The Best Scrubs for Nurses in 2026: Comfort, Fit, and Value

With my emergency room nursing background, I’ve done a little bit of everything in scrubs. One moment I’m bending over or squatting down toward the floor, the next I’m reaching up overhead to hang IV medications or leaning over a patient to provide care. I’m literally moving my body in all different directions, the entire 12 hours.

Nursing obviously isn’t a sport, but there is so much physical movement involved in a busy shift. You’re squatting, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting, bending, reaching, walking, and sometimes running! With so many scrub brands, styles, and price points to choose from, finding the right pair can be really tricky.

Here’s how my experience with several brands compares, from everyday favorites to options that have caught my attention for their performance-focused features.

At a Glance: The Best Scrubs for Nurses

Scrubs	Best for	Standout features	Approx. set price
Fabletics Activewear Scrubs	Performance-inspired design	Stretch, breathability, movement-focused features	$89.90–$94.90
Cherokee iFlex	Everyday comfort	Stretch, practical pockets, flexible panels on select styles	$72–$79
FIGS	Modern styling	Soft-feeling fabric, contemporary designs, multiple fits	About $94
Koi	Contemporary style	Structured look, modern designs	About $68.98
HeartSoul	Lightweight scrub pants	Lightweight fabric, comfortable feel	$33.93–$57.99

Prices are approximate examples and may vary by style, retailer, promotions, and membership status. Check current prices before purchasing.

The TL;DR

• Fabletics: Performance-inspired scrubs with advertised stretch and breathability.
• Cherokee iFlex: Everyday comfort, flexible movement, and practical pockets. A dependable option based on my experience with the iFlex top.
• FIGS: Modern designs and soft-feeling fabrics, although some styles haven’t worked as well for my fit preferences.
• Koi: Contemporary, more structured styles. Pay close attention to shoulder fit, pant length, and fabric flexibility.
• HeartSoul: Lightweight, breathable scrub pants, with some concerns about waistband durability after extended wear.

What to Look for in Scrubs: Price, Fit, and Long-Term Value

When I first started nursing, I was paying off my student loans, so I was always looking for ways to save money. I’ve bought some really inexpensive scrubs over the years, including a set from Amazon that cost around $25 or $30. At first, it seemed like a great deal.

The material was super soft and I thought I was getting exactly what I needed for a fraction of the price. But the fit was terrible. I normally wear a size small, so that’s what I ordered. The top was uncomfortably tight around my shoulders and chest but flared out toward the bottom. The pants were short, and the elastic waistband was way too tight.

Even though the material felt soft, the overall comfort was subpar. I’ve also owned inexpensive scrub sets where the stitching started falling apart. Of course, that doesn’t mean every inexpensive scrub brand is bad. It just means you need to consider more than the price tag. I don’t want to spend $100 on a scrub top just because it’s fashionable. But I’m absolutely willing to spend less on a high-quality top if I believe it’s going to last, especially if it has features that make my life easier.

Best for Performance-Inspired Comfort: Fabletics Scrubs

Fabletics is best known for its activewear, but the brand has brought that same performance-focused approach to its scrubs. The company has years of experience designing clothes for movement, and I love the idea of applying that same approach to nursing scrubs. I also like that the brand offers different styles of scrub pants and tops without an overwhelming number of options, because decision fatigue is real!

The brand’s Activewear Scrubs use MotionTech fabric, which Fabletics describes as lightweight, breathable, anti-odor, antimicrobial, wrinkle-free, and designed with four-way stretch. According to the brand, the fabric has also passed a 50-wash test. Fabletics offers regular and petite fits, too, which may help you find a more comfortable fit.

Fabletics also describes its scrubs as water-repellent, although I’d check the details for the specific style before buying. As an aside, one time, I had a liter of normal saline in my cargo pocket, and the pocket actually ripped open. Not exactly convenient when you’re trying to get through a busy shift! No one wants to be walking around in wet scrubs for the duration of their shift.

Fabletics also offers VIP member pricing, with the brand advertising discounts of 20–50% off retail on eligible products. It’s worth checking the current terms before signing up, especially if you’re only planning to buy one set of scrubs.

Best for Everyday Comfort: Cherokee iFlex

I’ve worn different scrub brands over the years, and one scrub top I’ve really enjoyed is from Cherokee’s iFlex collection. It’s soft, stretchy, and has plenty of pockets, which is always a plus when you’re working a busy shift.

What I particularly liked about the top was the fit. It has a flattering shape without feeling tight or restrictive, and the stretchy panels allow it to move with my body. The top I own also has multiple front pockets, smaller pockets for organizing little things, and an additional pocket toward the side. I appreciate having those options for keeping everyday essentials close at hand without everything getting jumbled together.

One thing that sets iFlex apart is its combination of woven fabric and soft knit panels in key areas, such as the sides of the top. Some iFlex styles use a 94% polyester and 6% spandex crosshatch-dobby fabric designed to offer stretch while remaining durable and easy to care for. The collection also includes moisture-wicking features and practical details such as badge loops and utility pockets, although the exact features can vary by style. I also think this combination of flexibility, storage, and a more shaped fit makes iFlex a good choice for nurses who want practical workwear without sacrificing a flattering silhouette.

