What to wear under scrubs in winter

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Don't be cold when you know what to wear under scrubs in winter weather

Don’t be cold when you know what to wear under scrubs in winter weather

For those people who have to wear scrubs as a work or school uniform, cold weather can present challenges. Some employers have strict guidelines about wearing anything that covers up your uniform, so the entire team looks similar and professional.

While this look is great for the company, the employees may need to wear layers under their scrubs during colder seasons or if the workspace is cool to them. Here are some tips on choosing the right base layer for scrubs to wear when the temperature falls.

Synthetic ?tech? fabrics

More than likely, you?ve heard about tech clothing ? especially if you?re an athlete. Made of a combination of polyester, nylon, spandex or Lycra, these fabrics help keep heat near your body while wicking moisture away from your body. Since they dry quickly, sweat is easily handled, which also helps regulate body temperature. They are meant to be worn next to your skin, over minimal undergarments. These garments are great for moving around at work. Longer sleeves can be pushed up if necessary, and since the tops are form-fitting, they tend to stay up. Tech clothing is available as both pants and tops, it?s thin and doesn?t add a lot of bulk under your scrubs.

Wool and wool blends

For years, outdoor enthusiasts needing to stay warm have turned to layers of wool clothing. Merino wool is perfect for cooler temps ? especially if the weather is changing from fall to winter or winter to spring. Unlike other wools, Merino is naturally soft because of its natural ultra-fine fibers. Air pockets in the fabric weave trap warmth next to the skin and keep body temperature steady. By itself, wool can be pricey. However, when blended with synthetics, silk or cotton, the costs come into more affordable ranges and can be more comfortable too. Wool pants and tops are a great option for those with skin that is sensitive to synthetic fabrics.

Silk

Lightweight and soft, silk adds almost no bulk under clothing. While the fabric can feel great, silk wicks moisture very slowly, needs to be slightly loose since it isn?t stretchy, and doesn?t hold up well to machine washing. These shortcomings can be overcome with chemical treating by the manufacturer and hand washing by the owner. As long as you know what to prepare for and you prefer the feeling of silk, it can be an option to consider.

Cotton

Cotton is probably the least expensive of all the thermal layering options. With this comes potentially bulky layers that dry slowly. Why is slow drying a problem? Because the pockets of air that hold in warmth will hold water if the fabric gets wet. This moisture will be next to your skin. So, if it?s cold outside, the moisture gets chilly and your body has to work even harder to stay warm. During those times when know you?ll be staying dry, cotton is a perfectly fine choice and the all-natural fabric appeals to many shoppers.

Other tips

For days that go from one temperature extreme to the next, consider wearing multiple thin layers. Remove layers if you feel warm or add more if you feel cold. This trick works well for buildings that are considerably warmer or cooler than outside temperatures, too.

If you can?t have long sleeves that might get in the way of work, consider a shirt with three-quarter sleeves, similar to a baseball jersey. These sleeves will help your arms stay warm while leaving your hands, wrists and forearms free.

Shapewear works as a light base layer. Very form fitting and silhouette smoothing, this option does double duty. Not only does it give some warmth, it helps you look great in the process. Shapewear can be worn under other base layers, too.