“Antimicrobial scrubs” sounds more dramatic than it usually is.
It can sound like the clothing somehow protects you from everything you encounter during a shift.
That’s not what these fabrics do.
In most cases, antimicrobial or odor-control treatments are designed to reduce the growth of microorganisms on the fabric itself, particularly organisms associated with odor or fabric degradation.
They are not sterile.
They are not personal protective equipment.
And they do not replace:
- Hand hygiene
- PPE
- Infection-control procedures
- Appropriate laundering
- Facility policy
With that distinction clear, antimicrobial fabric can still be a useful feature—especially for nurses working long, active shifts.
Here are the scrub lines we’d look at first.
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Shopping for antimicrobial scrubs for nurses?
Quick Picks: Best Antimicrobial & Odor-Control Scrubs
| Pick | Best For |
|---|---|
| FIGS FORMx | Best true antimicrobial premium option |
| FIGS FIONx | Best everyday antimicrobial option |
| Cherokee Infinity | Best odor-control value |
| Cherokee Infinity Pursuit | Best athletic odor-control option |
| Standard Stretch Scrubs | Best if antimicrobial treatment isn’t a priority |
Our Overall Pick: FIGS FORMx
If antimicrobial fabric technology is specifically what you’re shopping for, FIGS FORMx is the clearest current choice.
FIGS currently uses Silvadur antimicrobial technology in FORMx fabric.
The company says the treatment provides odor protection and inhibits growth of bacteria and other microorganisms associated with odor and fabric damage. FORMx also adds ultra-stretch, moisture-wicking and anti-static properties.
That’s a strong combination for healthcare work.
Why we like FORMx
- Antimicrobial fabric treatment
- Odor-control focus
- Extremely stretchy construction
- Moisture-wicking
- Anti-static fabric
- Modern cuts
What we don’t like
Price.
FORMx sits toward the premium end of scrub pricing.
And antimicrobial technology alone isn’t enough reason to replace a scrub wardrobe that already fits you well.
Best for: Nurses who specifically want premium performance fabric with antimicrobial treatment.
Shop: [Affiliate link — FIGS FORMx Scrubs]
1. FIGS FIONx — Best Everyday Antimicrobial Pick
FIONx is FIGS’ better-known everyday scrub fabric.
FIGS currently describes FIONx as:
- Four-way stretch
- Moisture-wicking
- Anti-wrinkle
- Soft
- Treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology
The company says the antimicrobial treatment provides odor protection and inhibits microorganisms associated with odor and fabric damage.
That’s useful because FIONx is available across a much broader range of standard FIGS styles than FORMx.
Best for
Nurses who want antimicrobial treatment but prefer the regular FIGS lineup.
Why we’d choose FIONx over FORMx
Choose FIONx if:
- You already know your favorite FIGS style
- You want more silhouette choices
- You don’t need the extreme stretch of FORMx
- You prefer FIGS’ traditional fabric feel
Shop: [Affiliate link — FIGS FIONx Scrubs]
2. Cherokee Infinity — Best Odor-Control Value
Cherokee Infinity takes a slightly different approach.
Current Infinity products use PROTX2 odor-fighting fabric technology rather than emphasizing antimicrobial performance in the same way FIGS does.
Cherokee currently describes multiple Infinity tops as using stretch poplin fabric with PROTX2 odor-fighting technology.
That distinction matters.
We wouldn’t call Infinity equivalent to a product making specific antimicrobial claims.
But if your practical goal is:
“I want my scrubs to feel fresher through a long shift,”
Infinity is worth considering.
Why we like Infinity
- Odor-control treatment
- Strong stretch
- Athletic styling
- Broad sizing
- Plenty of colors
- Lower price than many premium options
Best for: Nurses who care more about odor control and comfort than the antimicrobial label itself.
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Cherokee Infinity Scrubs]
3. Cherokee Infinity Pursuit — Best Athletic Odor-Control Option
Infinity Pursuit is a good choice for nurses who want a technical, athletic feel.
Depending on the garment, the collection combines:
- Stretch
- Moisture management
- Odor-control technology
- Athletic silhouettes
- Performance-inspired construction
This makes more sense to us than buying a scrub solely because the front of the package says “antimicrobial.”
A useful work garment should perform well in several ways.
What Does Antimicrobial Fabric Mean?
Antimicrobial textiles use treatments intended to inhibit certain microorganisms on the material.
