Since clinician scrubs are specifically tailored to fit the female figure, while maintaining the traditional appearance of the unisex style, female practitioners can fit in with their peers and present an improved, professional look. In addition to the improvements in fit and styling, this new scrub style is made with a performance fabric that wicks moisture and prevents odors. It launders extremely well with little to no pilling or fading and almost no shrinkage. In short, female clinician scrubs are designed more like modern, high-end athletic apparel in order to meet the demands of discerning, female medical professionals. In contrast to unisex scrubs worn by men, and previously by female clinicians, the scrubs worn by nurses are designed to fit the female figure, as women have always dominated nursing. There are numerous types and brands of nursing Scrubs. Some are designed inexpensively, yet are reasonably flattering. Others are designed to be durable, functional and provide exceptional fit. There are continual improvements being made in nursing style scrubs. Today’s better nursing style scrubs have a luxurious feel, moisture wicking and odor-resistant fabric, sophisticated styling and fit, improved functionality, durability, and workmanship. Numerous companies sell scrubs and lab coats to the medical industry. Major distributors and manufacturers include Smart Scrubs, Lydia’s Scrubs, and Life Uniforms. But the upper echelon for female clinicians and nursing related professions, with a distinct focus on style, comfort, quality and modern appeal, belongs to a brand called Medelita.