Imedecin Nursing Uniforms Scrubs

Scrub Top Trim

Re-defining Value in Physician Scrubs & Lab Coats

When it comes to defining the market for lab coats and scrubs, the major healthcare uniform manufacturers have set the bar lower, rather than higher, by competing not on meaningful innovation, but on price.  In their pursuit of lowering manufacturing costs, most medical uniform companies have found ways to minimize the expense of virtually every element of the garment. From the fabric, design, sizing, and even stitching, this priority to drive down costs has resulted in low prices - achieved at the expense of comfort, fit, and fashion. Garments are boxy and shapeless. Waistlines are too big and necklines too low. Fabrics fade. Seams tear. Stains set in.

Since women in medicine have had no choice but to accept this lowered standard as the professional status quo, price has defined the market, and it continues to influence the selection of medical uniforms. Ironically, those who purchase uniforms — physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and nurse practitioners, to name a few — have incomes that support spending more for quality medical uniforms. But how does one change old perceptions that rely on price instead of embracing true value?

In the last year, the paradigm has begun to shift and new alternatives have emerged that challenge the idea of low price as the sole determining factor.

We found an innovative medical apparel company at the forefront of this change: Medelita is a California-based manufacturer and online retailer founded by a female physician assistant of nine years. According to their founder, Lara Manchik PA-C, Medelita maintains the overall design of the traditional medical scrubs and lab coats, modernized with performance fabrics that are tailored specifically for a woman’s shape. They use high quality performance fabrics such as Dri-release® with FreshGuard® by Optimer, Inc. and Advanced Dual Action Teflon® fabric protector by DuPont, to add functionality, durability, and practicality to their garments. Below, Medelita’s founder gives some insights on selecting and buying high quality, high value medical uniforms:

• Choose quality that lasts. Perhaps one of the most important features to look for is how long the garment will last. If a pocket tears or the drawstring unravels – the value is lost. Look for reinforced seams at high pressure points (pockets, waistlines), pocket bands with fusing or interlining, as well as reinforced seams at all vents, including the neckline and side seam pockets. The trim and especially the drawstring should be made from 100 percent polyester, to avoid fraying and unraveling. Buttons should also be made from 100 percent polyester to withstand frequent laundering.

• Make first impressions count. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression. In addition to being wearable, a garment must convey excellence and professionalism, and by that, we mean good workmanship and a crisp, clean, stain-free appearance. Look for scrubs made with virgin polyester and cotton blends that resist pilling, fading, and thinning of fabrics. This is essential to medical uniforms, as they are washed and dried at higher temperatures.

• Look for designer-caliber tailoring. Straight, boxy lines are cheap to sew, but result in a poor fit. Sewing curves rather than straight lines is more difficult and may cost more, but results in a garment that truly fits and flatters the female figure. At Medelita, the motto is "scrubs are square and women are not." They sew almost every single seam with a slight curve to it. And they take it a step further with darting at the bust and shaping in the hips and thigh, giving an elongated, flattering appearance.

• Made in the USA. Manufacturing in the states is generally more expensive than going overseas, but the quality control is usually higher too. Buying U.S. supports the country’s economic growth, which for some consumers is an equally important consideration when purchasing medical uniforms.

• Go for brand names. Generic fabric treatments such as anti-soil treatments, quick-dry treatments, and anti-wrinkle treatments, are used widely in the uniform industry, however, the longevity and overall effectiveness of generic treatments pale in comparison to certified performance fabric treatments. For example, a generic soil-release treatment may last 5-10 washings, whereas the certified performance treatments are designed to last the life of the garment. Look for manufacturers, like Medelita, who use only certified treatments. While it may cost more, in the long run, it’s well worth it. Fabrics treated with certified treatments last longer, repel stains and fluid, resist pilling and fading and wash well.

• Shop merchants with great customer service. Online shopping can be very impersonal and downright frustrating, should a problem occur. Often, sites do not list a phone number or way to contact them in case of an issue. Look for companies with a great customer service policy that ensures inquiries can be addressed by a live human being, preferably someone who knows the product well. At Medelita, the products are backed by a Professional Courtesy Guarantee™.

About the Author

Author K. Green has worked in the medical field for years and has first hand experience wearing various types and brands of medical scrubs

Koi contrast trim scrub top. $22.99 This solid scrub top from Koi Scrubs has a sporty crossover styling with unique embroideries and stripe trim on the crossover neckline. 2 side slash pockets. Sizes XS-3X. Center back length: 24 3/4inch. 55% cotton/45% poly.

Peaches contrast trim scrub top. $21.99 Peaches contrast trim top. Mock-wrap styling with 2 side pockets. Side slit.

IguanaMed contrast trim wrap scrub top. $23.99 The IguanaMed Fit - Perfected for nurses by nurses of all body types. IguanaMed scrub styles help accentuate the body and contour without being tight. Med Flex II revolutionary fabric is poly-cotton with stretch for a sporty sophisticated look. Pullover top with contrast trim and 2 side pockets. Performance apparel for the medical professional.

Scrub Works clip dot scrub top. $22.99 Look great - save more with Scrub Works! This clip dot scrubs top features a textured fabric with inset empire waist and lace trim. Front pockets. 26inch length. 100% cotton dotted swiss.

Landau contrast trim scrub top. $19.99 Contrast trim at the shoulders and dolman sleeves and across the chest patch pocket adds a designer touch to this men's scrubs top. Reinforced v-neck and back yoke, back shirttail hem. Sizes S-3X. 65% polyester/35% cotton. See why Landau is Made Better - Better Fabric: Landau Care Instructions

Scrub Works Sweet Flowers print scrub top. $20.99 Look great - save more with value priced print scrubs tops from Scrub Works! The Sweet Flowers print top features an inset empire waist with lace trim, front pockets, and a lace trim hem. 26inch length. 100% cotton. Sizes XS-3X.

