The Complete Guide to Scrub Fabrics 2026
The fabric your scrubs are made from plays a huge role in how comfortable, durable and professional they feel during long shifts. Whether you work in nursing, theatre, aged care, dental, allied health or community care, the right fabric can help you stay cool, move freely and look polished all day.
At Infectious Clothing Company, we supply thousands of healthcare professionals across Australia and test every fabric we sell for stretch, durability, colourfastness and comfort. This 2026 guide explains the best scrub fabrics to choose for your role, climate and body type — and which brands perform best.
Key Takeaways – Scrub Fabrics in 2026
- Modern scrubs use technical poly–spandex blends for stretch and movement.
- Moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics are essential for hot Australian clinics.
- Higher spandex content = more stretch and mobility.
- Polyester enhances durability, fade-resistance and easy-care performance.
- Top brands for fabric technology: Wink W123, Wink Boundless, Cherokee, Dickies.
- Shop fabrics by brand in our Wink, Cherokee and Dickies collections.
Most Common Scrub Fabrics in 2026
1. Polyester–Spandex Blends (Most Popular)
The gold standard in 2026 scrub fabric performance. These blends offer:
- 4-way stretch for mobility
- Moisture-wicking for comfort
- Fade resistance for long-term wear
- Easy-care wash-and-wear performance
- Lightweight comfort for hot climates
Perfect for: hospitals, aged care, community, dental, theatre, students and long shifts.
Top examples include:
2. Polyester–Rayon–Spandex (Soft & Silky)
This blend is known for its premium, soft-hand feel and draped finish. Benefits include:
- Silky softness
- Lightweight comfort
- Enhanced breathability
- More professional drape
Perfect for: reception, leadership roles, dental, cosmetic, admin or anyone wanting a polished look.
Top example:
3. Cotton–Polyester Blends (Classic & Durable)
These blends offer a more traditional scrub feel. Benefits include:
- Soft natural cotton feel
- Durability
- Higher breathability than pure polyester
However, they may lack the stretch and moisture-wicking performance of modern technical fabrics.
Great for: staff who prefer classic scrubs or cooler climates.
4. 100% Polyester (Lightweight & Quick-Dry)
Polyester is durable, colourfast and extremely easy-care. Benefits include:
- Fast drying — perfect for overnight washes
- Fade resistance — colour stays vibrant
- Lightweight feel
Best for: high-wash environments, uniforms, budget-conscious teams.
However, polyester alone offers less stretch unless blended with spandex.
Fabric Features to Look For in 2026
1. 4-Way Stretch
The most important upgrade in modern scrubs. 4-way stretch means the fabric moves with you in every direction, ideal for:
- Clinical nursing
- Aged care
- Emergency
- Physio & allied health
- Dental & theatre
2. Moisture-Wicking
Crucial for hot clinics, long shifts and high-movement roles. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the body and help it evaporate quickly.
3. Quick-Dry
A must-have for Australian clinics. Quick-dry fabrics reduce cling, stay lightweight and help regulate body temperature.
4. Fade-Resistant Colours
Professional scrubs need to stay vibrant wash after wash. Look for fabrics that resist fading, especially with dark colours like navy and black.
5. Wrinkle Resistance
Modern technical scrubs are designed to come out of the wash looking smooth without ironing — a major convenience for shift workers.
Best Fabric Choices by Role
Nursing & Midwifery
- Poly–spandex blends
- Wink W123, Boundless
- Cherokee Infinity
Theatre & Surgery
- Lightweight, breathable poly-blends
- Minimal seams
- Fade-resistant colours
Aged Care
- Soft stretch fabrics
- Moisture-wicking materials
- Durability for high-wash cycles
Dental & Cosmetic
- Sleek, polished polyester–rayon–spandex blends
- Professional drape
Community & Home Care
- Quick-dry fabrics
- Flexible stretch
- Lightweight feel
Which Brands Have the Best Fabrics in 2026?
Wink / WonderWink – Performance Fabric Leaders
Why they’re on top: exceptional stretch, cooling technology and lightweight comfort.
Best for: nurses, aged care, community, paediatrics.
Cherokee – Soft, Breathable, Professional
Why clinicians love it: premium-feel fabrics with strong durability and structure.
Best for: theatre, dental, admin, modern scrubs.
Dickies – Reliable, Durable & Easy-Care
Why Dickies stands out: great for high-wash environments and long-term durability.
Best for: hospitals, aged care, students.
How to Choose the Right Fabric for You
Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer stretch or structure?
- Do I work in a hot clinic?
- Do I need premium softness or durability?
- How often do I wash my scrubs?
- Do I prefer lightweight or classic fabric?
If you want personalised recommendations, our team is here to help.
Fabric-related scrub issues (quick fixes)
FAQs – Scrub Fabrics 2026
What is the best scrub fabric overall?
Poly–spandex blends are the top performers for comfort, stretch, moisture control and durability.
Which scrubs are best for hot weather?
Wink Boundless and W123 are lightweight, moisture-wicking and ideal for Australian climates.
Are cotton scrubs good?
Cotton blends can be soft and breathable, but lack the stretch and cool feel of modern technical fabrics.
Which scrubs last the longest?
Dickies and Cherokee are known for strong durability and fade resistance.
What fabric is most flattering?
Poly–rayon–spandex blends offer the softest drape and most polished appearance.
