Scrubwear, once reserved strictly for the medical field, has slowly crept into everyday fashion. From doctors and nurses to chefs and artists, the comfort and practicality of scrubs have caught on across different industries. But let’s face it—scrubs have a reputation of being purely workwear, mostly worn for their durability and comfort in high-demand environments. However, with the rise of athleisure and relaxed office dress codes, it’s time to rethink scrubwear and explore how men can style it beyond the workplace.
In this blog, we’re going to dive into different ways men can wear scrubwear outside of the hospital or clinic. Whether you’re heading out for a casual day, lounging at home, or even hitting the streets for a night out, scrubwear can offer a stylish, comfortable, and practical option when put together thoughtfully. Let’s explore how you can elevate this workwear staple into a versatile, fashionable choice.
1. Understand the Key Features of Scrubwear
Before diving into the styling tips, it’s essential to understand why scrubwear is such a popular choice in the first place.
- Comfort: Scrubwear is designed for ease of movement, comfort, and breathability. Most scrubs are made from soft, stretchy fabrics that allow you to move freely.
- Durability: Scrubs are designed to withstand long shifts and tough work conditions, meaning they’re built to last.
- Practicality: With deep pockets and minimalistic designs, scrubwear offers functionality that’s hard to beat.
These are the qualities that make scrubs ideal for everyday wear. Now, let’s look at how you can take these functional basics and make them a fashionable option for off-duty life.
2. Opt for Modern Cuts and Colors
Traditional scrubwear can sometimes be seen as bland or unflattering, but the current trends in scrub design have made it much easier to integrate them into casual outfits. When selecting scrubs for off-duty wear, focus on modern cuts, fits, and colors that will elevate the overall look.
- Tailored Fits: Look for scrubs uniforms that have a more tailored or slim-fit design. This will help avoid the boxy, overly baggy appearance of older scrub styles, making the outfit look cleaner and more stylish. A tailored scrub top will hug your shoulders and chest in a more flattering way, making it look less like workwear and more like casual street style.
- Neutral and Muted Tones: Opt for neutral colors like navy, grey, black, and charcoal. These tones are versatile and can easily be paired with other wardrobe staples. Avoid overly bright or loud patterns unless you’re going for a bold look—neutral tones are more suitable for versatile styling.
- Subtle Patterns: If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of scrubs available with subtle patterns or textures. Look for pieces with minimal prints, like pinstripes or checkered patterns, to add interest without making the outfit look too loud.
3. Pair Scrub Tops with Casual Trousers
One of the simplest ways to wear scrubwear outside of the workplace is by pairing a scrub top with casual trousers or chinos. Chinos, particularly in khaki, beige, or navy, complement the softness of scrubwear without clashing in style.
- Chinos: A pair of slim-fit chinos in a neutral color works beautifully with a scrub top. Chinos offer structure, so they balance out the relaxed fit of scrubwear, resulting in a laid-back yet polished outfit.
- Jeans: On days when you want a more rugged look, swap out chinos for dark denim jeans. The sturdiness of denim pairs well with the soft, lightweight fabric of scrubs, and a well-fitted pair of jeans can instantly make your scrub top appear more refined.
- Joggers: For a more athleisure-inspired outfit, pair a scrub top with a comfortable pair of joggers. Look for joggers in a neutral shade, and consider wearing them with high-top sneakers for a street-style vibe.
When choosing your bottom half, it’s all about balance. If you opt for a slim-fit scrub top, balance it with slightly looser-fitting trousers. On the other hand, if the scrub top is loose or oversized, pair it with a more fitted bottom.
4. Layer Scrubs with Casual Outerwear
Layering is a great way to elevate scrubwear and make it look less like a uniform. By adding a stylish outer layer, such as a jacket or hoodie, you can create a more polished and purposeful look.
- Bomber Jackets: A classic bomber jacket adds a trendy touch when worn over a scrub top. The bomber jacket’s sporty feel works well with the comfortable nature of scrubs, making it ideal for a casual outing.
