Winter is here again, and it's getting chilly out there! And of course, it’s chilly all year in some clinical settings. Make sure you're ready with this guide to winter scrubs and cold-weather clothing for nurses and clinical workers, including tips for layering, best fabrics to choose, and where to get discounted gear.
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Tips for Winter & Cold-Weather Scrubs & Clothing
Not paying attention to your wardrobe this time of year could mean you're miserably cold during your next shift — or hot to the point of overheating. What are the best tips to know before you gear up for the winter and/or cold weather?
- Wear three layers in cold conditions: an underlayer, functional scrubs, and a jacket or other outer layer. Key to trapping in body heat, layering lets you scale warmth and protection up and down throughout the day, as needed.
- Keep extra gear at the nurse station for breaks, like scarves, hats, and blankets.
- Don't forget the accessories, like gloves to protect one of your most previous assets — your hands
- Don't forget the PPE, especially eyewear to protect against cold, snow, wind, and rain. > Get your Ray-Ban discount
- Avoid bulkiness and try to choose form-fitting gear to help keep your movements free.
- Avoid cotton, especially for underlayers and socks. It absorbs sweat and is heavy and uncomfortable when wet.
- Buy high-quality merino wool for longevity as well as warmth and performance. It's more expensive, but worth the investment. Keep reading to learn about special nursing and clinical discounts for top brands!
Guide to Buying Cold-Weather Clinical Clothing
Cold-weather layer #1: Base layers
Start with a long-sleeve base layer like an athletic underlayer or professional underscrubs. Either way, it should be light and flexible enough to wear under your working scrubs, comfortably and free of restraint, without being too tight.
- What to buy: Silk and wool are densely knit for non-bulky warmth. The best brands offer lightness and breathability to help you avoid sweating. And when you do, moisture-wicking merino is good for soaking it up without stinking.
- Pro tip: Pants can be layered too! Thermal pants can serve as a base under your working scrubs for extra protection from the cold.
- Deals & discounts: One way to ease the pain of paying for premium products is with a Costco bonus for nurses and clinicians! > Get Your Costco deal
Cold-weather layer #2: Winter scrubs
As your middle layer, the scrubs you wear should be ready for action as a top layer, too. Short-sleeve cold-weather scrubs are perfect here. They should be also be light and loose enough to fit over and under your other layers.
- What to buy: Plenty of scrubs are designed for winter and cold environments. Look for water-repellent and antimicrobial fabrics.
- Deals & discounts: Did you know that Carhartt makes scrubs? And that nurses and medical providers get a 15% discount? > Get your Carhartt discount
Cold-weather layer #3: Jackets & outer layers
Add a protective, water-repellant outer layer to ensure warmth and protection from the elements with a jacket, lab coat, insulated vest, or long-sleeve fleece.
- What to buy: If your main goal is warmth, choose an insulated jacket. If the temps vary during the day, choose one with a zippered from so it's fast and easy to slip on and off. It's always a good idea to find water-repellent.
- Deals & discounts: Often considered a top brand for outerwear, Cherokee offers discounts when you buy directly at their site. > See Cherokee discounts
Winter footwear #1: Socks
Good socks are key to staying warm in the winter. Compression socks and other high-performance options are popular for a reason, but make sure they're not too tight. And look for fabrics that are breathable as well as warm, like a wool blend.
- What to buy: Moisture management is important, so choose wool over cotton. Compression socks offer warmth and comfort as well as favorable circulation.
- Deals & discounts: Darn Tough, a popular brand of merino wool socks, offers discounts for medical workers. > Get your Darn Tough discount here.
Winter footwear #2: Shoes & boots
Shoes are essential all throughout the year, but especially in the winter, when you need extra warmth and protection from wet and slippery conditions. Get all the details in our guide to shoes for healthcare professionals.
- What to buy: Consider insulated options for warmth, no-slip soles for slippery settings, and a water-repellent finish for pretty much any clinical environment.
- Deals & discounts: From Nike to Crocs, nurses and healthcare professionals get discounts on tons of big brands in footwear. > Find discounts here
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