Staying cool in scrubs in the Kerala summer

The months before the monsoon can be tough on anyone in uniform. Wards without air conditioning feel stuffy, the commute leaves you sweating before duty even starts, and by afternoon your scrubs cling. You cannot change the weather, but you can make your scrubs much easier to live with.

Fit matters more than anything

Tight scrubs trap heat and sweat against your skin. A little room lets air move.

• Choose a size where the top skims your body rather than hugging it.
• Make sure the armholes are not tight; that is where heat builds up first.
• If you are between two sizes, go for the larger.
• A drawstring pant with an elastic back can be loosened slightly on very hot days.

Our unisex round-neck set has a straight, roomier cut that many nurses find cooler. Women can wear it too, sizing by chest.

Fabric and weave

Our scrubs are a poly-cotton blend. The cotton side helps with comfort against skin, and the polyester side helps the fabric dry faster and hold its shape. A soft twill weave also keeps the fabric from feeling stiff. For more on why most scrubs use this blend, see why most scrubs are poly-cotton.

Layer lightly

• Wear a thin, cotton-rich vest under your top, if you wear one at all.
• Skip heavy layers on non-AC wards.
• Choose breathable underwear and socks.
• Keep a spare vest to change into at lunch.

Does colour make a difference?

Outdoors in direct sun, dark colours absorb more heat. Indoors, the difference is small compared with fit and fabric. Lighter shades like ceil blue look cooler, and sweat marks show more on grey and light colours than on navy or wine. Pick what suits your ward and your preference.

Commute smart

The journey to work is often the hottest part of the day.

• Commute in your own clothes and change into scrubs at work where your hospital allows; this is also good hygiene practice.
• If you must travel in scrubs, carry a fresh top to change into on arrival.
• Keep a small towel and water bottle in your bag.

Look after yourself on shift

• Drink water regularly; it is easy to forget on a busy ward.
• Take breaks in a cooler area when you can.
• Tie long hair up off your neck.
• Notice signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and colleagues, like dizziness or headache, and act early.

Washing in the hot months

Sweat breaks down fabric over time if left sitting. Wash scrubs after every shift, warm up to 60 °C with similar colours. Summer is also the easiest time to line dry; dry in shade to protect colours and take scrubs in once dry.

The quick list

Do	Avoid
Relaxed fit	Tight tops and armholes
Thin cotton-rich underlayer	Heavy synthetic layers
Change after commuting	Wearing the same top all day
Water and breaks	Waiting until you feel unwell

Wrapping up

In a Kerala summer, a relaxed fit, light layers and a fresh top do more than any special fabric. Get the size right and the rest is routine. Try the roomier unisex scrub set, and check the size chart before you order.