Scrub Fit Guide & Size Charts

Scrub Size Charts for Women, Men, Unisex Scrubs, Lab Coats, Custom Apparel & Compression Socks

Use this guide to compare scrub sizes, body measurements, fit types, pant rises, inseams, lab coat sizing, sweatshirt sizing, hoodie sizing, quarter-zip sizing, t-shirt sizing, and compression sock sizing across the healthcare uniform and custom apparel products we carry. This page is designed to help nurses, doctors, dental teams, vet clinics, medical assistants, nursing students, hospital departments, offices, and group uniform buyers find the right fit.

Before You Choose a Size

How to Measure for Scrubs & Apparel

Take measurements over undergarments using a soft measuring tape. Keep the tape relaxed, level, and straight. Do not pull the tape too tight. These measurements help compare scrub tops, scrub pants, joggers, jackets, vests, lab coats, sweatshirts, hoodies, quarter-zips, t-shirts, and compression socks.

01

Bust / Chest

Measure under the arms around the shoulder blades and the fullest part of the bust or chest. This is the most important measurement for scrub tops, jackets, and lab coats.

02

Waist

Measure around the natural waistline. For scrub pants and joggers, also consider where you prefer the waistband to sit: natural waist, mid rise, or low rise.

03

Hip

Stand with feet a few inches apart and measure around the fullest part of the hips. Hip measurement is important for women’s scrub pants, joggers, and modern fit styles.

04

Inseam

Measure from the inside of the leg down to the point where you want the pant leg to fall. Petite, regular, tall, short, and ultra tall inseams vary by brand and style.

Women’s Scrub Sizing

Women’s Scrub Size Chart

Use this women’s scrub size chart for scrub tops, scrub pants, joggers, warm-up jackets, underscrubs, and women’s lab coats. This is a general size reference for the healthcare uniform brands we carry, including Cherokee (Achieve, Allura, FORM, and Workwear Originals Ultra), Healing Hands (HH Works, 360, and The White Coat), Med Couture (Amp, Insight, and RothWear), Barco One, Grey’s Anatomy by Barco, and Skechers by Barco.

Swipe the chart to see all measurements →
Alpha Size Numeric Size Bust Waist Hip
XXS00 / 031–3223–24.533–35
XS0–2 / 2–433–3425–26.535–37
S4–6 / 6–835–3627–28.537–39
M8–10 / 10–1237–3929–31.539–42
L12–14 / 14–1640–4332–3542–45
XL16–18 / 18–2043–4735–3946–49
2XL20–22 / 22–2446–5139–4349–53
3XL24–26 / 26–2850–5543–4753–57
4XL28–30 / 30–3254–5947–5157–61
5XL32–34 / 34–3658–6351–5561–65
Common women’s inseams: Petite 27–28", Regular 30–31", Tall 33–34".
Exact inseam varies by brand, collection, pant leg opening, jogger cuff, and style number.

Men’s & Unisex Scrub Sizing

Men’s / Unisex Scrub Size Chart

Use this chart for men’s scrubs, unisex scrubs, scrub tops, scrub pants, cargo scrub pants, jackets, vests, and men’s healthcare uniforms. Men’s and unisex scrubs are usually sized by chest and waist. Athletic fit styles are more tapered, while classic fit styles are roomier.

Swipe the chart to see all measurements →
Alpha Size Numeric / Waist Size Chest Waist Hip
XXS29–3129–3222–25.529–32
XS32–3432–3525–28.532–35
S35–3735–3828–31.535–38
M38–4038–4131–34.538–41
L41–4441–4534–38.541–45
XL45–4845–4938–42.545–49
2XL49–5249–5342–46.549–53
3XL53–5653–5746–50.553–57
4XL57–6057–6150–54.557–61
5XL61–6461–6554–58.561–65
Common men’s / unisex inseams: Short 29–30", Regular 31–32", Tall 34–35", Ultra Tall 36".
Unisex styles may fit straighter through the body. Athletic fit styles taper through the chest, waist, and leg.

Lab Coat Sizing

Medical Lab Coat Size Charts

Lab coats are commonly ordered by alpha size for women and numeric coat size for men. For embroidered lab coats, always confirm fit before adding a name, credentials, department, or logo because customized apparel may have limited return options.

