When it comes to healthcare attire, scrubs are one of the most important elements of a medical professional’s daily wear. But have you ever wondered why scrubs are not made from cotton? While cotton is known for its comfort and breathability, it’s not the ideal fabric for the demanding nature of medical environments. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind this choice and discuss the best fabrics for scrubs, lab coats, and medical uniforms.
Check out Under scrubs for Men and Womens
Why Cotton Isn’t Ideal for Scrubs
Cotton, a natural fiber, has many benefits in everyday clothing, but it falls short in healthcare settings for several reasons:
1. Absorption and Moisture Retention
Cotton absorbs moisture easily, which can be a disadvantage in medical environments where spills, sweat, and bodily fluids are common. In a hospital or clinic setting, this can create hygiene issues, as cotton holds onto moisture, potentially fostering bacteria and unpleasant odors. In contrast, synthetic fabrics used for scrubs, such as polyester or poly-viscose blends, are designed to wick away moisture, ensuring the wearer stays dry and comfortable throughout their shift.
2. Slow Drying Time
Because cotton retains moisture, it takes longer to dry compared to synthetic fabrics. In healthcare settings where quick turnover of clean uniforms is necessary, slow-drying cotton can delay the process and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
3. Wrinkling
Cotton wrinkles easily, which can create an unkempt appearance. Medical professionals need to maintain a neat, professional image, and constant wrinkling can detract from that. Synthetic fabrics like polyester or poly-viscose blends, on the other hand, resist wrinkling, helping healthcare workers maintain a crisp, polished look throughout the day.
4. Color Fading
Repeated washing and exposure to harsh detergents can cause cotton fabrics to fade over time, affecting the vibrant color of scrubs. In healthcare settings where a clean and professional image is essential, faded cotton scrubs can make the wearer appear less put together. This is why more durable and color-retaining fabrics like polyester and poly-viscose are preferred.
The Best Fabrics for Scrubs and Medical Attire
Given cotton's shortcomings in healthcare settings, several alternatives have been developed that offer superior performance. Here’s a breakdown of the best fabrics used for scrubs and lab coats:
1. Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for its durability, moisture-wicking properties, and quick-drying nature. It's resistant to wrinkles, stains, and color fading, making it an excellent choice for medical scrubs. Medical professionals who wear polyester scrubs enjoy comfort, durability, and ease of care—plus, polyester uniforms look fresh even after long shifts.
2. Poly-Viscose (Polyester-Viscose Blends)
Poly-viscose blends are a popular alternative to cotton in medical attire like scrubs and lab coats. This fabric combines the durability of polyester with the softness of viscose, a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose. The benefits of poly-viscose blends include:
- Moisture Wicking: It draws moisture away from the skin, keeping healthcare professionals dry and comfortable.
- Quick Drying: Unlike cotton, poly-viscose dries quickly, reducing the risk of bacteria growth.
- Durability: Poly-viscose is highly durable and can withstand frequent washing without losing its shape or integrity.
- Wrinkle Resistance: This blend resists wrinkling, helping maintain a neat appearance.
- Color Retention: Poly-viscose retains color well, ensuring that scrubs stay vibrant and fresh-looking over time.
At Knya Made, all our scrubs are crafted from poly-viscose, ensuring they meet the highest standards of durability, comfort, and style. If you’re looking for more guidance on selecting the perfect medical attire, you can visit our guide to selecting the perfect lab coat.
3. Spandex
Spandex, also known as elastane or Lycra, is a stretchy fabric that is often added to scrubs to improve flexibility and comfort. This allows healthcare professionals to move freely, an important feature for those working long shifts where mobility is essential.
4. Tencel (Lyocell)
Tencel is a sustainable, eco-friendly fabric made from wood pulp. It’s soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it a great choice for scrubs. Tencel is gentle on the skin and ideal for sensitive skin types.
Alternatives to Cotton in Medical Scrubs: Why Polyester-Viscose Blends Stand Out
Polyester-viscose blends, or poly-viscose, have become one of the most favored fabrics for scrubs in medical settings. Here's why:
- Moisture-Wicking: Helps keep the wearer dry, even during long, physically demanding shifts.
- Quick-Drying: Dries faster than cotton, ensuring a fresh, clean appearance at all times.
- Durability: Poly-viscose is highly resistant to wear and tear, meaning it can withstand frequent washes without losing its shape.
- Wrinkle Resistance: This fabric maintains a smooth appearance throughout the day, requiring less maintenance.
- Affordable: Poly-viscose offers a cost-effective solution for medical institutions looking to outfit their staff with high-quality, durable uniforms.
Conclusion
While cotton may be a go-to fabric for casual wear, it’s not the best choice for medical uniforms like scrubs and lab coats. The high moisture retention, slow drying time, and wrinkling tendencies make cotton impractical for healthcare settings. Instead, synthetic fabrics like polyester, poly-viscose blends, and spandex offer superior performance, ensuring comfort, durability, and a professional appearance throughout the workday.