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As fabrics and styles continue to evolve, they have a direct impact on the apparel and uniforms used in the healthcare industry. In today’s ever changing healthcare environment, it is necessary for scrub manufacturers to constantly research, develop and introduce new innovative fabrics and styles for laundries and healthcare facilities. These new concepts will not only help reduce energy costs, but also add life to the products and appeal to style-minded employees. 
 

One hundred percent polyester fabric is a prime example of how fabrics have evolved within the healthcare industry. We’ve seen fabrics used for scrubs transition from 100 percent cotton to a cotton/poly blend to a poly/cotton blend and now 100 percent polyester. Scrubs made with 100 percent polyester are nothing like the old leisure suits from back in the day. Today’s polyester is part of “the new generation of fabrics” coming to market. This new era of polyester can be made from recycled plastics and/or a wide variety of different type of polymers. In fact, these new synthetic yarns are more breathable, and also much stronger than other fabric blends thus helping in the reduction of the need for replacements within the laundry environment. Additionally, the new polyester scrubs offer wonderful draping and comfort properties that are much more appealing to today’s demanding consumer. 

Furthermore, manufacturers are adding cutting-edge features to such fabrics including wrinkle resistance, color retention, moisture wicking and anti-microbial finishes (helping control odor). These features and  satisfy end users, as well as healthcare facilities and laundries.  The standard V-neck scrub tops and drawstring scrub pants are still uniform staples in the healthcare industry, but in recent years we have seen scrub styles evolve into fresh, fashionable designs. To appease fashion-forward employees, manufacturers are producing retail-inspired scrubs. Features such as split necklines, cargo pockets, flared pant legs and vibrant color selections are allowing healthcare employees to wear trendy uniforms that mimic the styling of garments found at an apparel store at the local mall. Such styling features have a direct impact on the morale and overall appearance for the end user. 

These newly developed fabrics and styles for scrubs are becoming even more groundbreaking as some manufacturers have been able to make such designs industrial laundry (IL) friendly. Beyond giving the end user more options, this gives laundries a broader product inventory that will grow their business. Fashion Seal Healthcare® is proud to offer our 100 percent polyester line FashionPoly™ and brushed poplin line SimplySoft™, which both utilize innovative fabrics and styling while remaining IL-friendly. 

As the healthcare industry continues to transform year-to-year, fabrics and styling for scrubs will continue to evolve with the times. Before you know it, scrubs could have auto-drying technology like Marty McFly’s vest in Back to the Future. We can all dream, right?

Article by:
Scott Delin, Vice President of Sales 
Contact him at 610-442-0880 or [email protected]
Fashion Seal Healthcare®, a signature brand of Superior Uniform Group®