Medical scrubs aren’t just uniforms; they’re tools of your profession. Anyone working shifts knows how much difference the right scrubs make: comfortable enough for 12-hour days, durable enough for constant washing, and professional enough to represent your role with confidence.
Work in Style, one of the UK’s largest and most trusted scrub retailers, brings together a huge catalogue ranging from essential everyday sets to premium, design-led and exclusive ranges. Our extensive range ensures a wide choice of scrubs, tailored to suit different preferences and needs. Whatever your role, style or budget, whether grey scrubs or blue, we offer a solution that supports both comfort and ease of clinical performance. Healthcare professionals in the UK can easily buy scrubs online or in-store from WorkInStyle, making the process convenient and accessible. Work in Style values its customers by focusing on a user-friendly shopping experience and personalised service.
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Best Scrubs on Work in Style
Top scrubs for comfort, durability & long-shift performance.
You can browse all our brands
But below we've picked out 7 of the strongest scrub options to consider for 2026, organised by performance, comfort and value.
Why it’s a top pick: Renowned for ultra-soft, eco-conscious performance fabric with impressive stretch and quick-dry ability, this product offers ease of movement and wear while ensuring comfort and durability for long shifts.
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Why it’s a top pick: A long-time favourite among UK clinicians for its reliability and professional styling.
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Best for: Junior doctors, nurses, and practical daily wear.
Why it’s a top pick: Workwear toughness with clinical practicality. What makes Dickies scrubs a preferred choice for hands-on clinical roles is their durable materials and professional appearance, ensuring both comfort and reliability.
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Hardwearing, robust fabrics
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Classic, professional look
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Excellent longevity
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Best for: Vets, dental teams, porters and hands-on clinical roles.
Why it’s a top pick: Luxury comfort meets refined tailoring, with attention to detail like reinforced seams and elegant finishing touches.
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Best for: Clinicians who want an elevated, polished appearance.
Why it’s a top pick: Athletic inspiration, with breathable panels and flexible movement, helps wearers feel confident and comfortable during demanding, high-mobility shifts.
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Best for: High-mobility roles, long shifts, warm clinical environments.
Why it’s a top pick:
High durability and a great buy, ideal for NHS use and frequent laundering.
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Affordable
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NHS-friendly
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Made for reliability
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Best for:
Students, trainees, high-turnover departments.
Work in Style is expanding its eco-friendly options, especially through brands like Barco, which champion recycled materials and greener production practices.
Barco has spent 90+ years perfecting medical workwear, and now they’re tackling sustainability too. Their Barco One and Skechers scrubs use 5–7 recycled plastic bottles per garment, turning waste into high-performance fabric. So far, they’ve recycled 40 million+ bottles, all while keeping the comfort, stretch and durability healthcare workers rely on. For anyone looking for premium, eco-conscious scrubs in 2026, Barco’s recycled ranges are an easy, feel-good upgrade.
Best for:
Eco-conscious professionals and modern clinics.
Best Exclusive Scrub Brands
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What Does “Exclusive” Mean for Work in Style?
Exclusive ranges include premium fabrics, enhanced tailoring, antimicrobial technology, superior stretch, advanced durability, and sometimes colours or editions available only through Work in Style. Some exclusive product lines are only available through Work in Style.
Here are the standout premium/exclusive picks:
Features: Fashion-led silhouettes, premium softness, and elegant detailing.
Why choose it: A blend of luxury comfort and modern clinical style.
Best for: Private clinics, interviews and leadership roles.
Features: Lighter, stretchier and more flexible than classic Cherokee.
Why choose it: Perfect for long shifts where comfort is critical.
Best for: Ward nurses, A&E teams and busy clinicians.
Features: Classic fits, timeless reliability and proven durability.
Why choose it: It’s the go-to “workhorse scrub” for long-term use.
Best for: Any role that needs dependable, fuss-free scrubs.
Features: Added stretch for movement with classic Cherokee toughness.
Why choose it: A comfortable upgrade at a non-premium price.
Best for: Anyone wanting comfort without going luxury.
Features: High-performance fabrics, sporty cuts and antimicrobial tech.
Why choose it: One of the most advanced, technical scrub ranges available.
Best for: Active clinicians, high-intensity departments.
Features: High-performance fabrics, toughness with clinical practicality
Why choose it: Durable materials and professional appearance
Best for: Hands-on clinical roles
How to Build a Professional Look with Scrubs
Creating a professional look in healthcare isn’t about fashion, it’s about presenting confidence, competence and care. Today’s premium and exclusive scrub ranges make it easier to elevate your appearance without sacrificing comfort. With the right approach, your scrubs can feel as good as they look.
Choose the Right Fit
A tailored or semi-fitted silhouette instantly upgrades your look. Premium ranges like Grey’s Anatomy, Healing Hands and Cherokee Core Stretch offer cuts designed to flatter while allowing full movement. A well-fitted top that follows your shape, not clings to it, paired with tapered trousers, creates a streamlined, modern look suitable for any patient-facing environment.
