Most medical facilities require their staff to wear scrubs, which have become a kind of informal uniform for medical personnel.
However, scrubs aren’t cheap, and a good pair can cost around $100. If you’re wondering why scrubs are so expensive, carry on reading. I looked into it and have some answers for you!
Why Are Scrubs So Expensive?
1. Scrubs Are High Quality
A good pair of scrubs can cost between $75 to $100. Also, good-quality scrubs have several features like durability, comfort, fit, breathability, etc.
Further, they must stand up to heavy use and still look good. Scrubs that meet these quality standards cost more than a cheap pair that will start looking old and dingy after a few washes.
2. Scrubs Are Made With Strong Fabrics
Scrubs must be made of strong enough material to survive rough wear and frequent washings. At the same time, the fabric must be soft enough to comfortable,
Of course, quality fabric that meets these standards is expensive and will increase the price of the scrubs.
Usually, quality scrubs are made with material that is a blend of cotton and polyester and combines strength with comfort.
3. Scrubs Must Be Durable
A good pair of scrubs will last a long time, while cheaper ones need to be replaced frequently. Of course, buying cheap scrubs is possible, but they will soon begin to fade and tear.
Also, quality scrubs will cost more initially, but they will last longer and justify the higher price.
4. Washability Is An Important Feature
Most scrubs go through a weekly wash and wear cycle, and they must be tough to survive continuous usage and washing.
Also, scrubs have to look good through it all since medical professionals cannot appear in untidy, ragged, or dingy clothes.
Essentially, a good pair of scrubs will keep their shape, color, and appearance month after month and repay the initial investment.
5. Scrubs Must Have Pockets
Well-designed scrubs have strong pockets that can hold everything a busy medical professional needs for the day.
That said, pockets should be able to hold phones, pagers, IDs, stethoscopes, notepads, pens, and gloves securely without risk of their falling out.
From the manufacturers’ point of view, it costs more to add pockets to the clothing, especially when they are strong and secure.
6. Scrubs Must Be Stain Resistant
Stain resistance is one essential feature of scrubs, which must handle all kinds of spills and stains, like all extras, fabric that has been treated to be stain-resistant costs more.
Also, scrubs can be made from liquid-repellent fabric, which has been treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish.
Further, stain and liquid-resistant fabrics preserve their appearance despite hard usage.
7. Breathability And Comfort Are Important
It is possible to buy cheap scrubs, but a good set that will last a long time is made of breathable fabrics for all-day comfort.
Likewise, moisture-wicking fabrics can help keep you cool and dry during busy shifts. Further, moisture-wicking fabrics are made of a blend of cotton and polyester.
As you can imagine, most people are willing to pay more for comfortable scrubs.
8. Special Features Like Wrinkle-Free Material
Another popular feature that costs extra is a wrinkle-free cloth that looks fresh from the start to the end of the shift.
That said, antimicrobial and fade-resistant fabrics are popular with medical professionals, and these special features add to the total cost.
9. Scrubs Must Have The Right Fit
Scrubs now come in a variety of styles and fits, which lets wearers choose the design that works best for them and feels most comfortable.
For example, health professionals can now find scrubs in different styles like slim fit, cargo, jogger, mandarin collar, button-up, crew neck, and raglan sleeves.
Better-fitted scrubs tend to have spandex in the fabric, which allows the wearer to move freely and stretch.
Therefore, such styles cost more than a plain boxy top and straight-leg drawstring pants.
10. Top Brands Cost More
The leading manufacturers can charge more for their scrubs because the brands are well known and trusted.
For example, brands like Figs, Grey’s Anatomy, Cherokee, and Carhartt cost more, but their products are worth paying the higher price.
Further, having the small logo with a famous brand name guarantees quality that busy medical professionals appreciate.
11. There Are Fewer Manufacturers
Only a few companies make scrubs, and this lack of competition allows the companies to charge more for their product.
Further, medical professionals have no choice but to wear scrubs to work. Naturally, the manufacturers know this and price their products accordingly.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why tech suits are so expensive, why jerseys are so expensive, and why clothes are so expensive.
Conclusion
Scrubs tend to be expensive because they must be durable and comfortable to stand up to the hard usage in a busy medical facility.
Also, they must be made of quality fabric that is comfortable and strong and that can stand up to frequent washings without losing its shape or appearance.
The leading brands of scrubs like Figs and Carhartt cost more, but they are a worthwhile investment even at a higher price.