6 Tips for Choosing Women's Scrub Pants
The best scrub pants are functional and flattering, but finding that winning combination can be surprisingly tricky. To help, we've put together a guide walking through six steps to choosing the best women's scrub pants: taking your measurements, picking your size, deciding on the right fit, choosing your fabric, selecting your favorite colors, and thinking through which features matter most to you.
How Should Scrub Pants Fit?
Scrub pants come in a few different fits to suit different body types and preferences.
Slim: Cut closer to the body for a more streamlined, fitted silhouette.
Classic: Offers more room and comfort through the hip and leg, ideal for those who prefer a traditional, relaxed feel.
Relaxed: The roomiest option, prioritizing ease of movement and all-day comfort above all else.
Beyond overall fit, scrub pants also come in different leg styles, which affect the silhouette from the knee down:
Tapered Leg: Gradually narrows toward the ankle, offering a balance between fitted and relaxed.
Straight Leg: Falls straight down from the hip, a universally flattering style that works for most body types.
Wide Leg and Flare Leg: Offer extra room through the leg for a looser, more relaxed silhouette.
Jogger: Cinches at the ankle with an elastic or drawstring cuff for an athletic-inspired look.
1. Take Your Measurements
The first step to choosing any clothing, including scrub pants, is taking your body measurements. To find the right fit, measure three areas:
Waist: Measure just under your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your waist, without pulling the tape too tight.
Hips: Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips.
Inseam: Measure along the inside of your leg to about an inch below the ankle.
Write down your measurements and compare them to each brand's size chart. This step matters, since sizing can vary from brand to brand, and you might be one size in one line and a different size in another.
2. Pick Your Size
Most major brands offer Regular, Petite, Tall, and Plus sizing so you can find the right fit for your body.
Petite: Designed for those 5'4" and shorter, with shorter hems but the same sizing conventions as regular length.
Tall: Designed for those 5'9" and taller, with longer hems but the same sizing conventions as regular length.
Plus Size: Sizing conventions vary by brand, but generally applies to sizes 12 and up.
Regular: For those who don't fall into the petite, tall, or plus categories, typically sizes 0 to 12 in everyday apparel.
If you have an athletic build, look for pants with stretchy fabric and an athletic-style waistband for better range of motion.
Choose your true size for a more fitted feel, or size up for something roomier.
3. Decide on the Best Fit
Once you've taken your measurements and picked your size, choosing between Slim, Classic, and Relaxed (as outlined above) comes down to personal preference and how much room you want through the hip, seat, and thigh.
4. Choose Your Fabric Options
Not all scrub fabrics are created equal. Most women's scrub pants are made from blends of popular fibers like cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex, and the choice between cotton and synthetic blends affects both fit and comfort.
Cotton Blends: Breathable and comfortable, though they may shrink slightly if washed in hot water. Washing in cold water with a gentle detergent helps preserve fit.
Synthetic Blends: Add durability and flexibility, which matters for pants that go through frequent washing.
The exact properties of any given fabric depend on the percentage of each fiber, along with the weave and finish. For more detail, see our ultimate scrub fabric guide.
5. Select Your Favorite Colors
Scrub pants come in dozens of colors across every shade of the rainbow. While you don't typically see allover prints on pants the way you do on tops, there's still plenty of range to find the exact shade you're after, from classic neutrals like black, white, or grey to brighter options like hot fuchsia or icy purple.
6. Think About What Features You Need
Depending on the style, scrub pants may offer features like antimicrobial fabric treatments, pockets in various sizes, mesh vents for breathability, knit panels for extra movement, and drawstring or elastic waistbands. Use the features that matter most to you to help narrow down your final choice.
Find the Right Fit
Finding the right scrub pant fit is worth the extra effort. Explore different styles and brands to see what actually works best for your body and your shift. Ready to shop? Browse our full range of women's scrub pants, including tapered leg, straight leg, jogger, and wide leg styles.
Scrub Pants Fit FAQs
How tight should scrub pants be for optimal movement?
Scrub pants should strike a balance between snug enough to stay in place and loose enough to allow free movement. They shouldn't constrict any part of your body or limit your range of motion. Slim-fit pants will feel closer to the body, but should still allow you to move comfortably without pulling or pinching.
What is the difference between classic fit and slim-fit scrub pants?
Classic fit offers a more relaxed, roomier feel, ideal for those prioritizing comfort during long shifts. Slim-fit pants offer a more tailored, streamlined look, hugging closer to the body for a more modern silhouette.
How do I choose the right size scrub pants if I'm between sizes?
When you're between sizes, check the specific brand's size guide and consider the fabric, since some blends offer more stretch than others. If you prefer a tighter fit, size down; if comfort is the priority, size up. Some of our brands also offer drawstring waists that adjust to fit your body more precisely.
What are the best scrub pants for tall healthcare professionals?
For taller healthcare professionals, pants specifically labeled "tall" are the best bet. These offer longer inseams for proper coverage without riding up during activity, and most brands offer a range of styles in tall sizing so you don't have to sacrifice fit or function.