Women’s Lab Coats

Size Numeric Bust Waist Hip
XXS0031–3223.5–24.534–35
XS0–233–3425.5–26.536–37
S4–635–3627.5–28.538–39
M8–1037–3929.5–31.540–42
L12–1440–4232.5–34.543–45
XL16–1843–4535.5–37.546–48
2XL20–2246–4839–4149–51
3XL24–2650–5243–4553–55
4XL28–3054–5647–4957–59
5XL32–3458–6051–5361–63

Men’s Lab Coats

Coat Size Chest Waist
323226
343428
363630
383832
404034
424236
444438
464640
484842
505044
525246
545448
565650

Lab Coat Fit Tips

For white coats, consultation coats, student lab coats, medical resident coats, pharmacy coats, dental coats, provider coats, and embroidered physician coats, check chest and shoulder comfort first. If the coat will be worn over scrubs, sweaters, or business casual apparel, consider sizing up for easier movement.

Custom Apparel Sizing

Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Quarter-Zips & T-Shirt Size Charts

Use these general size charts for the custom apparel styles commonly used for embroidered, printed, spirit wear, school, boutique, and healthcare-themed products. Product measurements are garment measurements unless noted otherwise. Chest width is measured across the garment one inch below the armhole while laid flat; body chest fit is the wearer’s chest measurement range.

Sweatshirts, Hoodies & Quarter-Zips

This chart is a general fit guide for pullover sweatshirts, hoodies, and quarter-zips. Measurements may vary slightly by garment style, brand, fabric, color, and production lot.

Swipe to see all sizes →
Measurement XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL
Body chest fit32–3535–3738–4041–4444–4847–5250–5653–6062–64
Body length at back26–2726–2827–2928–3029–3130–3231–32 1/232–3333–34
Chest width18–20 1/220–2222–23 1/224–2526–26 1/228303234
Sleeve length32 1/2–34 3/433–35 1/234–36 1/435–3736–37 3/437–38 1/238–39 1/439–4040

T-Shirts

This chart is a general fit guide for short-sleeve tees used for custom apparel, spirit wear, healthcare-themed shirts, and boutique designs.

Swipe to see all sizes →
Measurement S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL
Body chest fit36–3738–4042–4446–4850–5254–5658–60
Body length at back26 5/82829 3/830 3/431 5/832 1/233 1/2
Chest width18 1/420 1/422242627 3/429 3/4
Sleeve length from center back16 1/417 3/41920 1/221 3/423 1/424 5/8

Custom Apparel Fit Tips

Sweatshirts, hoodies, quarter-zips, and t-shirts are usually sized differently than scrubs. For a relaxed boutique or spirit wear fit, many customers prefer their regular size. For an oversized look, layering room, or a looser hoodie fit, consider sizing up. Always confirm fit before embroidery, glitter, screen print, DTF, or other custom decoration.

Fit Terminology

Scrub Fit Guide: Classic, Modern, Contemporary & Athletic

Not every scrub style fits the same. A small in one brand may feel different from a small in another because the cut, fabric stretch, rise, leg opening, and collection fit are different.

Traditional Classic Fit

Generously cut for maximum comfort. Best for a relaxed scrub fit, roomier tops, and easier movement.

Roomiest feel

Modern Classic Fit

Contours the body with ease. A middle-ground fit that is not too boxy and not too tight.

Balanced fit

Contemporary Fit

More contoured through the body. Often preferred for a cleaner, more tailored scrub silhouette.

Closer shape

Athletic Fit

Tapered from the chest or leg for a sharper profile. Great for performance fabrics and modern men’s styles.

Tapered fit

Pant Rise Guide

  • Natural rise: sits at the waist or slightly above.
  • Mid rise: sits slightly below the waist.
  • Low rise: sits below the waist.

Pant Leg Guide

  • Straight leg: falls straight from the knee to the leg opening.
  • Moderate flare / boot cut: widens slightly from the knee to the opening.
  • Flare: flares more from the knee to the leg opening.
  • Jogger: tapered leg with a cuffed ankle.

Legwear & Compression

Compression Socks, Hosiery & Legwear Size Guide

Compression socks and hosiery are sized differently than scrubs. For the best fit, use ankle, calf, leg length, height, weight, and shoe size when available. Compression levels may include light support, true support, mild support, moderate support, firm support, and medically correct support.

