[Cherokee Scrubs Review 2024] How Good Are These Scrubs?
Overview
No newcomer to the scrubs scene, Cherokee Medical Uniforms has been around since 1972.
Their widespread availability in big retailers and expansive line of medical apparel are two big reasons for their success. They’re now known worldwide for their durable and highly functional nursing scrubs.
Still, having a bigger brand doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
As a professional, you need medical scrubs that support you as you work, not become something you have to suffer through.
The question is: are Cherokee scrubs up to the task? Let’s find out in this in-depth review.
How We Evaluated the Brand
We talked to healthcare and dental professionals around the world who have worn Cherokee scrubs.
They gave us their raw and honest opinions on the products, which we sorted into these five criteria:
- Comfort, Mobility, and Fit
- Functionality
- Material and Breathability
- Care, Maintenance, and Durability
- Cost
We then gave Cherokee scrubs a score for each of these categories along with an overall average.
1. Comfort, Mobility, and Fit
It was once said that the best kind of clothing is the kind you can forget about after you put it on.
This seems especially true with medical apparel. You don’t want your nursing scrubs to be stiff and scratchy during a 12-hour shift, let alone have to keep pulling down your scrub top or retying the drawstrings on your scrub pants.
Ideally, your medical scrubs should:
- Fit you well and be neither baggy nor inappropriately tight
- Be comfortable especially at the end of a long day
- Allow you to squat, bend over, and reach in various directions without exposing you
Gone are the days where Cherokee scrubs are uncomfortable and rough. Comparable to Figs scrubs, Cherokee scrubs have improved a lot over the last few years, introducing Certainty Antimicrobial Fabric Technology which reduces the bacteria that cause odour in humid conditions and offers all-day comfort.
Said one doctor, “I’ve always disliked Cherokee for the stiffness and feel of the material. I have a small frame and most of their men’s scrubs are too baggy. But the quality of the material seems to have improved with their newer product lines, and the [Cherokee Workwear top] fits perfectly to my liking.”
And a female OT said of her Cherokee Workwear Flex scrub top: “We understand the demanding nature of our profession and we recognise the importance of wearing scrubs made from soft, comfortable materials. Rough-textured scrubs are a thing of the past! I also accidentally discovered the fabric doesn't absorb spilled liquids when I accidentally spilled coffee on my scrubs; the liquid simply repelled off the fabric instead! However, I've experienced Cherokee lacking a form-fitting silhouette and required a couple of months to break them in comfortably.”
That said, if you don’t mind a breaking-in period, most people we spoke to reported that Cherokee scrubs soften up over time. Their newer lines (Cherokee Workwear Revolution, Cherokee iflex, Atmos & Allura) are also made of a softer fabric and designed to be more cooling when worn in humid temperatures.
And what about the fit?
Cherokee scrubs used to be known for their baggy, unisex cuts with pants that flared out at the bottom.
Even though they now have more modern cuts, it appears they haven’t strayed too far from those days.
One female nurse said of her Cherokee Infinity scrub pants: “I’m a big girl and these felt like I was wearing a parachute. They were way too big at the calves and flare out like bell bottoms. However, it's great that they now offer straight leg cuttings and knit jogger cuffs.”
Another female RN said of the same pants, “I bought both the Cherokee Infinity pants and top. The top is fitted, but the pants are really baggy around the thighs and calves. They fit just right around my waist and hips, so I can’t go down a size. Feels like I’m in an MC Hammer vid.”
But this certainly isn’t true for everyone.
According to a female RN, “the Cherokee iflex top and pants are the best scrubs I’ve ever gotten. The material is comfortable, lightweight, and adequately stretchy throughout. The top fits snugly around the shoulders and drapes well below. The pants allow me to squat without revealing anything -- and I’ve seen more than my fair share of buttcracks in nursing.”
“I found my [Cherokee Workwear Revolution] scrub pants very flattering and comfortable.”
Our Score: 8/10
2. Functionality
Functionality is where Cherokee scrubs shine.
Most of their scrub tops and pants have at least two pockets, and often 3-4. Many of the tops also have a little clip where you can attach your ID badge.
Still, we’d always recommend looking closely at the number of pockets (and where they’re located) before you purchase your scrubs.
