Student Scrubs are often one of the first professional uniforms you’ll purchase, and choosing the right set can make a significant difference throughout your placement experience.
Whether you’re studying nursing, dental nursing, veterinary nursing or another healthcare profession, your scrubs need to be comfortable enough for long shifts, practical enough for busy clinical environments and durable enough to withstand frequent washing.
With so many brands, styles and fabrics available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
This guide explains the most popular student scrub styles, compares leading brands and helps you choose the right uniform for your placement.
Why Choosing Student Scrubs Is Different
Unlike experienced healthcare professionals who already know what works for them, students are often purchasing scrubs without having spent extended time working in clinical environments.
As a result, the priorities are usually different.
Most students are looking for:
- Good value for money
- Comfortable all-day wear
- Durability
- Easy laundering
- Compliance with placement requirements
- A professional appearance
The ideal balance is often finding a scrub collection that offers quality and comfort without stretching a student budget.
What Should You Look for in Student Scrubs?
Before comparing brands, it’s worth considering which features are most important.
Comfort
Placement shifts can be long, particularly in healthcare settings.
Comfortable scrubs allow you to focus on learning rather than constantly adjusting your uniform.
Durability
Student scrubs are washed frequently and worn repeatedly.
Choosing a durable collection can help your uniform last throughout multiple placements.
Ease of Care
Easy-care fabrics and colour-fast materials can save time and reduce maintenance.
Professional Appearance
Placements are often your first opportunity to make a professional impression in a healthcare environment.
Traditional V-Neck Student Scrubs
Traditional V-neck scrubs remain one of the most popular options for students.
They offer a practical, professional appearance and are widely accepted across healthcare settings.
Best For
- First placements
- Nursing students
- Dental nursing students
- Healthcare support roles
Benefits
- Affordable
- Professional appearance
- Comfortable fit
- Easy to maintain
For many students, traditional V-neck scrubs provide the ideal starting point.
Stretch Student Scrubs
Stretch scrubs have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Designed to move naturally with the wearer, they can provide additional comfort throughout longer shifts.
Best For
- Clinical placements
- Active healthcare environments
- Veterinary placements
- Students undertaking long shifts
Benefits
- Greater freedom of movement
- Improved comfort
- Better shape retention
- Modern appearance
Although often more expensive than traditional styles, many students find the added comfort worthwhile.
Jogger Scrubs for Students
Jogger scrubs have become one of the fastest-growing healthcare uniform trends.
Featuring cuffed ankles and contemporary styling, they offer a modern alternative to traditional scrub trousers.
Best For
- Veterinary students
- Student nurses
- Modern clinical settings
Benefits
- Comfortable fit
- Contemporary appearance
- Practical movement
- Secure fit around footwear
Many students appreciate jogger styles because they combine comfort with a more modern look.
Which Student Scrub Brand Is Best?
The best student scrub brand often depends on your budget, placement requirements and personal preferences.
1st Choice
Best For
Students seeking value.
1st Choice scrubs are popular because they offer:
- Affordable pricing
- Reliable quality
- Practical everyday comfort
- Strong value for money
For many students, they represent an ideal entry-level option.
Galaxy
Best For
All-round performance.
Galaxy has become a popular choice thanks to:
- Comfortable fit
- Durable construction
- Wide size availability
- Affordable pricing
They’re often considered a great balance between cost and performance.
Dickies
Best For
Durability.
Dickies scrubs have a long-standing reputation within healthcare.
Benefits include:
- Durable fabrics
- Reliable construction
- Professional appearance
- Extensive product range
Students looking for scrubs that will last beyond placement often consider Dickies a strong investment.
Cherokee
Best For
Comfort and fit.
Cherokee collections are known for:
- Comfortable fabrics
- Inclusive sizing
- Consistent fit
- Modern styling
They are particularly popular among students who prioritise all-day comfort.
Skechers
Best For
Modern healthcare uniforms.
Skechers scrubs offer:
- Lightweight fabrics
- Stretch comfort
- Contemporary styling
- Flexible performance
They’re often chosen by students looking for a more modern uniform option.
Student Nurse Scrubs: What Works Best?
Student nurses often spend significant time on their feet.
Comfort and practicality are therefore key considerations.
Recommended Features
- Stretch fabrics
- Multiple pockets
- Easy-care materials
- Comfortable waistbands
Popular Choices
- First Choice
- Galaxy
- Cherokee
- Dickies
The ideal choice often depends on your placement setting and personal preference.
Student Dental Scrubs
Dental students and student dental nurses often work in patient-facing environments where professionalism is particularly important.
Many choose:
- Smart scrub sets
- Stretch fabrics
- Modern tailored styles
- Easy-care materials
Comfort remains important, but appearance often becomes an additional priority.
Student Veterinary Scrubs
Veterinary placements present unique demands.
Students frequently move between consult rooms, treatment areas and animal handling environments.
Recommended Features
- Stretch fabrics
- Durable construction
- Comfortable fit
- Practical pockets
Many veterinary students find that flexible, hard-wearing scrubs perform best in these active environments.
How Many Scrub Sets Should Students Own?
The answer depends on the length and frequency of placements.
Most students find that having at least two or three scrub sets allows for:
- Regular washing
- Shift flexibility
- Backup options
- Better uniform longevity
Having multiple sets can also reduce wear on individual garments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student scrubs are healthcare uniforms worn by nursing, dental, veterinary and healthcare students during placements and clinical training.
AWB Recommends: Buy for Your Placement, Not Just Your Course
At AWB, we often see students focus on choosing scrubs based purely on their course title.
In reality, the placement environment usually has a much bigger impact on which scrubs you’ll prefer.
Different Placements Create Different Demands
A nursing placement on a busy hospital ward places very different demands on uniforms compared to a dental surgery or veterinary practice.
The same scrub set may not feel ideal in every environment.
Comfort Becomes More Important Over Time
Many students initially focus on appearance or price.
After a few weeks of placement, comfort often becomes the deciding factor.
Scrubs that remain comfortable throughout a full shift are usually the ones that continue to be worn long after placement ends.
Durability Protects Your Investment
Students often wear their uniforms throughout several placements and, in many cases, into their early professional careers.
Choosing quality scrubs can help reduce replacement costs in the long run.
Stretch Fabrics Are Growing in Popularity
More students are moving towards stretch scrub collections because they offer:
- Greater flexibility
- Improved movement
- Better comfort during long shifts
- Modern styling
While not always essential, stretch fabrics can make a noticeable difference in demanding healthcare environments.
Our Recommendation
If you’re purchasing your first set of student scrubs, prioritise:
- Comfort
- Durability
- Ease of washing
- Placement suitability
Once you’ve completed a few placements, you’ll quickly discover which styles and features work best for your future career.
The Bottom Line
The best student scrubs are the ones that help you feel comfortable, confident and prepared for placement.
Whether you choose a traditional V-neck scrub set, a stretch collection or a modern jogger style, focus on comfort, practicality and long-term value.
