Best Print Scrubs: Patterns, Characters & Styles for Every Shift

If you spend your shifts on a pediatric floor, in a dental office, or anywhere patients need a little extra warmth, you already know a plain solid scrub only does so much. Print scrubs let you bring some personality to work without breaking dress code.

They can also do real work for you on shift. A fun print can ease a nervous patient. It can also make a long day feel a little more like you. Here's a guide to the best print scrubs to shop, along with tips on wearing and caring for them.

Why Choose Print Scrubs

Print scrubs give you a way to stand out while staying professional. A bold floral or a favorite character print can make you more approachable, especially to patients who are scared or unsure what to expect. Nurses already know this from experience: a friendly print can ease a child into a checkup faster than a plain white coat ever will. The same goes for geriatric and dental settings. A familiar, cheerful pattern can put an anxious patient at ease.

Beyond patient comfort, prints are simply more fun to wear. They break up a wardrobe of solids. They make it easier to feel put-together on a twelve-hour shift, even when you rolled out of bed at 5 a.m.

Popular Print Styles to Know

Not all prints look alike. Knowing your options helps you build a wardrobe that fits your unit and your style.

Florals and Botanicals

Florals and botanicals are a longtime favorite for a reason. Soft, feminine patterns in blues, pinks, and greens work well for nurses who want a print that still feels calm and professional. They pair easily with solid navy scrubs or black bottoms for a polished look.

Geometric and Abstract Patterns

Geometric and abstract patterns bring a more modern edge. Bold shapes and color-blocked designs suit nurses who want to stand out without leaning into anything too playful. These patterns also tend to hide stains better than lighter florals, a practical bonus on busy shifts.

Character and Novelty Prints

Character and novelty prints are the most recognizable. They're often the most requested by patients themselves, especially kids. From cartoon favorites to holiday-themed characters, these prints turn a scrub top into a conversation starter.

Seasonal and Holiday Prints

Seasonal and holiday prints let you show a little extra spirit for Halloween, winter holidays, or awareness months. They're a simple way to build team camaraderie when a whole unit coordinates for the same shift.

Character Prints Worth Knowing: Tooniforms by Cherokee

When people picture character scrubs, they're often picturing Tooniforms. It's Cherokee's line of licensed character prints, built on the same fabric and fit nurses already rely on. Tooniforms scrub tops are especially popular in units where a friendly face on your shirt does more than any explanation could.

Where Character Prints Work Best

Tooniforms work best in pediatric units, NICU, dental offices, and school health rooms. Patients respond well to something familiar and cheerful. A recognizable character can turn a scary appointment into a manageable one. That matters just as much for the parent in the room as it does for the child.

How to Wear Print Scrubs at Work

Pairing a Print Top with a Solid Bottom

Print doesn't have to mean loud head to toe. Pairing a print top with a solid scrub pant is the easiest way to wear one without looking busy. Stick to a bottom color that appears somewhere in the print. It reads as intentional, not accidental.

Checking Your Unit's Dress Code

Before you buy, check your unit's dress code. Some facilities only allow certain colors or restrict prints to specific departments like pediatrics. A quick check saves you from buying something you can't wear.

When to Keep It Subtle vs. When to Go Bold

If your unit allows more freedom, use prints to signal the day. Try a bold character top for a fun Friday, a subtle floral for a client meeting, or a seasonal print during the holidays. Each is an easy way to dial your look up or down.

Caring for Print Scrubs

Washing Tips to Keep Colors from Fading

Print scrubs need a little more care than solids to keep colors sharp. Wash them in cold water and turn them inside out before they go in the machine. This helps protect the print from fading and rubbing against zippers or buttons from other clothes.

Skip the bleach and go easy on the dryer heat. High heat breaks down fabric fibers faster and can dull even the most vibrant print. Air drying or a low-heat cycle keeps colors looking new for longer.

How Prints Hold Up Over Repeated Washes vs. Solids

With proper care, prints hold up nearly as well as solids over time. Very light backgrounds may show wear sooner. Rotating between a few tops instead of wearing the same one every shift also helps prints last.

FAQs About Print Scrubs

Are print scrubs allowed in most hospitals?

It depends on the facility. Many hospitals allow prints in pediatric, dental, or school health settings. Others restrict them to certain departments or require solid colors on the floor. Always check your unit's specific dress code before buying.

Do print scrubs fade faster than solid scrubs?

Not necessarily, as long as you care for them properly. Washing in cold water, turning garments inside out, and avoiding high heat helps prints hold their color as long as solids do.

What's the difference between novelty prints and Tooniforms?

Novelty prints cover any fun, non-licensed pattern, from geometric shapes to seasonal designs. Tooniforms specifically refers to Cherokee's line of licensed character prints, featuring recognizable characters nurses and patients already know.

Ready to add some personality to your next shift? Shop Cherokee's print scrubs and find a pattern that fits your unit and your style.