Winter Wardrobe: 6 Tips for Warm Scrubs

Are you freezing at work? Us, too. If you're struggling to stay warm this winter, here are six tips to help you layer for warmth in warm scrubs while still following your employer's dress code.

Choose Your Warm Scrubs Carefully

Some scrubs are better at conserving warmth than others. Many nurses love cotton scrubs in the summer because of their breathability, but that same breathability that keeps you cool in warmer months can leave you shivering come winter. If your facility tends to run cold, consider switching to warm scrubs made from a polyester or cotton-polyester blend. These fabrics aren't as breathable, so they're much better at trapping heat and keeping you warm. Keep in mind that these materials also trap sweat and moisture, so if your workplace runs hot even in winter, this might not be the best choice for you.

Wear a Long Sleeve Shirt

Wearing a long sleeve shirt or underscrub beneath your short sleeve scrubs is one of the easiest ways to stay warm through winter. Look for a soft, insulating fabric that moves with you throughout your shift. Make sure the sleeves aren't too wide so you can push them out of the way when washing your hands or handling anything messy. Solid neutral colors like black, white, and grey pair with almost any scrubs, but you can also choose bright colors or prints that coordinate with your look, as long as it's permitted under your employer's dress code.

Consider Under-Layers as Well

If you work in a truly frigid climate, or your facility seems determined to give Antarctica a run for its money, a simple long sleeve shirt might not cut it. In that case, a set of thermals, also known as long underwear, can help. These layers are thin yet surprisingly warm, and they're designed to be worn discreetly under your clothes. If you associate long underwear mostly with older generations, think again. Hikers, campers, backpackers, and outdoor workers rely on them to stay warm in the elements, and no one will even know you're wearing them under your warm scrubs.

Throw on an Outer Layer

What goes over your warm scrubs matters just as much as what goes under them. If your role allows it, a lab coat can run long enough to keep both your upper body and the tops of your legs warm. If a lab coat isn't practical for your role, or you prefer a more athletic look, a scrub jacket is a great alternative. These shorter jackets typically hit at mid-hip and zip or snap closed for warmth, often available in matching colors so you can coordinate a look that fits your department's dress code while staying warm. Fleece-lined options are especially good at trapping heat during colder shifts.

Don't Forget Your Feet

You lose heat through exposed parts of your body, including your feet, and this effect is made worse by the breathable design of nursing clogs or sneakers, which are built to vent sweat rather than trap heat. To keep your feet warm through winter, opt for tall, warm socks that cover any skin exposed by your scrubs. Wool is a particularly good material choice, since it offers both insulation and moisture-wicking properties. Compression socks, which support healthy blood flow, can also help keep your feet warm while giving your circulation a boost during long shifts.

Replace Worn-Down Scrubs

Medical professionals are hard on their scrubs, and these garments wear down quickly as a result. Scrubs with holes, frayed seams, or worn patches won't keep you as warm as scrubs in good condition. If your scrubs are falling apart more with each wash, it's time to upgrade to a fresh set of warm scrubs built to handle the season. Browse our women's and men's scrubs to find your next set.

For more tips on layering, check out our guide on what to wear under scrubs so you can stay extra cozy this winter while on the clock.