How many scrubs do I need? For most people, the answer is the number of shifts you work between laundry days, plus one or two spares. If you work three shifts a week and do laundry once a week, that means about four to five sets. Below, we break down the formula and the details that can push your number up or down.
There’s no single right answer for everyone, because schedules, laundry habits and workplace rules all vary. The goal is simple: never be stuck digging through the hamper before an early shift.
The Basic Formula
Start with this quick calculation:
- Count your shifts between laundry days. If you wash scrubs once a week and work four shifts, that’s four.
- Add one spare for a spill, a forgotten load or a surprise extra shift.
- Add another spare if you keep a backup set in your locker or car.
So a four-shift week with weekly laundry and a locker backup works out to six sets. A three-shift week with laundry twice a week might need only three or four.
How Many Pairs of Scrubs for Your Schedule
Here’s how the formula plays out for a few common schedules. Use them as starting points, not rules:
- Three 12-hour shifts a week, weekly laundry: 4–5 sets.
- Five 8-hour shifts a week, weekly laundry: 6–7 sets.
- Five shifts a week, laundry twice a week: 4–5 sets.
- Per diem or part-time: 2–3 sets, plus one spare if your shifts come in clusters.
- Nursing or clinical students: enough to cover your clinical days between washes, plus one spare. Your program may also require a specific color.
If you’re a student building your first set of scrubs, our guide to scrubs for nursing students covers what to look for.
Factors That Change Your Number
Your laundry routine
The more often you wash, the fewer sets you need. But washing less often with more sets in rotation means each set goes through the wash less frequently. Whatever routine you choose, always follow the care label on each garment. Our guide to washing scrubs has a simple routine.
Messy days and spills
If your role regularly means changing mid-shift, plan for at least one extra top or set beyond the formula, and keep it at work.
Workplace color rules
Some employers assign colors by role or unit, and some allow any color. If you work at more than one facility with different rules, you may need a separate rotation for each. Always check your facility’s dress code before you buy.
Commute and changing habits
If you change into scrubs at work, your worn set may sit in a locker or bag until laundry day, so it helps to have enough clean sets to cover every shift in between. If you wear scrubs to and from work, think about whether you’d like a fresh set for each shift and plan your count around that.
Tops vs pants
Tops often need changing more often than pants, especially if you spill something on the front. Some people keep a few more tops than pants in their rotation. Our post on scrub sets vs separates explains how to mix and match.
Building a Scrub Wardrobe That Works
A good scrub wardrobe isn’t just about quantity. A few tips to make your rotation easier:
- Stick to a few colors. If you choose two or three colors your workplace allows, pieces are easier to keep together and wash in similar-color loads.
- Repeat a style you know fits. Once you find a cut you like, buying the same style in a few colors takes the guesswork out of sizing.
- Mix pocket layouts by role. A set with lots of pockets for busy days and a simpler set for lighter shifts can both earn a place.
- Retire worn pieces. Replace scrubs that have thin spots, broken drawstrings or stretched waistbands so your rotation stays work-ready.
Start Small, Then Add
If you’re new to a job or a style, there’s no need to buy your full rotation at once. Start with two sets, wear them through a few shifts and a few washes, and confirm the fit and feel before buying more.
For example, the Unisex 2-Pocket Scrub Set is a straightforward poly-cotton set with a V-neck top and a half drawstring, half elastic waistband. Note that it runs large, so check the size guide first. If you prefer stretch and joggers, the Women’s Essential Cool Stretch Jogger Scrub Set is 93% polyester and 7% spandex with six pockets on the pants.
Once you’re happy with the fit, you can fill out your rotation in a few more colors. You can browse every option in our scrub sets collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sets of scrubs should a nurse have?
A simple rule is the number of shifts you work between laundry days plus one or two spares. For three 12-hour shifts a week with weekly laundry, that’s about four to five sets.
Should I buy more scrub tops than pants?
Many people keep a few extra tops because tops tend to need changing more often. If you buy separates, you can add tops without buying full sets.
Can I exchange scrubs if the size isn’t right?
Yes. Exchanges for a different size or color are available while the item is in stock, as long as it’s unworn, unwashed and has its original tags. Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery.
Once you know your number, building your rotation is easy. Start with a set or two in a style you like, check the fit, then fill in the rest – shipping is free on all US orders.
