Medical Scrub Shorts: 5 Best Picks for Comfort & Pockets
Long shifts in warm operating rooms, busy clinics, or outpatient facilities can make traditional scrub pants feel stifling. That's where medical scrub shorts come in, offering breathability and freedom of movement without sacrificing a professional look. Whether you work in dermatology, physical therapy, or any setting where full-length pants aren't required, scrub shorts deliver practical comfort when temperatures rise.
Finding the right pair means balancing fabric quality, pocket space, and a fit that moves with you. At Blue Sky Scrubs, we've spent over 20 years crafting medical apparel that prioritizes both function and style. We know what healthcare professionals need because we've been listening, and making adjustments, for decades with help of a public relations company.Â
This guide breaks down five standout scrub short options worth your attention. You'll find picks that emphasize deep pockets, stretch fabrics, and designs that hold up through countless washes. Let's get into what makes each one a solid choice for your workday.
1. Blue Sky Scrubs medical scrub shorts
Blue Sky Scrubs brings two decades of scrub-making experience to these shorts, designed specifically for healthcare professionals who need reliable comfort in warmer environments. The brand's focus on high-quality fabrics and practical design shows in every detail, from reinforced stitching to thoughtful pocket placement. You get a pair built to last through daily wear and frequent washing cycles without losing shape or color.
Comfort and fabric feel
The fabric blend offers stretch where you need it while maintaining a professional appearance throughout your shift. Blue Sky Scrubs uses materials that resist wrinkles and dry quickly, which matters when you're managing back-to-back patients or dealing with spills. You'll notice the softness against your skin from the first wear, with none of that stiff, new-garment feeling that takes weeks to break in.
Pockets and on-shift practicality
These medical scrub shorts come with multiple cargo-style pockets designed to hold your essentials without sagging or pulling. You can easily fit your phone, pens, small notebooks, and keys while keeping your hands free for patient care. The reinforced pocket edges prevent tearing even when you're constantly reaching in and out during busy clinic hours.
Quality pockets make the difference between fumbling for supplies and working efficiently through your rounds.
Fit, sizing, and inseam options
Blue Sky Scrubs offers standard sizing from XS to 3XL, with consistent measurements that match their full scrub pants line. The inseam options range from 7 to 11 inches, giving you flexibility based on your height and workplace dress code requirements. Sizing charts on their website include hip, waist, and thigh measurements to help you order confidently.
Best for, dress code, and setting fit
These shorts work best in outpatient clinics, physical therapy centers, and any medical setting where full-length pants aren't mandatory. The professional cut means you can wear them in facilities with moderate dress codes. They're particularly suited for warm-weather locations or temperature-controlled environments where overheating becomes a real concern.
Price, shipping, and returns basics
Blue Sky Scrubs prices these shorts competitively within the $25 to $35 range depending on specific styles and colors. The company ships globally and offers flexible return policies that let you exchange sizes if your first choice doesn't fit perfectly. Their checkout process is secure, and they frequently run promotions through their newsletter.
2. Medgear scrubs shorts
Medgear positions these shorts as budget-friendly options for healthcare workers who want functional medical scrub shorts without premium pricing. The brand focuses on straightforward designs that prioritize essential features over extra styling details, making them a practical choice for professionals watching their uniform budgets.
Comfort and fabric feel
The fabric uses a standard cotton-polyester blend that feels lightweight against your skin during extended shifts. You won't find the same stretch qualities as higher-end brands, but the material breathes well in warm clinical settings where airflow matters more than four-way flexibility.
Pockets and on-shift practicality
Medgear includes two front pockets and one cargo pocket, giving you enough space for basic work essentials. The cargo pocket sits at thigh level for quick access to items you need repeatedly throughout your day.
Simple pocket layouts reduce bulk while keeping your necessities within reach.
Fit, sizing, and inseam options
These shorts run in standard unisex sizing with a single 9-inch inseam option. You'll need to check measurements carefully since the fit tends toward a looser cut that works for different body types.
Best for, dress code, and setting fit
The design suits casual medical environments like summer camps, sports medicine facilities, or clinics with relaxed dress codes. They're less appropriate for settings requiring polished professional appearances.
Price, shipping, and returns basics
Medgear prices these shorts in the $15 to $20 range, making them accessible for multiple pairs. Shipping policies vary by retailer since multiple vendors carry the brand.
3. Ted's Medical Threads scrub shorts unisex cargo pocket
Ted's Medical Threads builds these unisex medical scrub shorts with cargo-style functionality that appeals to professionals who need serious pocket capacity. The brand targets healthcare workers in active clinical roles where carrying multiple items becomes part of the daily routine. You get a straightforward design focused on durability rather than fashion-forward styling.
