Ever wonder how actors on medical shows and in emergency-response scenes look so good in scrubs? Sure, they have a whole makeup and production team available to make their on-screen looks happen.

But, they’re still the ones who have to wear those scrubs!

If only scrub styles were that easy for everyone to pull off, right? Good news – they can be. The trick of how to make scrubs more flattering comes down to understanding your body type.

From there, scrub shopping becomes a much easier, more empowering process. Understanding your body helps you know which scrub styles to look for and which to avoid.

To find the best scrubs for your body type, use the guide below.

Understanding Different Body Types

Body types go way beyond how slim or how curvy you are.

This isn’t something you can gauge from a quick glance in the mirror. Determining your body type is about paying attention to the proportions in your body – proportions like the following body types.

The Pear Shape

The pear shape is also known as a triangle body type. This is because women with such a figure have wider hips than shoulders. They have an average size or small bust with full hips.

You may have a pear-shaped body if you wear a smaller size in tops than bottoms. Another sign of a pear shape is if you always need a belt to secure bottoms around narrow hips, although you have a wide waist.

The Apple Shape

Just as there’s a triangle term for body types, there’s an inverted triangle, too. This is otherwise known as the apple shape. It is meant for women whose shoulders are wider than their hips.

Someone with an apple body type probably doesn’t have a well-defined waistline. They aren’t necessarily slim or curvy, but their proportions aren’t too distinct from one another. If they are, the person may be more of an hourglass than an apple.

The Hourglass Shape

What’s the hourglass shape, you ask? Put simply, it’s for someone with noticeable curves. This body type has a wide set of shoulders and hips, but their waist is defined (i.e. curved inward to create distinction from the hips).

More so, the bust and hip are fairly even. This creates a noticeable curve throughout your body from the top down.

The Square Shape

Finally, the square shape – also known as an athletic build.

Ladies who are athletic are more muscular than they are curvy. These are women with almost identical shoulder and hip measurements. They have an even distribution of weight; between the bust/rear, one is not necessarily much bigger than the other.

Finding the Right Scrub Styles for You

Once you identify your body type, shopping for scrubs can actually become kind of fun! Plus, you no longer have to dread putting on something unflattering in the morning. You can show up to work in style, ready to rock your shift and improve the health of many while looking great.

Here are a few things to pay attention to in order to best match your new scrubs to your body type.

Different Fits and Cuts

Not all scrubs are made alike. Some are made to fit a little tighter while others flatter the body by creating loose, comfortable fit. There are variations in the collars and a few materials to consider, too.

Start your search by the kind of cut you’d like to have. The best scrubs for large breasts, for example, tend to be crew cut or have a slight scoop, like most t-shirt styles do. Avoid v-necks at all costs, as these will draw attention to your chest.

If you’re an hourglass or an apple shape, the advice above is for you. If you have an athletic figure, though, you may be well off with a v-neck cut. This accents your chest while still looking professional, and the same goes for triangle-shaped bodies.

Remember to pay attention to how the shirt fits as a whole, not just the way the collar is cut. You may need to go up a size or get your scrubs tailored for the absolute best fit. You can click here for more about customizable scrubs.

Try out different ways the pants fit, too. Bottoms come high-waisted, with an elastic band, and more.

High-waisted pants are very flattering on apple shapes and pear shapes. But, they may be a little too flattering for an hourglass figure, or if the size is just too tight. Standard pants cut for the hip tend to be best for square figures.

Wide-Legged versus Slim-Fit

Speaking of where the pant falls along the waist/hip, consider how the hem is made, too. Some scrubs will have a wide leg while others go straight down in a slim-fit style.

Slim-fit is the go-to for many women. However, a bit of a flare can be a nice touch. This works for pretty much any body type so long as the length is right and the top matches.

When in doubt, choose slim-fit just to be safe.

Patterns or Plain?

Although the hem of your scrub bottoms won’t make or break how you look, here’s something that will: whether or not you wear a pattern.

If you have a large chest, stick to a plain-colored pair of scrubs. Same goes for ladies with a wider set of shoulders than hips, like apple shapes or even hourglass figures.

On the other hand, for a woman who is petite, pear-shaped, and/or athletically built, a patterned top can work in your favor. It draws the eyes up and makes people pay attention to what’s there.

Dressing Well at Work and on Your Own

Clearly, knowing your body type pays off when shopping for new scrub styles. But, the fashion possibilities don’t stop there!

When you have a better understanding of what is flattering on your figure and what isn’t, you can better dress for work, for date night, the gym, and more. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do, this newfound knowledge has many benefits.

For more fashion-forward tips and tricks, click here.