Depending on the technology, the goal can include:
- Reducing odor-causing microorganisms
- Limiting bacterial growth on the fabric
- Protecting the textile from degradation
- Extending garment freshness
The important phrase is:
on the fabric.
Don’t turn a textile-performance claim into a medical-protection claim.
Antimicrobial Scrubs Are Not PPE
This is worth stating clearly.
Antimicrobial scrub fabric does not mean:
- You can’t carry organisms on your clothing
- You don’t need to change contaminated scrubs
- You can skip proper laundering
- You need less PPE
- You’re protected from infectious disease
Follow your workplace’s normal infection-control procedures.
What About Odor-Control Scrubs?
Odor-control fabric is related but isn’t necessarily identical to antimicrobial treatment.
A manufacturer may use technology designed to limit odor without making broader antimicrobial claims.
For example, Cherokee Infinity currently promotes PROTX2 odor-fighting technology on multiple products.
That’s why we separate the categories rather than pretending every “freshness” fabric uses the same technology.
Are Antimicrobial Scrubs Worth the Extra Money?
Sometimes.
They’re more compelling if you:
- Work long shifts
- Sweat heavily
- Work in warm environments
- Already need new scrubs
- Like the garment regardless of treatment
They’re less compelling if you’re replacing perfectly good scrubs solely for the antimicrobial label.
We’d rank scrub features roughly like this:
- Fit
- Comfort
- Movement
- Durability
- Appropriate workplace compliance
- Pockets
- Fabric extras like antimicrobial treatment
A scrub that doesn’t fit is still a bad scrub.
What About Washing Antimicrobial Scrubs?
Follow the garment instructions.
FIGS currently recommends cold washing and low-temperature drying or hang drying for FIONx, while FORMx product pages likewise specify cold washing and low tumble drying.
Don’t assume aggressive heat, bleach or other treatments are appropriate unless the label says so.
Your facility’s infection-control rules take precedence when applicable.
Antimicrobial vs. Moisture-Wicking Scrubs
These address different problems.
Antimicrobial treatment
Targets microorganism growth on the textile.
Moisture-wicking fabric
Moves moisture away from your skin or helps it evaporate more efficiently.
For long shifts, moisture management may actually be the feature you notice more.
The ideal performance scrub combines both.
That’s one reason FIGS FORMx stands out: it currently combines antimicrobial treatment with moisture-wicking and ultra-stretch properties.
What About Anti-Static Scrubs?
FORMx also includes anti-static properties.
That can be convenient in dry hospital environments or around synthetic layers.
Again, it’s an extra—not a reason by itself to buy the garment.
Best Antimicrobial Scrubs for Men
FIGS currently offers FORMx styles for both women and men.
Men can also find odor-control technology across Cherokee Infinity styles.
Choose based on:
- Shoulder fit
- Waist
- Inseam
- Thigh room
- Pant cut
rather than technology alone.
Best Antimicrobial Scrubs for Women
Women currently have access to multiple FORMx silhouettes, including tops and pants using Silvadur technology.
FIGS’ current Sona and Alma FORMx tops explicitly list antimicrobial, ultra-stretch, anti-static and moisture-wicking properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best antimicrobial scrubs?
FIGS FORMx is our top pick if antimicrobial fabric treatment is the main priority.
Does FIGS use antimicrobial fabric?
Yes. FIGS currently uses Silvadur antimicrobial technology in FORMx and FIONx fabrics.
Are Cherokee Infinity scrubs antimicrobial?
Cherokee currently markets Infinity products with PROTX2 odor-fighting technology. We would describe that as odor-control technology rather than automatically treating it as identical to FIGS’ antimicrobial claims.
Do antimicrobial scrubs prevent infection?
No. They should not be treated as PPE or as a substitute for infection-control practices.
Do antimicrobial scrubs stop odors?
They may help reduce odor associated with microorganisms on the fabric, depending on the treatment, but no scrub will remain magically fresh under every condition.
Are antimicrobial scrubs worth it?
They can be useful as an added performance feature, but fit and comfort are more important.
Our Verdict
If you specifically want antimicrobial scrub fabric, we’d start with FIGS FORMx.
If you want a broader selection of everyday styles with antimicrobial treatment, FIGS FIONx is the stronger choice.
If your real concern is odor during long shifts and you want to spend less, Cherokee Infinity with PROTX2 odor-control technology makes more sense.
Most importantly:
Don’t buy antimicrobial scrubs because you think they make you medically safer.
Buy them because you like the fit, stretch and comfort—and consider the textile treatment a useful extra.
Ready to pick one?