DOs and DON’Ts for mixing street clothes with scrubs

DON’T Let Long Sleeves Slow You Down
Wearing a turtleneck or long-sleeve T-shirt underneath your scrubs is a hit-or-miss proposition. Try wearing a white one for a day, then check your cuffs at the end of the shift. Are they dirty or stained? Did you find yourself constantly adjusting your sleeves up and down your forearms because they were uncomfortable or in the way?

DO Choose the Top to Get the Job Done
Layering a short-sleeve T-shirt under a scrubs top that has three-quarter-length sleeves might be a better solution to add a little warmth if long sleeves are a problem. If you do wear a long-sleeve shirt under your scrubs, try to find one that matches the color of your scrubs top. This makes it look more like part of the uniform and is less likely to get you in trouble if you work at a hospital that requires color-coded scrubs.

DON’T Make a Misstep with Leg Wear
Tights and leggings can add a little insulation if your legs tend to get chilly—but they can create a big problem if you don’t watch out. Colored tights or dark leggings under white or pastel scrubs pants are going to give the overlying fabric an odd tinge. The stretchy material used in tights and leggings also makes them tend to catch and cling when layered under pants. This can make it difficult to squat or sit since the fabric over your thighs and knees may start binding. Leggings can also add substantial bulk—making scrubs pants that usually fit fine look much tighter than usual.

DO Make Room for Leg Layers
If you need an extra layer for your legs, try these tips:

• Choose a scrubs pant in a dark color.
• Make sure your pants are a size larger than you usually wear.
• Pick a blended fabric rather than 100 percent cotton to reduce binding.

• Try on your outfit at home and check it in the mirror for fashion, fit and function issues before you debut it at work.