Best Scrubs for Sweating: Moisture-Wicking Scrub Guide
If you're searching for the best scrubs for sweating, you've come to the right place. Getting overheated in your medical attire is no fun, especially when you're wearing them for 12 hours or more at a time. Below, we round up our top moisture-wicking scrub picks and offer tips to help you find the right fit.
Cherokee Achieve
Cherokee's athletic-inspired scrub line, called Achieve, is built for nurses, LPNs, and other healthcare professionals who spend 10 to 12 hours on their feet. It's made with Comfort Pro™, Cherokee's exclusive double-brushed performance knit fabric.
The fabric stretches in every direction, stays breathable, and wicks moisture away to keep you cool through a demanding shift. It also holds up well to repeated washing, so the softness and stretch don't wear out over time. Look for relaxed, athletic silhouettes with a yoga-style waistband on the joggers and straight-leg pants, built to move with you through long days.
Cherokee Ultra
Cherokee also offers a second moisture-wicking line called Workwear Originals Ultra, built on the brand's trusted Workwear Originals foundation with added performance technology.
Ultra scrubs use PROTX2® technology to fight odor and sweat, paired with moisture-wicking, two-way stretch fabric that dries quickly and moves with you. Reinforced seams and durable construction help the scrubs hold their shape through repeated wear and washing. The line covers a wide range of styles, including joggers, cargo pants, tuck-in tops, and maternity scrubs.
Healing Hands Evry
Healing Hands offers a moisture-wicking line called Evry, built around soft, lightweight fabric with 4-way stretch. The fabric is wrinkle-resistant and holds its color wash after wash, and every top and bottom in the line is cut from the same fabric so pieces mix and match easily. Evry is cut in a classic fit, tailored closer to the body without feeling tight, and maternity styles are available in the same soft fabric.
Before You Buy: Getting the Right Fit
Before you purchase your next set of breathable scrubs, it helps to know how a scrub should fit and how to measure yourself for the most flattering size. Our guide to scrubs with stretch can help you find the right balance of comfort and mobility for your shift.
What features should I look for in moisture-wicking scrubs?
When searching for moisture-wicking scrubs, prioritize lightweight, breathable fabric, stretch for ease of movement, and quick-drying properties. Look for practical additions like multiple pockets, badge loops, and instrument loops for convenience. Our ultimate scrub fabric guide breaks down what to look for in more detail.
Can moisture-wicking scrubs help prevent body odor?
Moisture-wicking fabrics can help reduce body odor by quickly moving sweat away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate, which helps keep you dry and reduces the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Some medical scrubs also feature antimicrobial properties for added odor protection.
How do I choose the right size in moisture-wicking scrubs?
Measure your chest, waist, hips, and inseam, and compare these measurements to the brand's sizing chart. Think about how you like your scrubs to fit, whether that's a snugger, athletic fit or something more relaxed. The right size should offer comfort without restricting movement.
How often should moisture-wicking scrubs be replaced?
The lifespan of your scrubs depends on fabric quality, how often they're worn, and how well they're cared for. Replace your scrubs when you notice signs of wear, like fading, thinning fabric, or a loss of elasticity. Proper care can help extend their life — see our guide on how to wash scrubs for tips.
Stay Cool, Stay Comfortable
Choosing the right moisture-wicking scrubs is about more than comfort. It's about performing at your best through every demanding shift. Whether you're drawn to Cherokee's Achieve or Ultra lines, or Healing Hands' Evry line, you're equipped to make a choice that suits your needs, your style, and the unique challenges of your role.