Scrub Size Guide: How to Measure Yourself and Choose the Right Fit

To choose the right scrub size, measure the fullest part of your chest, compare it with the size chart for that specific scrub, and then adjust for the fit type: regular fits have room built in, while slim and smart fits sit closer to the body. Because embroidered scrubs cannot be returned, it is worth getting this right before you add your name.

Why scrub sizing trips people up

A "medium" in one brand is not a medium in another, and even within one store, a slim fit and a regular fit in the same size will feel different. Scrubs are also worn for very long hours, often with a layer underneath, so a size that feels fine for ten minutes in the trial room may not feel fine at the end of a night duty.

How to take your measurements

Use a soft measuring tape and wear a thin T-shirt or whatever you normally wear under your scrubs.

• Chest: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, keeping it level and snug but not tight. This is the main number for scrub tops.
• Waist: measure where your scrub pants actually sit, usually just below the navel, not where formal trousers sit.
• Hip: measure around the fullest part of the hips. This matters for women's pants and slimmer cuts.
• Inseam or length: measure from the crotch to the ankle bone if you are tall or short, so you know whether standard length will suit you.

Write the numbers down in centimetres and inches, because size charts may use either.

Read the fit type before the size

Each Uwears scrub listing states its fit. The three you will see most:

• Regular fit: a relaxed cut with room through the chest and waist. On the Classic scrub suits the guidance is to size up if you are between sizes. On the LYF Chinese collar scrubs the guidance is true to size: order your chest size.
• Slim fit: a closer, tailored cut, as on the LYCO V-2 stretch scrubs. Order your chest size; stretch fabric gives movement without needing extra room.
• Smart fit: a modern semi-tailored cut used on the Power Stretch 2.0, Aqua and 4-Way Noir 2.0 scrubs. Again, order your chest size.

If a listing says "size up if between sizes", follow it. If it says "order your chest size", resist the urge to size up, because a stretch fabric that is too big just looks baggy.

Use the right size chart

Men's and women's cuts are graded differently, so always use the matching chart: the men's scrub suit size chart or the women's scrub suit size chart. Men's scrubs on Uwears generally run S to XXXL and women's XS to XXL. If you are planning to wear an under scrub top, check the under scrub size chart as well, since that layer should fit close to the body.

Between sizes? Think about how you work

• If you layer a thermal or under scrub top in winter, the larger size in a regular fit may be more comfortable.
• If you work in OT or procedures where loose fabric gets in the way, the smaller size in a stretch fabric usually works better.
• If your chest and waist fall in different sizes, choose by chest for the top and remember that elastic-and-drawstring waists give some adjustment on the pants.

Check before you add embroidery

Under the returns policy, non-personalised items can be returned within 20 days if they are unused, unwashed and have tags attached. Embroidered items cannot be returned or exchanged, and under scrubs are non-returnable too. If you are unsure of your size in a new range, one approach is to order an un-embroidered set first, confirm the fit, and then order further sets with your name.

A quick fit check when your set arrives

1. Reach both arms forward and overhead. The top should not ride up past your waistband.
2. Squat fully. The pants should not pull tight across the seat or thighs.
3. Check the shoulder seam sits at the edge of your shoulder, not halfway down your arm.
4. Look at the hem: it should not drag on the floor in the shoes you work in.

For more on fabrics and styles, read our scrub suit buying guide, or browse the full scrub suit collection with the fit type of each set in mind.

Frequently asked questions

Should I order scrubs by chest or waist size?

Order scrub tops by your chest measurement. For pants, an elastic waist with a drawstring gives some adjustment, so chest size is usually the deciding number.

Should I size up in scrubs?

Only if the listing says so. Uwears Classic scrubs advise sizing up if you are between sizes, while slim and smart fit stretch scrubs advise ordering your chest size.

What sizes do Uwears scrubs come in?

Men's scrub suits generally run S to XXXL and women's XS to XXL. Always check the specific size chart for the range you are buying.

Can I return scrubs if the size is wrong?

Non-personalised items can be returned within 20 days if unused, unwashed and tagged. Embroidered items and under scrubs cannot be returned.

What is the difference between slim fit and smart fit scrubs?

Slim fit sits closest to the body. Smart fit is a modern semi-tailored cut with a little more ease, used on stretch ranges like Power Stretch 2.0 and Aqua.