Best white scrub pants?

January 6, 2006 11:10 PM

New nursing student. Help me find the best white scrub pants? Don't want to go showing the unmentionables!

My school uniform requires me to have a straight leg white scrub pant. I went to a fairly large uniform store and tried on many pairs, but left the store empty-handed. Can you help me find anything that perhaps won't show my unmentionables (though, yes, I realize a skin-toned underwear may help), is comfortable/fits well, and -- perhaps -- [gasp] looks good? In addition, have any of you noticed the extreme difference in the way pants made by different brands (all in the same size) are cut? Ack. I'm having a rough go of it. Help me out.

posted by viachicago to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (5 answers total)

Best answer: I had to wear all white in nursing school, I hear your pain. There is one thing you should know--once you start wearing your uniform nobody really picks out how "stylish" your uniform is (esp. with everybody wearing white). So, focus on what you *really* need.

Yes, you need to keep your unmentionables from showing through. Will your top be tucked in, or will you have some sort of vest you have to wear over your top? These are important questions.

Pockets, you will need as many pockets that are possible. I realize you need straight legs, but you can still get ones with cargo pockets. I think Cherokee makes them, and go for either an elastic waist. Comfort is your friend. This is a hard job you will be doing. Many people are wearing Dickies, and they have some very nice brushed cotton ones--so soft! I believe these might be of a heavier fabric, and therefore not show panties as much.

Also, fabric stain protection is nice. Trust me on this one.


Another thing to consider is wearing support hose with panty built in. Trust me, support hose will be your friend. Try Sigvaris or Jobst. In fact, e-mail Sigvaris and ask if they have any "Healthy Leg Days" coming up. Explain you are starting nursing school. During these events they will measure you and give suggestions for support hose. The big bonus--*very* significant savings.

Good luck to you! E-mail is in profile if you would like to contact me directly. FWIW, I work in the OR, so I have to wear hospital supplied scrubs. But, like most nurses I had your concerns shopping for my nursing school uniform and when I worked on a med/surg floor.
posted by 6:1 at 6:59 AM on January 7, 2006

It won't help this season, but I bought clearance white pants leftover from summer in the fall. They were a lot heavier material, which cut down on the underwear issue, and mostly had a couple of pockets. I got 20 something dollar pants for 3$ each, and cleaned out the clearance rack on every discount store in our area, and then on vacation in another state. I quit when I got about 30 pairs. (Kid got her first job nursing.) These were just plain white pants with a heavy elastic waist, and they were indistinguishable from actual uniform pants, just a lot heavier. Spring is coming, and the summer pants will be available in a short time, if you still need them by then.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 8:44 AM on January 7, 2006

Dickies makes scrubs. I don't see them on the website but there is a store locator.
posted by geekyguy at 3:56 PM on January 7, 2006

Speaking of comfort, your scrubs will probably feel better after you've washed them a few times.

I did it too... wore white in nursing school. I know, it's a pain. Lab jackets are a blessing if you're allowed to wear them (we were).
posted by IndigoRain at 5:55 PM on January 7, 2006

My SO (female) prefers the men's scrub pants at the hospital. The cut usually doesn't suck as much and I wouldn't be surprised if they were made with a higher-weight fabric.
posted by jmgorman at 5:58 PM on January 7, 2006