Are Cherokee Scrubs Still the Best Scrubs for Nurses?
For the last three decades Cherokee medical uniforms and Cherokee Workwear nursing scrubs have been the brand with the most styles, the most colors, and too many collections for us to even keep track of. In the age of the Figs and Mandala - not to mention Wink, Grey's Anatomy, Skechers, Carhartt, Healing Hands, and so many more - does Cherokee still offer the most innovative scrubs for healthcare professionals and nursing students alike?
Let's take a look at they offer today and how it compares to some of the competition.
The new comer: Cherokee Achieve
Cherokee Achieve is new for 2025 and offers a really unique scrubs fabric with an 80% Polyester / 20% Spandex Knit blend. The fabric weight is what really sets this collection apart - it's heavier than most scrubs, so you don't feel like your exposed, but it isn't too heavy to move during your shift, plus the 20% spandex means it's stretches forever. You never feel resistance when moving in your knees or shoulders, it just moves with you. Being a brand new collection, styles are still a little limited, just a few tops and few pant options a couple unique offerings like a 1 pocket crew neck top for women that has a very cute short sleeve that comes over the shoulder just enough. Achieve scrubs come in 10 colors to start with three new colors coming later in summer - including new White, Caribbean Blue, and Green Apple (We are very excited to see new scrubs coming in White for all of our nurse friends at Cleveland Clinic). Starting at $25.99 these new scrubs offer a great value, tons of style, and endless comfort. 
The best scrubs for students: Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra
Originals Ultra from Cherokee Workwear is hands down the best set of scrubs for the cost - starting at just $14.99 for a basic scrub top. If you're just starting out, still in school, or just need an extra set to get you through until laundry day, Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra is your go-to scrub set. All the durability of Workwear Originals that made Cherokee the most popular name in scrubs with a modern polyester fabric that has a little stretch and is way softer than Originals. The styles are basic but they work - no bells or whistles on these scrubs, just throw them on, do the shift, wash and repeat.
One thing we love about Originals Ultra scrubs is the number of styles available; you have the basics like 1 pocket, 2 pocket, and 3 pocket tops, but you also could choose snap front, long sleeve, and no pocket top in select colors. When it comes to bottoms you have straight leg, cargo, joggers, and two different lengths of skirts to choose - and that's just women's scrubs. Originals Ultra has lots of options for men's scrubs and unisex scrubs too. Besides the vast styles available most of these options are available in 21 colors with more on the way later this summer. Originals Ultra unisex scrubs start at $14.99. Women's styles of Originals Ultra Scrubs start at $16.99. Literally the best option for the money, and even for a little more money, still the best option in our opinion. 
The best of the best: Cherokee FORM
Cherokee FORM has been hands down our favorite scrubs for a number of years now. The styles are so sharp, the fit is unmatched, and the stretch fabric is the perfect weight to become almost unnoticeable as you go about your day. Top selling Cherokee FORM styles CK840 scrub top and CK095 scrub pants continue to win over customers who are seeing them for the first time and those coming back for their third or fourth set. We're confident that the new straight leg scrub pants coming later in summer are going continue provide unmatched comfort and those who already love FORM and the nurse trying Cherokee FORM for the first time. Besides perfect styling, Cherokee FORM always wows us with their new seasonal colors. So far in 2025 we've seen Summer Sand and Galaxy Blue. We can't wait to see the new fall colors, especially Bright Sage coming later in summer. Premium scrubs come with a premium price; Cherokee FORM scrubs start at $53.99. 
So, how do the modern Cherokee scrubs stack up against the competition?
Premium Scrubs: Form is hands down the best premium set of scrubs that you can buy from Cherokee and compared to other premium brands available, like Figs, Jaanuu, or even HH 360, we would rather wear scrubs that offer stretch and wick moisture away. We haven't had level of comfort that you get from Cherokee FORM in any other brands yet.
Value Scrubs: When it comes to affordable prices we are thrilled with what Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra is offering and we think that it will continue to just get better and better. Other value brands, like Mandala are doing a good job, but when it comes to what scrubs we trust to hold up day in and day out we know that Cherokee Workwear scrubs last years and Mandala doesn't have that history yet, we just don't know how they wash and wear over the years like we know with Cherokee.
Everything in the middle: Cherokee is still the best brand of scrubs when it comes to value and premium. We would love to see more prices in the middle, like Achieve, from Cherokee. So many scrubs brands are into the $30 range for a top and $40 for a pair of scrub pants and we'd like to see more options from Cherokee, and all others, in the $25 to $30 price range. 10 years ago a premium scrub set was $60 and now a pretty basic set of scrubs $60. Cherokee and all other manufacturers need to continue to innovate to bring the best value to us.
At Med Threads, we are always looking for brands that offer the best value - nice features at a reasonable price. We want to offer brands we know you'll love and will last you years at work.