The scrub is a breathable, flexible fabric that resists light fluid contact. They are a nice and affordable alternative to the losses of reusables as well as laundry and replacement expenses. But What Material Are Scrubs Made Of?
Fabrics are the primary components of scrubs. Fibers, treatments, and weaves are the basic components that make up scrub material. With the various kinds of fabrics available, it can be a challenge to determine what you require in those scrubs.
When you are buying a set of new scrubs, it’s crucial to know how they are feeling, the way they last over time, in addition to how well they will move. Let’s know What Material Are Scrubs Made Of!
What Material Are Scrubs Made Of – Different Materials Used as Scrubs Fabric
Scrub fabrics generally come in four categories:
- Cotton
- Rayon
- Spandex
- Polyester
Each of these stands out differently.
| COTTON | POLYESTER | SPANDEX | RAYON | |
| Pros | 1. Soft texture 2. It is a nice drape to ensure a perfect fit 3. Durable 4. Prints appear nicely | 1. Easy care 2. Durable 3. Resistant to stretching and shrinking 4. Quick dryingIt’s well-worn. 5. Anti-wrinkle 6. Abrasion resistant | 1. Lightweight 2. Resistant to stretching and shrinking 3. Stops bagging and Sagging 4. Perspiration is a stifling agent 5. Abrasion resistant | 1. Durable 2. Extremely absorbent 3. It’s available in a range of different weights and qualities. 4. Drapes can also be used. 5. Silky and soft. |
| Cons | 1. Fades when washing 2. Shrinks, the looser the weave will shrink. 3. It is simple to fold | 1. Creates static electricity | 1. Rough texture | 1. The wrinkles are easily able be seen 2. The stretch could be stretched during the wet. 3. May shrink after washing. |
Cotton
The cotton is one of the most commonly used materials to scrub. It is soft, long-lasting, and does not build up static electricity. It is easy to wash and iron well, which makes it perfect to disinfect your scrubs.
A lot of scrubs are made from cotton. Cotton is the strongest fabric. The other advantages of all-cotton scrubs include their softness and lack of a transparent fabric.
Cotton scrubs are light and breathable, which makes them perfect for hot temperatures or long days in the sand. They are easily cleaned and wrinkle-resistant, which makes them an ideal option for busy medical professionals.
- Cotton fabric is considered to be extremely soft and easy.
- It’s extremely durable and strong and will last for a long time.
- Very comfortable to wear.
- One disadvantage of scrubs made of 100% cotton is that the color tends to fade very quickly and, therefore, doesn’t maintain its vibrant color for quite a long time.
Rayon
Rayon is a soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric made to look like silk, cotton, and linen in texture and appearance. The main benefit of rayon is the fact that they have the same qualities as cotton but for a less expensive price.
The greatest advantage of a scrub is that it has similar properties that a cotton blend has at less cost.
- Rayon is a water-wicking and breathable material
- The rayon fabric is usually elastic.
- Non-irritating and comfortable
- The fabric has a silky, gentle texture that feels smooth to the touch.
Spandex
Spandex is an artificial fiber often referred to as “stretch cloth.” It is becoming a popular choice. Spandex is able to resist bagging and sagging since it is stretchy but is able to return to its normal form when it is removed. Spandex scrubs can be used to treat sweat and are more resistant to staining than cotton scrubs.
- Keeps its shape very well after many years. It can always return to its original form when stretched.
- Lightweight but extremely robust fabric.
- Commonly found in close-fitting clothing or in sports/performance clothes.
Polyester
Like cotton, polyester is also a well-loved scrub fabric. It is a strong, water-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, and simple-care synthetic material. It is often paired with cotton because of its inability to stretch and shrink.
- Keeps shape, and drape, wrinkle-resistant, which means that there is no need to iron.
- Ability to make scrubs comfortable
- Very robust
- Resistant to stretching and shrinking
- Quick drying
Blends of Scrubs Material
The four above fabrics are combined in blends of different percentages. The two most popular are polyester/cotton as well as polyester/spandex.
| POLYESTER/ COTTON | POLYESTER/ SPANDEX | |
| Pros | 1. Polyester helps retain shape 2. Polyester is able to withstand wrinkles and stains 3. Cotton makes fabric absorbent 4. Fabrics are breathable and comfortable. 5. Easy to care | 1. Polyester provides durability 2. Polyester helps maintain shape 3. Provides nice texture 4. Makes fabric absorbent |
| Cons | 1. Not so cool as cotton 2. May pill if washed | 1. Polyester helps retain shape 2. Polyester can withstand wrinkles and stains 3. Cotton makes fabric absorbent 4. Fabrics are breathable and comfortable. 5. Easy to care |
Polyester/Cotton
The two fibers are an extremely popular fabric blend for scrub fabric and for other clothes. Polyester helps scrub suits keep its shape and resists wrinkles and stains, whereas cotton helps make the material breathable and comfortable.
Of course, the properties of the fabric depend on the amount of fiber it has but generally, the poly/cotton blend is flexible and long-lasting. It also keeps its colors and dyes numerous wash cycles quite well.
To maintain the polyester/cotton fabric, machine wash it with warm water and afterward, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to dry.
Polyester/Spandex
This blend of synthetic and natural fibers is a popular option for scrub fabrics. The polyester is durable and helps keep the fabric in its shape. The spandex allows for some movement and stretch without sliding.