Scrub Works Scratchy Daisy print scrub top. $18.99 Look great - save more with Scrub Works value priced print scrub tops! The Scratchy Daisy print features a easy fit v-neck with contrast print trim at sleeves and waist tabs. 26inch length. 100% cotton. Sizes XS-3X.

Cherokee Workwear contrast trim scrub top. $17.99 Scrubs & Beyond is your Workwear Headquarters! Find great value, the latest colors, and the Cherokee Workwear Uniform Scrubs quality you depend on. A must-have addition to your Cherokee Workwear wardrobe. This scrub top has contrast trim along the v-neck & mock-wrap, plus longer back hem, 2 side angled pockets and move-friendly side slits. Cherokee Workwear logo on left sleeve. 23 1/2inch Length. Polyester/Cotton. Sizes XS-5X.

Greys Anatomy buckle trim scrub top. $28.99 Greys Anatomy Professional Wear by Barco is seriously soft fabric that pampers you as you spend the day taking care of others. This revolutionary fabric is a super soft blend of 77% polyester and 23% rayon with built in mechanical stretch, providing ease of movement for the life of the garment. Moisture-wicking properties keep you cool and comfortable. This womens scrub top features an empire waist with v-neckline, button trim, faux belt detail, angled front pockets. and fitted back. The contemporary cut is figure flattering with a closer to the body drape. 25inch Length. Sizes XS-3X.

Cherokee Houndstooth print scoop neck scrub top. $23.99 Cherokee Houndstooth print scoop neck scrub top. Scoop neckline with contrast trim. Princess seams. Top stitch detail. Patch pockets. 100% Cotton.

Landau piped trim v-neck two pocket scrub top. $20.99 Landau's classic pullover top updated with contrasting piped trim at neckline and stethoscope tab. Medical scrub top features double front pockets with instrument tape inside right pocket. Move-friendly side slits make this scrub top perfect for medical professionals. Length 27 1/4.inch Great for groups - available in sizes XS-5X! See why Landau is Made Better - Better Fabric: Landau Care Instructions

Landau Mystere print scrub top. $23.99 Cross-over V-neck print scrub top with banded trim and accent piping at neck and waist. Two deep angled pockets. 100% cotton. 26inch length. XS-2X. See why Landau is Made Better - Better Construction:Landau Care Instructions

Dickies Violeta print scrub top. $24.99 Pretty in purples print scrub top features a smocked scoop neckline with drawstring waist, back elastic, angled pockets, and side vents. Violet print trim adds just the right pop of color. 26 1/2inch Length. 100% cotton poplin. Junior fit. Sizes XS-3X.

Landau mock-wrap scrub top. $20.99 Mock-wrap scrub top from Landau Uniforms features empire waist styling with crossover neckline, bias trim, back tie belt, and single lower pocket. Sizes XS-3X. 26 1/2inch Length. 65% polyester/35% cotton. See why Landau is Made Better - Better Quality Control: Landau Care Instructions

Urbane mock-wrap scrub top. $20.98 The latest look from Urbane features bold, contrast trim on neckline, wrap detail, and back tab. Contoured hem and back tucks give this scrub top a flattering fit. Urbane logo on lower pocket. Stylish shorter length, and move-friendly side slits. Pairs perfectly with Urbane's drawstring scrub pant. Polyester/Cotton. Landau Care Instructions

Cherokee Flexibles -crossover scrub top. $21.99 Cherokee Flexibles Scrubs are the scrubs That Work WITH You. Innovative designs shape and slim the body as the stretch knit side panels inchflexinch with you all day long! Stretchy spandex panels on both sides of this cute crossover scrub top trim your figure in the most amazing way! You'll also appreciate the roomy kangaroo pocket across the front. Pairs perfectly with matching Flexibles scrub pants. Sizes XS-3X. 65% poly/35% cotton with stretch insets of 88% poly/12% spandex. Center back length 25inch.

White Cross Marvella button trim scrub top. $26.99 Look Great - feel Marvelous - in White Cross's new Marvella miracle fabric! This luxurious new fabric has a soft feel, elegant drape, and is easy care. The button trim top features a notch neckline with button trim, empire waist, and softly puffed sleeves. 26 1/2inch length. 62% polyester/ 34% rayon/ 4% spandex.

Urbane sport stretch contrast trim scrub top. $25.99 Sporty new stying from the Urbane 's Memory Flex Stretch collection! Unique, curved, piped contrast trim accents the neckline and front pockets on this tunic style scrubs uniform top. 26inch Length. 63.5% poly/33.5% cotton/3% spandex brushed stretch poplin with soil release. Sizes XS-2X.Landau Care Instructions

Koi Justine button trim scrub top. $27.99 New addition to the Koi nursing scrubs solid scrubs collection. The Justine top features a button trim, shaped v-neckline with empire waist and front pockets. Elastic back waist for fit. 26inch length. Soft, 55% cotton/ 45% poly twill.

Medline Scrubs Scrub Top Unisex Reversible $9.99 Scrub Top Unisex Reversible Generously cut for comfort Left breast pocket both inside and outside of top Color coded neck trim for easy identification Set-in sleeves Double-needle seams 50% polyester/50% cotton AngelStat fabric View Size Chart Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Medical Scrubs & Clothing , Scrub Tops , Scrub Tops