Another one of our great customers, Karissa, offered to take a pair of scrubs for a road test (what would I do without so many helpful customers always willing to give their feedback?) She chose to tell us about her Sand Washed Mock Wrap Scrub Top and Flare Scrub Pants from Dickies.  As a busy RN/BSN, Karissa wears these scrubs about one out of the three nights a week that she works. After all that wear time I bet Karissa is almost an expert on what these nursing scrubs have to offer!

Karissa answered some questions about the scrubs for us. She had some particularly helpful advice about their sizing. Let’s hear what she had to say.
 

What are your thoughts on the fit of the scrubs?
The fit of the top is great.  You can adjust the fit of the sides of the top with the back tie, and it actually lets you have a shape rather than looking like a box.  The pants are really nice, too.  The drawstring ensures that they won't fall down, and the elastic back gives you the extra flexibility.  Also, the pant legs are not super tight; however I would suggest buying the next bigger size for both pants and tops if you are on the cusp of sizes.  For example, I usually wear a medium in most scrubs (Cherokee, Landau), but with the way Dickies does their sizing, most of the time I need a large after they have been washed due to shrinking.   

What is your favorite thing about these scrubs?

They are super soft and they are comfortable to work in; they don't bunch or ride up while you're walking or doing procedures at the bedside.  Also, they don't show your midriff if you reach up.    
 

What is your least favorite thing about these scrubs?

They collect lint like it's their job.
 

Are there any unique features to these scrubs that your other scrubs don’t have?

The pocket in the top, some other brands have started to do that now, but this one is just the right size for 3cc saline flushes. 
  

Have you received any compliments on them?

Yes, usually about how soft they are.   

So it’s nice to hear that these stylish medical scrubs are not only cute, but also comfy and soft. In any outfit it’s always reassuring to know that you can do what you normally do without being uncomfortable, your clothes bunching up or your midriff showing and it’s especially reassuring to know these things when you’re at work!

Thanks again Karissa for all your helpful comments!

Just because you have to wear scrubs, doesn't mean you have to give up your sense of style. Many of the new scrub styles have been finding their inspiration from the latest fashion trends.

One fashion trend that never seems to go out of style, the empire waist, has been making an appearance on some of the cutest scrub tops.

Check out the similarities I found between these designer styles and scrub styles!

            Designer Style: Marc Jacobs Top         Scrub Style: Landau Top

          



             Designer Style: GAP Top        Scrub Style: Landau Top

            

I think both of these scrub tops look great with the empire waist, it gives them that little extra touch of personality. Plus, the bright colors and the white would be perfect tops for spring and summer!

What are your favorite fashion inspired scrubs?

As a new employee at Lydia’s Uniforms I’ve met all sorts of people since I started just a week ago. It’s hard to remember all the new faces and especially all the new names, but I’m working on it! One thing that I noticed when visiting the different departments is that everyone at Lydia’s is involved with customer service. It seemed like there was someone from every department, whether it was the call center or the warehouse, who was trying to figure out how to best meet a customer’s needs or make a customer happy. The best part was, nobody was complaining about it! And as someone who has worked in customer service for the past seven years, it’s refreshing to see employees who are dedicated to the customer and willing to help (without complaining about it).

One particular employee that I met on my first day here, Jose Ortiz, is an expert in the field of customer service. As a Team Leader in the Customer Service Department, Jose’s job is to ensure that customer’s needs are met. Turns out, that is exactly what he was doing the first time I met him. When I approached Jose to introduce myself he was on the phone with a customer. I realized right away that Jose wasn’t trying to hurry the customer off the phone, but was instead trying to assist them with whatever they needed. I decided not to bother him and come back and introduce myself another time when he wasn’t as busy! I eventually found a time when we both had a free moment and I got the opportunity to meet him. Jose seemed extremely friendly and personable (perfect for a job in customer service).

              After meeting Jose and realizing what an important part of the Lydia’s team he was, I wanted to ask him a few questions about his job here. What better way to get to know more about the employees and the company than actually hearing what they have to say? This is what I found out from Jose:

What is your favorite thing about working for Lydia’s?

My favorite thing about working for Lydia’s is the diverse clientele we have on a daily basis.

