How to Choose OT Scrubs: Fabric, Fit, Size and Colour Guide for Indian Hospitals

If you spend 10 or 12 hours in the OT, ICU or wards, your scrubs matter more than almost anything else you wear. The wrong pair rides up, traps heat, or fades after a few washes. Here's a simple way to choose OT scrubs that work in Indian hospital conditions.

1. Start with fabric

Indian hospitals swing between humid heat and freezing OT air-conditioning, so fabric is the biggest decision.

• Cotton: soft and breathable, but wrinkles easily and can shrink or fade.
• Poly-cotton blends: more durable, fewer wrinkles, dry faster. A practical everyday choice.
• Blends with viscose or stretch: smoother and more comfortable against the skin; often used in better-quality scrubs.

Sharma Scrubs OT scrubs are made from a strong, extra-durable polyester, cotton and viscose blend, chosen because it holds up to daily washes, stays comfortable for everyday wear and is easy to keep looking neat.

2. Get the fit right

Scrubs should let you bend, squat and reach overhead without anything pulling.

• Top: you should be able to raise both arms without your midriff showing.
• Pants: comfortable when you squat; the hem shouldn't drag on the floor.
• Waist: a drawstring or elastic waist lets you adjust through the day.

3. Check the size chart — don't guess

Sizes vary a lot between brands. Measure your chest and waist and compare them with the chart instead of ordering your usual T-shirt size. Our scrubs come in S to XXXL for men and women, and every product page has a size chart for the top and the pants.

If you're between sizes, choose the larger one for comfort on long shifts.

4. Count the pockets

Think about what you carry: phone, pens, scissors, tape, notepad, gloves. Check that pockets are deep enough that things don't fall out when you bend over a patient. Our women's scrubs have 4 pockets and our men's scrubs have 5, including a chest pocket for pens.

5. Choose a colour that works for your hospital

Many hospitals assign colours by department or role, so check with your department first. If you're free to choose:

• Navy blue and black: hide stains, look professional, and suit every skin tone.
• Teal, forest green and royal blue: classic OT colours that look fresh.
• Maroon, purple, pink and grey: great if your hospital allows personal colours and you want to stand out.

For what each colour usually signals in hospitals, see our guide to types of scrubs and scrub colours. Browse all our colours in the OT Scrubs collection.

6. Plan for washing

Scrubs get washed far more than normal clothes. Pick colours and fabrics that hold up, turn scrubs inside out, wash dark colours separately for the first few washes, and follow the care label.

7. How many sets do you need?

Most doctors and nurses find three sets is the minimum: one to wear, one in the wash, one spare. If you do night shifts or work in OT daily, four or five is more realistic.

Quick checklist before you buy

• Fabric suited to your ward's temperature
• Size checked against the size chart
• Enough deep pockets
• Colour approved by your department
• Easy to wash and quick to dry

Ordering for your whole department or hospital? See our bulk enquiries page.

Shop OT scrubs from ₹1,050: Men's OT Scrubs · Women's OT Scrubs