In brief
Choosing the best scrubs in the UK comes down to five things: fit, fabric, colour, practical features and your role. This guide walks through each one, compares the main collections we stock, from Koi and Cherokee to Orange Standard and HappyFIT, and suggests the best scrubs by profession.
The best scrubs in the UK are the ones that fit your body, your role and your workplace dress code. Start with the size guide, choose a breathable stretch fabric, check the pockets, then match the collection to your profession.
⏱ Reading time: 7 minutes
As a healthcare professional, your scrubs are more than just a uniform; they're an essential part of your work life. Spending long hours in scrubs means they must be comfortable, durable and stylish, while also presenting a professional image when interacting with patients and their families. With so many options on the market, choosing the right scrubs can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you identify key factors to consider so you can choose scrubs that meet your needs.
At Happythreads, we stock the UK's best-loved scrub brands, designed for comfort, colour and confidence. Read on to find out how to choose the right scrubs for your role, body type and budget.
Factors to consider when choosing scrubs
Find the perfect fit: scrubs sizing guide for every body
The fit of your scrubs plays a significant role in your comfort and confidence. Scrubs that are too tight can restrict movement, while those that are too loose may appear unprofessional.
Pro tip: Use our size guide to ensure an accurate fit. Happythreads offers sizes ranging from XXS to 5XL, with petite, regular and tall options for scrub trousers so everyone can find their ideal fit.
Choose colours and patterns to match your personality and workplace
Gone are the days of plain blue or white scrubs. Many workplaces now allow vibrant colours and patterns, giving you the freedom to express yourself or align with your team's branding.
- Mood-boosting colours: Many people find a colour they love gives them a lift on a long shift. Choose hues that energise you or reflect your personality.
- Workplace uniformity: If your workplace has a specific dress code, opt for colours that align with your team.
Check out our blog on the benefits of wearing colourful medical attire to learn more about how colour can enhance your day.
The best scrub fabrics for comfort and durability
Fabric quality directly affects your comfort and the scrubs' longevity. Scrubs are typically made from cotton, polyester, spandex or blends, each with unique benefits.
The Koi scrubs advantage: most Koi collections use lightweight, moisture-wicking, easy-care fabrics, giving you all-day comfort, a professional look and long-lasting performance. Our scrub care guide explains how to keep them that way, wash after wash.
Style meets functionality: the right scrub features for you
Scrubs have evolved to include stylish designs such as jogger scrub bottoms, elasticated waistbands, zippered necklines and tuckable tops that blend comfort with fashion.
Pro tip: Pair mid-rise joggers with tuckable tops for a flattering, feminine silhouette and all-day security.
Pockets for practicality: the scrub storage you need
Pockets are essential for carrying tools and personal items. Look for scrub tops and trousers with multiple pocket options, including cargo and hidden zipper pockets.
Shop by scrub collection
Koi scrubs
- Koi Next Gen: Sleek, professional and stretchy for all-day comfort and flexibility.
- Koi Lite: Lightweight, breathable, wrinkle-resistant and ideal for vets or busy wards.
- Koi Basics: Affordable, high-quality, moisture-wicking with contrast details and pockets.
- Koi Cureology: Soft yet durable with a minimalist look and professional polish.
- Koi Solis: Tops, trousers and the Anja scrub jumpsuit in Koi's ExoFlex™ fabric, which combines a tough ripstop weave with a soft, stretchy feel. Pet-friendly and a favourite with vet teams.
- Koi Classics: Timeless cotton scrubs.
Orange Standard scrubs
Crafted from a breathable polyester-rayon blend, offering lightweight comfort with a modern, tailored fit. Unisex and team-friendly with lots of colour options.
Cherokee and Dickies scrubs
Known for durability, structure and long-lasting quality. Ideal for high-intensity roles and professionals who need their scrubs to go the distance.
Special features to consider in scrubs
- Soft and premium: Try Koi Next Gen or Koi Cureology for fabrics that feel amazing against the skin.
- Warm weather: Koi Basics is ideal for lighter wear in warmer settings.
Scrubs with the most pockets
- Best combo: Koi Basics Becca Scrub Top + Koi Basics Women's Holly Scrub Trousers = 12 pockets
- Runner-up: Koi Next Gen Hustle And Heart Scrub Top + Koi Next Gen Women's Good Vibe Scrub Joggers = 10 pockets
- Cargo-friendly: Koi Lite Philosophy Scrub Top + Koi Lite Women's Peace Scrub Trousers = 7 pockets
Most comfortable scrubs for long shifts
- Koi Next Gen Women's Good Vibe Scrub Joggers: Elastic waistband, cuffed ankles, breathable fabric.
- Koi Next Gen Ready To Work Scrub Top: Practical pocket setup and stretch comfort for busy days.
The best scrubs for your profession
| Profession | Top picks |
|---|---|
| Nursing | Koi Basics, Cherokee Revolution |
| Dental | Cherokee Core Stretch, Koi Next Gen |
| Veterinary | Koi Lite, Dickies |
| Beauty and spa | HappyFIT, Koi Solis |
| Physiotherapy | Dickies, Cherokee Originals |
| Childcare and care homes | Orange Standard, Budget Scrubs |
| Medical and hospital | Koi Cureology, Cherokee Revolution |
How to buy the right scrubs online
- Check sizing: Inclusive range from XXS to 5XL, with petite and tall options.
- Match your role: Choose colours and features that work for your profession.
- Get the extras: Don't forget accessories: scrub caps, shoes, badge reels and compression socks.
- Add embroidery: Personalise your uniform with name or logo embroidery, done in-house by our team.
Ready to find your perfect fit?
Choosing the right scrubs doesn't have to be overwhelming. By considering factors like fit, fabric, colour and style, you can find scrubs that enhance your comfort, functionality and professional image.
At Happythreads, we're proud to offer a wide range of high-quality scrubs tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals. More than 10,000 healthcare professionals already trust us, and we're rated 4.9/5 on Google.
Have questions or need assistance? Our expert team is here to help you find scrubs that truly fit you. Start exploring our collections today and discover the perfect scrubs for your workday.
FAQ - Choosing the best scrubs in the UK
What are the best scrubs in the UK?
There is no single best scrub for everyone. The best scrubs in the UK are the ones that fit well, use a breathable stretch fabric and suit your role. Koi Next Gen and Koi Cureology are popular for softness, Koi Lite for lightweight wear, and Cherokee and Dickies for durability.
How do I choose the right scrub size?
Measure your bust or chest, waist, hips and leg length, then compare them with the size guide for the brand you are buying, as sizing varies between manufacturers. Unisex styles tend to run large. Most of our scrubs come in XXS to 5XL, and many trousers in petite, regular and tall lengths.
What is the best fabric for scrubs?
For long shifts, a polyester and spandex blend is usually the most practical choice: it stretches, wicks moisture, dries quickly and needs no ironing. If you prefer a natural feel, cotton-rich scrubs such as Koi Classics are a good alternative.
Which scrubs have the most pockets?
Pairing the Koi Basics Becca Scrub Top with the Koi Basics Women's Holly Scrub Trousers gives you 12 pockets in total. The Koi Next Gen Hustle And Heart Scrub Top with the Koi Next Gen Women's Good Vibe Scrub Joggers comes a close second with 10.
Related blogs:
- Personalised scrubs: everything you need to know about embroidery
- Why your scrub choice matters
- Nurse scrubs UK: how to choose comfortable, practical uniforms for every shift
Author: Happythreads Marketing