What did you think when you saw Rachel & Leesa road-testing scrubs for the day?

I believe it is a good idea. It gives us the opportunity to try it before you buy it.

What’s your favorite scrub?

My favorite line of scrubs is the Urbane from Landau. The scrubs are trendy. I actually own a few pairs of the Urbane Boot Cut Pant 9502. It is very comfortable, and fits very loose.

(I guess you don’t have to work in the medical field to buy medical scrubs!)

He also shared his customer service philosophy with me. This is what he had to say: “As a Customer Service Specialist, I feel it is crucial that every individual receives the utmost care and dedication he/she deserves. I have worked in the Customer Service industry for over 11 years, and dealt with all types of situations. Some time ago, I had a customer who was unsure about ordering uniforms for sizing reasons. I suggested she sample the items, to make sure it was the color, style, and size she was looking for. Finally, the package was received and some of the items worked but a few didn’t. I instructed the customer to send what she didn’t like back at no charge. We shipped her requested items, and now all the items worked out perfectly.  Now the customer knows what color, size, and brand to order and we have her business for life. It’s not always about getting the customer off the phone, but getting them what they need. Our customers rely on us to get them their uniforms, and making their experience as smooth as possible.

          Working for Lydia’s Professional Uniforms has been a great experience for me, and I will continue to strive in giving the best customer service possible.”

After having many of my own terrible experiences with all kinds of customer service representatives, reading Jose’s philosophy helped me understand why he is such a valued employee. I cannot imagine Jose ever telling a customer, “that’s your problem, not mine,” which is something I personally have been told by a customer service representative of a company whose name I won’t mention. I wish every customer service representative that I spoke with had a motto like Jose’s. It would make life just a little less frustrating.

I have to say that the road test of our scrubs was a success- not just because of what Leesa and I found, but because of YOUR comments.  What we found was that you are looking for sizing options and comfortable fit (kind of like us!).  I agree that everyone should feel like they look their best, whether at work or not, in scrubs or out of them.  So, without further ado, here are my top suggestions for medical uniform brands to try based on body type.

If you are petite or slender, try…

Urbane Scrubs - These designer medical scrubs are junior fit and flatter petite types most.

Baby Phat Medical Uniforms – Choose Baby Phat scrubs for a fun and funky alternative in scrub fashion.

Dickies Hip Flip – Popular “hip flip” scrub pant styling, and you’ll love the color palette.

Grey’s Anatomy – More celebrity uniform style comes to you in the form of quotes from the show and super soft fabrics. Made by Barco medical scrubs.

Our Own Signature Collections – Our Lydia's Signature Scrubs as low as $5.99.  Starting at XS and featuring petite and tall options as well as a variety of fabrics and prints galore. Great option for offices and hospital teams!

If you are average, try…

Dickies Sandwashed Scrubs– This line is missy fit and is sized like the misses section of your favorite department store. Lots of cute options!

Cherokee Authentic Workwear – The “hip flip” styling on their pants makes for a comfy fit and avoids “baggage”.

Katherine Heigl Medical Uniforms – She created this line after working in scrubs on “Grey’s Anatomy”, and trust us, she knows what you need in a stylish medical scrub!

Koi Nursing Scrubs – Youthful tailoring and girly details make everyone feel great.

Cherokee Flex-i-bles – This yoga-inspired line keeps you ready for action.

LA Rose – Cool basics & prints with extra detail in the styling.

White Cross – Your own style expressed in artistic designs.

Our Own Signature Collections – Our Lydia's Signature Scrubs as low as $5.99.  Looking for options?  Check here first!  Our hospital uniforms feature the most color choices you’ll find anywhere.

If you are curvaceous, try…

Dickies W – These scrubs are designed to fit all of your curves. 

Cherokee Basic Uniforms – One of the world’s most recognizable brands features specializes in super soft fabric. 

Landau Medical Scrubs – Top notch comfort with lots of options up to size 5X.

Our Own Signature Collections – Our Lydia's Signature Scrubs as low as $5.99. As always, our own line has options for EVERYONE up to 5X.

If you are tall, click here to see our full selection of uniform pants for tall sizes.