Poly/spandex blends offer a smoother feel than cotton/spandex and blends of cotton and poly and are wrinkle-free. The blend is also moisture-wicking and easy to maintain. As with other blends of poly/cotton, the specific characteristics of the final product depend on the proportions in each of the fibers.
Always check the label on the garment before washing a garment made of polyester/spandex and, if in doubt, wash with the gentle cycle, cold using similar colors.
Weaves
The type of fibers used in a garment is just the beginning of knowing the scrub fabric. The second element to be considered is the weave of the fabric, or the way vertical (weft) along with the vertical (warp) threads are joined to make the fabric.
There are three primary weaves to make scrubs: poplin, dobby and twill.
| POPLIN | DOBBY | TWILL |
| 1. A plain weave made of blend or fiber and ribs with a crosswise pattern which give a corded-like surface. | 1. Simple geometric designs that give additional texture to fabrics. | 1. Diagonal parallel ribs |
| 1. Durable 2. Easy to iron 3. Stains are not as noticeable. | 1. Very absorptive 2. Reduces wrinkles 3. Stains are not as noticeable. | 1. Durable 2. Helps prevent wrinkles 3. Drapes are also very effective. 4. The staining is less obvious |
Poplin
Poplin is a plain weave with crossed ribs, which usually gives it the appearance of a corded surface. It is an extremely durable fabric that resists wrinkles and is simple to iron. The two sides of the poplin fabric look exactly the same as the poplin fabric’s outer surface.
The poplin fabric is smooth. That is the reason it’s a preferred option for printed fabrics. In the past, poplin was thought to mean a type of fabric that had silk warp weave and a weft of wool. But, nowadays, poplin fabrics can be made from any kind of fiber. The most common fibers used in poplin fabrics are pure cotton as well as an emulsion of cotton and polyester.
Dobby
This is not an allusion to the Harry Potter character. Dobby weaves have been in use since the 1800s. Dobby fabric is created using a dobby weave loom and is distinguished by its unique texture and tiny geometric designs.
Dobby weaves are popular for their poplin fabric, which is commonly used in polo shirts but this weave can also be used on a range of blends and fibers.
The dobby weave creates extremely absorbent material that is able to resist wrinkles. This is the reason it’s a top fabric for scrubs.
Twill
The pattern of twill is diagonal and parallel ribs, which contrast the ribs that crosswise form a plain weave. Since the rows differ, the twill weave is able to drape well and flatter clothes.
Twill fabric comes with both a front and backside, which is different from plain weave, where both sides are identical. Twill weave fabric already has an abundance of texture and visual appeal in its own right, and that’s why they’re rarely used for printing.
The texture hides staining and soiling well, and the weave is strong and resists wrinkles. This is why it’s commonly employed in work uniforms, like scrubs. Denim is usually made of Twill weaves due to these features.
Cotton Or Polyester: Which One is Better as Scrub Fabric
When you’re working in the intense heat, a moisture-wicking polyester fabric is the finest option for you. If you’re looking to change the appearance of your scrub, wearing the elastic cotton fabric will help you to create the desired appearance.
Polyester and cotton each offer advantages and drawbacks. Your choice is based on the type of material you want, a material that is compatible with your needs and offers the appearance and comfort you want.
How to Choose Your Fabric
With the many options available for scrubs, make sure you do your study before spending too much for uncomfortable or unaffordable scrubs. Some things to consider when picking the right fabric are:
- What is your day like? What is the level of your work? Do you travel often?
- Local climate. If temperatures are hot and the humidity is high, then choose something that’s more air-conditioned.
- Cleaning needs of the fabric. Don’t waste time hand-washing your scrubs when you can purchase machine-washable ones!
Of course, you’ll need to consider other factors, such as form, design, and price, but consider the three above factors first since they will affect your comfort the most.
What’s the Best Material for Scrubs?
It all depends on the job you are in and the work setting.
There are numerous different types of material that are used in medical scrubs, each one designed to serve a specific purpose.
- The best scrub fabric for summer hot, dry weather is polyester-rayon, polyester viscose, or blends of polyester and cotton. They have excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties. It is recommended to choose a light-flowing fabric with some spandex for more flexibility and stretch.
- The best scrub fabric for humid climates: Blends of polyester and cotton. This kind of fabric is the ideal combination of moisture-wicking and breathability. Select light (thinner) fabrics that have a little spandex for the best comfort and freedom of movement.
- The best scrub fabric for winter or cold, dry weather is Cotton-based, heavier-weight fabric that has a low percentage of polyester (preferably less than 20%). This will keep you warm without attracting static electricity.
- The best scrub fabric for surgeries. You can also consider making disposable scrubs. The surgical scrubs fabric is typically made of an extremely lightweight cotton-polyester mix designed to be used for one time.
- Best scrub fabric to protect from chemicals and fluids: Select a strong fabric that has a high content of polyester to provide more protection against stains.
Final thought
There you go! I hope now you don’t have any queries about what material scrubs are made of. These are the top scrub materials with different advantages and ways to keep scrub wearers dry, comfortable, and prepared for work.
If you’re looking for the most durable, comfortable, and long-lasting fabric to wear for your scrubs, you aren’t going to be disappointed with scrubs fabric. There are a variety of scrub fabrics in the market today, and each has distinct advantages.
In the end, you’ll be wearing scrubs for 12 or more hours, so you need to make sure that you are investing in durable, comfortable clothing that can withstand any challenge.
