Nurses need scrubs that are easy-to-clean, comfortable, and that are built-to-last, but some scrubs can get pretty pricey.
Finding a good pair of scrubs that doesn’t cost a fortune is sometimes a challenge, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best cheap scrubs to help you out.
*Disclosure: This article on best cheap scrubs for nurses may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. For more info, please see my disclaimer.
Quick Pick
- Best Overall: Just Love Women's Scrub Set
“built very well and are made from a durable polyester/cotton fabric blend” - Runner Up: MedPro Mock Wrap Women's Scrub Set
“cute and features a v-neckline and a tie-back design for added style” - Best Cheap Scrubs for Male Nurses: Natural Uniforms Men's Scrub Set
“lightweight and breathable so you can comfortably wear them for a long shift”
Best Cheap Scrubs for Nurses
1. Just Love Women’s Print Scrubs Set
- ALL DAY COMFORT: These medical scrubs for women feel soft on the skin, are comfortably roomy, and...
- GREAT QUALITY SCRUBS: We’ve used a high quality blend of 55% cotton and 45% polyester that isn’t...
- LOTS OF POCKETS: The V-neck medical scrubs sets for women come with 6 pockets to give you convenient...
Fun patterns in an easy to wear and wash cotton/polyester fabric blend is what you’ll find with these Just Love Women's Print Scrubs Set.
The cotton makes them super soft while the polyester makes them very durable.
The bottoms come with an adjustable drawstring so you can always find the perfect fit.
Each scrub top has two large front pockets and one smaller chest pocket that are ideal for holding all of your nursing essentials.
They’re machine-washable and resistant to wrinkling and shrinking.
Pros:
- Durable cotton/polyester fabric blend
- Functional drawstring bottoms
- Three pockets on the scrub top
Cons:
- Fabric is stiff at first
- Sizing runs small
- Colors tend to fade with washing
Check the price of Just Love Women's Print Scrubs Set on Amazon.com
2. Just Love Women’s Scrub Set
- ALL DAY COMFORT: These medical scrubs for women feel soft on the skin, are comfortably roomy, and...
- GREAT QUALITY SCRUBS: We’ve used a high quality blend of 55% cotton and 45% polyester that isn’t...
- LOTS OF POCKETS: The V-neck medical scrubs sets for women come with 6 pockets to give you convenient...
This Just Love Women's Scrub Set is offered in a multitude of great colors like burgundy, orange, and hot pink.
Aside from the great color selection, they are also built very well and are made from a durable polyester/cotton fabric blend.
The scrubs are machine-washable and come out looking brand new after every wash. They’re also wrinkle resistant.
There are a total of 6 pockets in each scrub set, so there’s plenty of storage room for all of your nursing necessities.
They do tend to run a bit large, so order a size down if you don’t want them baggy.
Pros:
- Durable fabric
- Machine washable
- Several pockets
Cons:
- A little baggy
- Only solid colors offered
- Pants are on the long side
Check the price of Just Love Women's Scrub Set on Amazon.com
3. Adar Unisex Scrub Set
- FIT & STYLE: Unisex Fit, Center Back Length 28.5" in Size M.
- POCKETS: 2 Patch Pockets On Top. 1 Back Pocket On Pants.
- FEATURES: Side Vents For Ease of Movement, Flat-Woven Drawstring.
If you’re looking for a very basic scrub set that is both functional and durable, this Adar Unisex Scrub Set is the one for you.
It’s got a boxier fit so it’s suitable for all body shapes and sizes. The vents on either side allow for plenty of movement and air flow so you don’t get too hot while wearing them.
The fabric is a nice polyester/cotton blend that is machine-washable and doesn’t pill like other fabrics.
The scrub top features two front pockets while the scrub bottoms feature one back pocket.
Pros:
- Side vents for movement
- Two pockets on scrub top
- One pocket on scrub bottoms
Cons:
- Not a very flattering fit
- Sizing runs small
- Scrub top is a little short
Check the price of Adar Unisex Scrub Set on Amazon.com
Related: What Do Nurses Wear Under Scrub Pants?
4. MedPro Mock Wrap Women’s Scrub Set
This cute MedPro Mock Wrap Women's Scrub Set features a v-neckline and a tie-back design for added style.
Some of the colors come with contrasting trim, while other colors have trim in the same color as the base.
There are over a dozen great color options to choose from.
Each scrub top features two large front pockets, one of which has a bungee cord attached to it for clipping your ID badge to.
The scrub bottoms feature an elastic waistband with functional drawstring, two side slash pockets, and two cargo pockets for larger items.
