When summertime temperatures soar, keeping your cool is not always easy. The air conditioner may be running at full blast in the hospital or doctor’s office where you work, but wearing the wrong outfit could still have you feeling pretty hot and sweaty long before the end of your shift. No matter how cool your work environment is, staying comfortable while running from one patient to the next is no easy task.
As a nurse, you need to be on your game at all times. You’ve probably already invested in some top-quality men’s nursing shoes to carry you through your longest shifts, but you might not have given much thought to upgrading the rest of your attire. Being hot in scrubs is uncomfortable, and it can detract from your performance. After all, no one operates at peak levels when they feel overheated, sweaty, and sticky. Instead of sweating it out this summer, check out these nurse-friendly summer outfit ideas and learn more about the best scrubs for warm weather. Let’s dive in!
What to Look for When Shopping for Summer Scrubs
When you are shopping for scrubs to wear during the summer months, certain features reign supreme. For starters, pay close attention to the fabric content. While scrubs made from 100% cotton are the lightest and most breathable option, cotton does not do a good job of wicking moisture away from your skin. The material will get wet and stick to you if you sweat, making you feel even hotter and more uncomfortable.
In the summer, performance materials — like polyester blends — are a much better option. Polyester pulls moisture away from the skin and allows it to evaporate quickly, keeping you cool and dry.
Some other features to look for include light colors and a loose, flowy fit. Scrubs made with stretchy Spandex tend to be more comfortable on hot summer days, too. With these things in mind, let’s take a look at some outfit options for summer.
- Layered Looks
One of the most challenging things for healthcare professionals is staying comfortable all day long. Walking into a chilly doctor’s office first thing in the morning is enough to raise goosebumps on your skin. But as the day progresses and more people come in, you may feel your temperature start to rise.
Dressing in layers is the best way to overcome this issue.
If you tend to be chilly at the beginning of your shift and during slow times but start sweating during more chaotic parts of the day, investing in a few nice scrub jackets is always a great idea. Today’s scrub jackets are stylish, too, so they are a great way to tie your entire look together.
You may want to consider wearing an undershirt beneath your scrub top, too. Adding extra layers might seem counterintuitive, but doing so can help you keep your cool. Your base layer will pull sweat away from your skin and help you stay dry. And when you stay dry, you will feel cooler. To take it to the next level, you can even wear high-tech cooling underwear to keep everything cool and comfortable all day long. The right undies really do make a big difference!
- Light-Colored Outfits
Summer is not the time to rock your favorite black or navy blue scrubs. While dark colors are undeniably flattering, they are not a great choice when you are trying to stay cool. At this time of year, it is best to stick with light colors and patterns. When shopping for scrub tops for women or men, look for pastels and neutrals like khaki and light gray. For maximum comfort and coolness, keep your entire outfit light.
- Flowy Scrub Sets
During the summer, scrubs that fit close to your skin are not the best option. They will stick to you if they sweat, and they could restrict your movements. Instead of form-fitting styles, look for flowy scrub sets in classic cuts.
Wearing scrubs with a looser fit improves air circulation and feels less restrictive. And looser scrubs are not as likely to cling to your skin if you sweat. Summer is a great time to stick with classic fits that do not hug your curves. Just remember not to wear scrubs that are baggy enough to cause a tripping hazard or look sloppy. Shop around to find modern scrubs that are loose, comfortable, and fashionable.
- Dress for Success
As a nurse, you can’t trade your long scrub bottoms for a pair of short shorts. But you can swap them for a stylish scrub dress or skirt. Even if the hospital dress code requires you to wear tights underneath, wearing a skirt or dress is a great way to let your legs breathe and stay cool on hot summer days.
A stylish scrub skirt pairs easily with your favorite scrub tops and tees, and it’s the perfect way to keep your cool while maintaining a professional look.
Final Thoughts
When assembling summertime work outfits, knowing how to stay cool is vital. In addition to choosing flowy, light-colored scrubs, be sure to wear lightweight, breathable nursing shoes. Mesh sneakers are a great option that will let your feet breathe and help you stay comfortable no matter how many hours you spend on your feet. Wear performance socks that wick perspiration away from your feet, too.
Staying comfortable isn’t easy for nurses. Hospitals and doctor’s offices are usually kept chilly, but it doesn’t take long to get hot when you are running from room to room and tending to patients for several hours. With the tips listed above, though, you can put together nurse-friendly summer outfits that will keep up with your demanding schedule and help you keep your cool.