Tip: When shopping, I’d pay attention to the specific top’s fabric composition, pocket layout, and fit rather than assuming every style will feel the same. If you’re between sizes, it’s worth checking the size chart and considering how much room you prefer through the shoulders, chest, and midsection.

Best for Modern Style: FIGS

FIGS is another popular scrub brand, and I know plenty of nurses who love wearing them. They make nice products, offer lots of fun colors, and have some cute designs. And honestly, I think that’s great for nurses who enjoy dressing up a little more for work.

While I appreciate the quality of their materials, I haven’t always loved the fit or functionality of certain styles. One of FIGS’ main differentiators is its range of technical fabrics rather than a single material used across every style. Its signature FIONx fabric is designed to feel lightweight, breathable, and soft, with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and wrinkle resistance.

Other collections offer different combinations of structure, stretch, and durability, so the feel can vary depending on which style you choose. FIGS also incorporates functional details such as zippered pockets in some designs. That variety is worth keeping in mind when shopping, particularly if you like the brand’s aesthetic but need to find a cut that provides enough coverage and stays comfortable while you work.

I’ve also tried a pair of FIGS scrub pants where the waistband felt too loose, even though I ordered my usual size, so I found myself relying on that dreaded drawstring! Of course, that’s just my experience with certain styles. FIGS offers plenty of different options, and I’m sure some would work much better for me than others.

As mentioned, they have really nice, fun colors. That being said, most of the hospitals I’ve worked at over the years have required nurses to wear a pretty standard scrub color, so I wouldn’t have been able to wear many of those fun colors to work anyway!

Best for a More Structured Fit: Koi

I’ve only tried one set of Koi scrubs myself, so I can’t speak for every style they make. In the set I tried, the material felt like it was good quality and seemed strong and durable. However, I found it a little rigid and stiff, and the fit didn’t quite work for me either. The pants felt too short, and the top was quite tight around my shoulders, even though I ordered the same size I typically wear in other brands.

Koi’s collections vary in both fabric and overall feel, so it’s worth looking beyond the brand name when comparing options. For example, the Koi Lite collection uses a lightweight polyester stretch-dobby fabric designed to be breathable and easy to care for, while other collections feature different fabric blends and finishes.

Depending on the style, you’ll also find features such as ribbed stretch panels, multiple utility pockets, and contemporary details like zippered necklines. Koi offers a nice mix of fashion and function, but the fabric and cut are worth paying attention to, especially if, like me, you prefer scrubs that feel flexible rather than stiff.

That said, not every set of Koi scrubs will fit or feel the same. Different styles can have different cuts and fabric blends, so I’d recommend checking the size chart carefully and paying particular attention to shoulder room, top length, and pant inseam before ordering. If possible, try the specific style on and see how comfortably you can bend, squat, and reach without the fabric pulling or feeling restrictive.

Best for Lightweight Comfort: HeartSoul

My experience with HeartSoul has generally been pretty good, and I’ve owned a pair of scrub pants from the brand that were lightweight and breathable. I liked wearing them, and I still have them.

HeartSoul’s scrubs come in a variety of silhouettes, including joggers, tapered pants, and more traditional cuts, with details such as adjustable waistbands, multiple pockets, and flattering shaping.

The brand’s fabrics are designed with features such as stretch and moisture-wicking performance, although the exact blend varies by style. I can see the appeal for nurses who want lightweight scrubs that feel comfortable while still having a little more personality than a basic uniform. In my experience, though, it’s worth considering how the waistband and other construction details hold up after repeated washing, not just how the pants feel when they’re new.

My main frustration with the brand came after about two years of wear. The elastic inside the waistband started getting twisted and bunched up. They’re still wearable, and I still find them comfortable, but it’s one of those little things that bothers me. When you’re wearing something for an entire shift, even a relatively minor waistband issue can become irritating over time.

I had also noticed a little bit of pilling after multiple washes. That was after years of wearing and laundering them, though, so I wouldn’t automatically consider it a deal-breaker. Scrubs get washed frequently, and long-term durability is about more than how a fabric looks straight out of the packaging.

If you’re considering HeartSoul, I’d look closely at the waistband construction, fabric details, and care instructions for the particular pair you’re buying. It’s also worth checking reviews from people who have owned their scrubs for a while, rather than relying only on first impressions.

Which Scrubs Are Worth Buying?

At the end of the day, every nurse has different preferences. Some nurses love colorful, fashionable scrubs. Others want something simple and traditional. Some need lots of pockets, while others can get through a shift with just a few.

For me, comfort will always be the number one priority. Cherokee iFlex has been a dependable option because of its simplicity, fit, and functionality. FIGS has some nice materials and designs, although certain styles haven’t worked as well for me. Koi and HeartSoul have their own features worthy of consideration, but neither became my go-to brand.

Fabletics has caught my attention with its athletic approach to scrubs. Between the performance-inspired materials, different fits, and useful design features, it’s a brand I’d put high on my list when shopping for scrubs in 2026.

Value isn’t necessarily about buying the cheapest scrubs. It’s about finding something you genuinely enjoy wearing, that fits your needs, and that you won’t have to keep replacing. Nursing is hard enough already. The last thing you want to worry about during a 12-hour shift is your clothes.