Pros:
- Cute mock-wrap style
- Elastic waistband
- Several pockets for storing items
Cons:
- Sizing runs a little small
- Fabric isn’t very soft
- Material is on the thin side
Check the price of MedPro Mock Wrap Women's Scrub Set on Amazon.com
5. Strictly Scrubs Women’s Classic Scrub Set
The perfect combination of modern and traditional, this is just what you need to keep all of your nursing items handy during your shift.
The mock-wrap type scrub top is a stylish alternative to traditional v-neck scrub tops, but the scrub bottoms are more traditional, with an elasticized waistband but no drawstring.
There are multiple, large pockets in both the scrub top and bottoms, including two large cargo pockets and a designated cell phone pocket on the bottoms.
The scrubs are easy to care for and machine-washable.
Pros:
- Pretty mock-wrap scrub top
- Comfortable elastic waistband
- Designated cell phone pocket
Cons:
- No drawstring on scrub bottoms
- Fabric feels rough at first
- Tends to wrinkle easily
Check the price of on Amazon.com
6. Tropi Men’s Scrub Sets
- GREAT VALUE! These scrub sets come with a matching top & bottom.
- ALL DAY COMFORT - These medical scrubs will provide all day comfort for those long shifts
- LOTS OF POCKETS! Each Scrub has many pockets for maximum storage.
If you’re searching for a basic scrub set, this Tropi Men's Scrub Sets fits the bill. It’s made from a machine-washable fabric that comes in over a dozen great colors.
Although the fabric does tend to pill and fade with frequent washes, it’s an affordable alternative that will last you for awhile.
The scrub top features a v-neckline with a chest pocket and side vents for movement and air flow.
The scrub bottoms feature a large side cargo pocket and back pocket for storing nursing essentials. There are also side vents on the bottoms so that they fit comfortably over any footwear.
Pros:
- Over a dozen color options
- Side vents for movement
- Flattering v-neckline
Cons:
- Fabric may pill
- Thin material
- Stiff at first
Check the price of Tropi Men's Scrub Sets on Amazon.com
Related: 10 Best Scrubs for Men
7. Strictly Scrubs Unisex Classic Scrub Set
- Fabric Content: 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton
- Scrub Set Includes: Unisex 1 Pocket V-Neck Top and Unisex 3 Pocket Drawstring Pant
- Scrub Top Features: V-neck, 1 pocket with pen slot, set-in sleeves, side slits
Versatile and functional, this Strictly Scrubs Unisex Classic Scrub Set has everything you need in a scrub set.
The polyester/cotton fabric blend is machine-washable and lightweight so you can comfortably wear it anytime of year.
It’s offered in a dozen rich colors, including a vibrant Eggplant and bright Turquoise.
Each scrub top features a v-neckline, chest pocket, and side vents to allow for air flow.
Each pair of scrub bottoms has an elastic waistband with a functional drawstring so you are guaranteed a great fit.
There’s also a double cargo pocket on the side to hold nursing tools.
Pros:
- Lightweight fabric
- Breathable side vents
- Functional drawstring
Cons:
- Sleeves are a little short
- Material is stiff
- Fabric tends to fray easily
Check the price of Strictly Scrubs Unisex Classic Scrub Set on Amazon.com
8. MedPro Women’s Medical Scrub Set
It’s the small details that make this MedPro Women's Medical Scrub Set worth so much more than what it costs.
The colors are vibrant and really make a statement. They don’t tend to fade with frequent washes either.
The flattering v-neckline is accented with a thick trim. Two side pockets on the scrub top are nicely sized, and one features a bungee cord for holding your ID badge.
The lightweight bottoms feature an elastic waistband with drawstring, two side slash pockets, and two large cargo pockets.
The combination of cotton and polyester fabric makes them soft and comfortable.
Pros:
- Flattering v-neckline
- Bungee cord for ID badge
- Large cargo pockets
Cons:
- No side vents
- Material is thin
- Sizing runs tight around the chest
Check the price of MedPro Women's Medical Scrub Set on Amazon.com
9. Minty Mint Women’s Scrub Set
- DESIGN: Feminine yet crisp cut, modern fit. Activewear performance fabric features four way stretch,...
- Imported
- TRIM: The top shirt features short sleeve, V neck, side slits and two front patch pockets and bungee...
Scrubs that look great and move with you are possible with this Minty Mint Women's Scrub Set.
The v-neckline and side vents provide a modern fit that is flattering on any body type.
Nine great color options are resistant to fading, even after multiple washes.
The fabric is lightweight and breathable so you can wear them comfortably all day long.
You’ll find several pockets strategically located on these scrubs.
Two front pockets with a bungee cord for your ID badge are located on the top, while two side slash pockets and a large cargo pocket are located on the scrub bottoms.
