Between Sizes? How Scrubs Should Actually Fit

Scrubs should fit close enough to look neat and loose enough to squat, reach and lift without pulling, and when you’re between sizes, the fabric and waistband should make the call.

So, how should scrubs fit? NHS England’s uniform guidance says staff should feel comfortable in their uniforms as far as possible, while meeting patient-safety and professional requirements. However, sizing varies between styles and manufacturers, and a size chart may leave you unsure what to choose when your measurements fall between two sizes.

With more than 75 years of workwear experience, Harveys’ brings together practical healthcare clothing and product-specific sizing information. Here is a straightforward guide to checking the fit, measuring yourself and choosing a size when your numbers fall between two options.

Key Takeaways

• Scrubs should allow comfortable movement without pulling, gaping or excess fabric.

• Measure your chest, waist, hips and inside leg before choosing a size.

• Use the product-specific size chart rather than relying on your usual clothing size.

• If you’re between sizes, consider your largest measurement, garment cut and preferred fit.

• Check scrub trouser length while standing, sitting and walking to avoid dragging hems.

• Compare women’s, men’s and unisex styles to find a cut that suits your shape.

• Test new scrubs by bending, reaching and sitting before committing to a full set.

• For team orders, confirm measurements and try a sample garment where possible.

How Scrubs Should Fit: Five Checks You Can Do in a Mirror

Well-fitting scrubs allow you to move freely without excess fabric getting in the way. They should look neat, feel secure and stay comfortable through the activities you regularly perform at work.

If possible, try the garment on before removing its tags, then check each area while standing and moving.

• Shoulders: The seams should sit close to your natural shoulder line, unless the design is intentionally dropped.

• Chest and bust: You should be able to reach forward without pulling, gaping or feeling restricted.

• Waist: The fabric should sit comfortably without digging in when you sit or bend.

• Arms and legs: Sleeves and hems should not catch, drag or interfere with movement.

• Length: Your top should offer suitable coverage, while your trousers should stay clear of the floor.

Scrub Sizing Guide: How to Measure Yourself in Five Minutes

If you want your measurements to line up properly with a brand’s size chart, a bit of care goes a long way. Grab a soft, flexible tape measure and put on something thin, like a fitted tee or leggings, so bulky fabric doesn’t add extra inches. 

1. Measure your chest or bust

Wrap the tape over the widest region of your breast or chest making sure that the tape is parallel to the floor. Stand naturally and breathe naturally. Don’t measure over bulky clothing; this can influence the result.

2. Measure your waist

Measure around the area where the waistline of the trousers you want should be. This might not be at the narrowest point of your waist; therefore, consider the rise and pattern of the waistband of the garment.

3. Measure your hips if the size guide asks for them

Stand with your feet together and wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and seat. This number is especially handy when you’re choosing between fitted trousers and a straighter cut, since it shows how much room you’ll need through the hips.

4. Check your inside leg

Stand upright and measure from the top of your inner thigh down to the point where you want the hem to finish. If possible, ask someone to help, or measure a pair of trousers that already fits you well.

Then compare your numbers with the chart for that exact style, because fit varies between scrub tops, brands and cuts.

What Size Scrubs Should You Choose?

Start with your chest or bust measurement for the ST10 top and your waist measurement for the ST20 trousers. On the ST10, a chest or bust measurement of 36–38 inches corresponds to size S, while 40–42 inches corresponds to M. The ST20 waist chart ranges from 72–76 cm for XS to 140–144 cm for 4XL. Always check both charts before ordering, as the top and trousers use different measurements.

Between Sizes? Let the Fabric and Waistband Decide

Size charts show why choosing a size can sometimes be tricky. A 35-inch chest falls between XS (32–34 inches) and S (36–38 inches) on the ST10 top chart. On the ST20 trouser chart, a waist measurement of 85–91 cm falls between the listed S and M ranges. Use the examples below as a starting point, then consider the garment’s cut, waistband and how comfortably it moves with you.