Common Compression Levels

Support Level Common Compression Typical Use
Sheer Support8 mmHgLight everyday support
True Support12 mmHgFatigue reduction and circulation support
Light Support10–15 mmHgWork shifts, standing, travel
Mild Support15–20 mmHgEveryday compression support
Medically Correct18–22 mmHgHigher support styles
Moderate Support20–30 mmHgMedical-grade support categories
Firm Support30–40 mmHgFirm therapeutic support categories

Compression Fit Measurements

  • Ankle: measure the narrowest part above the ankle bone.
  • Calf: measure the fullest part of the calf.
  • Length: measure from floor or heel area to the bend of the knee for knee-high styles.
  • Thigh: for thigh-high styles, measure the fullest upper thigh area.
  • Shoe size: use as a reference only when a style provides ankle and calf sizing.

Compression products should feel supportive, not painfully tight. For medical compression questions, follow provider guidance.

FAQ

Scrub Sizing Questions

How do I measure for scrub size?

Measure over undergarments using a soft measuring tape. For tops, jackets, and lab coats, use bust or chest. For pants and joggers, use waist, hip, and inseam. Keep the tape relaxed, level, and straight, then compare your measurements to the charts above.

Do scrubs run true to size?

Most scrub brands are designed to fit by body measurement, but the feel can vary by collection. Stretch fabric, jogger cuffs, rise, leg opening, and fit category can all change how the same size feels.

Should I size up or down in scrubs?

If you are between sizes, choose the smaller size for a closer fit or the larger size for more room. For long shifts, bending, lifting, and layering, many healthcare workers prefer a little extra ease.

Do all scrub brands fit the same?

No. Each brand cuts its collections differently. Cherokee collections range from relaxed to contemporary fits, Healing Hands is known for soft, forgiving stretch, Med Couture runs contoured and modern, and Barco One and Grey’s Anatomy by Barco favor a sleeker athletic profile. If you are switching brands, check that collection’s fit category before assuming your usual size.

What is the difference between women’s and unisex scrubs?

Women’s scrubs are usually shaped through the bust, waist, and hip. Unisex scrubs are usually straighter through the body and may feel roomier in some areas and less contoured in others.

How do I choose scrub pant length?

Use inseam first. Petite, regular, tall, short, and ultra tall lengths vary by brand. Joggers may feel shorter because they are designed to sit at or above the ankle.

Do scrubs shrink after washing?

Most modern scrubs are polyester, rayon, and spandex blends that resist shrinking when washed in cold water and dried on low heat. Styles with higher cotton content can shrink slightly. Always follow the care label, and avoid high dryer heat to protect fit, stretch, and color.

Do you carry plus size scrubs?

Yes. Many of the scrub styles we carry run from XXS up to 4XL or 5XL, including tops, pants, joggers, jackets, and lab coats. Size availability varies by brand, collection, and color, so check the size options on each product page.

How should a lab coat fit?

Check chest and shoulder comfort first, and make sure you can move your arms freely. If you will wear the coat over scrubs, sweaters, or business casual layers, consider sizing up. Also compare the back length listed on the product page so the coat falls where you want it.

How do maternity scrubs fit?

Maternity scrub styles are built with stretch panels and room through the middle, and most are designed to be ordered in your pre-pregnancy size. If you are unsure, compare bust and hip measurements to the women’s chart above and let the maternity panel do the rest.

How do I choose a size for sweatshirts, hoodies, quarter-zips, and t-shirts?

Use the body chest fit chart first, then compare garment measurements when available. For a relaxed or oversized custom apparel fit, consider sizing up, especially for hoodies, sweatshirts, quarter-zips, and layering.

Should I confirm fit before embroidery?

Yes. Always confirm the size and fit before adding embroidered names, credentials, department names, business logos, school logos, or facility logos, because customized apparel may have limited return options.

What measurements matter most for compression socks?

Compression socks usually require ankle and calf measurements. Shoe size can help, but ankle, calf, and length measurements are more important for proper compression fit.

Can I try on scrubs in store?

Yes. Visit The Scrub Shoppe in Owensboro, KY or MadCity Scrubs in Madisonville, KY to try on scrubs, lab coats, and apparel in person. Our team can help you compare brands, fits, and sizes before you buy or before you order embroidery.

Can I exchange scrubs that don’t fit?

Eligible items in unworn, unwashed condition with tags attached may be exchanged within our 14-day exchange window. Customized and embroidered items may not be eligible. See our Returns & Exchanges policy for full details.





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