Labor and delivery nursing has its own rhythm.
A shift can go from quiet charting to physically demanding bedside care very quickly. You may spend long periods standing, assisting with positioning, moving equipment, bending, walking and working in warm patient rooms.
That means the best scrubs for L&D nurses need to be comfortable first.
We’d prioritize:
- Four-way stretch
- Breathable fabric
- Soft waistbands
- Enough room to move
- Useful but not excessive pockets
- Easy laundering
- Layers that can come on and off quickly
- A fit that stays comfortable for 12 hours
Here are the scrub lines we’d look at first.
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Shopping for scrubs for labor & delivery nurses?
Quick Picks: Best Scrubs for Labor & Delivery Nurses
| Pick | Best For |
|---|---|
| Cherokee Infinity | Best overall |
| Healing Hands | Best for comfort |
| FIGS FIONx | Best premium |
| Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch | Best value |
| Jaanuu | Best modern fit |
| Jogger Scrubs | Best athletic choice |
| Straight-Leg Stretch Scrubs | Best traditional option |
Our Overall Pick: Cherokee Infinity
For most labor and delivery nurses, we’d start with Cherokee Infinity.
The collection balances stretch, practical storage and athletic styling without becoming overly fitted.
That matters because L&D can require a lot of movement through the hips, shoulders and knees.
Why we like Infinity
- Stretch fabric
- Multiple pant silhouettes
- Practical pockets
- Easy layering
- Broad size range
- Good value compared with premium brands
Best for: Most L&D nurses who want modern, flexible workwear.
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Cherokee Infinity Scrubs]
1. Healing Hands — Best for Long-Shift Comfort
Healing Hands is especially worth considering for labor and delivery because the brand focuses heavily on soft fabrics and comfortable waistbands.
A wide yoga-style waistband can be much more pleasant than narrow elastic during a long shift.
Why we like it
- Soft fabric
- Flexible waistbands
- Straight-leg options
- Stretch
- Relaxed comfort
Best for: Nurses who prioritize softness and waistband comfort.
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Healing Hands Scrubs]
2. FIGS FIONx — Best Premium Pick
FIGS FIONx scrubs are designed with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking material and a soft feel.
That combination works well for L&D, where a shift can alternate between cool charting areas and warm patient rooms.
FIGS also offers multiple women’s pant silhouettes and rises, which makes it easier to find something that works for your proportions.
Why we like FIGS
- Four-way stretch
- Moisture management
- Multiple rises
- Multiple pant shapes
- Large color selection
- Polished styling
Best for: Nurses who prefer premium, more tailored scrubs.
Shop: [Affiliate link — FIGS Scrubs]
3. Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch — Best Value
If you’re buying several sets, Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch makes a lot of sense.
It gives you:
- Stretch
- Functional pockets
- Familiar uniform colors
- Lower prices
- Easy replacement
That’s useful when you need enough uniforms to cover multiple consecutive shifts.
Best for: Budget-conscious L&D nurses and new grads.
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch]
4. Jaanuu — Best Modern Alternative
Jaanuu is worth comparing if you want contemporary styling but don’t like the fit of FIGS or Cherokee.
Different scrub brands fit differently through the:
- Waist
- Hips
- Shoulders
- Bust
- Rise
- Thighs
Sometimes changing brands works better than changing sizes.
Best for
Nurses who want a polished, fitted look.
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Jaanuu Scrubs]
Joggers vs. Straight-Leg Scrubs for L&D
Both work well.
Joggers
Advantages:
- Less fabric near the floor
- Good with sneakers
- Secure ankle cuff
- Athletic styling
Straight-leg pants
Advantages:
- More room through the calf
- Traditional fit
- Easy movement
- Works well with clogs
Choose whichever lets you squat and bend comfortably.
Pockets Matter, But Don’t Overdo It
Labor and delivery nurses may carry:
- Pens
- Phone
- Notes
- Small clinical items
- Shears
- Personal items
But very heavy pockets can pull down the waistband.
We generally prefer a few useful pockets over a huge number of tiny ones.
A secure cargo pocket can be especially useful.
Breathability Matters More Than You Think
L&D rooms can feel warm.
Add physical activity and long shifts, and heavy scrub fabric gets uncomfortable quickly.
Look for:
- Lightweight material
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Stretch
- Breathable layers
A removable scrub jacket is usually better than one very heavy top.
Scrub Jackets for L&D Nurses
Units can still get cold between patient-care periods.
A lightweight scrub jacket works well because it’s easy to remove.
Look for:
- Stretch
- Knit or elastic cuffs
- Zip front
- Washable fabric
- Useful pockets
Avoid bulky layers that make movement harder.
How Many Scrub Sets Should an L&D Nurse Own?
If you work three shifts per week, we’d aim for around:
five or six complete sets
if your budget allows.
That gives you enough for:
- Consecutive shifts
- Laundry delays
- Overtime
- Spills
- Unexpected schedule changes
Keep one backup set available too.
Should L&D Nurses Buy Expensive Scrubs?
Only if they fit better.
Premium scrubs can be comfortable, but cost alone doesn’t make a scrub better.
A mid-priced pair that fits perfectly is more useful than an expensive set you constantly adjust.
Try one premium set first before buying several.
Maternity Scrubs for Pregnant L&D Nurses
Pregnancy while working L&D can make comfortable waistbands even more important.
We’ve covered that separately in our guide to Best Maternity Scrubs, including dedicated maternity pants, tops and joggers.
Don’t simply size up indefinitely if a true maternity fit becomes more comfortable.
What About Compression Socks?
Many nurses wear compression socks during long shifts.
We’ll cover general nursing compression socks separately.
If you’re pregnant or have a medical issue involving circulation or swelling, ask your clinician what compression level is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best scrubs for labor and delivery nurses?
Cherokee Infinity is our overall pick because it combines stretch, mobility, useful pockets and reasonable pricing.
Are FIGS good for L&D nurses?
Yes. FIGS FIONx scrubs use soft, moisture-wicking fabric with four-way stretch.
Are joggers good for labor and delivery nurses?
Yes, provided your facility allows them and the tapered leg doesn’t restrict movement.
What should L&D nurses look for in scrubs?
Prioritize stretch, breathability, comfortable waistbands and unrestricted movement.
How many scrub sets should an L&D nurse have?
Five or six sets is convenient for nurses working three shifts per week.
Our Verdict
For most L&D nurses, we’d start with Cherokee Infinity.
For maximum softness, we’d try Healing Hands.
For premium scrubs, FIGS is a strong option.
And for value, Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch remains difficult to beat.
Labor and delivery is unpredictable enough.
Your scrubs shouldn’t add another problem to the shift.
Ready to pick one?