Plus Size Printed Scrub Tops

Scrub Styles

Generally, most scrub tops are designed in a very simple, straight-up-and-down styling with a short sleeve. Many are unisex with identical chest and hip measurements. Some scrub designers are now producing more a-line designs with a slightly wider hip.

It is important to look and feel good in your scrubs. You will be wearing them all day. You should look for styles that complement your figure, just as you would for the other clothes in your wardrobe.

Necklines

• V-neck – The open neck is slimming for the full-figured woman or a woman with a fuller face and neck.
• Crossover – V-neck styling with a functional two-piece wrap and empire waist is a very feminine style. The side panels could open under extreme movement; so, this style is often better-suited for a woman who spends more time at a desk.
• Mock-wrap – V-neck styling with mock wrap. The diagonal lines of this scrub are very flattering for the full-figured woman.

Design Features

• Chest pockets – Plus size printed scrub tops with chest pockets are not as flattering to a full-figured woman as lower side pockets. The pocket is very visible since the print on the pockets never seems to align with the print on the scrub. If you must have extra pockets, look for a scrub jacket with pockets that you can wear over your print scrub top.
• Longer length – All plus size garments look better on a plus size body if they are long enough to flow over the hips. This is also true for scrub tops.
• Side vents – Most scrubs are designed with side vents that really contribute to easy movement.

Fabrics

Look for cotton-rich fabrics. They will keep you cooler all day and are machine washable and dryable.

Some plus size scrubs now have a touch of Lycra or Spandex which allows for very comfortable movement. These scrubs are often a little more expensive; but, the added mobility and the shape-retention of the fabric certainly make them worth the few added dollars.

Tips

• Avoid big prints that seem to make you appear larger. For the most flattering prints look for smaller, less dynamic prints.
• Wear printed scrub tops with solid (no print) scrub pants. The solid bottom will be more flattering on a larger size woman.
• Shop for seasonal prints at least two to three months before the holiday. The inventories tend to be smaller on plus size scrubs and the seasonal prints often sell out before the season starts. The retailer would not reorder the print until the following year.
• The sizing is not standardized between scrub manufacturers. Be sure to check the size chart against your measurements. Many of the scrubs are unisex so the cut is straight – no flare out for hips. If your hips are larger than your bust measurement, select the size based on your hip measurement.
• Scrubs are very easy to sew. The straight sides and pull-over styling make them a very fast project. The fabric stores always have a wide selection of fun prints that would be great when used for scrubs. The major pattern companies all have scrub patterns. Check with your fabric store if you need help or to get the contact information for a seamstress in your area.

Accessories

• Watches – If you are wearing scrubs, you're probably in a job that requires you to follow a schedule. Your watch is one of your key accessories. If you have an extra large wrist you should look for the many watches and watch bands that are now available for larger wrists.
• Socks – Being on your feet all day can increase foot and leg swelling. Consider wearing compression socks with your scrubs. You will really feel the difference in foot and leg comfort!

Where to Buy Plus Size Printed Scrub Tops

Printed scrub tops can be purchased in plus sizes in some uniform supply retailers. However, the largest selection of prints and sizes are online and in plus size catalogs:

• Woman Within – Low- to moderately priced scrub separates to size 5X.
• OneStopPlus.com – Low- to moderately priced scrub separates to size 5X.
• Lydia's Uniforms – Low-priced, name brand scrub separates to size 5XL.
• AllHeart.com – Low-priced, Disney and cartoon character scrub separates to size 3XL.
• TSUniforms.com – Low- to moderately priced scrub separates to size 5XL.
• Scrubs & Beyond – Moderately-priced scrub separates to size 5XL.
• Trend Uniforms – Low-priced scrubs to size 4X.
• eBay – Bid at various retailers for a variety of styles and patterns to size 6X.