Pros:
- Durable material resists fading
- Lightweight fabric
- Plenty of pockets
Cons:
- Sizing runs small
- Thin material
- Cargo pocket isn’t very large
Check the price of Minty Mint Women's Scrub Set on Amazon.com
10. Natural Uniforms Men’s Scrub Set
- Great for nurses, CNAs, vets, dental assistants, medical exams, science labs, med schools, nursing...
- 3 Pocket Top - Side Slits with Set-In Sleeves, Two Cargo Pockets, Cell Phone Pocket, Scissor Pocket...
- Brilliant, Color-Fast Fabric – Colors do not Fade. M&M SCRUBS medical scrub set come in a variety...
Incredibly durable thanks to the polyester/cotton fabric blend, this Natural Uniforms Men's Scrub Set is built to last much longer than the price would lead you to believe.
There are dozens of great solid color options, all of which are resistant to fading. They’re machine-washable for easy cleanup.
The fabric is lightweight and breathable so you can comfortably wear them for a long shift.
There are pockets galore, with three on the top and two on the bottom. Each pocket is generously sized so you can fit a lot of your nursing tools in them.
Pros:
- Durable fabric
- Machine-washable for easy cleaning
- Multiple large pockets
Cons:
- Sizing runs big
- Fabric is rough at first but softens with washing
- No side vents
Check the price of Natural Uniforms Men's Scrub Set on Amazon.com
Scrubs Buying Guide for Nurses
Machine Washable
Your scrubs can get pretty dirty during a long, 12-hour shift, so it’s important that they are easy-to-clean.
Machine-washable scrubs are ideal because they can simply be thrown in the washing machine and it does all of the work for you.
Washing scrubs by hand is much more time consuming and it also may not get the scrubs as clean as a washing machine would.
Not all fabrics are machine-washable. Some fabrics, like wool and silk, need to be washed by hand or taken to the dry cleaners.
While most scrubs aren’t made from these types of materials, it’s important to note the washing instructions before just throwing them in the washing machine.
Related: Why Do Nurses Wear Scrubs?
Softening Stiff Fabrics
Some cheaper scrubs are made from less-expensive fabrics like polyester.
Polyester is very durable and inexpensive, making it an excellent fabric choice for those seeking a good pair of scrubs on a budget.
Polyester does tend to be stiffer than other fabrics, though.
Purchasing polyester scrubs that are combined with another fabric, like cotton or rayon, can make the scrubs a bit softer and stretchier.
You can also soften stiff scrubs by washing them with fabric softener a few times before wearing.
Really stiff garments may need to be soaked in fabric softener overnight.
Related: Do Nurses Pick Their Own Scrubs?
Side Vents
Have you ever wondered what those slits on the sides of scrubs are for? They’re called side vents and they’re actually really useful.
They allow the fabric to move more freely so the scrubs don’t bunch up and they feel more comfortable.
They also allow for some air flow on the sides of the body which can keep the body cooler during a long shift.
Side vents also allow easier access to the side pockets in scrub bottoms. You won’t have to lift your scrub top up in order to reach into your pockets.
If you can find a scrub top with side vents, it’s a great feature to have.
Types of Necklines
There are many different types of necklines, but the most common are a crew neckline and v-neckline.
V-necklines aren’t always work-appropriate, but they can be if the bottom of the “v” hits higher up on the chest so that it offers more coverage.
V-necklines are also nice if you like to clip your ID badge to the trim of your scrub top.
Having your ID badge higher up on your shirt also makes you easily identifiable by other staff and patients.
Some less-common necklines that you may see with scrub tops are:
- Turtleneck
- Scoop neck
- Boat neck
- Square neck
- Surplice neck
Cargo Pockets
Nurses need many pockets. With so many nursing tools to carry around, pockets are absolutely essential when it comes to scrubs.
Cargo pockets are the best types of pockets to have because they are larger than regular pockets and can hold more items.
Cargo pockets are usually located on the sides of the scrub bottoms.
They may have a closure, like a zipper or button, to help keep items tucked securely inside.
Some cargo pockets may come as a double pocket, where there’s a smaller pocket over-top of the larger pocket.
Final Thoughts
Scrubs don’t have to be expensive to be suitable for nurses.
Since nurses encounter many messes, like bodily fluids, during their shifts, cheaper scrubs might actually be the better option because you can replace them more frequently.
All of these scrubs are affordable choices for nurses who wear them often.
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Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much do nurses spend on scrubs?
Scrubs can be as lows as a few dollars at Walmart to $30+ a piece for more premium scrubs at specialty scrub stores or online.
-
Are expensive scrubs worth it?
If you’re on a tight budget than expensive scrubs maybe a better fit for you. Keep in mind that a cheap scrub may not last as long or fit as well as the premium scrubs do.