Also, a few of our nurses mentioned that with certain product lines (like the Cherokee Workwear Professional cargo pants), the scrub pants tend to slowly fall off when the pockets are weighed down.
Not a pretty picture!
Here are our recommendations:
Men
Cherokee Infinity Scrub Top: “First thing I loved about these were the stretchiness. I don’t have to worry about ripping it. Pockets are nice and big too.”
Cherokee Infinity Men's Fly Front Pants: “Lots of pockets and deep enough that I never have to worry about my phone falling out even when I’m sitting down. I found the carabiner useful for attaching my scissors - kept them within arm’s reach but didn’t slide around too much.”
Women
Cherokee iflex Knit Panel Scrub Top: “Super soft fabric, especially on the knit panels, and so many pockets!”
Cherokee Workwear Revolution Mock Wrap Scrub Top: “These have good stretchiness and lots of pockets. I find they wrinkle easily though.”
Cherokee Infinity Drawstring Scrub Pants: “Love all the extra pockets on these. I’m not a fan of the bungee cord at the bottom though; they move around when I walk.”
Cherokee Workwear Professionals Cargo Scrub Pants: “The elastic waistband is looser than I’d like, but there’s plenty of room in all the pockets.”
Our Score: 9/10
3. Material and Breathability
Depending on the product line, Cherokee scrub fabrics can vary pretty drastically.
You could get an older line that’s 65% polyester and 35% cotton (Cherokee Originals) or a newer line that’s 78% polyester, 20% rayon, and 2% spandex (Cherokee Workwear Revolution), 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex (Cherokee Infinity).
But the general consensus is that the fabric materials have improved over the decades. The newer product lines are not as stiff and rough as the older scrubs, for example.
And in recent years, the company has followed the lead of other medical apparel companies and begun to offer fabrics with four-way stretch, antimicrobial, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking technology.
One floor nurse said of her Cherokee Workwear Revolution scrubs: “The material is very soft and light. They’re comfortably stretchy and don’t show sweat marks.”
And a male nurse said of his Cherokee Infinity scrubs: “I work on the dementia floor and am constantly redirecting, lifting, and transferring patients. The heat on the floor is always cranked up miserably high, but these scrubs are comfortable and help keep me cool.”
Our Score: 8/10
4. Care, Maintenance, and Durability
They may be stiff at first, but Cherokee scrubs are definitely durable.
“These are definitely not your tailored, fitted sort of scrubs, but they’re affordable and durable. I’ve worn them for years as a nursing aide.”
“I’ve used the same few sets of Cherokee scrubs for five years. I’ve tried other scrubs, but I’ve always come back to these. No other scrubs come close to their comfort, functionality, and durability.”
The downside is that Cherokee scrubs don’t seem to have a great track record with their “wrinkle-free” promise:
“I had a terrible time getting the wrinkles out after it came very tightly packaged. It says it’s a wrinkle-resistant fabric, but it’s a lie. At first I tried ironing. I even washed and put them in the dryer three times. I finally got the wrinkles out after holding a steamer to it for a long time. Never had to do that with other scrubs.”
“My [Cherokee Workwear Professionals Cargo] scrub pants fit great, but they do wrinkle and collect lint.”
Our Score: 7/10
5. Price
Cherokee scrubs sit at the mid to middle-upper end of the price range.
They’re nowhere near as expensive as Figs scrubs, but they’re definitely not run-of-the-mill scrubs where you can get a whole set for under $30.
But considering how long they typically last, Cherokee offers decent value for money.
“For the price, you can’t really go wrong with these scrubs. Just try them on in the store or size down as they tend to run big.”
Our Score: 8/10
Summary
Comfort, Mobility, and Fit: 8/10
Functionality: 9/10
Material and Breathability: 8/10
Care, Maintenance, and Durability: 7/10
Price: 8/10
Overall Score: 8/10
Functional, durable, and good value -- three traits the pragmatic healthcare professional will appreciate. Cherokee may not be everyone’s go-to option, but they do have a wide range of scrubs that are well-liked by many.
View our Cherokee catalogue here. For smaller purchases with a quantity less than 5 sets without embroidery required, you may purchase via 21B Medical.
Still unsure? Contact us and we promise to provide you the best advice that suit your needs.