Scrubs in Saudi Arabia: How Hospitals and Clinics Choose the Right Scrub Suits

Scrubs are the most worn piece of clothing in any hospital or clinic. A nurse may put on a fresh scrub suit every shift, wash it dozens of times a month and wear it through twelve-hour days. When a hospital, polyclinic or dental centre in Saudi Arabia buys scrubs for a whole team, the choice affects comfort, hygiene, patient trust and the yearly uniform budget.

This guide explains what to look for when you order scrubs in bulk: the fabrics that survive hospital laundry, the fits that suit Saudi dress codes, how to colour-code departments and how to add your logo. It is written by the team at Blaze Uniforms in Dammam, where we make hospital uniforms for healthcare providers across the Kingdom.

What is a scrub suit?

A scrub suit is a simple two-piece outfit, a short-sleeved top and drawstring or elastic trousers, designed to be worn in clinical areas and washed at high temperature. Scrubs began in operating theatres, but today they are worn by nurses, doctors, technicians, dental teams and many support staff.

Good scrubs have a few things in common:

• They are easy to put on and take off quickly
• They survive frequent hot washing without shrinking or fading badly
• They have practical pockets for pens, scissors and phones
• They let staff move, bend and lift without restriction

Choosing the right fabric for scrubs

Fabric is the decision that matters most, because it decides comfort in the Saudi climate and how long the scrubs last.

Cotton

100% cotton is soft and breathable, which many staff like in hot weather. The downside is that pure cotton wrinkles, can shrink and fades faster under industrial washing.

Poly-cotton blends

A polyester and cotton blend, often around 65/35, is the most common choice for hospital scrubs. It keeps much of cotton’s comfort but holds its shape and colour better and dries faster. For most hospitals and clinics this is the safest all-round option.

Stretch fabrics

Blends with a small amount of spandex give stretch for staff who bend and lift all day, such as nurses, physiotherapists and dental assistants. They feel modern and look neat, but check that they can handle your laundry temperatures.

If your scrubs go to an external laundry, tell your supplier the wash temperature and process before you choose a fabric. That one detail prevents most early fading and shrinking problems.

Fits and modest options for Saudi workplaces

Healthcare dress codes in Saudi Arabia favour modest, loose-fitting clothing, and many facilities set their own rules on top of the national guidance. When you order scrubs, plan for:

• Long-sleeve tops or under-scrub layers for staff who prefer covered arms
• Longer tunic-style tops for female staff
• Relaxed, non-tight trousers rather than slim fits
• Matching head coverings where your facility uses them

A good supplier can make the same scrub design in men’s and women’s cuts and in several lengths, so your whole team looks consistent while each person is comfortable.

Colour coding by department

Many hospitals use scrub colours to show roles at a glance. Patients and colleagues can tell who is a nurse, a doctor or a technician without reading a badge. A typical plan might look like this:

• Navy or royal blue for nursing staff
• Green or teal for theatre and surgical teams
• Burgundy or grey for technicians
• A distinct colour for students or trainees

There is no single national colour code, so choose a scheme that works for your facility, write it down and keep it the same every time you reorder. Fabric colours vary slightly between batches, so order from the same supplier and the same fabric where possible.

Adding your logo and names

Embroidery is the most durable way to brand scrubs. A small logo on the chest, with an optional name or department underneath, survives hundreds of washes. Printing is cheaper for large runs but can crack or fade under hot hospital laundry.

Keep logos small and on the left chest. Large back prints are rarely needed on scrubs and add cost.

How many scrub sets does each person need?

Most clinical staff need enough sets to wear a clean set every shift while others are in the wash. Many facilities plan three to five sets per person, but the right number depends on shift patterns and whether staff wash at home or the hospital uses a central laundry. Plan replacements too: scrubs worn daily wear out much faster than office uniforms.

Checklist before you order scrubs in bulk

1. List every role that needs scrubs and how many people are in each
2. Decide the colour for each role and keep a written colour code
3. Choose a fabric that matches your laundry process
4. Agree men’s and women’s cuts, sleeve lengths and top lengths
5. Collect sizes for every staff member (a size trial set helps)
6. Approve a sample with the logo before full production
7. Plan a reorder schedule so new staff match existing staff

Frequently asked questions

Are scrubs only for doctors and nurses?

No. Dental teams, lab technicians, pharmacy staff, physiotherapists and many cleaning and support teams also wear scrubs because they are practical and easy to wash.

What is the best fabric for scrubs in hot weather?

Breathable poly-cotton blends are a good balance of comfort and durability. Pure cotton is the most breathable but wears faster under hot washing.

Can scrubs be made with long sleeves?

Yes. Long-sleeve tops, longer tunic tops and loose trousers are common for Saudi healthcare teams, and they can match the standard scrub design.

Should we embroider or print our logo?

Embroidery lasts longer on items that are washed hot and often, so it is usually the better choice for scrubs.

Get a quote for scrubs and hospital uniforms

If you are planning scrubs for your hospital, clinic or dental centre, visit our hospital uniforms page or message our team on WhatsApp at +966 54 981 3943. Tell us the roles, colours and quantities and we will help you plan the order.