A good underscrub solves a surprisingly specific problem:
You want long sleeves without feeling like you’re wearing two shirts.
Hospitals can get cold.
Scrub tops usually aren’t particularly warm.
But throwing a thick cotton shirt underneath them can leave you overheating as soon as the shift gets busy.
The best underscrubs are:
- Thin
- Soft
- Breathable
- Close-fitting
- Easy to layer
- Long enough to stay tucked or covered
- Stretchy through the shoulders
- Comfortable under short scrub sleeves
Some are built primarily for warmth.
Others focus on moisture management.
The right one depends on whether you’re freezing at the nurses’ station or sweating through an active unit.
Affiliate disclosure: Suitcases & Scrubs may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Shopping for underscrubs & long-sleeve layers for nurses?
Quick Picks: Best Underscrubs for Nurses
| Pick | Best For |
|---|---|
| FIGS Supersoft Long-Sleeve Underscrub | Best overall |
| FIGS Palmer/Thomas Ribbed Underscrub | Best performance option |
| Jaanuu Underscrubs | Best premium alternative |
| Basic Stretch Base Layer | Best budget |
| Moisture-Wicking Athletic Layer | Best warm units |
| Cotton-Blend Long Sleeve | Best soft everyday option |
Our Overall Pick: FIGS Supersoft Long-Sleeve Underscrub
The FIGS Supersoft underscrub is exactly what we want from this category:
a thin layer designed specifically to disappear underneath scrubs.
The current women’s version costs $38 and uses a 50/50 Pima cotton and modal blend. FIGS describes it as lightweight, breathable and slim-fitting.
The men’s current version is also $38 and uses 100% Pima cotton in a lightweight tight-knit construction.
Why we like it
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Slim fit
- Breathable
- Crew neck
- Designed specifically for layering
- Women’s and men’s versions
Best for
- Cold hospital units
- Everyday layering
- Nurses who dislike synthetic athletic fabric
- Anyone who wants something soft against the skin
Shop: [Affiliate link — FIGS Supersoft Underscrub]
1. FIGS Palmer Ribbed Underscrub — Best Women’s Performance Layer
If you want more stretch and performance features, the FIGS Palmer Ribbed underscrub is more technical.
The current version costs around $42 and uses fabric with:
- Four-way stretch
- Moisture-wicking performance
- Silvadur antimicrobial technology
- 22% spandex
- Ribbed construction
FIGS currently lists the fabric as 78% nylon and 22% spandex.
That’s much closer to athletic base-layer material than ordinary cotton.
Best for
- Active units
- Nurses who sweat while working
- People who prefer fitted layers
- Anyone who wants more stretch than cotton provides
Shop: [Affiliate link — FIGS Palmer Ribbed Underscrub]
2. FIGS Thomas Ribbed Underscrub — Best Men’s Performance Layer
The men’s Thomas performs a similar role.
Current pricing is around $42, and FIGS lists:
- Four-way stretch
- Moisture management
- Silvadur antimicrobial treatment
- Slim fit
- Ribbed construction
The current material contains 22% spandex, giving it considerably more stretch than a typical cotton long-sleeve shirt.
Best for
Men who want a technical base layer rather than a traditional T-shirt.
3. FIGS Seamless Underscrubs — Best Premium Technical Option
FIGS currently carries several seamless underscrubs above its basic price range.
Current examples include:
- Salta Seamless Long-Sleeve: around $58
- Makato Seamless Long-Sleeve: around $58
depending on availability and promotions.
We wouldn’t automatically spend this much on an undershirt.
But seamless construction can make sense for someone who strongly dislikes:
- Side seams
- Sleeve seams
- Friction
- Fabric bunching
Best for
Nurses who already know that seams bother them during long shifts.
4. Jaanuu Underscrubs — Best Alternative Premium Layer
Jaanuu also builds underscrubs and base kits into its scrub system.
Current men’s scrub bundles containing underscrubs sit around the low-$100 range depending on collection, while women’s base kits are similarly positioned in premium territory.
Jaanuu is particularly worth considering if you already wear Jaanuu scrubs and want:
- Matching colors
- Coordinating fits
- Similar fabric feel
- A more unified wardrobe
Best for
Nurses already invested in the Jaanuu ecosystem.
5. Basic Stretch Base Layers — Best Budget Pick
Here’s the secret:
An underscrub doesn’t actually have to say “scrub” on the label.
A simple fitted long-sleeve base layer can work perfectly well.
Look for:
- Thin fabric
- Stretch
- Crew neck
- Long enough torso
- Close-fitting sleeves
- Flat seams
Generic athletic and workwear base layers can often cost less than specialty healthcare versions.
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Women’s Stretch Long-Sleeve Base Layer]
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Men’s Stretch Long-Sleeve Base Layer]
6. Moisture-Wicking Athletic Shirts — Best for Warm Units
If your problem isn’t extreme cold but rather wanting your arms covered, an athletic base layer may be better than cotton.
Look for polyester/spandex blends designed to move moisture.
These can work especially well for:
- ER nurses
- ICU nurses
- Techs
- Transport staff
- Anyone walking constantly
Why?
Cotton absorbs moisture.
Performance fabric generally moves it away from your skin more effectively.
That can make a big difference once the unit gets busy.
7. Cotton-Blend Long Sleeves — Best for Softness
Cotton still has a place.
If you mostly want:
“Something soft because this hospital is freezing,”
a lightweight cotton or cotton/modal underscrub can be excellent.
The FIGS Supersoft line essentially follows that philosophy.