Opt for High-Quality, Structured Fabrics
One of the most significant advantages of premium scrubs is the fabric. Performance blends hold their shape throughout long shifts and maintain a crisp, refined appearance even after multiple washes. Brands like Barco One and Infinity use moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant materials in their product lines, keeping you fresh, comfortable, and looking professional all day.
Choose Professional Colour Palettes
Deep, rich colours project calmness and authority. Navy, black, ceil blue, teal and wine remain favourites across NHS and private settings. Exclusive product lines often offer sophisticated, saturated shades that elevate your overall look. Darker colours also maintain a polished appearance even after a long shift.
Layer Smartly for a Premium Finish
Layers instantly add polish. Whether it’s a fitted underscrub, a matching warm-up jacket, or a softshell in a complementary colour, layering will add a cohesive, intentional feel to your uniform. Premium and exclusive ranges often include coordinated layers designed to work perfectly together, creating a capsule-style professional wardrobe.
Choose Clean, Functional Accessories
Minimalist accessories keep your look professional. Opt for neutral shoes, such as our Shoes for Crews range, sleek badge reels and compact pouches. Premium scrubs often have excellent storage, so bulky extras aren't necessary. A cleaner silhouette reads more professional to patients, colleagues and leadership teams.
Maintain Your Scrubs Properly
Premium scrubs deserve premium care. Gentle washing, low-heat drying and occasional steaming all help maintain fabric quality and prolong lifespan. Exclusive fabrics often hold colour and shape better, meaning they stay looking new far longer than basic sets. However, they can all be washed at temperatures up to 60 degrees, which can be important in medical settings for hygiene.
Curate a Healthcare professional's Wardrobe
Think in sets rather than individual pieces. A selection of 3–5 coordinated scrubs, including at least one premium or exclusive set, keeps you polished throughout the week. Reserve your premium options for important patient days, presentations or leadership responsibilities, those moments when looking your best matters.
FAQ: Your Scrub Questions Answered
How do I choose the right scrub fabric?
The best fabric is the one that supports both your comfort and your workload. Many clinicians prefer polyester blends for their durability and wrinkle resistance, especially when juggling long shifts and frequent washing. Cotton adds softness and breathability, while spandex provides movement. If you’re concerned about skin sensitivities or chemicals, look for trusted certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 product lines, which guarantee safer textiles. Ultimately, the right fabric should feel comfortable, keep you cool and hold up to the demands of clinical life.
How many scrubs should I own?
Most healthcare professionals find that three to five sets create the perfect rotation. That’s enough to get through even the busiest week while giving you flexibility around washing cycles. If you work in unpredictable or high-turnover environments such as theatre or emergency care, keeping an extra set in your locker can be a lifesaver.
Do premium or exclusive scrubs actually last longer?
Generally, yes. Premium scrubs use higher-quality fabrics, reinforced seams and more stable dyes, meaning they look fresher for longer. The difference is particularly noticeable in the drape and softness of the materials. With gentle washing, a premium product will maintain its appearance for years, an investment that pays for itself in longevity.
How should healthcare professionals wash scrubs to keep them looking good?
Treat your scrubs like your work armour. Cold or warm washes help preserve colour and fabric integrity. Turning your scrubs inside out before washing reduces friction, especially for darker shades. Avoid fabric softeners with performance blends, and add bleach only when essential. A little care goes a long way, especially for exclusive fabrics designed to last.
Are Work in Style scrubs trustworthy?
Absolutely. Work in Style is well-known among UK healthcare teams for its fast delivery, reliable quality and customer-friendly policies. Our strong Trustpilot rating reflects years of consistent service, and our free returns system gives shoppers peace of mind when trying new brands or fits.
What about eco-friendly scrubs? Are they legitimate?
Eco-friendly scrubs are becoming increasingly mainstream, and Work in Style is at the forefront, partnering with Brands like Barco, which have invested in recycled fabrics and sustainable manufacturing. These scrubs feel just as comfortable and durable as traditional fabrics, with a greener footprint.
Which scrub colours are the most professional?
Colours communicate professionalism. Navy and black are perennial favourites, while ceil blue remains closely associated with NHS settings. Teal and wine offer a modern alternative without sacrificing clinical credibility. If you want a truly premium look, deeper shades and structured fits add a polished aesthetic from the start of your shift to the end.
What scrubs are best for long shifts?
For long hours, comfort becomes non-negotiable. Scrubs with performance stretch, breathable panels and lightweight materials make a significant difference. Brands like Barco One, Skechers by Barco and Cherokee Revolution consistently receive praise from clinicians for helping them stay comfortable, calm and mobile during demanding shifts.
Ready to refresh or upgrade your scrubs for 2026?
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What brand do you swear by? Share your favourites with colleagues, friends and your healthcare community.