Scrubs are an essential part of the wardrobe for medical professionals, lab technicians, and healthcare workers. Comfort, durability, and a professional appearance are crucial factors when choosing the perfect set of scrubs. However, one of the most common concerns regarding scrubs is whether they shrink after washing. If you’ve ever noticed your scrubs fitting a little tighter after a wash, you’re not alone.
Understanding the Fabric of Scrubs
Scrubs come in various fabrics, each with unique characteristics. The most commonly used materials for scrubs include:
- Cotton: Known for its softness and breathability, cotton scrubs are comfortable but prone to shrinkage, especially if washed in hot water.
- Polyester: This synthetic material is durable, resistant to shrinking, and maintains its shape well after multiple washes.
- Cotton-Polyester Blends: Combining the benefits of both materials, these scrubs balance comfort, durability, and shrink resistance.
- Spandex Blends: These scrubs have some stretch, offering more flexibility and comfort while also being resistant to shrinking.
For our male healthcare professionals, we offer a wide range of comfortable and stylish scrubs for men, designed to enhance both comfort and professional image
Do Scrubs Shrink After Washing?
Yes, scrubs can shrink after washing, but the extent of shrinkage depends on the material and washing conditions. Here’s how different fabrics react:
Cotton Scrubs
Cotton is a natural fiber that is highly absorbent and breathable. However, it is also notorious for shrinking when exposed to heat and moisture. Washing cotton scrubs in hot water or drying them at high temperatures can cause them to shrink significantly. Pre-shrunk cotton scrubs are available, but even they may experience minimal shrinkage over time.
Polyester Scrubs
Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its durability and resistance to shrinking. Unlike cotton, polyester maintains its shape even after repeated washes. However, using excessive heat in drying can cause slight shrinkage or damage to the fabric.
Cotton-Polyester Blend Scrubs
Blended fabrics offer a balance of both cotton’s softness and polyester’s durability. These scrubs are less likely to shrink than 100% cotton scrubs but can still experience minor shrinkage if exposed to high heat.
Spandex Blends
Scrubs that contain spandex offer some stretch and flexibility. These blends resist shrinkage better than pure cotton scrubs but may lose elasticity over time if washed improperly.
Factors That Contribute to Scrub Shrinkage
Several factors determine whether your scrubs will shrink after washing:
Water Temperature
Hot water can cause natural fibers, especially cotton, to contract, leading to shrinkage. Washing scrubs in cold or lukewarm water is a safer option to prevent excessive shrinking.
Drying Method
High-heat drying can cause scrubs to shrink. Air-drying or using a low-heat tumble dry setting helps maintain their original size and fit.
Fabric Type
As discussed, cotton is more prone to shrinking, while polyester and blends resist shrinkage better. Choosing the right fabric can significantly impact the longevity and fit of your scrubs.
Wash Cycle
Aggressive wash cycles can weaken fabric fibers, causing scrubs to shrink or wear out faster. A gentle cycle is recommended to prolong their life.
Pre-shrunk Scrubs
Some manufacturers offer pre-shrunk scrubs, meaning the fabric has been treated to minimize shrinkage. While these scrubs can still shrink slightly, the change in size will be much less significant than untreated cotton scrubs.
How to Prevent Scrubs from Shrinking?
To keep your scrubs in top condition and prevent shrinkage, follow these best practices:
Read the Care Label
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions. The label provides specific guidelines on washing temperature, drying methods, and fabric maintenance.
Wash in Cold Water
Cold water is gentle on fabrics and helps prevent shrinkage. Avoid using hot water unless necessary for stain removal.
Use a Gentle Detergent
A mild detergent will protect the fabric fibers and maintain the quality of your scrubs. Harsh chemicals can weaken the fabric and contribute to shrinkage.
Avoid High Heat Drying
Tumble dry on a low-heat setting or air dry your scrubs to minimize shrinkage. Hanging scrubs to dry also helps maintain their shape.
Pre-wash New Scrubs
Washing new scrubs before wearing them can help remove excess dye and reduce the likelihood of shrinkage during later washes.
Steam or Iron on Low Heat
If your scrubs shrink slightly, steaming or ironing them on a low heat setting can help stretch them back to their original shape.
Check out Navy Blue Scrubs for Mens
How to Fix Shrunken Scrubs?
If your scrubs have already shrunk, there are a few methods to try and restore their size:
Soak in Lukewarm Water and Conditioner
Mix lukewarm water with a small amount of hair conditioner or baby shampoo. Soak the scrubs for 15–20 minutes, then gently stretch them back to their original size while drying flat.
Use a Fabric Stretch Spray
Commercial fabric stretch sprays help loosen fibers, allowing you to reshape shrunken scrubs.
Steam to Relax Fibers
Using a garment steamer or a steam iron can help relax fabric fibers and restore some of the lost size.