TIPS FOR THE FIRST TIME SCRUB SHOPPER
FIT
When you are shopping our site you will find a wealth of information about each garment. We are updating the garment descriptions daily with any new bit of information we acquire based on customer questions and feedback. The manufacturers do use some code language to describe their products that the average person might not understand fully what it means in regards to the garment; so here are some helpful explanations of garment terminology.
REGULAR, PETITE and TALL: In regards to pants; these denote length of the inseam and rise. Inseam is the distance from the seam at the center of the crotch, down the inside of the leg to the bottom of the leg. Rise is the distance from the seam at the center of the crotch, up the front to the waist and up the back to the waist. Pant example, 7602 comes in three lengths. Inseam: Petite = 29.5", Regular = 31.5”, Tall = 34.5”. The rise on Petite is 14”in front and 12.5” in back, Regular is 15” in front and 13.5” in back, Tall is 15.75” in front and 14.25” in back. So remember when you choose a length, you will not only get a longer or shorter leg, you will get a longer or shorter rise.
REGULAR, LONG/TALL in regards to lab coats: On a lab coat, when you choose the length, regular or long/tall, you will change the length of the sleeve and the length of the body of the coat. The length of the sleeve is measured from the seam at the top of the shoulder down the outside of the arm to the wrist. The length of the body or “center back length” is measured from the seam at the back of the neck where the collar is attached, down the center of the back to the bottom of the coat. As an example lab coat 3124 in REGULAR has a body length of 37” with a sleeve of 25”. The LONG/TALL has a body length of 39” and a sleeve of 27”. On average, choosing long/tall will add 2” to the sleeve and the body length.
Some of the manufacturers use the terms like CLASSIC, CONTEMPORARY or MODERN to separate their garments. CLASSIC = are generously cut to provide optimal comfort and ease of movement with tops that are fit for comfort and ease with longer and wider sleeves and more room in the body, and pants with higher rise and wider leg opening. MODERN = are tailored to flatter your shape without limiting movement with tops that have a more contoured shape with slimmer sleeves and pants that sit lower on the waist with a shorter rise and narrower leg opening. CONTEMPORARY = contoured to conform to your body with shorter, slimmer sleeves on tops and an overall trimmer fit in tops and pants with a lower rise and snugger leg.
FABRIC WEIGHT
Fabric weight is usually given in ounces per yard here in the U.S.A. (None of that metric stuff for us!) What it's describing is how much one yard of each particular fabric would weigh. Think of this like the thread count on sheets. We all know the difference in feel between a 180 thread count sheet and a 400 thread count sheet, not to mention the difference in how long they will last after multiple use/wash cycles. No contest, right? Well the same logic can be applied to your uniforms. If two tops are both made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, but one is 3.5oz and the other is 4.5oz, we know that the 4.5oz is a tighter weave and will have a smoother feel and will hold up through more use/wash cycles.
Another benefit to the higher fabric weight, when buying whites, is more modesty. There is nothing worse than being able to see your under garments through a white top or pant. Higher fabric weight = tighter weave = less show through.
The manufacturers don't normally advertise the fabric weight, so a good rule to follow is, like with 180 vs. 400 thread count sheets, you get what you pay for. Most of the "economy lines" can be sold for less because they are made from the thinner less expensive fabric. That is fine if your job is a gritty one that forces you to replace your uniforms more frequently.
We've talked in previous blogs about the difference between poplin and twill fabrics and the different fabric blends. All of that, combined with the fabric weight make the garment feel, drape, wash and wear differently.
GETTING AND KEEPING MATCHING COLOR ON YOUR TOPS AND PANTS
We know you want to look professional and put together on the job, and nothing can spoil that faster than a top and pant that is not a good match in color. Here are some tips to get a good match and keep them looking great together as simple as 1, 2, 3!
1.Buy tops and pants at the same time.
2.Buy tops and pants from, not just the same brand, but the same line within the brand.
3.Follow the manufacturer's laundering instructions and wash the top and pant together.
#1 Buy tops and pants at the same time. Have you ever heard of "dye lots"? Fabric is dyed in large batches called dye lots. From one dye lot to another, there can be a slight difference in shade. If you buy the top and the bottom at the same time, you are much more likely to get them from the same dye lot, thus ensuring an exact color match.
#2 Buy tops and pants from, not just the same brand name, but the same "line" within the brand. I am using the Landau brand for today's example. Under the brand name of Landau you will fine multiple "lines" of uniforms made of different fabrics.
LANDAU (standard line) 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton Poplin Navy - BNP
LANDAU SMART STRETCH 52% Cotton / 45% Polyester / 3% Spandex Navy-BNCH
LANDAU SCRUB ZONE 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton Navy Blue – NAVY
LANDAU PROFLEX 73% Polyester / 25% Rayon / 2% Spandex twill True Navy – TNPR
LANDAU URBANE ULTIMATE 54% Rayon / 44% Polyester / 2% Spandex Navy – BNAH
LANDAU URBANE PERFORMANCE 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex 4-Way Stretch Navy – BNFS
LANDAU PRE-WASHED 53% Cotton / 44% Polyester / 3% Spandex Pre-Washed Navy - BNCV
The fabric content causes the cloth to grab and hold the dye differently from one blend to another. Grabbing the dye refers to the way the dye is absorbed by the fibers in the fabric. Holding the dye refers to the way the garment maintains the color over time with wear and washing.
The content of the fabric and the weave of the fabric will also cause it to reflect light differently. Many uniforms are made from 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton with a "poplin" weave. The garments are made from the same blend of 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton but the weave is "twill". So what is the difference between Poplin and Twill? Poplin bears a smoother texture but, the result of a fine yarn running one way with a thicker one interweaving it. ... Meanwhile, twill, a shimmery diagonal weave, makes for richly textured fabric.
Darker colors like Navy Blue or Black will be most noticeable in the differences in shade. Sunlight is the true test. A Navy top and pant may look fine when you put them on at home, but then you walk outside in the sunlight and the difference in shade is apparent. The great tip with Landau colors, they have a code after the color name. (see above) Match the code and you are sure to get a matching top and pant.
#3 Follow the manufacturers laundering instructions and wash the top and pant together. No matter how well made a garment is, over time, and after multiple washings, they eventually start to fade and loose that "like new" look. Your best defense is to follow the manufacturer's laundering instructions and to always wash the top and pant together. This will ensure the pieces of your outfit will age gracefully together.
You will find both the fabric content and the manufacturer's laundering instructions for each garment in the "Fabric & Care" tab of the product description on our web site. Following these simple steps will keep your uniforms, and you, looking great!
*CLEARANCE*
All items we list on our site ship direct to you from the manufacturer. Several times a year, each manufacturer, will put out a list of styles, colors, prints or sizes that they have decided to drop from their offering. Once they publish this list of discontinued items, the garment is no longer able to be sent back for return or exchange. All sales are to be final. Hence any item marked *CLEARANCE* at the time of purchase on our site is not able to be returned for refund or exchange.
THANK YOU
Thank you for trusting us to help you navigate the world of scrubs. We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or need assistance selecting a style or size, our knowledgeable customer service team is ready to help M-F 8:30am – 4:30pm CST by phone 855-391-9200, live chat, or email. Thank you for letting us help you with your uniform needs.