These are practical starting points, not a substitute for trying the garment on. If the recommended size still feels restrictive or excessively loose, contact Harveys for product-specific sizing advice.

Three things point the same way:

• No stretch specified? The ST10 top and ST20 trousers use a 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend. Prioritise comfort over choosing a size that pulls across the body. 

• Adjustable waistband? The ST20 has an elasticated drawstring waist, which helps you adjust the fit. It cannot compensate for trousers that are too small through the seat or thighs. 

• Stretch fabric? Selected Alumea styles use four-way stretch fabric. Check the size guide for the specific garment and choose based on its measurements and intended fit rather than assuming stretch means you should size down. 

Wearing a base layer underneath in winter? Size for that layer.

Mix and Match: Top and Trousers Needn’t Be the Same Size

Your top and trousers don’t have to match. Harveys sells the ST10 and ST20 separately, so an S top with M trousers is perfectly normal if your chest and waist land there. Measure once, then order each piece in its own size.

Scrub Trousers Length: Getting the Hem Right

Here are the detailed charts. Scrub trousers length is the same in every size: 79 cm (31 in), XS to 4XL. Sizing up won’t lengthen the leg, and sizing down won’t shorten it. The top behaves differently, growing from 29.1 in (74 cm) to 31.5 in (80 cm) across the range.

Compare the 79 cm inside-leg measurement with your own inside leg and the footwear you normally wear at work. The hem should sit neatly without dragging on the floor, catching underfoot or riding up uncomfortably when you sit or bend. If the standard length is too long or short, check whether another style offers a more suitable cut or length. Cuffed jogger designs finish differently from straight-leg trousers, so assess each style on its own merits.

Unisex, Women’s and Men’s Cuts: What Changes

Cut matters as much as size. Harveys offers unisex styles alongside men’s and women’s scrubs options, but the fit varies by product rather than category alone. For example, the Harveys women’s mock-wrap top with a tie-back allows some adjustment around the waist. Check the chest or bust, waist and product-specific size chart before choosing. 

Do not assume that every men’s scrubs style offers the same extra room through the chest and shoulders. Compare the listed measurements and fit description for the individual garment.

Fit by Shift: What Your Day Demands

How should scrubs fit on a busy shift? It depends on the job.

• Lifting and bedside care: check that the fabric allows you to bend, squat and move without pulling across the seat or thighs. Follow your employer’s uniform and moving-and-handling requirements.

• Dental and vet work: you lean forward all day, so run the squat test and check the V-neck stays put.

• Clinic and reception days: a closer, neater fit looks sharper.

• Winter shifts: Try the garment with any base layer you expect to wear, and make sure the extra layer does not restrict movement.

• After the first wash: repeat the five checks once the set has been through the wash, because that’s the fit you’ll live in.

Still unsure? Consider trying one plain garment first, where practical, and run through the fit checks before placing a larger order or requesting personalisation. Check Harveys’ current returns terms before ordering, as customised or embroidered items may not be eligible for return.

FAQs

Should scrubs be tight or loose?

Scrubs should allow comfortable movement without pulling, gaping or excessive fabric. Aim for a neat fit that lets you bend, reach, sit and walk easily.

Should I size up if I'm between sizes?

Don’t size up by default. Start by comparing your measurements to the scrub sizing guide, then think about where the fit feels tight. If the smaller size pulls or restricts your movement, the larger one is probably the better choice.

How do I know if my scrub trousers are too long?

If the hem drags on the floor, catches underfoot or bunches heavily around your shoes, the trousers may be too long. Check the inside-leg measurement and available styles.

Do unisex scrubs fit everyone the same way?

No. Unisex scrubs describe the style's intended sizing approach, not a guarantee of the same fit for every body shape. Always check the product measurements.

Should I buy the same size in every scrub style?

Sizing isn’t consistent from one cut or brand to the next, so don’t rely on a size you already know. Look at each product’s size chart before you order, even if you own scrubs in the same labelled size.