Choose cotton blends if you prioritize:
- Softness
- Breathability
- Natural feel
- Light warmth
Choose technical synthetics if you prioritize:
- Moisture management
- Maximum stretch
- Faster drying
What Is an Underscrub?
An underscrub is simply a shirt designed to be worn beneath a scrub top.
Most are:
- Slim-fitting
- Crew-necked
- Lightweight
- Stretchy
- Long enough to stay covered
You can find:
- Long sleeves
- Short sleeves
- Three-quarter sleeves
- Mock necks
- Seamless designs
- Ribbed designs
Why Not Wear a Normal T-Shirt?
You absolutely can.
The problem is bulk.
A loose cotton T-shirt underneath another loose shirt can create:
- Bunching
- Twisted sleeves
- Excess fabric
- Heat buildup
- Necklines showing awkwardly
A fitted base layer usually sits better.
How Tight Should an Underscrub Be?
Close to the body.
Not restrictive.
You want enough tension that the fabric doesn’t bunch underneath your scrub top.
But you should still be able to:
- Reach
- Bend
- Twist
- Take a deep breath
- Raise both arms
without feeling compressed.
Crew Neck vs. Mock Neck
Crew neck
Best all-purpose option.
It usually stays beneath a normal V-neck scrub without showing excessively.
Mock neck
Provides more warmth.
But it is visibly part of your outfit.
Check workplace dress rules.
Long Sleeve vs. Three-Quarter Sleeve
Long sleeves provide more warmth.
Three-quarter sleeves can be useful because they keep fabric farther away from your wrists.
That can be convenient when you’re constantly washing your hands.
Why Sleeve Fit Matters
Loose sleeves underneath scrubs are annoying.
Every time you pull the scrub top on, the undershirt sleeves can ride upward.
We prefer close-fitting sleeves with plenty of stretch.
What Colors Should You Buy?
The safest colors are usually:
- Black
- White
- Navy
- Gray
They coordinate easily.
Some facilities require undershirts to:
- Match the scrubs
- Be white
- Be black
- Follow department-specific colors
Check policy before buying ten purple ones.
Should Your Underscrub Match Your Scrubs?
Not necessarily.
A contrasting undershirt can look perfectly professional if your employer permits it.
However, matching colors create a cleaner uniform appearance.
If your hospital has strict dress codes, matching is safer.
Are Long Sleeves Allowed Everywhere?
No.
This matters.
Some clinical environments have specific infection-control or attire requirements governing clothing worn underneath scrubs.
Restricted perioperative environments can be particularly strict.
Don’t assume a personal long-sleeve undershirt is allowed everywhere.
Follow your facility’s dress and infection-control policies.
Underscrubs for the OR
Be especially careful here.
Perioperative facilities may regulate:
- Sleeve coverage
- Personal garments
- Fabric exposure
- Laundering
Check the rules before wearing personal layers into restricted areas.
Underscrubs for ICU Nurses
ICUs are one of the best environments for lightweight layering because temperature can vary significantly through the shift.
We’d choose:
thin + stretchy + breathable
rather than thick.
Underscrubs for ER Nurses
For the ER, we’d prioritize moisture management over maximum warmth.
An active shift can make heavy cotton uncomfortable very quickly.
Underscrubs for Night Shift
Night shifts are often when hospital temperatures feel coldest.
A lightweight long sleeve plus removable scrub jacket gives you much more control than one heavy layer.
Underscrubs for Tall Nurses
Check torso and sleeve length.
Sizing up isn’t necessarily the answer because it adds width too.
Look for:
- Long body length
- Long sleeves
- Stretch
- Tall sizing where available
Underscrubs for Petite Nurses
Too much fabric defeats the purpose.
A petite nurse may prefer slim-fit or cropped-length base layers to avoid extra fabric bunching beneath scrub pants.
How Many Underscrubs Do You Need?
If you wear one every shift:
3 = minimum workable
4–5 = convenient
6 = easy rotation
They generally cost less than complete scrub sets, so they’re relatively easy to rotate.
Should You Spend $40–60 on an Underscrub?
Maybe.
We’d spend that much if:
- Seams bother you
- You love the fabric
- You wear underscrubs constantly
- Moisture management matters
- Cheap shirts bunch underneath your scrubs
Otherwise, a $15–25 fitted base layer may do the same job perfectly well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best underscrub for nurses?
FIGS Supersoft is our overall choice because it is thin, soft and designed specifically for layering.
Are FIGS underscrubs worth it?
They can be if you care about fit and fabric. The current Supersoft long-sleeve costs around $38, while more technical seamless styles reach around $58.
Can I wear a regular long-sleeve shirt under scrubs?
Yes, if your workplace permits it. A fitted lightweight shirt usually works better than a loose one.
What material is best under scrubs?
Cotton/modal is excellent for softness. Polyester/spandex or nylon/spandex performance fabrics are better for moisture management and stretch.
Should underscrubs be tight?
They should fit close enough not to bunch, but they shouldn’t restrict movement.
Can nurses wear long sleeves under scrubs?
Often yes, but facility and department policies vary, particularly in restricted procedural areas.
Our Verdict
For everyday layering, we’d choose the FIGS Supersoft Long-Sleeve Underscrub.
For more technical performance, the FIGS Palmer or Thomas Ribbed Underscrub gives you much more stretch and moisture management.
But this is also one category where you absolutely don’t have to buy healthcare-specific clothing.
A good fitted athletic base layer can do the same basic job for less.
The test is simple:
If the undershirt disappears under your scrubs and keeps you comfortable, it’s doing its job.
Ready to pick one?