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Scrub sizes are labelled in letters (XS to 5XL) and, on some women’s styles, in numbers (0 to 36), and each brand sets its own measurements for those labels. There is no scrub-specific sizing standard that fixes what a Medium is, so the reliable method is to measure your body and compare it with the chart for the exact product you are buying. This guide gives one manufacturer’s published chart as a worked reference and shows how to read it. It is general product information, not medical advice.
Scrub size chart
The two tables below are the Cherokee Uniforms published size chart (body measurements in inches, checked 30 October 2026). They are one brand’s chart, not a universal standard, and other brands differ.
Women’s scrub size chart (Cherokee Uniforms, inches)
| US size (number) | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS (0) | 31 | 23-24 | 33-34 |
| XS (2-4) | 33-34 | 25-26 | 35-36 |
| S (6-8) | 35-36 | 27-28 | 37-38 |
| M (10-12) | 37-39 | 29-31 | 39-41 |
| L (14-16) | 40-43 | 32-35 | 42-45 |
| XL (18-20) | 44-47 | 36-39 | 46-49 |
| 2XL (22-24) | 48-51 | 40-43 | 50-53 |
| 3XL (26-28) | 52-55 | 44-47 | 54-57 |
| 4XL (30-32) | 56-59 | 48-51 | 58-62 |
| 5XL (34-36) | 58-62 | 50-53 | 61-64 |
Men’s and unisex scrub size chart (Cherokee Uniforms, inches)
| Size | Chest | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 29-31 | 22-24 | 29-31 |
| XS | 32-34 | 25-27 | 32-34 |
| S | 35-37 | 28-30 | 35-37 |
| M | 38-40 | 31-33 | 38-40 |
| L | 41-44 | 34-37 | 41-44 |
| XL | 45-48 | 38-41 | 45-48 |
| 2XL | 49-52 | 42-45 | 49-52 |
| 3XL | 53-56 | 46-49 | 53-56 |
| 4XL | 57-60 | 50-53 | 57-60 |
| 5XL | 61-64 | 54-57 | 61-64 |
Published inseam ranges on the same chart are about 27.5 to 28.5 in (petite), 30 to 31 in (regular) and 33 to 34 in (tall) for women’s pants, and about 29 to 30 in (short), 31 to 32 in (regular), 34 to 35 in (tall) and 36 in (ultra tall, unhemmed) for men’s.
Check your product’s labelling. The chart on the product page or garment label for the exact style you are buying is the one that applies, because brands publish different charts for different product lines.
How to read the scrub size chart
The chart lists body measurements, not garment measurements: find the row where your bust or chest, waist and hips fall. Where the measurements fall in different rows, the Cherokee chart advises going by the hips. Where you sit between two sizes, it suggests the smaller size for a closer fit and the larger for a looser one.
How to measure and choose scrubs
To choose scrubs, take your measurements and compare them with the chart for that product. Measuring points used by the Cherokee chart:
- Bust or chest: around the fullest part.
- Waist: bend to the side and measure at the natural crease.
- Hips: feet together, around the fullest part of the hips and rear.
- Inseam: from the crotch seam to the hem along the inner leg.
WonderWink (Wink Scrubs) says its size chart sits on each product page, that a Fit Finder tool on the product page walks you through a series of questions to recommend a size, and that its Fit, Fabric and Care section describes the intended fit (for example relaxed, semi-fitted or closer to the body) and the stretch of the fabric (help page checked 30 October 2026).
Equivalence notes: number vs letter, inseam and fit type
Numeric and letter sizes
On the Cherokee women’s chart a numeric range maps to a letter: for example M covers sizes 10-12 and L covers 14-16. A letter size on a unisex style uses the separate men’s and unisex chest ranges, so a women’s M and a unisex M are not the same body measurement (bust 37-39 in against chest 38-40 in).
Standard body tables are a baseline, not a brand size
ASTM D5585-21 is titled Standard Tables of Body Measurements for Adult Female Misses Figure Type, Size Range 00-20, and its scope says the tables can be used as a baseline in designing apparel for Missy in this size range, alongside fabric type, ease for body movement, styling and fit. Brands apply their own ease and fit, which is why garment charts still differ (ASTM scope page checked 30 October 2026).
Fit types
| Fit (Cherokee Uniforms) | Published guidance |
|---|---|
| Junior contoured | Slim, close to the body; order one size up for more room |
| Missy relaxed | Roomy, true to size |
| Unisex | Loose; men true to size, women may consider one size down |
Common mix-ups
- One chart for every product line. Cherokee publishes different charts for different product lines, so the chart for the exact style applies.
- Body versus garment measurements. A body chart does not tell you how much ease a garment adds; fit descriptions do.
- Surgical scrub is not scrubs. Scrubs are the uniform; a surgical scrub is hand and forearm antisepsis. See skin antisepsis and povidone-iodine antiseptic for antiseptic background.
FAQ
How do I choose scrubs?
Measure your bust or chest, waist, hips and inseam, then match them to the size chart for the specific product, going by the hips if waist and hips point to different sizes. Read the product’s fit description (relaxed, semi-fitted or closer to the body) before deciding. Related guides: scrub fabric and reusable vs disposable scrubs.
What is scrubs?
Scrubs are the two-piece top and pants uniform worn in healthcare settings; for other protective garments see what is a lab coat and what is a surgical gown. Medical apparel is listed in the medical apparel category at lac.us.
What is a surgical scrub?
A surgical scrub is antisepsis of the hands and forearms before surgery, a different topic from scrub clothing sizes. This page does not cover the procedure.
Is there a scrub size chart that applies to every brand?
No. Each brand publishes its own chart, and the chart on the product page is the one to use.
Sources
- Cherokee Uniforms, size chart, cherokeeuniforms.com/pages/size-chart, checked 30 October 2026.
- WonderWink (Wink Scrubs) help, Size charts, help.winkscrubs.com/en-US/size_charts-208753, checked 30 October 2026.
- ASTM International, ASTM D5585-21, store.astm.org/d5585-21.html, scope checked 30 October 2026.
