What's Up with Bargain Basement Scrubs?

By Jordie Papa

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Scrubs have come a long way in the past few years.  Once the stepchild of the fashion world, scrubs are now considered something of a fashion statement.  So much so that a number of clothing designers have built brands around medical outfits.  Of course, some of the designer brands come with designer prices.   If you’re looking to get a quality set of scrubs at rock bottom prices, there are a few things you need to know.

How Low Can You Go?

To start off with, you want to beware of bargain basement scrubs.  While you’ll find scrubs advertised online for as low as $9.99, you need to know what you’re getting for your money.  While a low price point might pique your attention, you want to make sure that bargain-basement price doesn’t come with a lot of strings attached.  While not all bargain scrubs are made poorly, cheap scrubs can mean poor workmanship and fabrics that are anything but comfortable. Some bargain scrubs are factory seconds or irregulars that either have defects built-in or don’t quite fit right.  What you also need to be concerned about in bottom-tier scrubs is whether the colors will fade after only a few trips to the washing machine. 

They Say You Only Get What You Pay For

Image courtesy of Uniform Destination

Before you throw away good money on second-rate scrubs, I want you to know there’s another alternative. At Uniform Destination, we saw the need for high-quality scrubs at reasonable prices.  So, we developed our own brand.  Called Sanibel Works Scrub, they are made by Wonder Wink. This means you get designer quality without the designer price. Starting at $9.99, these scrubs are a quality product that are made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. 

For a little more money, we also have a brand called Sanibel Stretch. Made of poly-cotton and spandex, these scrubs have a bit more give in them, that’s guaranteed not to make you feel like you’re encased in iron. Priced at $17.99, Sanibel Stretch is about a third less than many designer brands of similar quality.

That’s not to say high-priced name brand scrubs don’t have benefits to offer. With premium brands like Gray’s Anatomy, you definitely don’t have to worry about fading when you throw them in the washing machine.  This line only uses the finest fabrics, which have a thread chemistry that helps prolong the life of the garment.  Premium brands can also afford to use premium materials.  Some add nylon to the mix or other high-end textiles to create a garment that does more than simply look good.  They feel good as well.  They’re definitely worth the money if you’re looking for a set of scrubs that will last a long time.

What’s in a Name?

Image courtesy Uniform Destination

If you’re on your feet 10-12 hours a day, you definitely want a set of scrubs that are comfortable, even if it means spending a little more. Brands like Cherokee have a wide range of styles that fall in the mid-price range.  One of their newest lines, called Cherokee Revolution features a silky-soft fabric that feels really nice as the day wears on.

There’s another midrange line called WonderWink that offers style and comfort with long-lasting fabrics for less than $30.  If you are bigger boned, WonderWink is definitely worth a look, since they offer plus sizes from 1x to 5x, with garments designed to comfortably fit and flatter those bodies with more curves than most. Constructed with wider hips, longer sleeves and higher pant rises, these scrubs are guaranteed not to bind or pinch while delivering a slimmer appearance than other brands.

Looking to add a little whimsy to your life?  Tooniforms can add colorful cartoon characters to your scrub wardrobe for only $18.95.  Especially popular with those who work in pediatrics, these eye-catching scrubs never go out of style regardless of whether you wear them in the office or out on the town.

Scrubs for Men

Image from,Uniform Destination

We also carry a men’s line of scrubs under the Carhartt label.   Known for a complete line of work wear, their scrubs feature top-quality material in everything from scrub tops and tees to pants and tank tops.

Another line for men is made by Healing Hand. Their Blue Label fabric is a poly/rayon/spandex blend that offers wash and wear performance combined with durability and comfort.

Do You Belong in the Bargain Basement?

The key to getting the right scrubs at the right price comes down to how you intend to use them. Depending on what you want from your scrubs, the key to getting the best deal is to decide which is more important, form or function.  Ask yourself how long a typical set of scrubs tends to last you?  Are you looking to own a closet full of low-cost scrubs that aren’t expected to last all that long?  Or, are you more interested scrubs that provide maximum comfort and durability that will stand the test of time?  By answering these simple questions, you’ll be able to determine if bargain basement scrubs are right for you.

Jordie Papa is owner of Uniform Destination with four locations in North Florida.