- Denim Jackets: If you’re going for a more timeless, cool vibe, a denim jacket can add a touch of structure to the softness of scrubwear. It’s also versatile and will pair well with a variety of colors and styles of scrubs.
- Hoodies: For a relaxed and comfortable look, layer a hoodie over your scrub top. Opt for a slim-fit hoodie in a neutral tone to keep the outfit from looking too bulky. This combination is perfect for a weekend lounging outfit or for running errands.
When layering scrubwear, the key is to keep your outerwear casual and simple. Over-the-top outer layers can detract from the clean lines and minimalistic vibe of scrubwear, so aim for a streamlined and effortless look.
5. Accessorize with Purpose
Accessorizing is an easy way to give scrubwear a more fashionable, put-together look. Accessories can add personality to an otherwise simple outfit, making scrubwear feel more like intentional fashion than just something you threw on.
- Watches: A sleek, modern watch can instantly make scrubwear look more sophisticated. Opt for a watch with a clean design and a simple band, whether leather or stainless steel. This will add a touch of class and complement the streamlined look of the scrubs.
- Hats: A baseball cap or a fedora can bring an effortless, cool vibe to your scrub outfit. Choose hats that match the tone of your scrubs—neutral colors like black, navy, or grey will work best.
- Shoes: Footwear can make or break an outfit, and this is especially true when styling scrubwear. For a comfortable yet stylish option, choose minimalist sneakers in white, grey, or black. Avoid chunky or overly sporty sneakers—opt for something sleek and understated to complement the relaxed yet tailored look of the scrubwear. If you’re going for something a bit more polished, loafers or clean, low-profile boots can elevate the scrubwear to a more semi-casual level.
6. Wear Scrubs for Active or Leisure Days
Scrubwear is naturally suited to activities that require comfort, so wearing it while you’re out and about on active days makes perfect sense. Whether you’re heading to the gym, taking a walk, or running errands, you can style scrubs in a way that looks deliberate and fresh.
- Athleisure Look: Pair your scrub top with athletic shorts or sweatpants for a full athleisure look. Add a pair of lightweight sneakers, and you’ve got yourself a comfortable yet stylish outfit for a casual day out or a trip to the gym.
- Casual Leisure: Scrubwear is incredibly comfortable for lounging. Pair your scrub pants with a loose-fit t-shirt or casual hoodie for an outfit perfect for running errands or relaxing at home. The breathable fabric makes it great for everything from grocery shopping to meeting friends for coffee.
If you’re looking to dress down your scrubwear while still looking put-together, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics, and keep your accessories minimal.
7. Go for a Smart-Casual Look
For a smart-casual look that’s perfect for a lunch date, casual meeting, or weekend event, consider pairing scrubwear with items that bring some structure and sophistication to the outfit.
- Blazer Over Scrubs: A structured blazer can add a smart edge to an otherwise casual outfit. Pair a simple scrub top with a fitted blazer in a complementary color like navy or charcoal for a more elevated appearance. The contrast between the scrub’s softness and the blazer’s sharpness creates an interesting and stylish visual.
- Button-Down Shirts: Layer a well-fitted button-down shirt over a scrub top for a more polished look. This look works best with a scrub top in a neutral color, and it allows the shirt’s collar and cuffs to peek out for a more formal appearance. You can even roll up the sleeves for a slightly more relaxed vibe.
A smart-casual approach with scrubs keeps the look polished and approachable, striking the perfect balance between comfort and style.
Final Thoughts
While scrubwear is often associated with the healthcare industry, it’s clear that it’s more than just functional workwear. With the right pieces and styling techniques, scrubs can transcend their workplace origins and become a versatile part of your wardrobe. Whether you’re going for a sleek, smart-casual look or a laid-back, athleisure vibe, there’s a way to make scrubwear work for all aspects of your life.
When styling scrubs beyond the workplace, the key is to experiment with fit, color, and accessories. Play around with different combinations, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. After all, fashion is all about self-expression. Once you embrace this, you’ll find that scrubwear can be just as much a part of your personal style as anything else in your closet.
