When you’re living life on the road, going from one hospital to the next, your gear matters. And for travel nurses,...
06/13/2025 |
When you’re living life on the road, going from one hospital to the next, your gear matters. And for travel nurses, nothing gets more use, or more scrutiny, than your scrubs.
You’ve probably seen brands like FIGS, Jaanuu, and Medelita popping up on your feed or being worn by colleagues who swear by them. They look sleek, feel luxurious, and come with a pretty hefty price tag compared to the scrubs you get at the hospital uniform store.
So let’s answer the question that thousands of nurses Google every month:
Are these high-end scrub brands actually worth the money, especially for travel nurses?
In this article, we’ll break down what makes each brand stand out, what to consider when buying premium scrubs, and how they hold up to the demands of life on the road.
Why Travel Nurses Care So Much About Scrubs
When you're working 36+ hours a week in a new city, whether it’s a big urban trauma center or a small rural hospital, scrubs become more than just a uniform.
They’re your armor. Your identity. And often, the one piece of clothing you spend the most time in.
For travel nurses, scrubs need to:
Be comfortable enough to wear all shift (and sometimes after) Hold up through constant washing and movement Pack easily when you’re switching cities or assignments Fit well and make a good first impression in a new hospital Match any facility’s color dress code (more on this later)
With all that in mind, it’s no surprise many nurses are upgrading their workwear to something better.
A Breakdown of the Most Popular Premium Scrub Brands
Let’s take a closer look at the three scrub brands leading the luxury space: FIGS, Jaanuu, and Medelita.
FIGS: The Trendsetter
Price Range: $38–$58 per piece
Known For: Modern fit, FIONx™ fabric, massive social media presence
FIGS became a household name in the nursing world thanks to viral Instagram campaigns, influencer partnerships, and a stylish design that actually makes you feel good in scrubs. They’ve built a brand around the idea that nurses and healthcare pros deserve better workwear, and many agree.
Pros:
Super soft and stretchy material Wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking (ideal for travel) Lots of stylish fits and color drops Strong brand image = feel-good gear
Cons:
More fitted = sizing can feel tight for some Colors can sell out quickly Not always the most durable after heavy wear and wash cycles
Great For: Travel nurses who want to look polished and feel confident on Day 1 of any new assignment.
Jaanuu: Where Fashion Meets Function
Price Range: $36–$54 per piece
Known For: Stylish cuts, antimicrobial finish, great for diverse body types
Jaanuu was co-founded by a pediatrician and her brother, a former fashion exec—which shows in the designs. These scrubs are made to flatter while also being functional. They’re treated with Silvadur™ antimicrobial technology, which gives them a bit of a performance edge.
Pros:
Flattering for curvier or taller frames Fashion-forward styles that stand out Antimicrobial = great for high-contact units Nice blend of softness and structure
Cons:
Some items wrinkle more easily Less breathable than FIGS in very hot climates Not as extensive of a color library as others
Great For: Nurses who want a balance between style and performance, especially if you’re working in high-touch or travel-heavy specialties like ER, ICU, or strike nursing.
Medelita: The Executive Pick
Price Range: $44–$68 per piece (more for lab coats)
Known For: Tailored fit, premium fabrics, elevated professional look
If Jaanuu and FIGS are the fashion-forward cousins, Medelita is the sophisticated older sibling. Originally known for lab coats, Medelita expanded into scrubs that are sharp, structured, and made with engineered performance fabrics.
Pros:
Precision tailoring = polished appearance Resistant to stains, odors, and wrinkles Fabric is ultra-durable and easy to care for Best option for advanced practitioners or nurse leaders
Cons:
Limited color and style options High price point Less trendy, more classic
Great For: Nurse leaders, NPs, or seasoned travel RNs who want to command respect and look the part while staying comfortable across any location.
Nurses Perspective: What do they have to say?
At TotalMed, we support travel nurses across the country, from North Carolina to Washington, and everywhere in between. We often get firsthand feedback about what gear works best out in the field.
Common themes from nurses:
FIGS make a great first impression at new hospitals Jaanuu fits more body types and has great stretch for high-movement shifts Medelita scrubs last longer and look more professional, but are best for longer-term use
Bottom line? There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. But investing in even one premium set of scrubs can make a big difference in comfort, confidence, and professionalism on assignment.
Don’t Forget: Many Hospitals Have Scrub Color Requirements
Before you buy that gorgeous lavender jogger set from FIGS or the emerald green top from Jaanuu, check the dress code for your next assignment.
Many hospitals have strict color requirements, and as a travel nurse, you may not find out until just before (or after) you arrive. Some systems even assign scrub colors based on role or department.
Most Common Scrub Colors Required by Facilities:
Navy Blue – The most frequently required color for RNs Royal Blue – Popular across med-surg, OR, and telemetry Ceil Blue – Often used in procedural and surgical units Green (Olive or Hunter) – Common for ED and surgical floors White – Occasionally for LPNs or techs in specific facilities
If you’re traveling with TotalMed, your recruiter can often help verify dress code info. Still, it’s a good idea to keep a couple neutral sets in common hospital colors on hand especially for last minute contracts.
Final Thoughts: Are Premium Scrubs Worth It for Travel Nurses?
✅ YES, if you care about comfort, appearance, and having gear that can keep up with your lifestyle.
✅ YES, if you want to make a polished impression at a new hospital.
✅ YES, if you’re constantly on the move and need wrinkle-free, easy-to-pack scrubs.
That said, you don’t have to overhaul your whole wardrobe. Most TotalMed travelers keep 1–2 high-end sets for "first-day" or meeting shifts, and use more affordable options for the rest of the week.
Think of it like your work wardrobe—some days are jeans, some days are suit and tie. When you're walking into a new contract in a new city, it helps to wear something that feels like your best self.
Bonus Tip: Pack Smart, Dress Smarter
Wherever you’re heading next, South Dakota, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, or anywhere in between, your scrubs are part of your first impression. They’re also your everyday comfort, confidence booster, and protection.
Want to make the most of your next assignment?
Start with the right scrubs, the right color, and the right fit.
Travel Nursing with TotalMed
At TotalMed, we’re here to help travel nurses thrive. From caring recruiters and competitive pay to credentialing support, we take care of the details so you can focus on the work you love.
Whether you're looking for your next contract in North Carolina or exploring new opportunities in Washington State, we’ve got hundreds of openings to fit your needs and your favorite scrubs.
Find your next assignment with TotalMed here: https://www.totalmed.com/search
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