Scrub Materials: Best Fabrics For Comfort
Scrub Picks

Scrub Materials: Best Fabrics For Comfort

Cherokee Editorial Team January 28, 2025

Let’s face it—comfort starts with the fabric you’re wearing. In a job where every second counts, what you wear should support you, not hold you back. Did you know that soft materials can help prevent irritation, while a bit of stretch, like spandex, makes it easy to move freely through your busy day? And breathable fabrics? They’re a lifesaver when you need to stay cool and dry during those high-pressure moments.

So, how do you choose the best fabric to keep up with your demanding day?

3 Key Factors in Choosing Scrub Fabrics

Comfort

Comfort is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity when it comes to choosing scrubs. The best fabrics feel soft against your skin to minimize distractions and include just enough stretch to move with you through your busiest shifts. You deserve materials that breathe and keep you cool and dry, so you can stay focused on what matters most—caring for others.

Durability

Durability is key when it comes to scrubs that can keep up with your demanding job. From constant washing to tough work environments, your scrubs need to stand the test of time. Fabrics that resist wear, tear and pilling not only maintain their professional look but also save you time and money in the long run.

Ease of Care

Who has time for fussy fabrics? Low-maintenance scrubs are a must for busy healthcare professionals. Wrinkle-resistant and easy-to-care-for materials mean less time stressing over laundry and more time doing what you do best.

What Type of Fabric is Used for Scrubs?

Polyester

If you’re looking for scrubs that keep up with your busy day, polyester is a great choice. It’s highly durable, wrinkle resistant and holds its shape no matter how many times you toss it in the wash. Perfect for demanding environments, it’s an easy-care fabric you can always count on.

Spandex/Elastane

Need stretch and flexibility to get things done? Spandex or elastane blends offer exceptional movement and let you tackle even the toughest shifts without feeling restricted.

Nylon

Long hours call for lightweight scrubs, and nylon delivers. Its naturally moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties keep you fresh, while its elegant drape gives you a polished, professional look.

Cotton

There’s a reason cotton is a classic—it’s soft, breathable and feels great against your skin. While it can shrink or wrinkle, cotton blends with spandex give you the comfort you love with added flexibility and resilience to handle your busy schedule.

How Advanced Fabrics Keep You Comfortable

Odor-Fighting Technology

Advanced fabric finishes help reduce odors, preventing musky buildup during long, stressful shifts. Designed with busy healthcare professionals in mind, these innovative technologies keep you feeling fresh, confident and ready for whatever the day brings. With fabrics that work as hard as you do, they let you focus on your patients, not your scrubs.

Fluid-Resistant Fabrics

Fluid-resistant fabrics offer added protection against spills and bodily fluids. Designed to resist liquid penetration, they provide peace of mind in unpredictable situations.

The Fabric Technology Behind Cherokee Scrubs

When it comes to comfort and durability, Cherokee scrubs stand out with innovative fabric technology designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare professionals.

Here are the top fabric technologies used in Cherokee scrubs.

PROTX2® Odor Control

Odor control isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. PROTX2® technology in Cherokee scrubs combats odors, helping you feel fresh and confident, no matter how long your shift lasts.

Cooling Fabric Technology

COOLMAX® Technology1 takes comfort to the next level with advanced moisture-wicking fibers that help regulate your body temperature. By pulling sweat away from the skin and promoting airflow, it keeps you cool and dry—even during the most demanding shifts. Found in Cherokee’s Atmos Collection, this cutting-edge innovation is designed for healthcare professionals who need to stay focused and comfortable.

Shop the Atmos Collection

360° Stretch Fabric

360° stretch fabric provides unmatched flexibility, combining the structure of woven fabrics with the comfort of knitwear. This innovative blend is a standout feature in Cherokee’s FORM Collection, which offers comfort, elevated quality and a premium, polished look.

Shop Scrubs with 360 Stretch

Comparing Fabric Blends

Cotton Polyester Spandex Blends

Cotton-polyester blends offer a balance of comfort, breathability and durability. With added spandex, these blends ensure flexibility and freedom to move.

Shop Scrubs with Cotton Polyester Spandex Blends

Nylon Spandex Blends

Nylon-spandex blends offer a smooth, lightweight feel with just the right amount of stretch. These fabrics are great for people who need to move freely while still looking sharp. The spandex in the mix adds flexibility, giving you extra comfort and freedom to move through your busy day.

Shop Scrubs with Nylon-Spandex Blends

Recycled Polyester Blends

Recycled polyester blends offer the perfect balance of durability and performance, with the added benefit of being crafted from repurposed materials. Cherokee’s Tooniforms Collection incorporates this innovative fabric blend, delivering the same trusted quality while supporting efforts to reduce waste.

Shop Scrubs with Recycled Polyester Blends

Polyester Rayon Stretch Blends

Poly-rayon blends are known for their cloud-like softness, durability and freedom to move. The Revolution by Cherokee Workwear Collection showcases scrubs with this luxurious blend for ultimate comfort.

Shop Scrubs with Polyester Rayon Blends

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Needs

Personal Preferences

Your comfort comes first. Whether you love the natural feel of cotton or the flexibility of spandex blends, the fabric you choose should match what feels best to you during your shift.

Specific Job Requirements

Different roles require different fabrics. Emergency room professionals may prioritize durability and fluid resistance, while clinic workers might focus on comfort and breathability.

Climate Considerations

Work environments vary, so choose fabrics suited to your climate. Moisture-wicking scrubs or materials with temperature-regulating technologies are perfect for hot, humid conditions; insulating fabrics are better for colder settings.

Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability is becoming a priority for many healthcare professionals. Recycled or eco-friendly fabrics offer a way to care for the planet while staying comfortable at work.

Finding the perfect fabric for your scrubs can make all the difference. Cherokee offers a wide range of women's scrubs and men’s scrubs designed to meet the needs of busy healthcare professionals. Shop our collections today to discover the perfect blend of comfort, durability and style.

1 COOLMAX® is a trademark of The LYCRA Company.