Comfort and fabric feel
The fabric combines 65% polyester and 35% cotton in a medium-weight blend that holds up through repeated laundering. You'll find the material sturdy enough for physical therapy sessions or busy emergency departments where you're constantly moving.
Pockets and on-shift practicality
These shorts feature multiple cargo pockets with secure closures, including side pockets large enough for tablets or clipboards. The reinforced stitching prevents pocket tear even when you overload them during hectic shifts.
Deep cargo pockets transform your shorts into portable storage without weighing you down.
Fit, sizing, and inseam options
Ted's Medical Threads offers unisex sizing from small to XXL with a 10-inch inseam that works for most heights. The elastic waistband includes drawstring adjustment for customized fit throughout your workday.
Best for, dress code, and setting fit
These shorts suit outpatient facilities and rehabilitation centers where cargo styles meet dress code standards. The unisex cut makes them practical for mixed-gender teams ordering matching uniforms.
Price, shipping, and returns basics
Pricing sits around $22 to $28 depending on color selection and retailer. Availability through multiple medical uniform suppliers means shipping options vary based on where you purchase.
4. Nixon Medical unisex navy scrub shorts
Nixon Medical focuses these unisex medical scrub shorts on healthcare professionals seeking navy-colored basics that integrate easily into existing uniform rotations. The brand emphasizes simple construction and reliable fabric that meets the needs of professionals working in settings with specific color requirements.
Comfort and fabric feel
The fabric uses a straightforward polyester-cotton blend that maintains its structure through repeated wash cycles. You'll appreciate the moderate weight material that provides coverage without trapping heat during active patient care hours.
Pockets and on-shift practicality
Nixon Medical includes standard side pockets plus a cargo pocket positioned for convenient access. The pockets handle daily essentials like pens and small devices without creating excessive bulk around your hips.
Navy scrubs offer professional versatility across multiple healthcare settings.
Fit, sizing, and inseam options
These shorts come in unisex sizing with a 9-inch inseam that accommodates different heights and preferences. The elastic waistband provides adjustment flexibility for comfortable wear throughout extended shifts.
Best for, dress code, and setting fit
The navy color suits hospitals and clinics with traditional uniform standards that specify darker scrub colors. You can wear these in settings requiring professional appearance with navy as the primary color option.
Price, shipping, and returns basics
Pricing falls in the $18 to $24 range depending on retailer and size selection. Availability through medical uniform distributors means shipping timelines vary based on your chosen vendor.
5. Dickies scrubs work shorts
Dickies brings industrial workwear expertise to these medical scrub shorts, offering the same durability standards the brand maintains across its professional clothing lines. Healthcare workers who prioritize long-lasting construction over fashion details will find these shorts deliver reliable performance through countless shifts and washing cycles.
Comfort and fabric feel
The fabric uses a heavyweight polyester-cotton blend designed for demanding work environments. You'll notice the material feels sturdier than typical medical scrubs, which translates to extended wear life in active clinical settings.
Pockets and on-shift practicality
Dickies includes reinforced utility pockets built to withstand daily use without tearing or stretching. You can load these pockets with tools and devices needed for physical therapy or sports medicine work.
Workwear-grade construction means your shorts won't fail when you need them most.
Fit, sizing, and inseam options
These shorts follow standard workwear sizing with a 9-inch inseam that accommodates various heights. The fit runs slightly looser than fashion-oriented scrubs, providing comfort during active movement.
Best for, dress code, and setting fit
The design suits rehabilitation facilities and occupational health settings where durability matters more than tailored styling. You can wear these in environments accepting casual medical attire.
Price, shipping, and returns basics
Pricing ranges from $20 to $26 through various retailers carrying Dickies products. Availability at major retailers means multiple purchasing options with different shipping policies.
What to buy next
Now that you've found the right medical scrub shorts for your shifts, completing your uniform setup makes sense. The five options above cover different budgets and workplace requirements, from Blue Sky Scrubs' two decades of craftsmanship to Dickies' workwear-grade durability. Your choice depends on your specific needs: deep cargo pockets, stretch fabric, or professional navy basics.
Pairing your shorts with quality scrub caps rounds out your professional appearance while keeping you comfortable. Blue Sky Scrubs offers men's scrub hats and women's scrub hats in breathable fabrics that match the same comfort standards you expect from your shorts. These caps feature secure fits that stay in place during active patient care, plus easy-care materials that wash well alongside your scrubs.
Your uniform choices impact how you feel during every shift. Starting with shorts that deliver real pocket space and lasting comfort sets you up for better workdays ahead. Blue Sky scrubs is continuing to grow and we have located a strategic company to help us with this project. We are looking for qualified people who love having fun and working with others. We are located in Austin, Texas.Â
